Suggestions on what to do with a 9 mo (human) while feeding/barn chores- update #33

[M.K.Smith]

Okay... I have a wonderful 9 month old son... he LOVES going outside & he even enjoys watching the horses from his stroller while I feed. BUT with the weather getting hotter, I'm concerned about him getting too much sun/heat and trying to figure out what I can safely do with him. Before he was only allowed to come out with me when the weather was ideal and his father watched him when it wasn't.

However, my husband has cancer & isn't doing well and is very limited in how much he can watch him, so my son pretty much has to come out with me when I feed (unless the weather is dangerous).

His stroller canopy provides a lot of protection from the sun, but I don't feel that it is large enough... he still is getting sun on his legs and I don't have shade around the barn. I have run in sheds with an attached feed room that gets really hot, so I don't have a cool stall/tack/feed room that I can put him in.

Today, I put a blanket overtop to block the sun, but he couldn't see, so he wasn't happy. I've also tried parking his stroller in the shade close to the house or on the porch, but he wants to be part of the action & he can't see me or the horses from there & isn't happy.

I've thought about several ideas...
1. Getting a tent with a floor that I could put up close to the paddocks, so he could watch, but be shaded. Honestly, I know nothing about tents or camping, but I would think the floor of the tent should keep him safe from ants & insects & that I could even put some of his toys in, so he could play. However, I don't know how permanently you can leave a tent out and I don't know if a tent would be the best option because it can be really windy at our farm (too windy for one of those canopy sort of things).

2. I've thought about putting up an umbrella, so he can stay underneath of there. But I need to do some experimenting to see if there is a sturdy enough base that would work to hold the umbrella securely if it is windy. I couldn't use the table with it because then the stroller wouldn't fit.

3. Other thoughts?

I'm also not sure if they make sunshades that could be used with my jogging stroller... I'll have to look into that... first baby... I have a lot to learn...

I have a bug net for the stroller, but I'm not sure that it is enough to provide sun protection. It was just an inexpensive one that I got... nothing fancy...

Kiddo is too active to just be stuck somewhere that he can't see what is going on. He really does LOVE going outside and watching the horses, birds, and cats, so happy kids make happy moms! I have so much stress in my life right now that there could be a simple idea that I'm just not thinking of because my brain is so fried.

[DebbieB]

I used a Pac-n-play portable playpen when my kids were little. I covered the top with a crib sheet for shade and used clothes pins to hold it on.

If you used a tent it might be safe if you anchored it down with screw in anchors (like dog tie-outs). If you decide to go with the tent set it up and leave it for a few windy days to make sure it's safe. Low profile will catch less wind.

The done tents set up and dismantle pretty quickly so you could move it without too much hassle.

I have seen a camping tent that was made for dogs that would be a nice size for kids.

[jetsmom]

SSS???? Hang them in their child safety seat from "Bungie" cross ties or hot walker????

Just kidding!!! There's a reason I don't have kids!

[vacation1]

Regular, enclosed tents can get pretty warm during the day, at least the ones I used as a kid did, even in the shade with the window and door open. Maybe one of those screened canopies? You could wheel the stroller right in, zip/tie the screen shut and he's got visibility and protection from sun and insects..JPG

Not a parent, so this may be somehow wrong for the baby's age, etc., and I'm not real handy myself so I'm being a total hypocrite, but I think a miniature screened-in porch would be perfect. A simple wood frame with a-frame roof for shade (could be canvas, like a kid's playhouse), staple-gun the soft black mesh they use for screened porches on three sides, and one side has a basic door - wood panel attached to one support with hinges, latch. The floor could be a tiny deck, or a sandbox.

[amdfarm]

The pack-n-play is a great invention for sure. Very handy for all types of situations, as long as your kid doesn't figure out how to climb out of it, as my son did at that age. He started walking (well running) at 9 months so climbing out of things was also mastered long before I expected it.

If the stroller keeps him in place I would stick w/ that and find a shady spot w/ visual stimulus to park him while you do chores. I kept my son parked in the barn isle while I did chores and he had the cats, dogs and horses to entertain him and he could easily see me coming and going as I cleaned stalls, fed and turned out. Or maybe you'll have to do your chores during the cooler times of day, early early morning (maybe while he's still sleeping?) and late afternoon/early evening.

