5 month old twins getting more difficult!

[14Daisies]

I shouldn't use the word difficult - it's more that they've been really easy babies until now. I would spend about 20% of my day actively attending to them, and the rest cleaning, cooking, browsing the internet or watching TV while they played happily
Obviously I didn't expect life to be like that for long, but now they need more stimulation I'm not really sure how to provide it? I do the same things as I have done before - read to them, sing to them, silly faces etc. But it doesn't take any extra time! Now they are starting to fuss very quickly and it's difficult to settle them back down. We do go for a long walk almost every day, and have done from the beginning. What else can I do with them?

DD loves treasure baskets which are just a basket full of 'real' bits and pieces, as opposed to toys. Objects like sieves, wooden spoons, egg cups. Things that have different weights, textures and shapes. Just have a rummage through your kitchen drawers and pop in a box or basket to explore (check bits for safety first). It makes a change from the normal toys and always keeps DD amused for 20 or so minutes at a time.

Sensory play- lights/torches, foil blanket, feathers, dance scarves.

Messy play- Cornflour, water, bubbles. You could add food items once they're 6 months like cooked spaghetti or jelly.

Music- listen to music together, dance, make simple shakers with empty plastic containers and dried pasta/rice/lentils.

DD was quite fussy at that age as she wanted to do everything but couldn't get herself anywhere. Once she could crawl and pull herself up at 7 months she was a lot more content being able to entertain herself.

Following-I feel exactly the same with my 5 month old!

The getting fussier is normal in my experience, they are getting more alert and wanting to do more. My DD was generally a bit pissed off until she could crawl!

Treasure baskets were a big hit here - just a basket or bowl with different toys or things from around the house. Doesn't need to be fancy - I'd just pick a colour and then run round in nap time finding things of that colour!

Fill up some plastic bottles with things like rice and pasta so they can shake them - can do things like coloured water/baby oil & glitter but I'm lazy!

A space blanket was my wet weather saviour - endlessly fascinating!

So many ideas there @TrashKitten10, thank you!

Cross posted - thanks so much for your suggestions too @Footlooseandfancy

Glad it's not just me @CharlotteLiza!

I found this a difficult stumbling block with my twins. Difficult to entertain because they weren't on the move properly.

They loved looking at themselves, and each other, in tbe mirror. Would literally sit and laugh for ages.

Jumperoos are your best friend. I usually got 15-20mins peace out of those bad boys.

If you havent already, get your high chairs out and sit them in the kitchen with you. Give them utensils etc to play with. I found they started mimicking what i was doing after a while and as I started weaning I would just leave food on the trays for them to try.

Oh also, always consider what sort of messy play with twins. And where.

Painting etc is a nightmare when you are tag teamed attempting to clean it. Water play always worked better cause I could just throw towels down.

Im also finding my 4.5month old is getting increasingly difficult. I think hes going to be generally agitated until he can roll himself around/crawl.

No suggestions, just solidarity!

What TrashKitten said to a tee!

Also, ask in your local Facebook group for a jumperoo/s if you haven't already got them. We managed to score one for a tenner. Best tenner we ever spent!!!