Is it ok to let him hang out and play on his own a lot?

[MamitaM]

Sometimes I don't know what to do to entertain my son so he sits in his chair with Sophie or the toy bar that hangs off it. He may sit in there for an hour. but he's happy and smiling, laughing and rocking away! I feel bad though b/c he sits in there often. Should I not feel bad as long as he's happy that way?

[nola79]

If he's happy, no I would not feel bad. My son was like that and I felt bad for him, until I had my daughter who is the opposite!

[whozeyermamma]

Whatever age my kids are _ I'm of the "if they're happy, leave them alone," theory.

I often start off with by letting DS - 6 mo - play by himself - and if he's fussy or bored or whiny then I'll step in and play or hold him or whatever. I think this gives him a chance to explore the world but lets him know that I'll always be there if he needs me. Some days he'll play solo for up to an hour - some days he won't want to be put down for a moment.

[MamitaM]

Ok thanks. I won't feel bad anymore then. I do talk to him often and make funny faces and sing and whatever while he's in his chair. I just hope he isn't bored. I'd be bored sitting in a little chair with no toys and fun stuff to play with. He seems happy though just with his hands sometimes!

[P.J.]

It sounds like your baby is too young to sit up and play alone, but in any case I think it's actually important for babies to have the chance to play alone....with mama nearby and ready to be with him or her as soon as they want that. However, I would maybe move the baby from the chair to the floor, as they need to be on the floor (and/or in arms) to develop physically (ie start rolling over, etc). But as far as I'm concerned there's no issue with being in a chair for an hour or so at a time...as long as it's not all day and not at the expense of floor and/or in-arms time.

[trumpcard]

I think you've gotten some good feedback but I wonder about your comment about not knowing how to entertain your DS. If you are looking for ideas on what to do with him I am sure many people can offer ideas. 

In fact, not to hijack the thread, but I'm interested in some of the activities people do to keep babies entertained.

DD and I have lots of lap time in the morning, it's when she needs my attention the most. We sing silly songs, read books and walk around the house looking at things and sharing language together. DD also craves solo play, especially now that she sits comfortably. She will stay entertained for short stretches of time on her own but likes to have some contact from me at regular intervals. She has a bouncy seat with toys and will play on a blanket sitting on her own. We do tummy time together since she still doesn't like it. DD enjoys meal time now that we are doing BLW and she likes to play with my measuring cups and spoons in her high chair while I am cooking. We attend a playgroup with other babies and mommies twice a week and once a week go to the grocery store together which she enjoys more than I do. Bath time also provides lots of play activities and entertainment.

[MamitaM]

I think I should start a thread about what to do with baby. I really don't know how to "play" with him right now, though we do have some silly times together and he's usually happy and laughing or smiling.

The chair he sits in is the Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker, so he fits it well and he's the right age for it and all that. He does get a lot of lap time as well, but we really need to get more floor time in there. I bought the chair b/c the first 5 weeks or so he was in my arms all the time or he was asleep in the bed, with me. I knew he needed a place of his own when he needed his "alone time". He's always about 2-5 feet away from me when he's in his chair too. The moments he starts to fuss I'll talk to him a little and tell him I'll be right there (if I'm really busy in the kitchen) or I'll go to him right away.

[whozeyermamma]

IMHO the most important "play" for baby is to just be with you - listen to you talk, sing, etc - watch as you go grocery shopping or make dinner. I've read about how "narrating" your day to your baby is great for language development, etc. Here is a link to a blog where its referenced. But basically I don't think you should have to stress about making every moment educational or whatever. Every moment inherently IS educational for baby.

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/12472

As baby gets older you'll figure out what play they like best at every stage. Right now DS's favorite game is when I say "And now ..... (dramatic pause) I EAT YOUR FACE ..." and then I nibble and kiss his neck. He laughs hysterically. And then I let him gum my chin and drool all over me. Love it.