If you can't find something for your jogging stroller, how about buying or borrowing one of those nifty enclosed bike trailers for any weather (rain or shine.) Plenty of room for toys, snacks and such. Like this one I found quick on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2009-InSTEP-QE126-Bicycle-Baby-Bike-Biking-Trailer_W0QQitemZ200334013946QQihZ010QQcategoryZ64 648QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Kenike]

Pack-N-Play!!! Seriously! With toys galore and sippy-cups, or bottles, or whatever he uses with juice, or water so he can stay hydrated. For shade, check with One Step Ahead (http://onestepahead.com/home.jsp). They have some great shade tents and other ideas for shade. I ordered a number of things from them when my son was younger, and I was never disappointed.

Good luck, and do you mind prayers for your husband? I'm sorry you're having to go through all of this (you being the entire family).

[Seven-up]

My trainer set up a playpen right by the side of the ring while she taught lessons, and kid would wave at us every time we rode by. Seemed to work fine for her.

When her daughter got a little older, (more mobile) she would trade lessons for babysitting. I don't think I paid for a lesson for a few years. Don't know if that would be an option for you.

Once the kid was about 3, I was paroled and she employed a very trusted horse as babysitter. Plop the munchkin on her back and set her loose. That kept her occupied for several hours every day. Quite amazing to see a 3 year old galloping with a huge grin on her face.:yes:

[Marieke]

I have a now 2.5 yo, and I would suggest a canopy!

I think Dick's has a couple on sale for $90 (I believe 10x10) and you can get a fly screen around it. Put a tarp on the floor.

It is a little more of a permanent set up, and may not work on very windy days.

I gave you some links on facebook!

[equusus]

SSS???? Hang them in their child safety seat from "Bungie" cross ties or hot walker????

Just kidding!!! There's a reason I don't have kids!

I was going to suggest a crate with a sun cover......no kids here either! LOL!

[LD1129]

I was going to suggest a crate with a sun cover......no kids here either! LOL!

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Noctis]

I have a 17mo old and a 2wk old, and for the older (Sadie) I have a playpen we made with a picnic umbrella on the outside shading the inside. It works pretty darn well, and because we used those "puppy panels" (the plastic ones also used for kids playpens) we can move it pretty much anywhere. Sadie doesn't try and eat everything now, so I don't worry too much about the grass, but you can put a tarp down as well! Also battery operated fan is a great thing to have for if you aren't near a power outlet (fan OUTSIDE of where baby can reach. My 2 week old chills in his stroller near a fan next to said playpen. Works for us! And worked through a HOT TN summer last year! And a jumper thing in a doorway works well too.

[marta]

that attach to your back?
we used to carry my sis when she was little in one of those. the one we used had a aluminum or some kind of light metal structure with a little seat. you put it on your back and so long as you're not running it's pretty sturdy. of course, i'm not sure if i'd want a kid in that while cleaning stalls - it can get dusty. but maybe for turning horses out?

[pines4equines]

Yeah, we had a barn girl who would put her baby on her back like a papoose and do all her mucking, feeding, everything with it strapped to her back.

[millerra]

I also did the backpack thing w/ the kids when they were little. Works great for feeding and such. You can get a nice sturdy one at an outdoors store.

When I'd bring the horses in, however, I'd strap them into the stroller and park it out of the way in the barn.

We also have a lockable "play house/play pen" complete w/ roof - homebuilt by DH out of wood, about 6 foot by 4 foot, about 2 feet off the ground (think picket fence w/ a platform and a roof). Place it in an out of the way spot but where they can see you (w/ toys) and let them have fun while you do chores. In this case, 2 kids work better than one (for entertaining each other).

In the winter (which is cold here!) - I'd drive the car down to the barn (got stuck 2 times) and left them in their car seats while I fed (about 10-15 min). They could see me the entire time (fed outside).

We don't have such a heat problem here...

[pj]

I was going to suggest a crate with a sun cover......no kids here either! LOL!

:lol::lol: Had children here (now all grown and gone) and they LOVED being in dog crates.
We had the large ones and they would go in and beg us to lock them in.

[shakeytails]

I was going to suggest a crate with a sun cover......no kids here either! LOL!

Me too! Do all of us childless people think alike?

[Hunter Mom]

Could you get one of those carport type things that has a roof and is more sturdy than a regular EZ-Up canopy? Then, he could have shade, but there would still be breeze to keep him cool? I'm not sure how expensive those are, but it could be handy for other things, too.

On anohter note, I pray that your husband's condition gets better, and that you and your family have strength through this trial.

[dr j]

I am so sorry about your husband. I had a friend recently diagnosed- what a crappy disease. Many jingles and good thoughts to your whole family.

