Is it okay to leave 13mo old alone in their room with the baby gate up?

Amanda - posted on 11/15/2011

strapping him in the high chair with a spatula to play with would be the first thing I would try. So he can see what your doing and you can see what he's doing.

Aneela - posted on 11/10/2011

It always helps when u tell ur child that u will be keeping him alone for sometime to finish your work,the first few times he will cry but later on he will start to understand.Thats what i do and now my one year old son understands..

Kati - posted on 11/09/2011

i leave my 13 month old son alone in the other room when i am doing laundry cooking or cleaning up and at first it bothered him but as long as he has a toy or a cortoon to watch he is just fine now

Kristin - posted on 11/08/2011

I have to do that when I take a shower. He screams at the baby gate in his room. I tried taking him in the bathroom with me and he gets upset that I'm in the shower and pulls himself into the curtain, gets wet and more upset! My husband and I just rearranged the furniture. During the day the LR has turned into a gated play area where he can't get into trouble. He is most comfortable there with all his toys. I tried leaving him down there today while I went upstairs to take a shower and he was much happier for some reason. Maybe because we spend more time down there than in his room? I turned the sprout channel on and he was watching. Not that I recommend a TV babysitter but we all have to get things done ;p

Ellen - posted on 11/08/2011

I know what you mean. You can't hold him all the time. my 13 month old gets this way too. As long as he is safe, has a clean diaper, been fed...etc. I think it is fine. He needs to learn that it's ok if mommy can't hold him.

Michelle - posted on 11/06/2011

There is nothing wrong with putting him in his room with the baby gate up. He is safe. You will just have to learn to ignore the screams. Continue to talk to him wherever you are, or even sing to yourself, as he then knows you are still there even though he can't see you. Most children, if left to scream for a period of time, will eventually realise that it's not working and they are not getting the attention so will stop doing it. It's really hard as it makes you feel so guilty but yes, you do have to get on with things.

Another alternative is to sit him in a high chair in the room that you are cleaning and give him something to play with. He is still out of your arms but he can still see you and see what you are doing. Good luck.

DeeDee - posted on 11/06/2011

I usually save the mopping or dangerous housework for nap time. You could also try a baby carrier like a wrap to hold him on your back if you want to stop the screaming. Also, a lot of times I've put my kids in their high chairs with a couple of toys or finger foods when I need them out of reach but close enough for their comfort. Good luck. :)

Britney - posted on 11/05/2011

*through*

Britney - posted on 11/05/2011

Thank you all for your comments, I've been throught this before with my almost 4 year old daughter when she was little but it is like Im doing it for the first time again, lol but I know it will get easier sometimes it's nice to hear it from other moms & dads. Thanks ladies!

Deuteronomy 6: 4-7
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up!

GOD bless,
Britney (Mom of 2 amazing kiddos)

Caranna - posted on 11/05/2011

My baby is 13 months old and will full out scream anytime I leave him alone in his room. If I want him to sleep he has to be asleep when I put him in there. I really want him to learn to go to sleep on his own so I'll set a timer for 15 minutes. It's hard to hear him screaming, but I force myself to stay away fro 15 minutes before comforting him. I'm hoping that someday it will get better. Good luck!

Jaime - posted on 11/03/2011

I let Alicia playin the living room where I can see her. She cannot get to anything, but it gives her independence somewhat. I am about 5 to 10 feet away, and it feels good to see her play and start getting more into her toys instead of just bringing them to me one at a time bored. lol

Christina - posted on 11/03/2011

I have the exact same problem with my 1 year old. He can't even be left with a sitter. I let my son scream for up to half hour in order to get things done. We can't be supermom! We can only do our best!

Britney - posted on 11/03/2011

Thank you Shauna I needed to hear that I felt like I was being a mean mommy I appreciate your encouragement :D