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rbaby · Jul 2nd, 2009, 12:57 PM

I am a first-time mom and my son is 9 weeks old. I am currently a SAHM, and I am running out of things to do with him during the day. I feel as if I am not doing enough to stimulate him. We are the most active first thing in the morning-- I get him changed/dressed and wash his face then we have tummy time for about 15 minutes and then spend about 45 minutes playing with rattles and things on his play mat. After that he takes a nap for about 2 hours. By this time I am usually dressed and ready to go out. One problem is that he falls asleep in the stroller and/or the car. So if I take him out for a walk or to go shopping, he is usually sleeping the whole time.

Our night time schedule is working well for us. DH and I give him a bath at 8:00 and then get him dressed for bed. We read a story or two and then we try to put him down for the night.

Any suggestions on things to do with him during the day that will keep him awake, playful, and happy? I am worried that he is sleeping too much or maybe he just finds me boring! TIA

Korilynn · Jul 2nd, 2009, 01:06 PM

He's not sleeping too much at all!! He will become more alert and stay awake for longer periods in a few weeks. By 4 months you'll be wishing he would sleep more!
It sounds like you are doing everything right! Tummy time is important...but my pedi said 15 mins twice a day was more than enough. Don't worry that he is bored- just watching you and talking to you is really all the entertainment he needs right now. They sleep a LOT in the first few months!

Sternchen · Jul 2nd, 2009, 01:48 PM

Sounds like what my kids did when they were 9 weeks old!

This time is about 3 things: eating, sleeping, pooping

You're doing good! Like Kori said, don't worry about "boring" him. You're not!! He's learning all about the new world around him - that's interesting enough!

ilovepinkhearts · Jul 2nd, 2009, 03:19 PM

right now he is growing so quickly that he needs a lot of sleep. so like sterchen said... it's all about eating, sleeping and pooping. you are doing a great job!
too much stimulation for a baby may not be a great idea...there is too much going on and they can't comprehend it and thus they will get frustrated and then get fussy. it can also cause gas.

metroelle · Jul 2nd, 2009, 04:11 PM

haha yes, eating, sleeping, and pooping are pretty much all they do... don't worry, in a few weeks, he'll start being more curious about his environment and a couple of weeks after that, you'll remember his old napping schedule fondly

at that age, all we did for playtime was me getting on the floor at eye-level and playing with him during tummytime and walking around the house and maybe some staring at the mirror.

ChristyR143 · Jul 2nd, 2009, 04:42 PM

No, he's not getting bored with you, LOL! Babies need lots and lots of sleep because they are growing. Just enjoy it while you can!

AuthenticLux · Jul 2nd, 2009, 08:59 PM

Don't worry, you're doing GREAT! Sleep is sooooo important for babies and children, especially now. So, nope, not bored, just growing! :)

rbaby · Jul 4th, 2009, 11:20 AM

Thanks for your responses and kind words. I guess I expected to be able to do more with him, especially now that I am at home all day.

Has anyone tried minipulating their baby's schedule? Like do you wake them up from a nap after a certain time, or feed them at a certain time even if they are not making feeding cues? I've heard from some people that doing this can help get them into a set routine and schedule.

ilovepinkhearts · Jul 4th, 2009, 12:20 PM

right now it's more about what they need and it may not always be at the same time. once the baby is older a schedule will be easier to set up. at such a young age they just need to know that you will be there when they cry and that they are fed and dry and safe.

