Running out things to do...help

Tricia - posted on 02/26/2010

I personally commit to get out of the house every day, even if it's just for a 15 minute stroll around the block or running over to the neighbor's house to borrow the proverbial cup of sugar. Also, I recommend hobbies. Take up sewing or baking or something. Good for your sanity, good for baby to see. Good times.

Laurel - posted on 02/06/2010

So since the advice I have found a mommy and music class and a group called stroller strides that meets up and works out with the children. I'm going to check those out this week and see which one I like or maybe do both. Thanks for the advice and support.

Marcy - posted on 02/05/2010

Laurel-
I would just do things for you. At this point she is just happy being in a sling and around you so take advantage of it. Trust me, in a few years she won't want to go sit at the coffee shop for 2 hours while you read or watch movies.....my son is 3 1/2 years old and he was as sling baby. I wish I had taken advantage of those days more....gone for longer walks, to the mall and walk around, the library...Now he has me chasing him all over the payground, can't stit still for more than 30 minutes and wants to constantly play...I LOVE IT, but boy am I tired :)

Amy - posted on 02/04/2010

Sine my son was six months old I have been taking him swimming at the recreation center, to library story times and various activites. Basically for my own sanity and to get out of the house. I also joined a playgroup on meetups.com. I would suggest getting out for some activites if you are bored.

Becky - posted on 02/01/2010

It sounds like you're doing an awesome job! You're providing her with lots of stimulation and learning opportunities already. It can be hard being at home with them all day, especially in the winter. I am a stay-at-home mom to 2 - a 5 month old and an almost 2 year old. It's easier with the 2 year old, because he is more interactive and can tell me what he wants to do now- and of course, he's able to do more, but I still find myself at a loss sometimes. And in winter when it's cold for days on end, sometimes we all start to go a little stir-crazy!

Remember that to her, everything is new, so pretty much anything you include her in will be interesting to her. So if it's something you enjoy, and not something that's totally inappropriate for a baby - like going to the bar, lol - go ahead and do it and take her with you! Take her shopping, go to museums, the library, indoor gardens - whatever you like to do. Put her in the sling facing outwards so she can people watch, point things out to her, and she'll likely have a great time.

I take my boys to a moms and tots group once a week and we were going to Parent Child Mother Goose - a playgroup type thing where we do songs and nursery rhymes. I tried Gymboree once with my oldest and it was a lot of fun, but unfortunately, pretty expensive if you're on a budget.

I have the opposite problem with chores - I feel guilty when I don't do any. Which is quite common. My oldest boy is quite demanding and very attached to mommy, and it makes it hard to get much done. I can never quite understand those moms who are able to keep an immaculate house when they have little ones at home!



Editted to add - I got a book called A Parent's Guide to Play, by Gymboree, that has a lot of great ideas for things you can do with them, broken down by ages. The Huggies website also has a section with a lot of activity ideas, and I'm sure if you googled, you could find other ideas online as well. Mine always like it when I dance with them! :)

Susan - posted on 02/01/2010

Are there any playgroups in your area? Some sort of community parenting centre? Libraries often have parent and tot activities. As well as pools and fitness facilities for things like mom and baby yoga. Oh please don't feel guilty about doing chores and such ( I know easier said than done!). Guilt is a mothers mantra, I think. :) My son is also a high needs baby, but if I had him in the sling while I did things around the house, and I talked to him about what I was doing, I found that that would give him lots of stimulation. I agree with you about TV, they don't need it. One of my favorite activities was to put on one of my favorite cd's and sing and dance with my baby. And its great exercise. Good luck and enjoy your daughter and try not to be too hard on yourself.