Ideas for keeping a 4 month old happy all day

[writermumma]

My daughter is 4 months old tomorrow. She is the happiest little thing and has a tonne of energy, barely napping in the day. Unfortunately, she is starting to need more and more stimulation to keep her happy, and the things I used to do with her (tummy time, play mat, tv once a day, walking) just isn't filling the day like it used to. I find myself getting to midday and then struggling to keep her amused. I'm getting the feeling that she is easily bored. Any ideas for new things we can try? At her worst, she cries every time I put her down, and mummy struggles to eat and wee! It can be a alot. Thanks!

It has been a while (youngest is 8) but I think at that stage I used a bouncer seat and put them in front of the washing machine both of my children loved it. I walked for miles each day - dodgy back so for my benefit more than anything. I know most of the buggy/prams today are parent facing but my pair were nosy so had them world facing.

I tried to find things that were for myself as well - as happy parent happy baby! so I did a few baby and mammy classes. I dont think I brought them to the swimming pool until they were a little older - that used to knock them right out for a good nap!

I read to them - books were for me so I have no idea what trauma I may have caused them but they both seem okay.

Hope some of the above helps - congrats on your little one!

Do you do any classes? I find them invaluable for a change of scenery, getting a cup of tea and just having a bit of a routine. Sign language classes are good or just church baby groups or music and movement classes. Staying home alone for too long drives me batty!

Can you take her to some baby groups? She'll probably like watching the bigger kids even if she's not interested in the toys/music etc.

Take her to visit people, new faces, new place, new smell lots to keep her busy.

Take her out to places you want to go to, particularly places that will have lights/colours/lots of people/things to look at.

Make sure she has a variety of sensory toys and don't overdo plastic that makes a noise. There are loads of ideas for stuff like this on Instagram or just Google it. A lot of it is overly showy obviously but the root ideas are good (make some shakers, player with water etc.)

Lots of books and nursery rhymes.

Sit her up and play with her. Give her time on her back and front. In a bouncer. Inside. Outside.

And cut out the screen time altogether.

What does her napping look like? I'd say she is probably over tired if she isn't sleeping enough which lends itself to restlessness.

Needing wees is a fact though so she will simply have to wait if you need the loo.

Set up a rotation of safe spaces for her to move between during the day:-
A playmat with rattles
A bouncy chair/swing with music
Buggy for walks
Her cot with mobile above for wee breaks
A couple of toys next to the sofa for time spent on your lap

Rotate her around these places every 15mins or so as she starts to grizzle.

On an evening, leave her with dh/dp and prep a sandwich and snacks for yourself for the next day.

Work on regular naps in regular spots.

Ah yes, my 5mo gets bored easily too!

So in addition to mat time, which you're already doing, we:

Go to baby classes - have a look what's on in your local area. Mine range from free story and rhyme time at the library to more expensive (but more sophisticated) baby sensory classes

Go to the library and take out new baby books each week to read at home

Meet friends - my baby loves interacting with other people, he really enjoys the reactions he gets from adults (smiling, cooing, etc)

Walk around the local parks

Walk around the supermarket - he's mesmerised by all the different colours on the shelves!

On weekends me and my partner take him for a walk to one of our local coffee shops

I tend to fit the activities above roughly around his nap schedule to make sure he's well rested.

Oh and without wanting to sound judgemental, cut out the TV. A 4mo does not need screen time.

Thanks for the tips and advice, all. I've made a note of a few. I've also
seen a couple of posts saying to cut the TV time and honestly, I do feel a little guilty. It's more of a 'morning pump' thing, as I express and need more mummy time first thing. But I'm with you.

I've put our names on a few waiting lists for local mummy baby classes (who knew you have to book these things so far in advance!) and we do like to get out and wak about. Today was a no no though, as weather is terrible. So I suppose being stuck in the house on a clingy day is what prompted this post.

Try your local churches and community centres they do groups for either free or £1, normally a drop in session so no need to book.

Also, soft play, whilst she's young they have baby sections, she'd enjoy the colours, playing with the balls etc.

Library's also do some baby groups.

Take her into her room with a couple of toys, even a change of scenery like that.

Mine also loved a walk round the shops as a baby.

Get a disco light off Amazon. My son absolutely loved this as baby and it entertained him for awhile watching it on the ceiling.