How do you entertain a very active 8 month old & preschooler

Re: How do you entertain a very active 8 month old & preschooler

• brachysira member

  April 2014

  I have one, but I'll be in your shoes in a year or so.  Can you take walks in a stroller and go to places like nature centers and museums?   Go to the park? Baby-proof a room well so everyone can do their own thing and you don't have to redirect so often?  Go to storytime.  Hire a baby-sitter for a few hours/week so you can spend time with older LO alone.  

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• MomIn2013 member

  April 2014

  Once DS became mobile, I baby proofed the shit out of our entire house so pretty much anywhere we are I don't have to worry about constantly re-directing - pretty much anything he can get into is safe. Biggest issue is I spend a fair amount of time putting tupperware back in the cupboard. Also, I didn't just lock everything up, I've left interesting but safe things out here and there that he can find and play with to keep him busy.

  

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• sophie206 member

  April 2014 edited April 2014

  This is my life--almost exactly--napping issue and all! My 8 month old has been super active and crawling/pulling up for a few months now. I am so glad that DD (almost 4) is in preschool 3 mornings a week!
  We have a walker that DD2 will tolerate sometimes while I set-up art projects or activities for DD1. And I think I'm going to buy a baby swing so I can push DD2 in it while DD1 plays in our backyard this spring/summer.
  
  I am actually excited for her to walk because I think it might slow her down a bit! Hang in there, just wanted to say I can relate!
  

  DD1: Maya 05/10
  DD2: Lucia (Lucy) 07/13
  

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• nosoup4u member

  April 2014

  I also made sure the places DS2 was at were safe for him so I didn't have to chase after him constantly. I dunno, DS1 stopped getting our exclusive attention the day after DS2 was born, and doesn't seem the worse for it. And DS2 has never been an only child and seems OK :P.

  DS1 - Feb 2008

  DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)

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• raraavis28 member

  April 2014

  I hear ya.....that was when things started getting crazy w/ my duo, so if your DS is anything like them....hold onto your hat!
  
  Ditto PPs to just baby-proof like crazy, but have some areas that he's "allowed" to get into also (for mine it's the cabinets under the sink....they love to play w/ all the tupperware). Getting outside and having changes of scenery help a lot too....so trips to the park where he can have a stroller ride or crawl around on a blanket while your DD plays could work out. I don't know where you live, but when the weather gets hot, my boys loved playing in the kiddie pool. Fresh air also helps wear the little buggers out so maybe naptime will be better then.
  

   
  

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• barnwife member

  April 2014 edited April 2014

  If you haven't babyproofed yet, now is the time. You definitely need to have a place where you can let baby explore without you needing to constantly redirect.
  
  I have a 3.5 yo, 2 yo, and 7 mo. Without babyproofing, I'd be losing my mind. I can safely let S. (7 mo) play in our living room and kitchen (and other places) and don't need to watch constantly. 
  
  ETA: Things you can do together: color (baby plays on floor next to table), build with blocks, build with legos, play-doh (again baby on floor), read books, play with cars, play with dolls, go outside...in short, I do most of these things with all 3 kiddos around

  
  

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• traceyboo37 member

  April 2014

  I basically have the same suggestions. Do you have a pack n play you could use? My almost three year old loved coloring and putting stickers on things. I just got a kiddie crafts table and ordered finger painting and other junk. I'm thinking by the time this little one gets here in a couple of months, we may have some new routine going that can also accommodate baby girl.

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