BAGLADY-SHOEFLY · Jul 4th, 2009, 12:30 PM

remember that newborn is a brand new life, they need rest it is important! all you need to do is focus on his schedule. His level of alertness will tell you when is best for stimulation such as baby einstein or story time or singing to him etc.. and when it is best to just rock and sooth and be calm. At first you feel like you are not doing enough, but remind yourself there is such a thing as too much. Read his signals, wide eyes, cooing, hand gestures, this is the best time for stimulation, and use of puppets is fantastic for story telling, even just silly stories you make uo as you go.

bohohobo · Jul 4th, 2009, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by rbaby

I am a first-time mom and my son is 9 weeks old. I am currently a SAHM, and I am running out of things to do with him during the day. I feel as if I am not doing enough to stimulate him. We are the most active first thing in the morning-- I get him changed/dressed and wash his face then we have tummy time for about 15 minutes and then spend about 45 minutes playing with rattles and things on his play mat. After that he takes a nap for about 2 hours. By this time I am usually dressed and ready to go out. One problem is that he falls asleep in the stroller and/or the car. So if I take him out for a walk or to go shopping, he is usually sleeping the whole time.

What's wrong with that you want him to be screaming like many babies in stores do???

If he's sleepy let him sleep, won't do him harm he's still so young.
If he's restless then you can trying getting him to watch educational videos (if you are ok with letting children watch tv some mothers aren't) from yourbabycanread.com This entertains my baby for long time, best when I need to do housework or cooking can't carry him around.

TravelBug · Jul 5th, 2009, 02:18 AM

I wish my L.O would sleep like yours! Enjoy the quiet time when he is sleeping. Your L.O. is still very very young, when he is a couple months older you can put him in a Jumperoo or exercaucer where he can play with toys with different shapes and colors. Take him out for a walk in the morning, they enjoy the fresh air and the different colors, sounds and shapes.

There are Gymboree books on games you can play at different ages.

http://www.amazon.com/Gymboree-Play-...6774601&sr=1-1

flower71 · Jul 5th, 2009, 10:15 AM

"This time is about 3 things: eating, sleeping, pooping ":I guess Sterchen couldn't have said it better!
You'll be getting less sleep from him in a few months, not to worry.

Jul 2nd, 2009, 12:57 PM	#1
rbaby OP Insufficient Funds Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Asking for a credit increase Posts: 849	Help With Infant Schedule I am a first-time mom and my son is 9 weeks old. I am currently a SAHM, and I am running out of things to do with him during the day. I feel as if I am not doing enough to stimulate him. We are the most active first thing in the morning-- I get him changed/dressed and wash his face then we have tummy time for about 15 minutes and then spend about 45 minutes playing with rattles and things on his play mat. After that he takes a nap for about 2 hours. By this time I am usually dressed and ready to go out. One problem is that he falls asleep in the stroller and/or the car. So if I take him out for a walk or to go shopping, he is usually sleeping the whole time. Our night time schedule is working well for us. DH and I give him a bath at 8:00 and then get him dressed for bed. We read a story or two and then we try to put him down for the night. Any suggestions on things to do with him during the day that will keep him awake, playful, and happy? I am worried that he is sleeping too much or maybe he just finds me boring! TIA
	__________________

Jul 2nd, 2009, 01:06 PM	#2
Korilynn My little princess Joined: Oct 2007 Location: UK, But from FL,USA Posts: 1,264	He's not sleeping too much at all!! He will become more alert and stay awake for longer periods in a few weeks. By 4 months you'll be wishing he would sleep more! It sounds like you are doing everything right! Tummy time is important...but my pedi said 15 mins twice a day was more than enough. Don't worry that he is bored- just watching you and talking to you is really all the entertainment he needs right now. They sleep a LOT in the first few months!
	__________________

Jul 2nd, 2009, 01:48 PM	#3
Sternchen Proud mama of 3! Joined: May 2006 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 13,940	Sounds like what my kids did when they were 9 weeks old! This time is about 3 things: eating, sleeping, pooping You're doing good! Like Kori said, don't worry about "boring" him. You're not!! He's learning all about the new world around him - that's interesting enough!
	__________________ Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl this year and have worked very hard for my family, my school and my job. This year I would like to wish for only one thing: THE CUPCAKE CAR!!! Please and thank you. Love, Melanie

Jul 2nd, 2009, 03:19 PM	#4
ilovepinkhearts team edward. always. Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 4,390	right now he is growing so quickly that he needs a lot of sleep. so like sterchen said... it's all about eating, sleeping and pooping. you are doing a great job! too much stimulation for a baby may not be a great idea...there is too much going on and they can't comprehend it and thus they will get frustrated and then get fussy. it can also cause gas.
	__________________ Please educate yourself about pancreatic cancer, and then share that knowledge with a loved one. http://www.pancan.org i will lose the weight...1 lb at a time!! i CAN do it! i'm not sure how many lbs to go - skinny jeans here i come!! Last edited by ilovepinkhearts; Jul 2nd, 2009 at 03:26 PM.

