playtime

laujam31

Every morning when LO gets up I bring him inside and set him on his play mat so I can brush my teeth and get coffee.  But he gets so involved with his toys he doesn't particularly care when I come over.  I feel so guilty for not playing with him, but he really seems to be enjoying himself.  My mom tells me that it's good for him to be able to entertain himself.  She thinks I hold him too much, and that hes spoiled bc hes breastfed and I don't let him cry it out (Believe me I've tried to explain otherwise. doesn't work)  But how about you ladies?  Any guilt when he she plays alone?

 

DublinMama

I'm with DS alone for most of the day and night.  I try to get on the floor and get actively involved playing with him or playing with him on my lap a few times a day. But if he's content in one of his toys, I let him be, because I think it's healthy to have a some alone time. I wouldn't want someone engaging me all day in a conversation or activity, so why wouldn't a baby feel similar is my thought.

=Lee=B

Even babies need alone time.  They don't need constant stimulation from parents.  It allows them to explore on their own and to learn to entertain themselves.

I leave my baby playing on her own for long periods of time...if she starts to fuss I go interact with her...if she is laughing and playing on her own she is happy as is.

Occasionally I feel guilty...just now she laid in her crib for 55minutes before she fell asleep.  I was in the room folding her laundry and she happily ignored me and stared at her crib bars.  As much as I wanted to pick her up and hold her she was happy as could be and she eventually put herself to sleep.  Some day it'll pay off when she wakes in the middle of the night and does the same thing on her own.

My daughter is 3.5 months and isn't spoiled but she cries for maybe a total of 20-30min in a 24hr period.  I read her cues and feed, change, interact and put her for a nap when she shows signs. She's easy going, happy and enjoys time on her own for parts of the day and enjoys being held and in her carrier other parts of the day. 

Spoiling and not letting a baby cry it out when young are very different things.  Some babies need to be held 24/7 in the early months others are happy on their own at times.  He'll let you know, don't feel guilty...grab a cup of coffee and relax while you can!!