COVID mat leave - what am I missing?

[CupcakesK]

DS is 8 weeks old now and we’ve coped pretty well in lockdown. I’ve enjoyed spending the time bonding, although sad he hasn’t been able to meet any relatives yet (they all live too far away for a socially distant visit). But..... no signs of things going back to normal soon and I’m wondering if their are any developmental things I’m missing doing with DS.

What did other people do with their DC while on mat leave and any suggestions on how to replicate these while in lockdown? Walks in the park are getting a little dull now!

Things I enjoyed,

Baby massage, lots of classes and tutorials online you can follow.

Swimming, might be one for when pools open later in summer.

Music and sign, again our local one is now doing this online. Really enjoyed and lots to keep doing at home.

I hated a sort of play class, but some of the ideas were good. It's a bit like the baby club on ceebeebies in the morning. Ours were very regimented and forced fun.

Essentially she set up stations of different things. So maybe fruit, dry foods, and let babies touch them. I did not enjoy that class.

Other than that just walks, chatting to other mums. That one might be harder. Our toddler group has done a couple of zoom sessions but I know that's not the same.

Congratulations to you.

CBeebies baby club is a bit of a lifesaver & good suggestions for household items etc to play with/talk about.

Baby massage. Video classes or a good online guide.

Read read read. Anything. Books you want to read, just so they hear your voice!

I took lots of walks and watched tv at that age. There is really very little going out and about that matters. When they’re little, getting out is for your sanity, not for them. I did do a baby massage class both times, and there are plenty being offered online now, so you might look into that. I would still try to get out for regular walks - I’d be taking at least 2 a day around nap times.

@cupcakesK im exactly the same as you. My son is 9 weeks old and hes met none of his relatives as they're also too far away for a socially distant visit.

I signed up to baby sensory via zoom. Its not that great tbh, itd be much better in an actual class, so much so I didnt sign in for a second time.

Walks in the park are also getting super dull for me too. I do try my best to keep my chin up, but its all a bit lonely now.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, will definitely be checking out CBeebies and have signed up to a baby massage class

@Letsallscreamatthesistene congratulations! Yes, the loneliness and repetitiveness of each day is too much sometimes.
I’m so worried there will be a second wave and lockdown will be extended. We’ve already lost my partner’s gran (not COVID related and she was 91, so had a pretty good innings), I’m terrified that we’ll lose other family members before they get to meet our DS

My baby is 12 weeks and always worry I'm boring him or running out of things to do!

I talk to him constantly, in that super annoying excited high pitched voice and also my normal voice 😂, whatever we do, I'll tell him about it and when he makes noises back, I'll repeat the noises he's made and praise him.

Lots of play mat time working on his whacking skills and reading. Gently rub different textured toys off his hands so he can feel them and encourage him to grab them

Tummy time with a mirror or toy in front to encourage him

Lots of walking, mainly for me!

Showing him different things like his reflection and he's really nosy so likes to watch the TV

Feel like I'm doing rubbish but hopefully not!

Sounds like you’re doing great! I don’t think the majority of groups/classes are worth it until they can sit up and take in what’s happening. I did baby sensory with my son at 6 months and he enjoyed it but it was only 30mins per week! Before that we did baby massage which he loved, but you can recreate it from YouTube - the class element was just for the parents.

Otherwise I hung out with NCT friends and spent loads of time just talking and reading to him, showing him stuff in the house. You are his whole world at the moment so he’s not missing interactions with others.

Congratulations @CupcakesK also in same boat my little boy is 7 weeks old.

We’ve done a few baby sensory online classes which I’ve enjoyed. Showed me how to do some simple bits with him at home.

Signed up for online baby massage starts next week.

Lots of walks, some socially distanced with friends.

Reading with him and tummy time etc. But also chilling out and watching the tv!