Babysitting 4 1/2 mo old niece this weekend, fun activities?

Question

My boyfriend and I are babysitting my 4 1/2 month old niece this whole weekend. It is supposed to be nice weather and we will have the stroller....so I know walks would be good and showing her things outside, but what other activities are fun for them at that age?
Trying to choose my words very carefully...she does not do many activities on a daily basis at home, is mostly put in her baby seat. I have noticed other times when I babysit she seems to be overstimulated and get fussy since she is not used to recieving as much attention as she gets with us. I don't want a fussy baby all weekend, but want to teach her things, show her things, and let her have fun......any ideas??


Im so excited to be able to spend time with her and want to make this an enjoyable 'vacation' for her, I appreciate everyones help!

thanks for such quick responses....part of the problem is that I wasnt given a schedual....I asked and was told she is not on one. We do have her quite frequently, so I know her tendencies fairly well, just havnt had her for so long at once before. I know she can't sit up and do much yet....however I was concerned she is spending too much time in a baby seat and would benefit from some other activities...


thanks again! I enjoy reading everyones idea's, I love having her, I can't wait to have one of my own

Answer 1

really not a whole lot you can do at this age. Strolling is good, they love it. Otherwise just hold her alot and give plenty attention. AND, keep her full, clean (diapers), and well napped.

Answer 2

You are right, babies this age with new faces and new routines can get overstimulated quite easily, however, being left in a baby seat most of the day is not all that babies this age need either.
It is a fine line between over stimulation and under stimulation, and you need to read the baby's cues to let you know how they are responding.
A walk in the stroller in the fresh air almost always helps if the baby does get overstimulated. Also, if she likes baths (most babies do at this age), give her a warm bath to calm and soothe her. Be prepared for some fussiness, as she will be missing Mom.
Remember to cuddle and touch her and be close - contact is also very soothing.
She is too young for an exersaucer and too young for finger foods. (These things are great for when she reaches over 6 months).
A lot of a baby's time at this age is spent discovering fingers, toes, and observing their world.
Hanging toys are great for reaching and hitting, babies this age really enjoy some time with these types of toys. Reading is great, but don't expect too long of an attention span. Songs that have movement also are captivating (itsy bitsy spider, old MacDonald, wheels on a bus, etc). Also music of all types (except really jarring hard rock, etc) is a great way to entertain and occupy a baby.
Make sure her Mom gives you a schedule to follow (I'm quite sure she will!). Babies love routines, and need to be feed and changed quite often, and at this age nap quite often too. I don't know if she sleeps through the night yet, but be prepared for night wakings too.
Just follow her cues and you should have a great experience. Good Luck!

Answer 3

My 4 1/2 month old little girl is fascinated by fish tanks...my husband works for a credit union that has a huge fish tank in the lobby and she will stare at the thing the whole time we are there. She is also fascinated by watching older kids play...I have an in-home daycare and a 4 year old son and she LOVES to lay on the floor and watch them. We also have a baby Einstein puppet (the dragon one) and she really likes it when we play with that with her, she "talks" back and then tries to eat him LOL. Since your niece doesn't spend much time out of the bouncy seat you may try encouraging her to play on the floor by laying her on her back or tummy (some don't enjoy tummy time) then put out a couple toys for her to try to reach for. Another game I like to play with my little girl is the "So Big!" game. have her sit in your lap and very gently help her to stand with arms raised above her head, and as you are raising them ask, "How big is baby? SOOOOO BIG YEAAA!!!"

Just be sure to keep the play sessions short tune in to her clues that she is getting overstimulated or tired...sounds like you are doing a great job that already :) HAVE FUN!!

Answer 4

you're probably best to stick to her schedule. don't expect her to 'do' too much, but you can talk or sing to her while she's in her infant seat. She may also have fun with a baby gym, a contraption that they lay under and it has toys hanging that she can look at and try to touch. I think that babies enjoy being in the middle of whatever is going on and watching the big people around them. Remember, this is all a new experience to her and as such she is taking it in and learning just by observation.

Answer 5

Good advice from the others and you said it yourself. She gets overstimulated and fussy. You can't pack a weekend full of educational and fun activities for a 4 month old. Just chill and let her be your guide as to how much fun she can handle, otherwise she will be fussy and probably won't nap or sleep very well.

Answer 6

Umm she's 4 1/2 months old, not 4 1/2 yrs old. Relax with her. She tires easily. It's ok for her to sit in her baby seat if she is content and happy. The point is to relax and enjoy each other. Sit on the floor with her and play with a stuffed animal together. Watch her learn what she can do as she getting some tummy time. I know you are so eager to share your world with her and that's great... just slow it down to her pace.

Answer 7

I have a 4 and a half month old as well. He loves to be outside, loves walks in his stroller, loves to be read to, etc. I took him to the pool for the first time this past weekend, he loved that as well. He likes baths, likes to watch tv, likes toys that light up and play music, and he likes toys that move and wiggle. He likes rattles a lot. There are plenty of options. If she gets fussy, try a nap and try rocking her. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 8

I have a 3 month old and she loves to lay on the floor and play with her play mat and she also loves us to talk to her. she will do that for about 45 minutes then she wants to do something else. They also love to play peek a boo, so big, and pat a cake. You can also read her books they love to look at the pictures but make sure the pictures are bright and colorful. My baby also likes her jumparoo and her bouncer. Oh yeah sing to her. Make sure she stays dry and full and gets plenty of rest to.

Answer 9

Not able to do alot - as such a young age. Enjoy taking her out in the fresh air - talking to - singing to - just having her with you is wonderful. Also cuddles are so important, - for her as much as for you - ENJOY.

Answer 10

She is unable to do and/or enjoy a lot of things at such a young age. However, she'd probably enjoy just being held, being sang to or read to. You could dance while holding her as well, they seem to love that....