How can I entertain my 3 1/2 month old?

Question

My 3 1/2 month old seems to be getting fussy due to boredom. She doesn't seem interested in toys that I give her while holding her. She doesn't like her bouncy seat or swing. If I put her down she screams even more. I have her in day care from 5:45 am until 4 pm, so it seems like all I have is fussy time with her. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I am figuring out the same thing - I have a 3 1/2 month old and am trying to figure out what keeps him amused also. I truly believe it's too early to really "spoil" them with attention at this point. They are young and learning trust and they really do get a feeling of wanting mommy at this point. Alot of people have said sing to her - I agree. My son LOVES being sung to - especially if I do things like sing row row row your boat and move his hands like he's rowing. He gets a real kick out of that! Also, I have put on Baby Einstein video and while he doesn't sit for hours and watch it, he is very amused by it for a while with all the music and lights and movement. You can also check out babytalk.com - they have a lot of age appropriate suggestions. Good luck and hope this has helped!

Answer 2

Get a sling or a wrap? That way you can carry him with you while you do all of the stuff around the house you have to do. Or, wait until nap time? Or, realize he's a baby and that most 10 year olds still need to change up what they're doing every 5-10 minutes to stay focused? What happens if you go back to him every 10 minutes or so and swap out a couple of the toys he's playing with? I know he's little and just barely understanding about toys, but it might be worth a shot. Or, maybe you could try finding some music that he seems to be interested in, and let that play while you... what is it you're doing? Another idea could be to move his... heck, you pick: bouncy seat, portable swing, play mat... with you into the room you're working in so that you can turn to him every few minutes and smile etc. You could even spend the entire time talking to him about what you're doing. Another idea could be to learn how to get "anything" done in 15 minute increments. I'm not sure what it is you're needing to get done (housework, shower...?), but you can get pretty good at doing it all in 15 minute chunks.

Answer 3

That is a long day for a 3 and a half month old... do you have any relatives close by that could watch her instead? maybe shes not getting what she needs at the center... i dont know
you can try singing and dancing with her.... too much time in the swing or bouncy seat isnt good for her... she needs to be held... enjoy it while it lasts..
If she is formula fed, maybe something isnt agreeing with her.
. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 4

Your baby is not bored. She's afraid. She's in daycare all day. People come and go, they move about over and above her and then leave, and there's no stability in her life. She's only been on the planet for 3.5 months, but she has nobody who is there just for her.

Show her you're there. No toys, no distractions. Just mommy face time. She needs snuggles, songs, warmth. You have a very short time together as Mommy and Baby: make the most of it. Show her that she can count on you to be there for her.

Answer 5

well first of all you need to spend more time with her ask your boss too have a day off every week and if you have too ask him too go too work a little later at nine or so back too the question on any time off take her somewhere to see things like a zoo or something after that she saw those things try too find a toy at the gift shop and she will reconize what she saw or find toys that make noise or can teach her something dont wory she will like it i am a doctor i know these things

Dr. Hickman

Answer 6

Check out this similar question
OMG I totally missed the part about the daycare. I completely agree with KD. Hold her, stare at her, smile at her, sing to her, and do as many rituals as you can, like always sing the same song when you change her diaper, always do the same dance when you feed her. I used to walk around the house with her, pointing her hand at things and saying the name of it. She especially loved it when we passed the mirror and I said her name and mine! You must be exhausted, being at work so long every day and then coming home to someone who needs you and wants you so much. Hang in there!

Answer 7

Babies have not developed a certain brain function called Object Permanence which means that when you hide your face with the blankie you have completely disappeared. Then you peekaboo and pop out from out of nowhere it's like watching a David Copperfield show.

Answer 8

I don't think you have spoiled her with attention. She is still very small and needs as much attention as you can give. She needs most of all bonding time with you. Instead of trying toys or videos (which she is too small for) try just talking with her. Hold her or sit in front of her and talk to her, doesn't matter what it is about. they also like music, being read to, playing in water with you, you can take her out and show her things, like flowers or pebbles. Tell her what they are let her touch them in her hand. the most important thing is for you to interact with her, and be sincerley interested in her, she needs and loves your attention! hope this helped

Answer 9

If it is warm, take her clothes off and rub baby lotion all over her body , it soothes my 5 day old, also try giving her a nice warm bath, play wih little ducks in the tub and talk to her...

Answer 10

Sit with her in a rocking chair and rock her in your arms. That will make both of you feel good. Sing her a song while you rock her. Something softly.