What is the best way to entertain a fussy 5 month old when you have to stay home all day everyday?

Answer 1

I like to take my 4 1/2 month old daughter outside. Even if it's just on our back porch, she likes the new smells and sounds and the flowers and birds.

She also likes if we sit and sing songs with actions (Itsy bitsy spider, Row row row your boat, etc).

Or if we practice her new skills - rolling over, sitting up, pulling up. I incorporate toys and lots of praise.

Can you go for walks around the block? Or to a mall just to walk around? Babies love to observe other people and walking around gives them the chance to see lots of people.

When I'm desperate, I can turn on the music channel (MuchMusic here in Canada) and dance with her to the music. She also loves 'So You Think You Can Dance' for this reason too.

Do you have any mom and baby groups in your area? The YWCA runs one in my area. My daughter loves going there and watching the older babies playing and she's even starting to like to play as well. They also do songs and activities, and it's a good way for you to meet other moms.

My daughter LOVES the water. She goes swimming at my parents house, but even when we can't get over there she likes to take baths to splash in. On non-bath days (she gets a real bath every other day), she likes to go in the tub without soap just to splash around and make a good clean mess.

And these are all FREE suggestions. There is a whole other world of possibilities if you can afford to pay for all the great toys they have out.

Answer 2

You have to stay home? Why? Are you saying your baby can't go outside?

A baby should get at least 15 minutes of undivided attention every hour. By this I mean, attention devoted to the baby's vocalizations, gestures, and objects the baby is interested in. As he/she gets older, this will include playing with their toys.

The best way to help any infant, of course, is to nurse the the baby, to provide human milk.

Second, hold the baby a lot. When holding the baby, walk around and talk to her/him about what you see. Chatter a lot, using long sentences. Instead of : "This is a box" you would say: 'This is blue wooden box used to hold books."

Show the child picture books and talk about the pictures. Sing to/with your baby.

If you actually can leave the house, get a sling and take a walk every day if the weather isn't brutal.

The thing a baby wants most in the whole world is its mommy, a loving, attentive, gentle mommy.

Answer 3

Toys that jingle but are safe for babies. Watching a 5 month old could be a tough job, since they aren't able to tell you what they want. And for a fussy baby it can be a hassle. So just try your best to calm them down or get them interested in something else. Babies like toys with colors, that jingle, and things that have different textures. Make sure that these things are made by a legitimate company that makes safe toys for babies and check for small pieces. One can never be too careful!

Babies also like shows that have babies in them, like Baby Einstein.

Talk to the child in a soothing voice as well, babies and small children respond better to that.

If the baby is just too fussy, try feeding and changing them. If the child continues to do this constantly, it may be a sign that he or she is uncomfortable (fever, sickness, gas, colic). If all attempts to calm the baby down fail it may be time to talk to the parents if babysitting. And if you are the parent you may want to ask your doctor. I babysat a baby that was fussy constantly and there ended up being a medical reason behind it.

best of luck!

Answer 4

Its tough going isn't it! I've been at home with my son who is now 9 months old from day one!

Does he like rattles? I assume he isn't sitting up yet but you can help him with a bumbo seat or something similar. I felt my son was frustrated at not being able to see what was going on so a seat really helped.

My son loved his door bouncer!! We had a play table with flashy music things that we would put infront of him and that always amused him.

What about a baby enstien dvd or something like that? The nice music and bright shapes and colours can grab their attention.

I think its a case of trial and error, just see what he enjoys!

Long walks with him in the pram used to work a treat too!

Good luck!

Answer 5

You didn't mention if your 5 month old was walking or still using a walker. I used to tie small toys from a string attached to the ceiling sort of a toy obsticle course and found that would keep them happy for a while.

Answer 6

A fish aquarium with *real* fish!!!!!!! The sound of the water and watching the fish will soothe about anyone especially a infant.

Take him outside, go for a walk. Sing to him while you are trying to chores or let him sit in the laundry basket on throw clothes or eat them. Buy lots of rattles and link toys for him to play with or hang from his pak-n-play.

My daughter loved me just holding her all the time even when I vacuumed!

Answer 7

ok this is going to sound terrible and i'm sure alot of people will have something to say about this...when i needed a break from my son: i would put him in his swing and let him watch TV. especially preschool shows b/c they have lots of color and high pitched. friendly voices. at least i could get the laundry done

Answer 8

Sorry you have to "stay home all day everyday". I'd give my left arm to be a stay at home mom.

Answer 9

-Do they still make those bouncy things, a seat attached to elastic bands you install in your door way? The child's feet are inches above the floor and they bounce their way to peace and quiet.

- Colorful mobiles.
-Classical music

Answer 10

you can try talking to him. not like a baby but actually talking to him or if you know another language you can speak to him in that language.Sometimes that can get him to be quiet it works on my three month old god son. who is with me all the time.