I just used my stroller year round. I was able to roll it into both barns though. I invested in the big time SUV of strollers at the time - a Zooper ( everyone (family) made fun of me because I just had to have this hummer of a stroller until we went to our first horse show with it... and I could have sold the thing 100 times over- it's pretty awesome!). I also did a lot of feeding on the fly - out to the barn before the sweeties were awake and saved the bigger chores for when I had someone else around.

One of my clients ( I'm a vet) found an old fashioned playpen- they are a little sturdier than a Pack and Play- and put it in her barn. I think an E-Z canopy with a playpen would work well. THe canopy could stay up in most types of weather.

I never really liked the backpack ( or frontpack) it restricted me too much. It was OK if I just had to throw hay or water but I felt it was too dangerous when you are actually dealing with a horse. It affected my balance etc and also put my baby a little closer to harm than I was comfortable with.

As you have already figured out.... this time will go really fast!! Mine are now 8 and 5 and barn work is no longer a logistics problem!

[Noctis]

Oh, look at the Moby Wrap. Really comfortable to wear and holds those little suckers in really well either on the front or back. And you can MAKE one for like $10 with no sewing too if you like the look of it. Just shoot me a PM if you want the "pattern"

[jacksmom]

i have a 9 month old son who sounds a lot like your little guy. we go with a sunhat, sunscreen, and a hiking baby backpack (soft frame with a padded waistbelt). he loves it. i have an armchair in the house that use to get him situated before slinging him onto my back.

i don't handle the horses with him on board, but i can feed, clean the water trough, toss hay, open and close paddocks, muck, and brush them in the field.

my big chestnut mare loves to make him giggle and she'll nudge his foot to get him started.

[Trevelyan96]

I second the pack and go. Lots more convenient than the tent and probably safer for him too.

[eventamy]

Time for an Ergo carrier! Seriously, they're wonderful! You can use them in the front or in the back, are a soft carrier and very comfortable!
My trainer and I have both used an Ergo with our babies. She's taught with her baby on her back and I've longed, held for the farrier, fed, done just about everything but ride with mine!

[Melelio]

M, I have a spare Pack n Play if you'd like it. You'd just have to figure out a screen for the top. Maybe simple as something you could get at a fabric store...or a fly sheet for a horse? PM me if you'd like the PnP....

[TankMonte]

I echo the need for a pack-n-play or a Moby wrap.

The Moby *can* get kind of warm, but you can carry him in the front, on your hip, or on your back (heck, you can even nurse twins in one, but I don't think you need that option, ha!). They're about $40, but if you go to Etsy and look up wraps, you can find cheaper, handmade versions of it. All it is is a looooooooong piece of cotton jersey, surged on the edges. Then you learn how to wrap it.

Mei-Tei carriers, Ergos, BabyHawks, Bjorns...If you Google babywearing, you'll probably get overwhelmed by all of the different choices. If it gets exceptionally hot, I'd look into carriers without a bunch of extra fabric. I use my Moby in the summer in KY and it gets pretty toasty!

If you have a Once Upon A Child or another children's consignment near you, you can probably find a pack-n-play for $20-$30. Target runs good deals on occasion for PNPs, but you really have to look (and then fight the fiftyjillion pregnant women that are trying to clean Target out during their sales). GL!

[Woodland]

Kids get bored in the barn I used a series of things.

#1 Johnny Jump Up hung from the rafters of my barn - had to make a extender for it. My DD LOVED this! It was in the aisle way near the indoor so she could watch me ride.

#2 Excersacer - same as above and used inside te barn or under a tent canopy near the outdoor - clean it often(I am a germ phob)

#3 Stroller with extra clip on umbrella great for lessons and horse shows!

#4 Pack in play. I had mine under the EZ Up tent awning I had for horse shows. I had that on top of the indoor outdoor carpeting for my horse show tack stalls


#5 next year buy a GREAT pony - the best baby sitter you'll ever have!!!

#6 HUGE sand box - I had a corner in my indoor converted and a BIG spot out side as well.

#7 I loved my baby slings and back pack - the kids taught every lesson with me - DO NOT RIDE IN THESE!

Then you must

#1 PLAN - try to go out at nap time & bed time - use the long range baby monitor.

#2 Hire an Au Pair - school will be out soon for the summer

#3 it's not just heat & sun it's the BUGS! And DIRT!

#4 Precious baby time is impossible to get back. Horses will wait. I regret every moment I put my horses and horse business over my Children!!!!! In 2 years he'll be at play group or the sitters all day.

#5 Be flexible when he is done with he is done with it. Do not lose patience - that is his job. Stop where you are and take him in - the horses will survive this!

