How do I keep him entertained?

[JatinderB]

My DS is 12 weeks old and as he now sleeps through the night he is awake most of the day and only naps for 20 mins of so here and there. I find myself moving him from rocker to playmat all day as well as carrying him around. He likes certain toys, especially ones for older children like teddies which talk but other than that has a very short attention span. He is very alert and inquisitive and seems to need constant stimulation. Any suggestions on toys and games that would
help me to help keep him entertained?

Play gyms keep my twins occupied for upto 30 mins (although they are playing with each other as well!)

My DTS loves the toys on his baby bjorn bouncer and will play with them for a while

Mirrors (obv plastic ones) that can be placed on the floor like this

I remember feeling that DD was doing "circuits" around this age as there only seemed to be limited entertainment option. Some things I did which helped pass the time:

• take the mobile off her cot, attach it to a chair and put her under the chair
• put the bouncy chair by the French doors so she could watch the birds or anything else that was going on outside
• prop her up with cushions on the floor whilst I emptied the dishwasher, washing machine etc & talked to her about what I was doing (she may have found this as dull as I did!)
• put her in the sling outward facing whilst I got on with mundane chores, went for a walk etc
• when I got really desperate, walked into town with her in the car seat attached to the travel system so when we went to Starbucks or somewhere she could actually see what was going on without having to be on my knee.

We also bought a jumperoo which was another "activity" option and for DC2 (due in a few weeks) I've borrowed a friends sit me up cosy, again, just for a different entertainment option.

at that age both of mine loved a nice long walk with lots of new things to look at. they particularly liked the park, local children's farm, and luckily for me, The Trafford Centre.

Thanks Ceevee for the mirror link. He will love that!

Murtette I'll definitely try the propping up idea as it'll let me do some house work at least.

Charlotte, I find my DS prefers to be outdoors but as soon as I take him into a shop he cries lol you're lucky that yours liked the Trafford centre!

I used to dance around with him in my arms and sing along to kids' cds when he was that age. Still do Also if you're keen to get out the house, would recommend baby/toddler groups run by numerous churches which give kids a chance to mingle (well guess yours won't exactly be mingling at 12 weeks but still...), play with different toys and a coffee break for you with other mums.

Oh yes we do a lot of dancing around!

I've just signed up for a baby group which begins after half term. Thanks for the advice

this might sound silly but all my 6 children loved watching the sight of the washing machine spinning...whenever i needed to hang out washing or hoover etc i would place them in their bouncer infront of the washing machine, they would be fascinated lol x