You know what no one ever tells you when you're pregnant? How exactly you're supposed to keep a small child entertained for hours upon hours every single day. Sure, they nap and they eat, but after the first six weeks or so, they become a lot more like tiny humans. And humans need entertaining—just ask the creators of cable television and the internet.
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Babies need a bit of stimulation to grow and develop properly, and providing those things largely falls on parents. But honestly, once you settle into a routine, being home can get kind of boring for us parents too. Whether you're a full-time stay-at-home parent or a full-time working parent with just a few days or hours to fill, the prospect of spending 12 or so hours a day engaging your tiny companion can be overwhelming. So here are a few fun ideas to fill the time:
Read books throughout the day.
Babies absolutely love the sound of Mom's and Dad's voices. It's familiar and comforting, so most of the time they'll be happy to sit and listen to you read just about anything. With their colorful and graphic illustrations, board books are great for a wide age range of babies, from the youngest of infants to older toddlers.
Practice independent play.
Lay your baby down on the floor with a few toys–plush animals, teethers, blocks, stacking cups–and let her explore the different sounds, colors, and textures. This exercise is great for strengthening motor skills and teaching your child how to entertain herself. Plus, it usually buys me some time to wash dishes or throw in a load of laundry–time that will naturally increase as your child gets older if you make it a regular practice. Just make sure to check on your little one every few minutes.
Get baby outdoors.
Nature provides tons of exploration opportunities for babies. If you have a yard, go out as much as possible and make sure she enjoys the outdoor air, feels the grass, plays with water, etc. Or you can just sit out on the porch, your stoop, or the front door for a little while and talk to your baby about what he might be seeing and hearing. Older babies and toddlers will love to walk with you outside, even if it's just safely for a few blocks without a specific destination.
Tune into some educational TV.
I know this one is a little controversial, but sometimes mom needs to take a few minutes to veg on the sofa after hours of feeding, cleaning, rocking, reading, and playing. These days, there are lots of shows that have been specifically created to engage the littlest of minds. Most of these use animation filled with bright colors, patterns and simple motions. Shows like this are available on most streaming services.
Go for a walk with baby.
If you have some time during the day, get out of the house, put the baby in a stroller or a carrier, and head outdoors for a walk. The time outside will be good for you (not to mention, great exercise!), plus the baby will get stimulation from being outside, feeling the sun, and seeing everything around him.
Cook with your baby.
Since before he could pull himself up, my son has loved being in the kitchen with me while I prepare meals or bake up a treat. Younger babies can sit in an infant seat on the floor to watch you work, and tots who can stand, climb, and walk can get in on the action. I let my son pour and mix right along side me. Just be sure to teach him to stay away from knives and the stove!