MY order: God, Wife, Mother, Horses, Job - Anything else will set your harmony off and you will be miserable. At least that is how it is with me - it took YEARS so get comfy with an "order" that felt good.

Babies do not last. Mine is 22 now*sigh* wasn't it just yesterday????

[Jenn2674]

I'm sorry to hear about your husband.

How long are we talking here? I didn't take care of the horses so it wasn't everyday but I used to take my son with me to the barn sometimes here in SC and I used to park him beside the arena in his stroller with some toys and the shade up and he would play pretty quietly while I would ride for 30 minutes or so. I live in SC and with lots of sunscreen I didn't worry too much about the sun! I figure it is no different from going to the beach for a few hours!!

I can't remember the earliest I did it but he wasn't walking yet. I don't see why you couldn't park him in a pack and play under a tree or in the barn or something while you brought the hroses in then moved him to the aisleway while you cleaned and fed and whatnot. My son was really easy going and would entertain himself very easily. I couldn't stick him in a stroller for hours but he would content himself for an hour or so.

In regards to the person who posted above, I don't think the OP is going to totally neglect her child to take care of the horses. But she is going to need this outlet more than ever and it is normal and healthy to have a hobby outside of your husband and children anyway. Plus it is also healthy for the kids to learn to entertain themselves and not be doted on every second.

[camohn]

My kid wanted to be glued to me and was NOT happy in a playpen....screamed the whole time. She was happy in a baby backpack where she was glommed onto me but my hands were free. Every kid is different. Some love Johnny Jump UP...mine hated it.

[Susan P]

Since you probably don't have riding time either you might consider looking to exchange riding for work.

I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's cancer. Please let us know how he's doing.

[dr j]

#4 Precious baby time is impossible to get back. Horses will wait. I regret every moment I put my horses and horse business over my Children!!!!! In 2 years he'll be at play group or the sitters all day.

#5 Be flexible when he is done with he is done with it. Do not lose patience - that is his job. Stop where you are and take him in - the horses will survive this!

MY order: God, Wife, Mother, Horses, Job - Anything else will set your harmony off and you will be miserable. At least that is how it is with me - it took YEARS so get comfy with an "order" that felt good.

Babies do not last. Mine is 22 now*sigh* wasn't it just yesterday????

My goodness is that great advice.

Horses will survive dirty stall for a few days and certainly will have no issue with a little extra time off!

[Nicker]

I used to use a pack n play along w/ a beach umbrella w/ my daughters. I'd stake the umbrella next to the pack n play and then attach it to the side so she couldn't knock it down. I also used the carries, Snugglie and the funky wrap thing, but I couldn't use them to do barn chores. Especially w/ a 9 month old!

[Susan P]

I also believe in these priorities. It's why I never got into horses till it was too late, LOL. My kids are 33 & 23 and only when my youngest wanted to ride did I get into horses and it was for him. Of course being a boy that lasted till puberty but at least he was out of diapers. :yes:

I may be close enough to help you on occasions. You can email me at Barnmom45@aol.com and if I'm available I'll help. I'm close to Fair Hill and I think you are too.




Kids get bored in the barn I used a series of things.

#1 Johnny Jump Up hung from the rafters of my barn - had to make a extender for it. My DD LOVED this! It was in the aisle way near the indoor so she could watch me ride.

#2 Excersacer - same as above and used inside te barn or under a tent canopy near the outdoor - clean it often(I am a germ phob)

#3 Stroller with extra clip on umbrella great for lessons and horse shows!

#4 Pack in play. I had mine under the EZ Up tent awning I had for horse shows. I had that on top of the indoor outdoor carpeting for my horse show tack stalls


#5 next year buy a GREAT pony - the best baby sitter you'll ever have!!!

#6 HUGE sand box - I had a corner in my indoor converted and a BIG spot out side as well.

#7 I loved my baby slings and back pack - the kids taught every lesson with me - DO NOT RIDE IN THESE!

Then you must

#1 PLAN - try to go out at nap time & bed time - use the long range baby monitor.

#2 Hire an Au Pair - school will be out soon for the summer

#3 it's not just heat & sun it's the BUGS! And DIRT!

#4 Precious baby time is impossible to get back. Horses will wait. I regret every moment I put my horses and horse business over my Children!!!!! In 2 years he'll be at play group or the sitters all day.

#5 Be flexible when he is done with he is done with it. Do not lose patience - that is his job. Stop where you are and take him in - the horses will survive this!

MY order: God, Wife, Mother, Horses, Job - Anything else will set your harmony off and you will be miserable. At least that is how it is with me - it took YEARS so get comfy with an "order" that felt good.

