How do you keep your baby occupied when you HAVE to eat/pump/shower etc?

Question

Now that my baby is older and doesn't nap for as long I'm finding that I don't have as much time to do things like clean and eat. Is it bad to put her in her swing for a half hour or so, under supervision of course? I don't want to just leave her there because I know she needs like mental stimulation but I am not getting anything done. If anyone has other ideas I am open to them!!

Answer

Independent time is good for babies. I put mine in the swing or on the play mat and let him do his thing while I do mine.

Answer

I lay a thick blanket on the floor, turn on some gentle music, and let my baby kick and play while I get things done. He’ll occasionally squawk for attention, but he’s usually able to entertain himself for 20 minutes. I use the blanket rather than a swing because the physical therapist strongly discourages swings - she told me it’s okay to use them here and there, but babies need to stretch out and move their limbs rather than be “cocooned” - being cocooned will keep them calmer for longer, but it can delay their motor development. That being said, I do use my swing if I really need to get something done and baby refuses to entertain himself on the floor. The snug-a-puppy swing is a good one.

Answer

Do it mama! Your needs are important too. Babies get mental stimulation just from their surroundings, and you can always make up for it with some engaged play later in the day.

Answer

My son is in his swing in a clean diaper, clothes and after being fed facing the window. He loves looking outside. 
As long as you're not going too far away for too long I don't see why there should be an issue???

Answer

i Put my son in his swing & i just talk or sing to him while imm cleaning & he stays entertained for a while lol.

Answer

My baby (7 weeks) will not sleep long on his own during the day so I either baby wear or just let him fuss while I take a 10 minute shower. I do always prioritize — eating or shower? Eating always comes first (I’m breastfeeding) :)

Answer

I put my daughter in her swing and turn on Mickey she loves watching the bright colors and I let her sit until she’s done usually like 30mins but it definitely helps me get some things done quickly

Answer

If my son isn’t crying, I let him sit in a swing or  chair while I cook dinner/eat/relax without anyone touching me for a hot second. Maybe bc he’s a second child but I don’t feel like I need to entertain or hold him all the time. He’s fine 🤷‍♀️

Answer

My baby is 6 weeks old. I have camera on the crib and one in the living room next to her playpen and swing. Her mamaroo swing saves my life for doing things. In the morning I bathe her, feed, burp, put her down in the swing and try to finish as many things off my checklist as I can. Plus when I shower I watch her on my camera makes me feel okay that I can see her and hear her and know she’s doing good. It helps me keep my mind at ease

Answer

We have a couple different stations for my boy. Tummy time mat with toys and a piano. Swing. Bouncer. Sit me up seat. Independent time is great for baby. As long as they’re not crying, you’re good. I try the floor mat first for a bit and then just pick and choose something else depending on the day. I also baby wear if he’s not able to stay calm when I’m trying to do stuff

How do you keep your baby occupied when you HAVE to eat/pump/shower etc?

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