what do do all day???

Shannon - posted on 12/26/2008

I have a 4 month old... she gets really bored if we just sit around the house so I try to keep her on a schedule and get out during the day. She loves riding in the ergo or the jogger and going for a morning walk/jog. By the time we get back she is ready for a nap. Not sure where you live, but where we live there are tons of baby activities/classes... most libraries have a story time hour, the one here is focused on babies and they sing songs etc... she really likes it. There are other activities too, like music groups, swim classes etc... My best advice is to try to involve him in what you are doing, while you are doing the dishes or folding laundry, tell him what you are doing as you do it. Then try to take him on an outing even if its just around the block or to the market. I find I get more tired staying around the house all day so I try to spend at least a few hours out and about.

Erica - posted on 12/26/2008

I take my baby to Gymboree classes. They have classes from birth to 5 years. It's fun, and you can do the activities at home as well. I also invested in a jumper which keeps my baby occupied for about 15 minutes (long enough to switch the laundry!). I don't think that it matters that you have ADD because babies don't have a long attention span either. And remember, it's o.k. to let the baby play on the floor while you do something else for a little while.

Sam - posted on 12/23/2008

Don't forget that your baby grow through stages of emotions, too. I remember my daughter was at a period where she just want to be with me or her mom. Try to keep that in mind. And I agree with doing activities with the baby.

Chantelle - posted on 12/22/2008

get a kanga carrier and go for a walk, playgym for 30 min, cuddles and giggles for 30 min, long baths with toys, take him shopping in his stroller, play music, 15 min tummy time, bouncers etc, just make sure you get some adult time with hubby and friends often or you might go mad, best of luck, my aplogises for such abrupt conversation but have my 2 month old in the arms as he is a bit colicy. all the best

Katrina - posted on 12/22/2008

Stroller Rides!!! Great way to brun off that baby weight hanging on - and your baby needs tons of vitamin D - and the sun is the bet way to get it!

Becky - posted on 12/22/2008

in addition to the already good suggestions, I would say consider stroller rides (in the mall if weather doesn't permit). What are your interests? Are there ways you can incorporate your son into them? Go for a visit with a friend. Music? Sing with him or to him. HTH

Emily - posted on 12/22/2008

I agree with both of the previous posters. Get down on the floor with your baby and play little games. Now's a great time for pat-a-cake & stuff like that. Also, when you need to get work done, put baby in a sling, or wrap, or other baby carrier and take them with you. Babies love to be a part of things, especially when they get to be close to mom. :)

Terry - posted on 12/22/2008

Do you have a sling or other type of baby carrier? At that age, I just strapped my baby on and went about my business. She was happy to be on my level and seeing whatever I was doing (dishes, laundry, shopping) I think it helped her feel involved and I know it helped me stay sane. I also started taking her to the weekly baby time program at our public library, it was mostly music and she liked watching the other kids even though she was too young to actually participate at that age--check your local library or parks department for free kids' programs.

Nicole - posted on 12/21/2008

That's a pretty junky age. They can't really move and play so you are their play thing. Do you have a saucer chair? Those things are great for playing. I also would get on the floor with mine and eat his belly and toes and stuff. They love that stuff. Also, I would have him on my bed when I would fold laundry and just talk to him. Yeah, keeping him busy while you are busy is a real test for moms. Trust me, been there done that! I also got mine a mobile. Laying him in his crib and turning that thing on rocked!!! Plus it let me just sit and chill, but in your case with the ADD, it will let you just run around and do stuff. It will get better in a couple months.