Some advice please !

[Busybird123]

Hi There ! So I am a new mom to a beautiful 12 week old boy :-) , I feel I am coming out of the newborn trenches but as the weeks are going on , I am struggling to fill the day with my baby as in I am not sure of a routine or what is advised to do with baby , activities etc ? Myself and my husband have always loved being outdoors in good weather, gardening, working about the house etc but I am now worrying what will be the best way to have our son outside with us as I dont feel I could cope being inside the house all Summer, and feel like I need to focus on life moving forward with baby - rather than confining myself to kitchen / living room with him - is a carrier the only option ? Any advice of day activities much appreciated xx

Congratulations! Your baby will love being outdoors with you, and the daylight and fresh air will be so good for their health. You definitely don't have to stay cooped up inside all day, far from it. The carrier is great for any 'off road' type of activities. Buggy is perfect for walks too. As baby gets older remember he'll be sitting up in the buggy and watching the world go by with you. If you go to parks bring a picnic blanket and have him down on the ground with you, and as it gets warmer/drier he'll love the sensory feel of the grass too. Bring his toys and get him doing his tummy time in the park/on the beach wherever you are. He can practice his sitting up too. This all probably feels like a million miles away with a 12 week old, but it doesn't be long until they're more mobile and exploring. Go to see the ducks, a visit to the farm.
At the moment his favourite thing to play with is you! Sing, read, dance, listen to or play music, talk as much as humanly possible.. narrate whatever you're doing. Feels silly at first but it's the best thing you can do for his language and development. Can do all of these things outside of the house too. Bring him everywhere with that is feasible. Babies will always get some stimulation even from the mundane things like the grocery shop- so much to look at! Look at local groups too any sensory or music classes, playgroups etc. There's lots to do to get you out and about and it's so good for your mental health too😊