What would/did you do with a baby for enrichment?

[ftm76]

I have an 8 week old and he was premie, so his adjusted age is 4 weeks.

I am very anxious about development and want to ensure he has everything possible.

So, if money was/is no object, what classes/events/trips would you take your child on and when?

I’ve booked my first baby sensory as they fill up quick. We are usually always at home and I don’t feel I’m doing enough.

If money was no object I would employ a house keeper so I could just cuddle and chat to baby and sleep!

At this age your baby can only see the distance from your boobs to your face. And some tummy time but this can be in the sling on them on their tummy on your chest. Baby groups are lovely but they’re for you to meet people.

Absolutely nothing, he dosnt need anything other than being loved, fed and changed.

Play with him
Talk him out for walks
Talk and sing to him
give him massages
keep him in a decent routine

Put any money you’d waste on classes away in a bank account for him.

My daughter was 4 weeks premature and I’d say take some pressure off yourself. I used to put her in a sling and walk up and down the house singing Taylor Swift to her. We just enjoyed the cuddles and being together at that age. I was in a bit of shock when she was born and it took me some time to find my feet. I didn’t bother with any classes - and I always felt like I wasn’t doing enough so I relate on that.

Enrichment!!?? - or purleese!

Life is enrichment enough - just being there among family. Please don't start all this stuff before the child is barely out of the womb. Every moment of the day is enrichment for him - the smells, the sounds, the touch, the sights - all of which are there in your home. Just love him and cuddle him and feed him and stop with all this other stuff!!!

Babies of that age don't need activities... honestly. Just give your love, cuddles, talk to them, sing, get outside so they can get daylight (and for your well being!). I go to quite a few baby groups but that is just so I can get out and talk to adults. By 4 weeks premature I assume you mean born at 36 weeks? If so, that is barely premature, given full term pregnancy is 37 weeks. If you are struggling with your worries about baby, please seek some support for yourself, that's far more important that baby activities.

Tummy time (so many benefits to this) & lots of walks/fresh air!

I did a lot of classes with DS1 from a couple of weeks old and will do the same with DS2 but these are mostly for me to get out the house as I’m not happy to sit at home. I enjoyed baby sensory, baby massage and swimming - DS absolutely got benefit from them but hard to say exactly from which point.

With my first at this age he mostly fed and occasionally slept, but only on me or in the pram. He loved meeting new people, especially other babies and toddlers. My others mainly fitted in with what my older dc were doing. They liked sitting in a bouncy chair or lying on a play may and watching their brother's play. My 4th was born at 35 weeks, I understand how scary it is.

At 8weeks/4weeks, babies don’t need classes. Mums might need classes, but not babies.

Tummy time - several times a day for just a few minutes at a time building up to more.

Consider a swimming class. Your child has just spent 9 months in amniotic fluid, water is a familiar sensation and it is great bonding time for you both.