What is a typical day with a 4 month old?

[Lateasusual]

Being a new first time mum with very little experience of other babies I just wondered what other people typically do during a day. There are some days when I get out to baby and toddler groups but if there's nothing going on I end up feeling quite isolated. Also I have quite a grumpy baby who can't keep himself entertained for long but who also isn't that impressed by me trying to play with him either. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Hi have a baby the same age. We spend a lot of time on walks where he looks around or sleeps. He likes it when I talk to him so I read him stories even though he hasn't got a clue what I'm on about. And he likes wriggling around on the floor with just a nappy (and the heating!) on. Walks are the best though because I too get cabin fever if I'm inside a lot. My baby can't entertain himself either - to be fair he's only just noticed he's got hands and they can hold things

Baby gym! And read a book! When he's older you'll think longingly about all this time you had to yourself without someone hanging on to you demanding your attention.

Things like Gymboree, Tumble tots, baby massage etc (i.e.not just sitting around in a M&T group).

Walking is the best thing - you really have to get yourself out of the house. It's not my thing but round my way there's a few "get yourself back in shape with your baby" groups - they push the buggies in the park to get fit.

I found that it really helps to go out for a decent walk every day and if at all possible try to get a structure to your week so the days don't just all merge into a blur. Like a M&T group one morning, swimming with dd the next day etc. I also find doing my food shopping locally and going into different shops (rather than a sweep of the supermarket) can be quite sociable as you get to see more people and dd seems more interested. Do you have surestart around or how about contacting your HV about baby massage groups?

When they're so young, it's such a magical time.
at 4 months, I always went out with my dd everyday to do some kind of activity in the morning where she would become fascinated by the older children. (we still do this.)
when there was nothing on, I used to give her a massage, sing to her, read her a book, sit her in front of a mirror.
one of her favourite activities was to watch me wash up (i made it really 'exciting' by exagerating all my moves and making as much noise as possible with pots and pans) or to watch me do some yoga stretches. She also loved tummy time, especially when I put her favourite book in front of her, adn she would gaze at the book for ages.
Really miss this time ...

1 Get a routine, otherwise you will just drift through the days and that can be quite depressing.

2 Walking with the pushchair will give you both something to look at and a bit of exercise for you.

3 Can you join a gym with a creche? I found that a lifesaver when I was at your stage -some time just for you and some exercise.

I had to get out of the house every day when DS was this age, otherwise I felt lonely (I can admit that now...)

But I did spend a lot of time with friends with babies of similar age (some I had known before, some new) just sitting about drinking tea and eating biscuits, babies in arms, chatting about everything - a really lovely relaxed time in my life. NCT do 'Open Houses' round here, just informal groups organised by parents, you don't have to be a member. Baby massage at clinic was good at this age too (before DS got old enough to wriggle away!)

DS is now nearly 20 months old, and it's a lot less quiet

Feeding, sleeping, feeding, sleeping, possibly attempting to eat something myself and do some of the mountain of washing, feeding and feeding and walking a lot.I was hopeless with both of them at going to any groups, i was too self conscious. but i think its a good idea if you are feeling isolated to get out and see some people or you become scared of it.

Walking, walking, walking. Did me and ds the power of good when he was that age.

Walking in pram or in front facing baby carrier thingy.

DS is just coming up to 4 months old now -

you want to know what our day is like?

7am wake up
7:30am feed
8-9am playing, tummy time, attempting to find time for toast (me)
9-10am - nap time
10-12am - playing/feeding/changing into day clothes, top and tail.. in whatever order he deems fit
12-1:30 - nap time (2 hours if I'm very VERY lucky!!)
1:30-2pm feed

Routine kind of goes to hell after 2pm... he has a short nap sometime in the afternoon, and another feed - fit in a walk if you can - I have been slacking off and not getting out of the house for the last couple of weeks and I feel like absolute hell as a result. It'll tire your DC out too.

5-7pm - desperately trying to keep DS awake, bath most nights at about 6pm, feed around 6:30, then bed

7pm - large glass of wine.

Sorry if that was dull... and don't worry - DS got himself into that routine, I didn't force him.

I'm with squeaver and MaeWest. Small babies are lovely but quite boring! I'd make the most of doing things you want to do - going for a mooch around the shops and stopping for a coffee when baby needs a feed, meeting working friends on their lunch breaks, going for long walks... There are also activities you can do where you'll meet other mums. It's great to get out and chat to other people, and at 4 months, your baby is so portable. Even now I make sure we get out of the house pretty much every day.

Can you tell I'm a bit ?! I have a toddler as well as a 5.5mo, so I have to go to toddlers groups. Also, he's at an age where we have to come home, or be on a long journey in the car for him to have his nap.

I agree with phlossie, do things for yourself during this stage and DS will just fit in. It wont be this boring this time next year

I agree with phlossie, do things for yourself during this stage and DS will just fit in. It wont be this boring this time next year