When did LO start playing outside?

[llr]

DD is almost 12 months and walking.  I'm wondering when she can play outside safely.  I'm concerned about her eating grass and choking on acorns...   She loves it out there, but just for walks in the stroller or we carry her in the backyard. 

[shelliz]

I have had both of my children outside (and sitting in the grass, swings, etc) since before they could sit up. Of course I have always been close making sure they aren't putting something dangerous into their mouths or attempting to pull the dogs tail, etc. I honestly don't think it would ever be 100% safe for infants/toddlers to play outside without thier mommys/daddys right close to them   With a watchful eye, I'm sure your dd is at a good age to frolick in the grass or run her fingers through the sand at the playground!

  Shelby

[skatty]

I dont know what I'd do if I didn't take DD outside! Since being very young I let her lie on a duvet in the backgarden watching the clouds and now she bangs on the door to get out there whatever the weather. I still have to keep a close eye on her, not so much goes in the mouth now but she did go to lick a snail shell the other day when she though I wasn't looking  The days are so much easier if she gets her outside time, even teething is put to the back of her mind and because of all the energy she's burning and the fresh air she sleeps better too. Enjoy 

BTW if you have room a sandpit is a great thing to have in the back yard, my doc said even if sand is eaten it will just come out the other end 

[Mydreamcametrue]

Same here, my 2 year old has been going outside since he was a few months old.  Whenever he would scream and scream, take him outside and he would calm down.

Now when he was just crawling, yeah it was a little harder to play outside because he wanted to put every little thing in his mouth, even when he was first walking.  One time he ate dog poop   YUCK...   

As long as you are right there with her, she will be fine. I am sure at some point she is going to put something non-eatable in her mouth.  It is all about exploring and learning.

Just teach her now that she can't touch or pick up certain things (ie: dog poop) LOL.  My 2 year old does not go near it now.