Stimulation....

hi,
i have a three month old girl (3 months today exactly!!) who is super alert and has been from day dot. During the days most of her wake times I play with her, she has toys, watches the colours and sounds on the tv, plays under her play gym, has time without her nappy on, and a lot of the times I am talking to her and singing and laughing etc etc etc. Occasionally we go out for a walk in the pram, but sometimes she doesn't like that so much, so unfortunately it is not every day, as I would like it. During some of her play times she will play by herself under her play gym, or sit in her swing chair etc, while I do dishes or take a shower.

Anyways, what I am wondering is, how much stimulation should a 3 month old be getting? She is very alert, and I am beginning to think at 3 months I should be doing more with her, to give her new experiences etc, rather than sitting in our loungeroom day in day out with the same toys etc? The only thing is, I sort of seem to avoid taking her to do things, like shopping etc, as it is more stressful with her, than to leave her behind IYNWIM. Just wondering what other mums do during the day with their bubs? She generally is a very happy baby, and she gets loads of attention from me and her daddy talking and playing with her, but I am just thinking maybe its not enough?

Also, is it okay to leave them for a while, like say 15 minutes, if they are happy to lay by themselves kicking and playing, while I get stuff done or take a shower etc? Sometimes I feel like I am neglecting her when I do that, but then I figure I can't constantly be with her and she needs to have some down time by herself.

Because it is winter and the days are cold, it just seems so much easier to stay home and be warm and cosy, but am I robbing her of new things? We went to visit her great grandparents the other day, but she didn't seem that interested and mainly stared at the tv, even though it was a whole new environment to take in and new people etc. She genuinly seems happy, or even happiest at home.

Keen to hear what others do in regards to stimulation.

Hi Emma, Hollie sounds like such a delightful little girl!
I think if you are happiest at home, she's not missing out on anything. At three months, Natalie was easily overstimulated and seemed happiest at home. I took her out with me a bit though, but that was because I wanted to get out - not for her sake. Its really up to you. I've discovered that a walk around the garden introduces a whole lot of new sensations - that's an easy, hopefully not stressful way to get out if you're looking for one ;)
As for leaving her for a few minutes, I think there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. If Hollie is happy to play on her own for a little while, that is great. Natalie used to last about 15-20 mins too before starting to get bored, tired or whatever. Use the time for yourself and don't feel bad about it - you deserve it! And its probably good for Hollie's development to do things on her own a bit. How good are those baby gyms?! Natalie loved the gym too... still does at times :)

Hi Emma!

My little bubs is the same! She was born 2 days before your's and she is also very alert! During the day she does the same as your bubs! Yesterday I bought her a jolly jumper (because she now has good head control) and she is in love with it! It seems to give her a whole new level of stimulation! I think at this age what we are both doing is fine.

Why is it that you don't take her shopping? I do the shopping with her in the baby carrier and I face her outways (instead of facing me). This way she is able to look around and see so much more! She seems to enjoy it and it makes it a lot easier on me!

I tend to leave bubs to get stuff done in the house when she is watching tv on her play gym and happy to just lay there. As long as you do have your one on one time with her during the day then this is fine. But the moment she starts to get annoyed I'll be back with her again!

Hope this helps a little!!

xoxo

I think you are doing all the right things with her!

At three months they will think a shadow on the wall is amazing so don't worry too much about trying to stimulate her. Don't stress about leaving her on the floor for a kick while you're in the shower either, enjoy it before she starts rolling and then you have to worry about where she's rolled off to ;)

By the time the weather starts to get warmer then she will be at a great age to really take in things when you go for a walk :)

Sounds like you're doing great stuff with little Hollie!

For the first few months with Annika, I too stayed at home a lot, because it just seemed easier. I'm sure it contributed to my post partum depression, and I eventually got cabin fever. So, I looked into different group activities that can be done with babies. I have been going to story time at the library, and playgroup a few times a week. It's at those sort of places that no one bats an eyelid if bubs is trying out her lungs. Annika loves the other kids as well, and it gives her some new interactions.

If you're looking for a few other things to do, massage has always been a hit in my house. It helps sneak in an extra little bit of tummy time as well. Also, Annika is in love with her jolly jumper, she'd live in it if I'd let her. Sometimes I put a mirror in front of her, so she can see herself. She's also fascinated with the outside, but it's too chilly for me to feel like walking her much, so I put her in her rocker in front of a window, she gets to see the leaves blowing etc. My torch is a wonder invention as well, it provides ages of fun by shining it on the walls and at different things. Annika likes it better than her projector.

You are absolutely doing the right thing by leaving bubs for 15 minutes when you have a shower! How I wish I could do that! I didn't leave Annika enough when she was younger, so now as a result, I can't go to the toilet by myself..... no kidding! Strangers can't even look at her without hearing about it. I think it's great that you're teaching Hollie to entertain herself, and to understand that it is OK to be by herself, and not attached to your hip.

You're doing great!