BellyBelly Life Member - Love all your MCN friends
Jun 2004
The Festival State
3,008
i read the recommendations about Jolly Jumpers, and made a decision for my child, to use them, but under certain conditions:
- i set a timer for 10 minutes (for her to be using it)
- i sat with her the whole time she was in it (supervision)
exploration, curiousity and boredom are all part of a baby's world, necessary bits. it's how they learn.
my bub loved wooden pegs, i underestimated hwo much fun she would have, with basic stuff like that (e/g took me years to understand the value of a scarf, piece of cloth - to entertain a bub). at the time, i felt like a failure as a mum, cos i didn't have lots of plastic toys for her (e/g every other mum went nuts at the July toy sales except me, or that's what it seemed like).
Thinking about basic stuff - I managed to entertain a 2yo for half an hour just with wiggling fingers. Maybe that says more about my son's mental abilities than the joy of free toys though.
SiL went the "tonnes of plastic" route, whereas I obviously didn't. Doesn't make her a better parent.
Will managed to amuse himself for about a half hour yesterday with a blankie that he kept pulling over his head, like in a peek-a-boo style. At this age, they're learning about consequence and anticipation, and repetition is great for that. Other things : bright paper (eg woolies catalogues) that they can crunch and crinkle. Bubble wrap taped onto the floor for them to roll onto. Mirror on the floor that someone mentioned above ... With Pip, I would have him in his rocker next to a window and he'd watch the leaves in the breeze for ages - it'd also zone him out and he'd often fall asleep. Pip would also enjoy watching the birds in their cage. And Will enjoys just sitting at the table with us, we give some toys for him to reach for and he plays with them. (well, slaps the table trying to get to them .. )
DS didn't particularly like the Jolly Jumper and I was a bit wary about using it too much for the reasons mentioned above. He sat in the bouncer for a bit if I bounced it and HATED tummy time! A rolled up towel/cushion and lots of amusement provided by mummy helped him go about 2mins max. I basically carried him everywhere, or sat with him and amused him (HotI had some great ideas) while he lay on his back. Once he could crawl he was happier, and now he's walking he's a lot more independent but still clingy and wanting someone with him all the time when compared to others his age. Music, singing, batting things (not just toys but scarfs, ribbons etc), household objects (DS's faves were/still are pegs, cardboard boxes for pushing over, plastic containers with things to shake inside etc) , books and peek a boo were all fun and inexpensive. He loved watching the birds, trees move, shadows etc. The toy (and book) library are great ideas, plus they get you out of the house and chew up a bit of time...
Put a blanket or quilt into your washing basket, then pop her in there, sitting up, with a pile of toys. She can't fall over, she can reach everything, she can practise sitting up, and she has a different view of the world. Worked for my DD for ages until she started sitting on her own. We also did the same with a cardboard box, which was even more fun because we lined up pegs on the edge, and stood finger puppets on top of the pegs, so she could pull them off, chew on them etc. She had a great time.
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