Some babies are climbers no matter how many times they are scolded and lifted down from the back of the sofa or the front gate. Baby must be provided with a safe place to play, but learning how to climb and get down safely will probably be better than constantly scolding him and lifting him down as he will end up doing it all the more just to get the attention.
If you live in a unit with a high balcony, or a home with a high veranda, never leave furniture or potplants out there. Even if they are not against the front wall, your toddler will soon learn to push them up to where he wants to climb. When he does climb on things where it is dangerous, simply remove him quietly and distract him with other toys or activities.
If you panic and yell, it will have the effect of distracting your toddler’s attention from the climb and he could fall. He may even suddenly get frightened which is also likely to result in a fall. However, safe climbing may be allowed to develop his motor skills. Allowing him to climb on the sofa where there is a soft carpet to fall on is better than constantly scolding him or locking him up in the playpen all the time. You can teach him how to climb down backwards safely. Remember that he will eventually grow out of this stage.
Babies and toddlers often go through a stage of throwing things too. It usually starts off with them dropping something. When it is picked up and given back, they soon begin to see it as a game. They also see that if they throw something, they can get someone’s attention. If you find playing the game fun, then go ahead and do it. But what if you don’t?
If baby throws his bottle or his food, it should simply be removed and not given back. He will soon learn not to throw it away if he doesn’t want this to happen. Throwing things from the pram can be a nuisance and dangerous. If you don’t see it go, it will be lost. Shoes and even bottles are expensive to replace – so are toys.
Limit the number of things that baby has in the pram. One toy and a dummy is all he needs. The toy can be tied to the pram so long as you watch that baby doesn’t become entangled in the string. A small plastic chain with a clip may be better. If baby pulls off his shoes and socks and throws them out, dress him in a suit with enclosed feet in cold weather and let him go without any if it is warm.
Another bad habit may be spitting food out. This is really simply exploring and learning rather than deliberately getting rid of food. Baby probably likes the feel of food spattering in all directions – and the attention that it creates. Don’t make a fuss – simply remove the food after it happens a few times. When baby is truly hungry he will eat without spitting.