Jul 2nd, 2009, 04:11 PM	#5
metroelle Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: the city Posts: 164	haha yes, eating, sleeping, and pooping are pretty much all they do... don't worry, in a few weeks, he'll start being more curious about his environment and a couple of weeks after that, you'll remember his old napping schedule fondly at that age, all we did for playtime was me getting on the floor at eye-level and playing with him during tummytime and walking around the house and maybe some staring at the mirror.
	__________________

Jul 2nd, 2009, 04:42 PM	#6
ChristyR143 Just me... Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 4,103	No, he's not getting bored with you, LOL! Babies need lots and lots of sleep because they are growing. Just enjoy it while you can!
	__________________

Jul 2nd, 2009, 08:59 PM	#7
AuthenticLux B is for Barenia Joined: Feb 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,307	Don't worry, you're doing GREAT! Sleep is sooooo important for babies and children, especially now. So, nope, not bored, just growing! :)
	__________________

Jul 4th, 2009, 11:20 AM	#8
rbaby OP Insufficient Funds Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Asking for a credit increase Posts: 849	Thanks for your responses and kind words. I guess I expected to be able to do more with him, especially now that I am at home all day. Has anyone tried minipulating their baby's schedule? Like do you wake them up from a nap after a certain time, or feed them at a certain time even if they are not making feeding cues? I've heard from some people that doing this can help get them into a set routine and schedule.
	__________________

Jul 4th, 2009, 12:20 PM	#9
ilovepinkhearts team edward. always. Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 4,390	right now it's more about what they need and it may not always be at the same time. once the baby is older a schedule will be easier to set up. at such a young age they just need to know that you will be there when they cry and that they are fed and dry and safe.
	__________________ Please educate yourself about pancreatic cancer, and then share that knowledge with a loved one. http://www.pancan.org i will lose the weight...1 lb at a time!! i CAN do it! i'm not sure how many lbs to go - skinny jeans here i come!!

Jul 4th, 2009, 12:30 PM	#10
BAGLADY-SHOEFLY What a smile! Joined: Mar 2009 Location: where ever the sales are Posts: 284	remember that newborn is a brand new life, they need rest it is important! all you need to do is focus on his schedule. His level of alertness will tell you when is best for stimulation such as baby einstein or story time or singing to him etc.. and when it is best to just rock and sooth and be calm. At first you feel like you are not doing enough, but remind yourself there is such a thing as too much. Read his signals, wide eyes, cooing, hand gestures, this is the best time for stimulation, and use of puppets is fantastic for story telling, even just silly stories you make uo as you go.

Jul 5th, 2009, 02:18 AM	#12
TravelBug What R U Lookin' At? Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,954	I wish my L.O would sleep like yours! Enjoy the quiet time when he is sleeping. Your L.O. is still very very young, when he is a couple months older you can put him in a Jumperoo or exercaucer where he can play with toys with different shapes and colors. Take him out for a walk in the morning, they enjoy the fresh air and the different colors, sounds and shapes. There are Gymboree books on games you can play at different ages. http://www.amazon.com/Gymboree-Play-...6774601&sr=1-1

Jul 5th, 2009, 10:15 AM	#13
flower71 flower71 Joined: Nov 2007 Location: FRANCE Posts: 1,350	"This time is about 3 things: eating, sleeping, pooping ":I guess Sterchen couldn't have said it better! You'll be getting less sleep from him in a few months, not to worry.

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