Looking for Activities/toys to Stimulate My 3.5 Month Old

Baby needs closeness with mama. You are number one. And, no, you can't get too much accomplished with a newborn. Set your goals fairly low: I will get one load of wash done! whoo hoo!

I carried my little one in various carriers. A few pediatrician friends recommended using different ones so that baby's legs didn't grow according to the carrier and have walking/crawling issues. I used a sling (babies legs together or criss-crossed), a bjorn (babies legs out in front) and eventually the ergo (babies legs in a split). This is good physical positioning for the baby to be stretching in each different carrier before crawling/walking etc.

I have found the carriers to be amazing. I was able to get my work done, run a classroom of children, clean, and eat while carrying my little one. She was happy, I was happy. We didn't buy into all the big baby toys or seats, just three carriers.

Also, a little side note, the Native Americans used to (and many still do) attach their babies to cradle boards for the first YEAR of their lives and wear them around. These are very restrictive to movement and were thought to be detrimental to physical growth and movement. Therefore, a research study was formed. These Native American children crawl and walk and catch right up to where our American children are within a couple of months after being released from the board. Many surpass our American children due to the fact that our kids have so many 'handicaps' like the amount of walking toys and bouncy seats and toy distractions etc. Once more, their language skills are phenomenal, due to the fact that they listened, observed, and mimicked the language of their parents and family while being carried around for a whole year!
I found this to be true to my life. I carried my daughter for the first year in a carrier, she was put down here or there for tummy time, (which she hated!) to play with others, when she wanted to. She started talking at 7 months old, clearly. My pediatrician was shocked! By a year and 2 months, she said her first sentence which was also and observation ("mama, look! It's a bike.) Her language skills are incredible. She started counting things, not just reciting numbers, shortly after her first sentence. It may be many things, but I attribute much of it to her exposure and observation of language by being carried and not sat away from me, plus: no tv at all, telling stories, reading books, singing, and I talk to her all the time.

good luck with mamahood.

Are you signed up with babycenter.com? They actually email you each week describing the stage your baby is at and include age appropriate activities---things you can do from newborn on.

Fisher Price has this 4-DVD set Baby's Day, Nature Baby, Baby Moves, and Musical Baby that I really liked--at the end of each there was a "mommy and me" type class that shows a group of moms and dads with babies and teaches you different activities to do with baby. (Check Amazon)

I hear so many kids love the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium bouncer--it is just mesmerizing to them.

Play music and dance with him. Read him books. Show him the colorful grocery store ads. Show him pictures of his family. Switch activities before he has a chance to get fussy.

Dear Momma,

Why not try
http://www.mommyandbabyfitness.com/

Looks like it could be fun,

and you could try
Flash cards with letters and numbers,
Yes I know he's little but nows the best time to start a routine, and introduce him.

lastly before nap time Read to him
he will LOVE it.

M

Do you have a sling or baby carrier to wear him? My daughter just liked the closeness and movement. I can't do everything while wearing her, but it does allow me to get more done!

Hi L.,

I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. My newbie doesn't like the boucny or swing for more than 10 minutes....I change things up between tummy time and the toys she can look at while on her back. She loves the mirror. I am looking into a carrier myself since she loves to be held. My first daughter didn't go into her exersaucer until 4 or 5 months and maybe 4 months for the bumbo. I know this is not much help but just letting you know, I'm dealing with the same thing..gotta run...feeding time :)

He's only 3.5 months old so please remember to keep things in perscpective... this is a whole new world for them and many kids are not on a schedule until closer to 6 months months old.

You are looking for activities for a child who can't focus on things completely yet, who can't walk and crawl. Your baby is going to grow up so quickly ... enjoy it and don't rush it.

It sounds like your baby could be Over Stimulated. Sometimes that happens to infants when there is too much to do. Plus they really don't know what it is they want so they will be happy for a few minutes and then start crying. This is all very normal.

Infants like to sleep and like to be with mommy/daddy and the warmth of of peoples arms. As other suggested ...a carrier that leaves your hands free could be a good solution. As far as activities ... sing to your baby and READ to your baby. Especially books that rhyme because they like rythm and it is a kind of makes music. READ lots and lots to your child. Get tons of picture books from your library and do it every day. The pay offs will be ENORMOUS ... I promise you --- you will develop a cild who will always love books and reading, a better volucabulary, a better writer, and a better undersatnding of the english language. Some parents will even say an earlier talker and reader. I had one that way but not the other. But I read to our kids constantly and every day since the momnet they were born and the payoffs (now 4th and 8th grade) are immense!

The worst thing you could do is pop them in front of the TV. Limit it, even if somewhat educational and choose a book or other creative play instead.

Honestly, it sounds like you are approaching it the right way and trying different things. So keep up the good work and enjoy him/her.

"Help"? With all due respect, please, calm down! Count your blessings. Your 3.5 month old baby sounds fine, doing what 3.5 month old babies do!