Kids and Exploration: Surviving "Spider Toddlers"

I'll never forget discovering my oldest daughter midway up our pantry when she was 2 years old. It was as if she was transformed into Spider Girl - in fact, she had on a one-piece red sleeper that day!

It didn't take her long to move from scaling objects to propelling herself in and out of her crib. I have to admit we were somewhat impressed by her new abilities. At the same time, we worried about how to keep her safe. So, we childproofed what we could - including the pantry - and tried to monitor her climbing, which is not easy with a fast moving toddler! But our story does not end here. Within days of scaling the pantry, our Spider Toddler attempted to put a pea up her nose. Luckily my spider senses were a step ahead of hers, and I rescued the pea before it suffered a gooey fate. A new day was dawning, and we were not quite feeling prepared.

Have you ever looked at a body from a child's perspective? It's really a play structure all to itself complete with moving parts and places to hide things: mouths, noses, ears and even private parts. Putting a small toy or ball in a nostril or ear is no different to a small child than dropping a ball in a cup and dumping it out again. And climbing is as essential to a toddler as air, sleep, water and food.

If your child does put something where it doesn't belong, resist the temptation to go after it yourself unless it is really easy to get out. In the office or emergency room, we can often pluck it out with a small tool, but sometimes a specialist's care is needed. Small children may need to be restrained or sedated so we can get to the object and remove it safely. Your pediatrician can help you decide what setting would be best to have your child evaluated - the office or emergency room.

Some kids have an incredible desire to put things in their mouths while others never do it at all. The concern, of course, is the child swallowing something that is caustic, sharp or could cause obstruction in the airway. Luckily most swallowed objects pass uneventfully, but call your pediatrician for advice if your child swallows anything other than food- or 911 if your child is having trouble breathing or is drooling.

Of all the climbing feats, crib climbing can freeze even experienced parents in their tracks. A child's crib is not just a place to rest; it's a safe-haven--a way to protect the child and allow parents to have both their hands free on occasion. So, once a child climbs out of the crib, an entire new set of issues develops that you may not be prepared to battle. Crib tents do exist but have to be used with caution as they are difficult to take down in an emergency. Some parents find gating the child's bedroom valuable. Others put a child safety lock on the inside that allows the door to open normally from the outside. And now that your child can wander about the house, it's important to secure any staircases. I'd suggest using the type that install to the walls and have an actual latch - otherwise a strong toddler can push the gate down the stairs and fall down with the gate.

Climbing is a natural part of learning for your small child, so it is important to seek out some safe ways for your child to exercise that energy. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds and gyms are wonderful places to allow your child to burn off steam. Many malls have climbing/gym areas for small children that can come in handy in a pinch such as the Natick Mall. And there are other entertainment facilities such as Chuck E. Cheese.

At home, gate off dangerous areas and places you don't want your child to wander, but consider having a room that is very toddler- and small-child friendly. When our kids were small, we had no living room - it was all kid space filled with kid-sized toys and pillows.

Your spider-toddler phase will eventually end as ours did, and furniture, small objects and breakables can re-enter your house. Until then, think pillows and think big. You have to be a step ahead of your bead-swallowing climber.and perhaps grow eyes in the back of your head.

Do you have a question or story to share? Email me at drgwenn@pediatricsnow.com . More parenting and child health information can be found at www.pediatricsnow.com .

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