How much quality 1-to-1 time do/did you spend with your baby (playing, reading)?

[SarahCaroline]

Just wondering because I keep getting to the end of the day and realising I'm always splitting my attention between DD (6 months) and laundry, shopping, phonecalls ...

When am I supposed to fit in playtime? Am I neglecting her? Maybe I really need to set aside half an hour a day or something? Don't want her babyhood to pass me by in a blur of sock-washing ...

Any thoughts?

As long as she's with you & happy, I think that's enuf stimulation, but set aside the 1/2 hr/day if it makes you feel better. Remember the whole world is still new & interesting 2 her at this age.

I know how you feel but I've learnt to gradually include my kids and to do jobs in and around their needs. My dd1 (4.5yrs) lets me know when she wants me. DD2 (11 months) is also very good a letting me know when its playtime. The problem with setting aside half an hour is that the time you set aside may be convenient for you but not necessarily for them iyswim. I've had to learn to go with the flow. Zebra's right in terms of the whole world being interesting, just don't forgot to occassionally throw a sock towards your dd and then simply watch her "discover" it .

these things have to be done, you can't give her all your attention all of the time. equally parts of the housework can wait for another time. Don't beat yourself up about it

lol! ds (also 6 months) sn't very good at reading yet, so i don't force him

But anyway I agree with the others - you're not neglecting her. Ds is generally happier for longer watching me clean the kitchen (and he "helps" unstack the dishwasher too) than he is when i play with him anyway. But I do make sure he gets at least one or two 5 minute "qualidee time" sessions when I'm giving him 100% attention a day - I sing him a song, or play "super baby", which dd (2) likes to watch too.

lol SP. Out of interest, where do you put your DS while you clean/unload dishwasher etc? DD goes in her Bumbo, or her cot/on the bed if I'm in there - can't sit in highchair yet as we're waiting for the cushion to arrive.

Love to know how he "helps" you, and what's "superbaby"?!!