How do you entertain a 2 week old?

[Aly22681]

So, finally we have our bundles of joy, well not all of us have them yet, but over the next few weeks we all will.

NOW WHAT????

My son is a GREAT eater and sleeper, I usually get about 4 hours of straight sleep then he wakes up to eat and I get 2-3 more then he eats again and we are down for another 2-3 hours.

Here is my question, He is 2 weeks old now and since he sleeps so much he usually stays awake for about 3 hours at a time. He doesn't really cry during those 3 hours (I mean he does whine a little sometimes) he just usually sits around and stares at me or whatever catches his eye during that time. Is there something I should be doing with him during that time??? I feel like he gets whiney when he gets bored during that time, but I have no idea how to entertain a 2 week old. I talk to him and I've tried a play mat/mobile but he does NOT seem interested in them. I feel like I should be doing something to "play" with him, but I can't figure out what to do with him.

How do you entertain a baby so young? It't not like they can really interact with you yet.

What do y'all do with your babies??

[MeepyCat]

Two weeks? Oh gosh mama, don't worry about entertaining him *at all*.

When my son was that age, I'd sit on the floor with my knees up and lean him against my legs and we'd (I'd) talk. Or I'd put him on a playmat and sit nearby reading and just tickle his belly or his toes now and then. Or I'd put him in the Bjorn and go for walks. I took him to see the ocean - he looked at my ear the whole time.

It's really unlikely that your two week old is bored. They may make noises that sound whiny, but everything is so new to them (and they can see and do so little) that they don't find anything dull.

[mom2tatum]

put baby in a sling and do whatever you want...baby will enjoy looking around and watching the world you live in and interact with! I can't wait to be in your shoes!

[Limabean1975]

Originally Posted by Aly22681

How do you entertain a baby so young? It't not like they can really interact with you yet.

Oh yes they can! Like others said, don't feel some obligation to "entertain" him at this age- remember, the whole world is totally new to him, he doesn't need toys and fancy entertainment! Just take him along on your activities - walks outdoors are great.
As for interacting - with great patience, you will find your baby can mimic your facial expressions, and it is a wonderful experience for him and you. Set him on your knees and stare at him. Make an exaggerating face - stick out your tongue really far, or make an "O" with your lips. Keep doing it, for a long time - really long! Sometimes, he will astonish you by doing it back. For real!

[YayJennie]

I have no experience, as I'm still pregnant with my first, but I was thinking sing to him. I will probably sing to my newborn all the time, and hearing your voice will probably give him enough to focus on, and make him feel very comforted. Good luck, and congratulations!

[freestyler]

They cannot be "bored" OR "entertained" at this age. Both are impossible. They simply exist, and are happy when they are warm, physically connected to you, and have full tummies. Just wear him around and be happy! It's a very good reminder for me....babies are so awesome because they just live in the present and don't worry about anything. I should be more like that.

[javilu]

I like to have conversations with him, kiss his belly, or play with his hands and feet. I don't know if he "likes" it or whatever, but it's just the way I feel inclined to interact with him, I guess.

[3for_me]

Originally Posted by mom2tatum

put baby in a sling and do whatever you want...baby will enjoy looking around and watching the world you live in and interact with! I can't wait to be in your shoes!

Totally!!!! Enjoy that he is so content

[JillyD]

Yup - just carry him, let him see the world, and enjoy being a mama. No need to entertain! that comes later

[happydoulamama]

I'll be very busy with my other kids, so this one will be living in my sling most of the time I think. However, if I ever feel the need to spend more quality time one-on-one with my newborn, I'll be taking a bath with him or her. I LOVE bath time with baby. My girls seemed to like it so much too- being all warm and wet and in mommy's arms.

[PNWmama]

Originally Posted by freestyler

They cannot be "bored" OR "entertained" at this age. Both are impossible. They simply exist, and are happy when they are warm, physically connected to you, and have full tummies. Just wear him around and be happy! It's a very good reminder for me....babies are so awesome because they just live in the present and don't worry about anything. I should be more like that.

Exactly what I was going to say . Now entertaining a two and a half year old while trying to take care of my newborn, that's what I'm stressing about!

[amj'smommy]

Originally Posted by happydoulamama

I'll be very busy with my other kids, so this one will be living in my sling most of the time I think. However, if I ever feel the need to spend more quality time one-on-one with my newborn, I'll be taking a bath with him or her. I LOVE bath time with baby. My girls seemed to like it so much too- being all warm and wet and in mommy's arms.

Same here.... I have 4 other dc (10, 8 ---- not to worried about them as they're older--- 4 1/2 and almost 2 ----- this is where I'll be busy ) so little Sam will be living in my Moby ) This is also why I LOVE co-sleeping for the bonding time with the new baby

[joyfulgrrrl]

Originally Posted by mom2tatum

put baby in a sling and do whatever you want...baby will enjoy looking around and watching the world you live in and interact with! I can't wait to be in your shoes!

That's what I was going to say. Put baby in a sling or a carrier and go about your day. They are stimulated just by movement.

[Murph12334]

another one agreeing with putting babe in a sling and go about your day.

You can also sing or read out loud. When dd was a little babe i would just grab whatever book i was reading at the time and read it out loud as i read. She seemed to love it, and i was still getting to read my book too