I need new ways to keep us both entertained.

[SamiPolizzi]

nak

I hate winter. My 8 month old and I are so bored at home. We used to go on walks and to the park a lot, and now it's just too cold. It's such a pain to get us both all bundled up, especially because DS hates his snowsuit. So now we're staying home a lot and we're both getting bored with our regular activities.

How do you entertain your baby and yourself at home?

[CrunchyChristianMama]

If we really need out of the house, we go to the mall where they have the indoor playgrounds. My DD loves climbing on the giant foam cars.

[kamane18]

Getting to that point too with DS (6 months). I do remember when DD was about 8-10 months in the winter and we'd do stuff like have an obstacle course at home with pillows, stuffed animals, etc; I'd make her a "treasure box" - really a laundry basket filled with different things she didn't usually play with like my cell phone, CDs, measuring cups, etc; we read a LOT of books; rolled a ball around a lot; played a lot of peekaboo; played with helium balloons, etc (in addition to outings of course).

[GreenGranolaMama]

DS is 8mo and we are getting a little bored inside as well.

[oolongtea]

My DS likes to play at the sink... I lay him on his tummy on the counter next to the sink, roll up his sleeves, and let him play with warm running water. It can occupy him for 30 or 40 minutes.

We aren't as cold as Chicago here in NY, but I am surprised how warm the stroller can be with a bunting for warmth and the plastic raincover to block wind. DS was fine in there on a windy 30 degree day with only a thick sweater, so I'm betting that with a coat and maybe pants over a long-legged romper, plus stuff extra blankets down in the bunting, you can get by without the snowsuit.

[mama2mygirl]

You need another baby .
Seriously, though, I remember feeling that way with my first. Now, big sister keeps the baby entertained way better than I can.

[lach]

I went to a lot of museums for DDs first two winters. Not quiet art museums, but in Boston we have the Science Museum and the Children's Museum and even though DD was too young to really do much, she LOVED watching the older kids do stuff. She'd be happy for hours watching everything.

It might also be worth is to get a membership to a playspace. Some are super expensive, but there might be some more affordable options. A change of scenery is always nice, and I've made some friends at the ones we've gone to.

[MaddieMay]

My DS is only four months, but sometimes we go to the store and to the baby toy aisle. I hold up all the annoying plastic sound toys that I would never buy and press all the buttons. He's quite entertained and the toys go back on the shelf when we're done.

[kamane18]

Originally Posted by mama2mygirl

You need another baby .
Seriously, though, I remember feeling that way with my first. Now, big sister keeps the baby entertained way better than I can.

Big YEAH THAT! If only I'd had around this kind of entertainment when DD was a baby. DS is so much fussier when she's at school instead of home making him laugh and all.

[tracymom1]

A few Chicago ideas...
The Peggy Notebart Nature Museum - totally awesome butterfly room that babies of all ages love

Family Grounds cafe on Lincoln - a coffee shop specifically for moms of young children

Brookfield Zoo - most of their exhibits are indoors

Woodfield shopping mall - huge, huge, huge! Could wander around for hours

any library

When DS was about this age he loved just looking around at the world - sometimes just a trip to the grocery store was enough entertainment!