Getting Baby to Entertain Herself

I think we've all been there , my youngest was a tough one for this. I would just tell her Mommy would be right back and then say "see , Mommy comes right back" . Put Noggin or another good cartoon channel on for company for her, I know how some people feel about tv for kids but it really can help. And my girls are so used to it that they don't "zone", they watch a bit and play.

This same thing happened to me. I never let my babies cry I always went to them if they even sneezed and now I am paying for it with a 3 yr old and 4 yr old very demanding toddlers. They still sleep with me. I can't be out of their sight. When they were babies I bought into the idea that you can't spoil a baby. I think that it was a mistake or I allowed it to go too far because now my husband and I can't even have a conversation. My advise is to nip it in the bud now if you can.

Here is an excellent site on child training http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/

Here is the first chapter of a book they wrote
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/index.php?id

She could be starting her separation anxiety early. I suggest either waiting until she naps to get your housework done, or play games with her like pee a boo. Put her in her pack n play, go around the corner, and then pop back and say peek a boo. Try that a few times, and if that still doesn't work you could always wear her around the house like Tara suggested. :) My house is wreck because I have an 18 mth old, and a 7 1/2 month old home all day.

Hi L.,
I think that some babies just don't do well in a playpen. My first really hated it too. I personally let the baby follow me around while I clean. I just talk to her while I work. She usually does cry, but at some point they do have to realize that you can't always be holding them. When I cook dinner, I put the gate up by the kitchen, and the kids will sometimes stand there and cry (even my 4 year old). If their needs are met, then I'd rather teach them young that I'm there for them, but sometimes I have chores too. :) I also would suggest distraction if the crying is driving you crazy. I give my year old a little start to her dinner, and put her high chair facing the kitchen. She is usually fine there. So I guess it boils down to. Do what you need to do. Try the crib, playpen, gates, or whatever. You could work for 15 minute intervals so that the baby doesn't get too worked up. She will adjust, and then, hopefully, she will be a more tolerant toddler :)

Maybe she hates the Pack and Play my younger son did. try maybe getting Jonny jumper or an exersaucer. My son had the Evenflo smartstep exersaucer and it bought me enough time to get the laundry done and vacuum. Good luck

Babies are meant to be attention hogs...thats how Mother Nature ensures survival! :-) What I do, is I have a variety of infant carriers so I can strap him to me and still get stuff done. I weed wacked my whole yard with my son strapped to my back! The key is to find a carrier that is comfortable and leaves you hands free. Believe it or not, babies who are carried, or worn close to Momma grow up to be more secure and independant because their needs are always being met...all they want is to be close to Mom. And what better way to foster that need and still be hands free to get on with life! I swear, its been my saving grace. Plus he's as content as a pig in mud! Check out something like a Mei Tai for summer months to stay cool, or even a Moby Wrap, which makes you a little hotter, but is very comfortable. An Ergo carrier is SUPER comfy, but costs a pretty penny. Either way,Good Luck in your adventures! Hope this helped!