Playing with a 7 month old

[KarinG]

i try and get out and about every day, but i feel like i am running out of things to do at home with my DD who is almost 7 months old. She has lots of toys but she is growing out of them (looking forward to xmas pressies from the relatives!). I leave her to play by herself and also read to her, do the whole singing/noises/conversation thing with her and also play with her (this involves shaking toys at her mostly and making animal noises). But, is there something else i could be doing to keep her amused? Or am i doing enough? Somedays it gets to about 4pm i just want to watch TV which makes me feel guilty...
Any one got any good ideas of free toys from around the house (we have a small tupperware box with lentils in which DD seems to enjoy)? or cool activities that a 7 month old would appreciate??

I get the plastic spatulars out and wooden spoons, and we have these stainless steel mixing bowls that are highly reflective, and also make cool noises when bashed with the wooden spoons.

Totally understand how hard it can be, the playing. You could also play some christmas songs on the internet and have a silly dance around (obviously, do not do this in the half hour before nap-time!)

thanks, they are good suggestions! I dont feel christmassy at all, so i think i will definatly try the xmas songs one today!

rhymes and songs? If you don't know any, there are normally free or cheap music groups out there. Our local library runs one. DS and I normally sing a few songs every day, and at 11mo he's starting to pick up actions to go with them. I needed the music groups to learn most of the songs though!

DS has always loved anything musical. I play one of his instruments (xylophone, tambourine, maracca) and he'll pick up another one and shake along. I try to do it in time to some music too, to make it all more fun!

I know I found this stage really hard - they're interested in stuff but not mobile. Don't feel guilty about wanting to watch TV. I get to about 3.30pm and look forward to bedtime.

Agree about music, rhymes and stories.

You sound like you are doing plenty to me. I definitely wouldn't feel guilty about watching a bit of telly/ reading a book/ doing something you want to do. If your baby is happy to entertain herself and let you get on with things then make the most of it! If you had older children you wouldn't be devoting yourself 100% to entertaining your dd and you wouldn't be feeling guilty about it!

Karin - are you at home all day? When I was a FT SAHM (now work a couple of hours a day which breaks up the day nicely!) I used to go to every baby group going. DS was entertained by the new toys / other babies and I got some time for a chat.

Now if DH hadn't started actually napping like he's supposed to (sometimes) I'd be at baby bistro this morning. I'm hoping he'll wake up in time to at least let us pop in!

9-10 months old - love playing with playing cards. (I mean the cards themselves, rather than card games - she's still a bit young for Texas hold 'em, though God knows I've tried ...)

Thanks everyone. I am at home full time at the moment although i'll be going back to work part time next march (). I go to a few baby groups and meet up with friends. i am just being paranoid that i'm not playing with DD enough or being interesting enough for her! On reflection i think that i am, but you've all come up with good ideas for me to try and i dont feel too guilty anymore!! I'm glad i'm not the only one who looks forward to the little one's bedtime!