How many hours of stimulation does a 3.5 month old need?

[HL1986]

Hi first time mum here, my DD Is just over 3 months old, she likes to look at picture books and time on her baby gym but I read that they can easily over stimulate, so I've tried to cut down a little on how much we do but then I feel horrible at times when she's in her chair feeling like I'm ignoring her even though I do talk to her, is there a set amount of time each day for stimulating activities? TIA

A baby that small doesn't need much stimulation at all. I would do just 10 minutes of an activity like looking at a book. The remaining wake time is so short anyway and will be taken up by feeding, nappy changes, leaving them on a mat to stretch their legs, going for a walk.

Really over thinking it OP

At that age, if they are not asleep they are being stimulated.

Just do what seems to interests them. They'll soon let you know if they are bored or have had enough.

Thanks, she doesn't sleep that much in the day to be honest, half hour naps here and there, she sleeps through solid at night, I know I'm over thinking but when your a new mum there's so much to learn and you read so many different things I'd like to hear experiences of other mums that's all, I do try to have snuggle time when she's awake on my lap but she's not interested and keeps sitting herself up as if she wants to be doing something. She is I would say forward for her age as she will sit looking at her favourite book all day if I let her and as you can see in the pic she really shows interest in it. Thank you all for your replies x

She is adorable. I would chat to her most of the time but calm it down towards bed or sleep time. The more she hears you talking the better.

I wouldn't see any problem letting her look at her book as much as she wants if she finds it interesting. I don't think you need to put pressure on yourself to entertain her too much though, in another couple months she'll get bored a lot more easily and demand more attention so enjoy having things a little more chilled out while it lasts!

The whole world is fascinating, just do your ordinary stuff & let her watch & talk to her. She doesn't need focused or structured activities to do (but you might enjoy them!)

Definitely just go with the flow and crack on doing jobs or whatever else you want to do in your day - she'll be just as interested in you doing that as she will be on focused 'stimulation'! I used to try and do one chunk of time (15-20 mins) each day of interactive playing/stimulation and the rest of the time would just move our baby around the house with me while I got on with stuff, or would go out and about with her in the carrier/buggy/car etc. As others have said, pretty much anything and everything she sees/experiences is stimulating for her so you don't need to worry about it at this age (and probably make the most of how little you need to do to entertain her - it gets progressively harder month by month)!