What to do with my 8 month old

[ARealFake]

I'm struggling with what to do with my 8 month old during the day, it's just us as her Dad is at work. I worry I'm not being a very good Mum and am not engaging her enough. She can't quite sit on her own yet so I sit with her in between my legs, let her reach and investigate her toys, we do tummy time - she's not crawling yet, and we read lots, but what do I do for the rest of the time? I take her on walks and swimming but not every day. It feels like our day to day is very samey and I worry she isn't being stimulated enough. I occasionally put tv on to occupy her when I'm doing jobs but then I feel guilty. I know it will be easier when she is a little more independent and can express more what she wants, how do I know if she is bored? First time Mum so it's all new!

TIA

feed the ducks ( peas, not bread!)
sing and dance
all the nursery rhymes
playdough, made of edible ingredients because it will end up in her mouth!
paddling pool - 100% supervised, obviously get in it with her
hose pipe, watering can, other water play
sand pit?
have you got a beach near by?
visit friends - even only adult friends, so she meets other people
baby groups- play groups, church groups, structured groups such as music and movement, or similar
swimming lessons? only for fun.
library - there might be baby sessions there, or just join up and visit on your own
get chatting to other baby mums at the local park?
play ground with toddler swings and slides,
go on a bus or train ride somewhere nearby
just popped in push chair and a walk through a park to the shops is good

Shes not bored, you would know if she was, she would cry

I have an almost 8 month old and she's just not a chilled baby at all. And she let's me know very clearly when she is bored (after about 2mins of independent play lol) so if your DD seems content I'd say she isn't bored.

PP gave great suggestions. I'd look at what she likes doing. My DD is currently loving textures/hitting things etc so I give her more opportunities to explore that kind of thing. We go for a walk once a day and I chat to her about what we see. We go swimming and a baby group once a week.

I agree this age is hard though, not mobile and can't communicate but wants to do stuff. I'm sure it's more boring for us than them!

Thank you both for the reply, some great suggestions 🤗 going to get a mini paddling pool for tomorrow, this heat is a lot! I know I should take her to some local groups, my own self consciousness is stopping me but I mustn't let it.

We've done some exploring of textures this afternoon and a walk round the house pointing at things, you're right it's probably much more boring for us, she seemed to enjoy it.

Thanks so much and sorry I'm not great at what to say in response but the replies really are helpful x

If she was unhappy you would know about it! So I would try not to worry!

I would see what playgroups etc are on around you. Mine both most enjoyed being out at groups. Or any play cafes nearby by any chance? Or baby cinema, that was my fave thing to do on both my mat leaves!

If your baby is quite chilled you could pop to a cafe for a cuppa etc maybe with a friend or relative for company. Just to get you both out.

Swings at the playground too. Or do something you want to do like shopping, museum, art gallery, library and just take them with you in a pram or baby carrier if they are a chilled enough baby.

What would you do on a normal day without children generally?
I spent most of the first year of my babies lives out on walks in the woods, to the beach, going shopping, visiting museums and zoos etc.

Hey! Get a baby carrier that is front facing. My 6 month old loves it 😎 she sits in it for hours as I walk/hike watching the world pass her by.