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How much 'playing' should I do with 12wk old DS?

9 replies

EnglishGirlApproximately · 16/06/2012 13:55

I'm not sure how much activity I should be doing with DS so can some of you with more experience let me know what you think. Today has been fairly typical so far so I'll let you know what we've done. Got up at 7.30 - DS had wash, cuddles & bottle. Then he had 30 minutes on playmat while I had breakfast and put washing in. We then had about 30 mins sitting on sofa just doing noises and faces - smiling and tickling. After this he seemed to just want to relax so sat on my knee for probably an hour while I read the paper etc. After the second bottle he had an hour in his bouncy chair while I did chores then a bit of time with baby gym. He's now having his late morning nap (normally a couple of hours) before he has another bottle. This afternoon we'll have a little walk to the shop before he'll sit in his pram in the kitchen while I do chores, get dinner organised etc. - I normally sing to him while I'm doing this. He normally has another nap about 4pm for a couple of hours after which we'll have a play together on his playmat and do story time and tummy time then a bath before bed. My question is - should I be 'playing' with him while he's in his bouncy chair, on his mat etc. or is it ok to just leave him to it? I sometimes feel guilty for sitting reading a book or watching TV rather than play with him, but neither do I want him to grow up unable to entertain himself. This is a fairly typical day - sometimes in a different order but activities much the same. What do you think - should I be doing more?

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CogitoErgoSometimes · 16/06/2012 14:10

I can't see the point of forced play. Just interact as much as you feel is normal, which it sounds like you're doing already. They get more demanding as they get older anyway so enjoy the chance to read a book while you still can :)

cloudhands · 16/06/2012 15:15

you can leave him to it! Unless he cries he's fine!

EnglishGirlApproximately · 16/06/2012 15:19

Thanks - I hate the idea of him growing up needing constant entertainment but can't help thinking should be doing something more productive with my maternity leave than reading and mnetting! He's a happy little thing so I don't think he's bored - probably overthinking it!

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CPtart · 16/06/2012 15:26

I did loads with my DS whe he was little. Spent hours "stimulating" him, reading, playing, etc etc. He's now 9 and still can't entertain himself for more than ten minutes. learn by my mistakes!!

GnocchiNineDoors · 16/06/2012 15:35

My dd is 6mo and I do leave her to entertain herself for the most part. at 12 weeks she would be awake 1.5hours before needing another sleep so we'd do a bottle (20min) play on mat (40min) play together (20min) cuddle anf settle for nap (10min) average.

Some babies actually like being left to it.

As we speak dd is having nappy off time on the floor surrounded by all her rattles and teethers. Shes muttering away quite happily to herself. I only step in if I can tell shes getting bored or needs something

EnglishGirlApproximately · 16/06/2012 16:10

Great - in future I will sip my tea and read my book happily in the knowledge that he doesn't need constant stimulation!

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MrsFlippingHeck · 16/06/2012 23:14

With dc1 I was constantly worried about if I was stimulating her enough in hindsight i shouldn't have worried. They let you know when they are bored. Ds is 16 weeks and apart from a bit of chatting to him and maybe dangling a toy for 2 mins in his general direction he is happy to just watch the world go by he's ignored as I spend all day tryIng to occupy his whiney toddler sister

Belmo · 16/06/2012 23:29

I was constantly trying to entertain my dd at that age but looking back I should have taken breaks while I had the chance! She's 9 months now and I'm not allowed to leave her line of sight for a second.

NameGotLostInCyberspace · 16/06/2012 23:35

IMO (only)! the more you are in their face the harder work they become! Relax and enjoy :)

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