How much should a 4 week old be playing?

[emmam25]

I'm a new mum and tbh never thought I would be a mother, I'm not good with babies and small children!

Oh has returned to work for the first time today so I am doing solo childcare for the first time ever.

What if anything should I be doing with my baby besides feeding/changing?

The hv gave me a leaflet about the importance of tummy time but how long should it be? How do I interact with him as he seems a bit small and is not yet interested in toys etc.

Feel out of my depth! (but very glad he hasn't just screamed blue murder all day!)

Thanks for your help and advice!

mine used to like a walk out in the pram or sling, to take in all the sights and sounds.

4 week olds really don't need to play. They feed and sleep and if you want to go out they go out with you. Talk to him about what you're doing if you want but don't worry about him playing.

Mine never liked tummy time so I never did it. Well I must have tried at least once to know they hated it but after that I didn't do it any more.

When my DD was 4 weeks she basically ate and slept.

I took her for huge long walks, sat her in her swing, lay her on her playmat just for a change of view for her...

That's it.

Tummy time, playing etc are for later. Just cuddle him.

They really do bugger all at that age.

They are eating, sleeping, pooing, screaming machines

They'll look at you and you'll cuddle them lots and they'll look around them a lot.

But they don't really play.

Lots of cuddles, take him out loads, talk to him a lot, that's really all he needs. To hear your voice, to feel your skin and to have the opportunity to see lots of things and grab lots of things.

Feed, sleep, cuddles. For both of you. Nothing else required for a long time. Congratulations

Tummy time at 4 weeks only needs to be for a few minutes at a time and you'll probably find he hates it (most babies do initially), so a minute or two will be enough to start with. I had one of those play mats (sometimes called a baby gym), with dangly things hanging from it for my DC to look at. But just talk to him, hold him so he can see your face, smile and stick your tongue out at him and otherwise make the most of having a little baby who is portable and who really doesn't need you to do all that much with him. Go and browse in the shops or have a coffee in a cafe while you can. Once he gets more lively, strong and opinionated it gets harder.

As the others have said, babies don't need much at this age. However, I would add in singing songs to what the others have said, particularly if you feel like you should be 'doing' something more playful with LO. I hadn't a clue what to do with my DS1 when he arrived, and I sang a lot to him. It calmed him and aided bonding as he loved it.

At 4 weeks DD wouldn't even do tummy time for a few minutes - seconds was enough. Despite this she has hit all her milestones with metronomic precision.

Seriously, a 4 week old's idea of a good time is staring at a black and white stripe, branches on a tree, or your face. You're doing fine

Goodness yes, to all the above - really really really don't worry about 'tummy time'.

The advice is only for barmy parents who might think they have to leave their baby on their back all the time. If you cuddle your baby in different positions (as you would naturally - eg standing up, lying down, side by side on the bed etc), then they get the chance to use all their muscles. That's all its about really. Don't feel like you have to force the issue.

Mine both utterly hated being forced to lie on their front (although of course I persevered with DD1 as she was my PFB). They are both now complete nutters very agile.