How do you entertain your 12 week old?

[sweetpea1112]

Hi,

DS is 12 weeks old and is in increasing need of entertainment/stimulation so I am on the look out for any ideas!

This is an idea of the sorts of things we currently get up to:

Tummy time (although since he has discovered he can roll over, he doesn't spend a great deal of time actually on his tunmy )
Bouncy chair trying to hit toys
Playmat
Playing with Lamaze toy
Looking at picture book
Reading stories
Loads of face time, pulling faces, chatting, singing (although my repertoire is somewhat limited)

We also go to baby groups and for walks in the pram.

Written down, this seems more than I had previously thought but I do lack imagination somewhat so would love some more ideas

[Wibblytummy]

My DS loved a looking in a mirror at that age. We had a baby safe cot mirror that I used to lay on the floor to encourage him to do some more tummy time. Sorry I'm a bit rusty with a full blown toddler now but do remember the mirror!

[upinthehills]

Mine loved a nice long trip to John Lewis . Enjoy that with one you can do things like that, with DC2 all hope of leisurely walks round town and relaxing coffees are gone!

You sound like you are doing just fine- though I know it can seem like a long day.

[datedthedevil]

Upinthehills - I like your thinking. My 13 week old likes trips to ikea too and enjoys regular expeditions to KFC :).

[sweetpea1112]

upinthehills you are spot on about it seeming like a long day. I probably crave the variety much more than DS does!

I don't drive, so trips to shops involve bus trips and I'm not really confident enough to do that journey myself yet

[TempusFuckit]

A bus trip itself can be fun.

Also, this might be useful:

www.babycenter.com/0_lets-play-weekly-activities-for-your-babys-first-year_1501475.bc

[mummy2lola]

That's weird....my dd loved KFC!!!!! Lol!!!! She used to hate shopping, but I've realised that anywhere you go shopping, as long as you have the hood down, they're amazed and interested by all the different colours whisking by :-)

[upinthehills]

You need to practice with your DP so you are confident on the bus. We spent quite a bit of time in the early days getting me happy being on my own. For me it was negotiating the suburban train as there is a high step down to the platform - was ok going on but tricky getting off - big flight of stairs and no lift at station too! We did it lots of times until I was pretty confident to do it myself.

You really do need to get confident on the bus - you cannot limit your horizons so much, so practise with someone else for support. I was never in, found the days went much faster.

[sweetpea1112]

You're right and me and DP have taken him on the bus together plenty of times, I just need to bite the bullet and go it alone. I'll set it as a challenge for myself to complete in the next week.

Thank you for the link, very useful

[bonzo77]

Anything that entertains you!

[ThreeWheelsGood]

You say he's in increasing need of simulation but I don't think that's true! You do loads and at this age he is interested in watching and playing with YOU. My baby watches me do housework/cooking - I chat to her about what I'm doing - she has tummy time, she likes sitting on me watching the world in cafes. It sounds like you're doing a really good job.

[Purplecatti]

Bouncy chair in front of the washing machine
Mirrors
Door bouncer
Getting a cup of tea in a cafe. Dd LOVES being in busy people places

[hubbahubster]

TBH now DS is 19 months I long for the days when I didn't have to do so much to occupy him! ;)

We did baby swimming from about 10 weeks on a Friday morning, he slept well afterwards so that was fab. I also don't drive and the bus was (still is!) my lifeline. There's nothing to be worried about, we went out using a sling and later the buggy with no issues. He loved it, so many new people for him to charm! Try a few stops to the next town at first, just for a wander.

We also did stuff at the local children's centre - baby massage, signing. I went to local charity shops at least three times a week (very handy for getting the best baby clothes).

Hope that helps!

[hubbahubster]

Oh, if your LO is quite upright, the jumperoo is awesome.

[sweetpea1112]

Thank you all for your replies
I think perhaps I was over thinking things a little. He is currently asleep on me which he seems to be enjoying it very much

[Purplecatti]

And watching me scrunch up tinfoil, that was super fun!

[Ozziegirly]

My DS2 is the same age and he tags along to whatever DS1 is doing - park, swimming, playgroup, so we're out in the morning. Then in the afternoon when DS1 has a nap I try to spend some 1 to 1 time with DS2, and that consists of him on the mat while I fold washing, him in the chair while I cook dinner, plus a little foray into the garden. I do narrate what I'm up to, and sometimes we read a book together too.

He mainly watches what we're up to though.

With DS1 I loved going to a cafe, meeting other mums, doing swimming and library story time (for the tea afterwards)

[Ozziegirly]

BTE, I'm the same re tummy time, how do you get them to do it if they roll straight over?!