What are reasonable expectations of ‘playtime’ for my 7-week old?

[Del600]

Hi all, any insights/ advice will be much appreciated.

My DS is 7 weeks and hvs are encouraging playtime and interaction. I already read to my DS, hold him and dance to music and sing songs to him, talk to him face to face and also when I leave the room. That?s the main bulk of it ATM. He responds ? from just looking and smiling to gurgling and making happy baby noises. I have to say he?s not too keen lying on his stomach longer than about 30 seconds. He does enjoy his playmat and his mobile.

Hvs try and get you to go to play centres but I think he?s too young for an environment where there?s just noise. Does anyone have any ideas how long play activities are supposed to last for at home during the day?

was a while ago, but i dont think i did as much as you are doing at such a tiny young age tbh.

Not saying you are doing too much, but just commenting that for me it wanst at all regimented with time and activity.

if i had time, or even the energy ....whcih i didnt, i would kinda just talk around him and sit him in his chair in the room eith me while i put the washing on and hoovered etc so he could watch.

didnt get much back but then, didnt expect to.

You just need to be with him and love him and chat and sing and cuddle.
That's all.
Really. Just relax and enjoy him.

He's tiny. You're more likely to overstimulate him trying to play all the time. Try doing household stuff, getting out to see people, etc etc and he'll get plenty that way!

Goodness, I didn't do half of that with dd and hvs never mentioned anything like that. I divided my time between cuddling, singing, taking and amusing and pottering around the house while she watched. There's nothing to stress about and no right way to do things, do whatever you want. Unless you keep them in a cardboard box and bring them out for feeds it's fine.

Going out for walks together is nice if you have a park nearby with suitable paths for a buggy, or if you get on with a sling.... a bluebell woods, or near a stream etc Mind you, I am thinking as much about what you would like as your baby...your baby just needs you to be nearby and caring. i agree a playcentre seems pointless at that age, unless you need some adult company yourself....

That's way more than enough. HV's advice needs to be taken with a pinch of salt - some of them are barking.

As moondog said - cuddling/talking/singing is all they need at this age. The activity thingy is fine. He needs quiet time and sleep, not a full on entertainment programme and outings schedule.

Best advice...? Stay away from HVs!

Really your baby doesn't need anything specific in terms of play. Just chatting to him, smiling, making funny faces, singing songs, letting him watch you go about your daily business etc is more than enough. And lots of cuddles! And you don't need to schedule in time to do this, just let it happen as and when.

Relax and enjoy him and remember to follow your instincts, they're usually right.

Congratulations btw!

Ignore the HV and go with your instincts. It all seems very patronising to me.

HVs usually try to get you to go to playgroups so that you can meet other mums and not feel isolated. If you're happy to do your own thing instead then DS won't miss the stimulation.

At 7 weeks they're still a bit small to do anything much and you don't need to schedule activity. Just do simple things like laying him on his playmat or singing songs or just giving him a running commentary of whatever you are doing. :)

I agree. Just cuddle him & tell him about what you're doing. A sling helps.

DS hated tummy time of more than about 30 seconds until he was about 6 or 7 months at least so I wouldn't worry about it. He crawled fine though.

Thank you for your replies. I am now feeling better knowing that it's ok to go with my instincts. DS basically dictates the schedule for feeds, sleep and activity which is fine for now so I don't have a specific plan for play etc nor do I force him to do things. I think he gets enough stimulation already and I don't want to overdo it seeing as he is so young. We go out for walks and shopping and he gets lots of cuddles.

I generally don't listen to hvs or go with convention. DS seems to be happier out in the fresh air listening to the traffic and park noises or other people (or sleeping through it actually).

AngelDog - you have reassured me that all will be well

My DD is one week older and I do all the same things as you. My DD also enjoys lying or being pushed under leafy trees and me folding the washing.

read the title and assumed this was a wind-up.....but now having read your post realised its genuine.......chat to your baby and let it look around.....please don't worry......its 7 weeks old! mine used to get freaked out by play gyms after a couple of minutes....used to leave mine (I have three) in one of those tilted chairs whilst i washed up, did ironing etc etc.

Relax....and enjoy

at playtime for a seven week old. Bless.

Go and visit your friends, go out shopping, walk to the park.

Thanks all. I've started listening to myself and doing what feels right to me which I feel much better about already.

Great :) Just enjoy it x

I think getting out the house is more about the Mummy than the baby, I get out every day and meet other mums, I'd go bonkers if I didn't.