Entertaining a nine month old boy??????

Carol - posted on 01/30/2013

Wow, what did they do 50 + years ago. Pegs, paper, boxes, singing, pots, talking, clapping, outside watching the trees blow in the wind etc. etc. You don't need huge amounts of toys to entertain. My parents did not have access to such entertainment, we did not have a TV until I was eight. My husband was the same, he is a very intelligent physicist. I find it amazing that the young mothers of today seem to think just being a mum and human being is not enough. So much competition these days and guess what, the children are NOT smarter or more intelligent these days. I can't imagine a baby of 9 months being bored, no such thing. You just don't want to spend the time talking, playing and showing him things outside. Smell the roses, talk about the trees, beach, hills, colours, sky. Keep it simple and he will be smart.

Susan - posted on 02/01/2009

give him a change of scenery...take him outside to play in the grass...he can crawl around or practice his walking skills.

Sharon - posted on 02/01/2009

I also will load the laundry basket (it's see-through on the side) with his toys and he spends lots of time unloading them from the basket.

Sharon - posted on 02/01/2009

Sometimes I put my busy boy in his umbrella stroller and push him through the house - he loves it, particularly if I tell him stories about things in the house as we pass by - where we got this or that, what colour something is - it doesn't really matter, as long as he can hear my voice.

Go to the library on the weekend and get some new toys, books or music - you can actually sign out toys from the library. And then introduce new things during the week.

Buy a cheap set of plastic balls - these are hours of fun.

Cheerios are a constant source of snacks and fun at our house. Put a number of cheerios on his high chair tray while you cook a meal - it will keep him entertained as he feeds himself. Put some in a container and he will try to figure out how to get them out.

Noura - posted on 01/29/2009

I dont think the question was about whether babies should be entertained? I think this person is just in need of some fresh suggestions, just like most parents of babies that age. It's not a parenting philosophy thing. Just a practical day to day thing, IMO. Babies play alone, but not all the time. Plus, it's good to have ideas to know how to spark their curiosity as well.

Sheila - posted on 01/29/2009

If you spend your time constantly trying to entertain your baby, they will expect it and never be able to entertain themselves. Before I get crucified, I'm not saying you should never play with your baby. I just don't think a baby needs to be entertained.

Dawn - posted on 01/28/2009

o another idea i had...if you have a low cupboard that had plastic containers in it they love to pull stuff out. that's what my mom always did for the grandkids when they were at her house. when they are done you just pick them all back up. this helps if you need to be in the kitchen cooking or cleaning.

Noura - posted on 01/27/2009

I'm at that stage with my son too. It seems nothing is good enough at home. He gets bored of his toys and pretty much everything else even if I rotate his toys. We also sing/dance/roll around but once its done, he wants something new. So, we go out. I'd rather spend some money on outings every week instead of dealing with a whiny and bored baby, and a mom that's going crazy! Good luck :)

Layne - posted on 01/27/2009

Thank you so much for the great ideas...love the box idea!

Dawn - posted on 01/27/2009

when my daughter was that age we would put on kids song videos or the Wiggles. she loves music and dancing. also we had gotton a new high chair and saved the box and just cut off the flaps and let her crawl in it. that kept her entertained for hours!!! if this doesn't bother you another thing i would let her do is after i took laundry out of the dryer before i folded it i would let her pull all the clothes out and play in the basket and while she was in there i'd fold the clothes and put them away. also she loved to have me read to her. she had her favorites that we read over and over. i used to do funny voices and noises and eventually she would do them with me. i know it's tough when you have stuff to do to sit and entertain...but save these things for when he is content playing with his toys...and then clean fast!!!! lol.

Krystyl - posted on 01/27/2009

theres Baby software for comuters ... also, educational/ interactive videos that are usually available on VHS and DVD at ...my library anyways,.. I suppose It depends on where you live

Elisabeth - posted on 01/27/2009

you can always sing song that make him move. Play music and dance with him. My kids like watching the movie "Little Einsteins sign-language" we work on the movement. Play chasing games, go for walks or to the park. There are tons of things that you can do, you just need to find a few that he like and rotate them. My kids love anything with movement in them.