I feel really guilty bringing this up, but the weather where I live is terrible right now, and I’m stuck at home alone with my 9-week-old. I tried to go for a walk today, but for the brief moment it wasn’t pouring, the wind almost blew the stroller away. Everything feels dark and dreary, and since I already struggle with seasonal affective disorder after moving from a sunny place to Northern Europe, it’s tough to focus all my attention on her when we’re cooped up inside. I just want to watch a silly TV show on the couch with her, but I know that’s not great for her development. I feel like a bad parent not giving her 100% of my attention. I look forward to breastfeeding and changing diapers because at least I can interact with her during those moments. What do you guys do to keep your babies entertained and help with their development? I’ve done tummy time so many times, but I need new ideas as I’m feeling overwhelmed and the naps are getting shorter.
You should absolutely enjoy watching your shows. Your baby is still so young and just wants to be close to you and hear your voice. Share the plot with her, ask her opinions on the contestants, or share fun theories.
I have a 13-week-old and last month, I spent a lot of time knitting with my baby in my lap. She enjoys listening to me talk, so I often call friends and family while making silly faces at her. We even visit the library where she can look at my books, and I read aloud to her. We go for coffee, and she loves watching the people around us.
Really, I just do what I enjoy but at her pace. There’s plenty of time for typical baby activities later on, so for now, we’re enjoying reading my gardening books, visiting cafes, and exploring together. Everything is new for her, and there’s no rule saying that fun activities aren’t as enriching as baby toys.
@Whitney
I wish I had your energy and brainpower! I love how you keep doing what brings you joy!
Luca said:
@Whitney
I wish I had your energy and brainpower! I love how you keep doing what brings you joy!
It helps that my hobbies work well with having a baby around. If I wanted to do something hectic like going to a concert, it would be a different story, but I’m more of a relaxed type. Carrying on with my usual routine is easier than trying to create elaborate learning experiences for her right now.
@Whitney
Got it—baby-friendly hobbies are the way to go! making notes
@Whitney
You’re my inspiration.
@Whitney
I’m so envious! I hope to be there soon! I’d love to cross-stitch while holding my baby, but at 10 weeks old, he’s always wiggling and turning his head.
Sam said:
@Whitney
I’m so envious! I hope to be there soon! I’d love to cross-stitch while holding my baby, but at 10 weeks old, he’s always wiggling and turning his head.
I sit cross-legged with the baby propped in my lap; her head fits nicely in the inside of my knee!
@Whitney
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
@Whitney
You’re so right! My baby is almost 10 months old now, and I miss those early days of cuddles and taking things slow! He’s so active now, which is wonderful, and I’m grateful for his growth. But I long for those days when I could do my own thing with him alongside me. As you said, there’s plenty of time for traditional baby stuff later!
At 9 weeks, your main focus should just be on surviving. Is your baby fed, clean, loved, and getting attention? If so, you’re doing great.
If you’re looking for things to do, I started narrating my day to my baby around 2 months. Just explaining what I’m doing or commenting on my shows, and whenever she’s fussy, I take her on a little tour around the house to show her the different rooms.
@Pax
I also do that! Every week feels like she’s seeing everything for the first time; we love those room-to-room narrated tours. Babies definitely benefit from that kind of repetition.
I felt the same way. At 8 weeks, my little one started wanting to discover everything. I started using chatgpt for ideas. Here are a few things you can try:
- Let your baby explore textures like mats and different toys.
- Use the Fisher Price Kick N Play piano.
- Talk and interact with your baby.
- Play some music together.
- Try the airplane game.
- Walk around your apartment.
- Do some light exercises like leg kicks and sit-ups.
- Bounce and jump together.
- Explore sounds like shaking boxes of pasta.
- Read out loud to your baby.
- Let your baby play with toys.
- Give independent playtime in the crib after naps.
- Have a bath together.
- Do a little massage.
- Spend time with mirrors.
- Make silly faces while you do yoga.
- Let your baby chill in the crib with some toys while you do chores.
- Use a baby carrier while doing housework.
- Dramatically eat in front of your baby, narrating what you eat.
- Sing nursery rhymes and use your baby as a puppet to act them out.
- Watch a short TV show when you can.
- Talk on the phone with someone.
- Stand by the window to point out cars or neighbors.
@Shan
My baby and I also enjoy spying on neighbors early in the morning—it’s become a regular activity!
@Shan
When my little one gets fussy, I also stand at the window pointing out cars and pedestrians. She seems to love it as it distracts her!
@Shan
These ideas are fantastic! By the way, there’s a podcast called Baby Wordplay that’s made for babies, not about them.
Here are a few low-key ideas:
- Play gym—lay the baby down and let them explore the toys.
- Shadow puppet show with your hands using a flashlight.
- Light show with inexpensive projectors.
- Bubbles—easy with a bubble machine; just turn it on.
- Reading—read your books out loud since they enjoy your voice. As they grow, picture books can get them excited, too.
- Music and singing—play music with some actions or dance around a bit.
Just go ahead and watch your shows!
I feel the best thing for babies is to be part of your life. My 16-week-old finds it fascinating to watch me eat, and I love telling her about the food’s flavors.
I enjoy taking baths, so my baby and I share bath time every other day.
If the weather is bad, you can walk in malls—just window shop and enjoy some time outside.
TV isn’t harmful for now, as long as she doesn’t focus on it. You could also watch something on your phone so you can avoid showing her the screen.
Enjoy your shows!