On lap carrying

Carrying the little ones on my lap when they are small is always a bit nerve racking. I have mastered the art of wheeling one handed while holding the baby on my lap with the other. It's tedious and slow, but it can be done (until you meet a ramp). Number 2 though, at fourteen months, has just passed the danger threshold. In the last week he has learned to grip my shirt in his tiny hand and hang on for grim death. It makes a huge difference, as I can now wheel two-handed and travel more or less freely (or as freely as possible with a big lump on your lap). I remember when Number 2 reached the same stage (at about the same age). Now it becomes possible to leave the buggy/stroller behind and go out with Number 2 on my lap and Number 1 walking (for short distances). A whole new level of freedom.

Another thing both Number 1 and Number 2 enjoy is standing on my feet with their torso between my knees and arms around my thighs. We can travel around the house like this, although it's too dangerous a position for outside wheeling. Number 1, being more daring than his older sister, has taken to standing facing forward. he seems to love the feeling of whizzing forward at (to him) breakneck speed towards a wall, and then the turn at the last second to navigate that door into the bathroom for a nappy (diaper) change!