What to do with baby when awake?

elfinali · August 2012

This is a dumb question, but what do I do with baby when he's awake? He is now awake a lot more, and I'm not sure how to "play" with him. I hold him and talk to him, but other than that, what should I do? I feel neglectful if I put him in his bouncy chair or swing when he's awake (even though he's content) b/c I feel like I should be interacting with him when he's awake. I do want to be able to get done "adult" things, though, like cleaning, etc. I'm just not sure what to do with an awake baby who is so young (3 1/2 weeks).

JennaNAaron · August 2012

Do you do tummy time? It doesn't last very long for us, but we try and squeeze it in while she's awake.

pixieprincss · August 2012

I wear baby and go about my business. This baby baby can hear your heart and voice, smell you, benefit from your rythyms, and take in bits and pieces of what you are doing. If there something that I cannot wear him and do, I keep him close and talk about what I am doing, as much as I feel led to in the moment (silence is fine, too). When baby is older, give him things to hold (cooking--pass over a wooden spoon. Sewing--let baby grasp some fabric) or otherwise incorporate him.

juliane2004 · August 2012

At that age, they get overstimulated VERY easily. It's recommended to have short awake time lengths between naps. For 3-4 weeks, it's recommended to have an awake time of about 45-60 minutes, which includes eating, diapering, and the time it takes them to fall asleep.

For us, 45 minutes is basically change their diaper, feed a bottle, put back down. We put baby down awake, swaddled, and let her fall asleep on her own (no crying). She is able to do this without crying because she is not overtired or overstimulated.

Second Guideline for Awake time for babies
0-4 weeks: 30-45 minutes
4-6 weeks: 40-60 minutes
6-8 weeks: 40-70 minutes
8-12 weeks: 50-80 minutes
3-4 months: 60-90 minutes
4-5 months: 1 hr to 1.5 hrs
5-6 months: 1.5 hours
6-9 months: 2 hours, give or take 15 minutes

ETA: My point is, to answer your question, they don't really need an "activity" to fill the space before nap time again until they are about 6-8 weeks old. Until then, being around you (you talking to them), eating, and getting their diaper changed, is enough stimulation to wear them out.

juliane2004 · August 2012

MrsMuq:
juliane2004:
At that age, they get overstimulated VERY easily. It's recommended to have short awake time lengths between naps. For 3-4 weeks, it's recommended to have an awake time of about 45-60 minutes, which includes eating, diapering, and the time it takes them to fall asleep.
For us, 45 minutes is basically change their diaper, feed a bottle, put back down. We put baby down awake, swaddled, and let her fall asleep on her own (no crying). She is able to do this without crying because she is not overtired or overstimulated.
Second Guideline for Awake time for babies
0-4 weeks: 30-45 minutes
4-6 weeks: 40-60 minutes
6-8 weeks: 40-70 minutes
8-12 weeks: 50-80 minutes
3-4 months: 60-90 minutes
4-5 months: 1 hr to 1.5 hrs
5-6 months: 1.5 hours
6-9 months: 2 hours, give or take 15 minutes
ETA: My point is, to answer your question, they don't really need an "activity" to fill the space before nap time again until they are about 6-8 weeks old. Until then, being around you (you talking to them), eating, and getting their diaper changed, is enough stimulation to wear them out.

Hahah, apparently me 10 week old has not read these guidelines. He can stay awake for 3,4, 5 hours at a time before he's tired again. a 4 or 5 hour span requires two feedings, though. We fill his awake time with feedings and diaper changes, obviously, singing/dancing with him, reading him books, playing with rattles with him, tummy time, playing in his activity gym, or letting him look at the ceiling while in his crib, bouncer or stroller (he likes mobiles, fans, wind chimes, anything that hangs), and we take him for daily walks.
I also wear him in a k'tan.

Absolutely do what works for you, and if he's happy for those 4-5 hour awake times, then you can do what you want, of course.

However, I really really feel that babies should not be awake that long. I'm not saying a baby will randomly fall asleep at the 70 minute mark if he's up and playing. I'm saying after a certain amount of awake time (like 50 minutes), put him down awake and give him the opportunity to fall asleep for a nap in his crib (or wherever he sleeps).

Again, do what works for you, but my babies would be extremely overtired if awake for 4-5 hours. Even my older toddlers need naps after that amount of awake time.

aylafsu88 · August 2012

I do tummy time, sing, walk around the house, go for a stroller walk, read her books ect. There are lots of little things you can do but don't worry your LO is probably happy just being held and looking at you! You could always try a wrap like Moby or K'Tan so that you can hold your LO and get 'adult' things done. I use the Moby so that I can get laundry done or eat lunch!!

sadsadie · August 2012

You need to be doing tummy time; it is vital to baby's development. Also, lots of cuddling, talking to baby, making eye contact and even playing games like peekaboo or "this little piggy" are good. Also read to the baby (anything!). Wearing baby in a carrier also provides a good view of your face, the "adult" world of social interactions, and helps them strengthen their core muscles (plus, it lets you get things done; just make sure you choose an ergonomically correct carrier, not a "crotch dangler"...i suggest the Moby). Finally, baby massage is a great way to bond and spend time together.

Your instincts are right; leaving your baby to lie in a swing all the time is not good!

allardr · August 2012

My LO is about that same age. I agree, she's often content in the swing but I try to only use that when I need to get dinner ready since she sometimes sleeps there too so I want awake time elsewhere.
I usually hold her, read to her, put her on her play gym, do tummy time (or back time) on a blanket on the floor. We also go for walks at the park every morning. Sometimes I hold her and dance around singing to my music (she's too young to tell me I sound bad

lol) Honestly though, that's really all we do. She's usually only awake for 1-3 hours between naps anyway.

ShelbehhRawrr · August 2012

I do tummy time on me, DD hates being on her playmat on her tummy. I also put her in the bouncer because we have the fisher-price rainforest bouncer and it has lights, and moving things and music so she is still getting stimulated.

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