Babies do not last. Mine is 22 now*sigh* wasn't it just yesterday????

[M.K.Smith]

M, I have a spare Pack n Play if you'd like it. You'd just have to figure out a screen for the top. Maybe simple as something you could get at a fabric store...or a fly sheet for a horse? PM me if you'd like the PnP....

Thanks you for the generous offer, but we actually have 2 Pack n Plays. So, I have one that I can take out to the barn... I just wasn't sure how to keep it in the shade. But I think I may have a solution!

I also believe in these priorities. It's why I never got into horses till it was too late, LOL. My kids are 33 & 23 and only when my youngest wanted to ride did I get into horses and it was for him. Of course being a boy that lasted till puberty but at least he was out of diapers. :yes:

I may be close enough to help you on occasions. You can email me at Barnmom45@aol.com and if I'm available I'll help. I'm close to Fair Hill and I think you are too.

Susan P, Thank you for the generous offer.

[M.K.Smith]

It's been a crazy few weeks... so I didn't get a chance to reply back. My husband just got done with his second round of IL2 and got home from Hopkins on Monday.

I had wanted to try an umbrella and although we had one, I didn't know where the base was. A friend of mine brought over a spare umbrella that she had and a metal base.

On non-windy days it should work just fine, but if it windy it will blow the umbrella over... but I have a solution... I can put in a T-post & attach the umbrella pole to it... I've actually been thinking that the ideal position might be close to 3 of the paddocks so he'd be more in the center of things. He enjoys watching the horses eat, so I can always move the feed bucket close. Right now I've been using the stroller, but I should also be able to use the pack n play, as well.

So... I think I have my problem solved... one less problem in my life is always a good thing!

Thanks for the suggestions!

Here are some pics

The setup as viewed from the inside of the paddock
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2009&id=Feeding_the_horses_w_Nathaniel_5_8_09_DSC08851&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

And the umbrella helps with bombproofing, too!

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2009&id=Feeding_w_Nathaniel_5_8_09_DSC08852&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2009&id=Feeding_w_Nathaniel_5_08_09_DSC08859&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Here's a detail of the base- It will be super easy to firmly attach it to T-post to secure it more effectively. We get a lot of wind sometimes...
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2009&id=Feeding_w_Nathaniel_5_8_09_DSC08853&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Nathaniel through his bug netting (got it at Babies R Us if any moms are interested-- supposed to fit a wide variety of strollers... not a perfect fit, but very workable & much better than having bugs eating baby)... you can see he isn't enjoying wearing his hat... more fun to take it off & chew on it when you're nine months old
http://www.leakycreek.com/modules.php?set_albumName=May-2009&id=Feeding_w_Nathaniel_5_8_09_DSC08854&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

[goeslikestink]

turn the neddies out they are horses and if they need a top up then feed good quality hay
pooh pick when you can as in every day or other day and make sure water ok
they are horses and the 1st thing is your child his needs come befre the neddies do

[BuddyRoo]

Cancer sucks. I'm so sorry. Lots of jingles and well wishes for your hubby.

Sounds like you have a plan which is super because I had nothing constructive for you...no kids here.

Good luck.

[sanctuary]

look around, they now make these add on stroller shades to extend the "roof" of the stroller. I forget what they're called. They've been in all the baby magazines lately and I *think* I saw them in BuyBuy Baby the other week.

[kdow]

If your set up doesn't work, I've seen beach umbrellas at places like CostCo which aren't hugely expensive and are designed to hammer into the ground - it can't be rock hard, but I got ours plenty deep into what I would consider to be 'normally' soft ground without any trouble, and then it's quite stable. (The way the one we have is designed, you can also take the top with the umbrella part off the pole in the ground completely, so you could leave the pole where it was if it was safe to do so, and just take the umbrella top off when you don't need it, to save some wear and tear.)

Alternatively, for a standard table-type umbrella, if you have a place where you're happy to have it long term, I'd just buy a long piece of PVC pipe just big enough for the umbrella pole to slide in - sink one end of the pipe into the ground a decent distance, pop the umbrella pole in the pipe, and there you go. (If you want to secure it further, I'd drill a hole in one side of the pipe and stick some sort of washer and bolt system in- just screw the bolt in until the end of the bolt pushes the umbrella pole firmly against the other side of the pipe.) (While you're drilling, probably drill some holes in the bottom of the pipe for drainage so you don't end up with a pipe full of water. :) )

[marta]

love that photo :)

[Showpony]

Me too! He is so cute!