I have a 4 month old who is getting too heavy for me to carry all the time. He doesn't do well in the carrier while we're around the house - he has to be moving if he's in it. Right now the only place I can put him down is his pack n' play, his crib, or the floor. He's getting bored with all of these (but maybe soon he'll like toys more?) and if I'm not interacting with him, I'd like for him to be doing...something. He'll be getting a high chair in a few months, so I plan to talk with him or give him toys in that, but what else? The usual suspects (swings, floor gyms, etc.) make me feel guilty for just letting him sit there - plus we've skipped them up to this point both for budget and space reasons. Thanks!
Re: Do you set your baby down? Where?
At this age anything that allows them to move freely, using their own bodies is good, it helps build strength and coordination. I put mine on the floor on an activity mat either on their backs or tummies as well.
But that's not really responsive to your question since we didn't really set him down in there other than mealtimes. We used a pack and play, a floor gym, or a blanket in front of the mirror at that age. For showers it was the bouncer. I never felt guilty for using those tools, because it's not like he was in the bouncer or the floor gym for hours. At four months he will start being more interested in toys, but because he can't sit and may not be rolling yet, he won't be able to get at them unless they are within arms reach. Both the bouncer and floor gym have hanging toys which give him something to reach for.
I saw some sitting gyms that have a lot to do, and DH is convinced he needs one of those jumpers that hang from the door... Looks like that sort of thing and the high chair are next on our list. I think it's hard for my brain to realize he may enjoy new toys or a bigger play gym as much as he likes just hanging out looking at us. They grow so fast!
We have the ergo, it's the only one he likes. I'm going to try it today to see if he's ready to sit still in it.
No periods due to 17 years of ballet and distance running after college. Zero response to 2 months of Clomid, little response to Letrozole. IUI left with 9 cysts = too many viable eggs due to age. On to IVF. Low dose of all meds still produced 37 mature eggs 12.6.11. Froze due to overstimulation.
FET #1.1 1.22.12 BFN. FET #1.2 2.22.12=GRACE! (and a vanishing twin).
Grace Katherine born 10.25.12 @ 36w6w 6#14oz 19.5".
FET #1.3 3.2013 BFN FET#1.4 4.2013 BFN. Never tried a fresh transfer. Let's try, despite 10 still frozen.
ER 6.26.13 27 mature eggs, slight overstim. ET 7.1.13 ectopic, FET 2.1 9.10.14 TRIPLETS!!
Boys born 3.18.14 @ 29w5d. Andrew Jack 3#6oz 16", Grant Robert 3#9oz 16", Charles Phillip 3#7oz 17".
Just one article on the subject but there are tons out there.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/286964-development-infant-jumpers/#page=1