When they're NOT napping...

SomersIsles · May 2014

So Robert apparently thinks naps are for the birds now... He prefers closing his eyes for 30-45 min and calling it a day. This extra awake time is cool but I'm running out of things to do with him!

We do tummy time, play mat time, walk around in my arms time, lay on my chest as tummy time, sit up in my lap time, story time...

Can we share some ideas for awake time stuff?? I'm sure he's not bored of my routine but it's driving me nuts!

And side question... When your LO is awake is s/he able to entertain themselves or are you pretty much attached to them until nap time? Robert is 8 weeks and I feel pretty anchored to him. This is typical right?

jennbaylor12 · May 2014

We do what you listed plus reading time, outside watering the plants time (he Loves going outside) and singing time. I'm pretty much attached between naps, he is 9wks today. I'm hoping after this leap I can put him down while awake some.... On the other hand, I go back to work soon and know I'm gonna miss him like crazy so I really don't mind

nlane0723 · May 2014

Harper went through this at 8 weeks. We started adding a daily walk in the stroller and she started napping in 2-3 hour increments. I also did everything you were doing, but the daily walk seemed too help A LOT!

pepperedmoth · May 2014

Mine self-entertains pretty well. I plop him down on a blanket and if there are moving shadows he kicks very contentedly for quite some time. If not, I also like to wear him and just go about my day. If he wants to be snuggled and isn't liking the wrap I read to him, but I read one of MY books aloud so I can go a hella lot longer without being bored.

mfarmer0811 · May 2014

My LO is 10 weeks and has been doing the same thing the past couple of days. We just hang out, and I follow his lead on whatever makes him happy. Here lately he's liked hanging out in his swing or the mamaroo more than usual. Sometimes he'll fuss for a couple of minutes then realize it's pretty cool and will stay in it for 30 minutes or so. Have you tried that?

Eta: fat thumbs

Sanibel21 · May 2014

All the above. Walks, music, singing, reading, activity mat, bouncer, swing.
I don't know if you have a mobile in his crib or not, but I just remembered the other day that I do. And I put LO in there and wound it up. She was so amazed by it I got all my laundry put away for once! I also have been trying to get her used to the ergo and walk around everywhere doing stuff like cleaning or whatever and talking to her about it. We go to local play groups and stores and I think she just likes the different ambiance and noises.

lalaith50 · May 2014

We also do the dance party! And no, he doesn't self-entertain ver well. :-( I'm actually amazed he's playing under his gym right now!

rachmckenna · May 2014

Hudson is 11 weeks and is to the point where we can now put him in his swing for a good chunk of time, or in the little bouncy seat. I also take trips to the mall so that my other son can play at the play place and we walk around and I'll be able to get some nap time out of him.

BabiesFTW · May 2014

My LO just comes along to all her sister's activities.

pepperedmoth · May 2014

bearsbearsbears said:
As long as he can see what's going on, he's happy. So if I'm cooking or doing the dishes, I'll either put a blanket down or plop him in the bouncer to watch what's going on.

Yes, this as well!

CruiseGirl28 · May 2014

Isla loves laying on her changing table. We talk there and she exercises lol. It's the best part of the day.

I like to run errands with her too. She's happy being pushed in the stroller and I'm out of the house. Even if I just buy a coffee and browse.

I put her in the bouncer and bring her Into the kitchen when I cook/clean. I sing/dance/act silly as I'm doing it, and she laughs.

fish8412 · May 2014

Yes to everything. I'm pretty much attached to LO but I don't mind. She is content in her bunny swing for 15 minutes once or twice a day. We also go on a walk every morning before it gets too hot. Have you checked out your local public library? Ours offers baby story time twice a week. Once LO has more of a day time schedule we are going to check it out.

lazyreader · May 2014

CruiseGirl28 said:
Isla loves laying on her changing table. We talk there and she exercises lol. It's the best part of the day.

Same for J. LOVES chatting on the the changing pad. Weirdo. Then I cycle between reading, tummy time in the PnP or the crib, dance party, playing with the fake gym in her crib. Or watching me do homework

akb1125 · May 2014

Kacie said:

CruiseGirl28 said:
Isla loves laying on her changing table. We talk there and she exercises lol. It's the best part of the day.
Same for J. LOVES chatting on the the changing pad. Weirdo. Then I cycle between reading, tummy time in the PnP or the crib, dance party, playing with the fake gym in her crib. Or watching me do homework

Ditto to my LO! We got his first smiles on the changing pad! Haha!

Now that my LO is awake more, it's definitely harder to fill the time because he isn't as content to just be held but he's still too little for a lot of toys. He plays on his activity mat a lot bc it holds his attention for 20-30 minutes before he's had enough. We do Tummy time, look at the lights, ceilings, or out the window. I read to him and sing songs. I set up his jumper but he's a little too small for it right now. I dangle toys above him so he can follow them with his eyes.

jwls84 · May 2014

Pretty much everything you mentioned plus putting her in the swing for independent play. I also put her in the sling today and tidied the house, so we may start doing more of that.

SomersIsles · May 2014

Oh I forgot one more thing I do... So LO will settle down when he's amongst people having conversation... When he's fussy I notice he is suddenly quiet when I start talking to DH. If you talk directly at LO he will not settle... It's like you have to just talk in his presence, but not at him. So.... Sometimes I read TB out loud as if I'm talking to DH .. But really I'm just alone with LO trying to sound like I'm having a conversation. 9 times out of 10 it works lol

knittinlins · May 2014

I was just asking my friend what to do with lo - he likes the playmat and his mobile but I feel bad laying him down all the time. Taking these ideas to add to our routine.