Entertaining baby

Here's my take on this. We've all seen the articles etc saying that screen time is bad for kids. On peanut there are clearly some of the most dedicated mothers devoted to being the best parents they can be and most of us are trying to do some things different from our parents. I think that these articles about screen time are ruthlessly unforgiving and discount alot about the reality of the parenting experience. We're all desperately trying to entertain our kids and create meaningful sensory experiences around the clock as well as take care of their general wellbeing, get in enough feeds, manage wake and sleep windows, make the appointments, nurse them during RSV season, keep the household clean, navigate changing relationships (MIL's and partners *eye roll*), research any and every thing to ensure the utmost safety and value for money, ensure we are supporting them reaching milestones. Basically, we are giving 150% of ourselves to our children. I think we can turn the telly on sometimes.

To add, our parents did, and look at how capable and focused we all turned out to be. The kids will be fine. Xx

You can put a 15 min dance or exercise video on YouTube and she will be fascinated by you jumping up and down making weird shapes! Take her outside for a walk or to sit and watch the world go by. An interactive mat from Vinted- like the fisher price kick and play piano will extend independent play time while you do your own thing for a bit. 20 mins screen time won’t hurt and sometimes you both just need to sit and chill out :)

I put my LO on a high chair (with newborn insert) and literally talk him through stuff we need to do today and if there's anything on my mind, while I do dishes, eat etc. He is blabbering a lot already so we are having wee conversations. I'm a bit fan of letting him get bored sometimes (if he is settled and all)..I think it's fine to not provide entertainment every single second.

I totally agree with previous comments though, 20min screen time won't do any harm and it you need to do something or just to switch off - totally fine!

We rotate between play mat, playchair, bouncer, tummy time , garden walk and pram walk. X

You could read her some books, take her out for walks, go to some baby groups or classes. At this age they just really like being a part of your world. Don’t feel obliged to entertain your baby all the time. The more you can set them up for independent play as they get older the better really.

Mine was fussy today so I popped her bouncer under a tree in the garden and she was happy as Larry whilst I was pottering around doing some weeding 🙈 Any chance of scenery will keep them entertained x

I started taking my little boy to the free classes they have in my area twice a week and it’s actually helped him sleep soooo much better at night and he interacts with more kids so it’s good. I also found that he started learning how to reach for toys which he’s never done after seeing babies/toddlers playing with toys so now he started entertaining himself a lot more on his own. If you have any of these types of classes in your area, I’d definitely recommend! You can also meet other mums too which is nice.