Standing…kinda…
I bought Tony a ExerSaucer today. He’s hit the point where he’s holding himself in a sitting posistion…with a little help. I noticed that his Day care has a couple of these items, and they seem to hold the baby’s attention when in them. He seems to like it…in that “what the hell is this” kinda way.
One of my concerns was just plopping him down in one of these and walking away. I found this about playing alone.
Q: Is it okay to let my baby spend time playing alone?
A: Solo play is not only okay, it’s a must-do! While the time you spend playing with your baby is central to his development (and for many parents, among the day’s highlights), his ability to play independently even for a few minutes at a time is also important. It builds self-reliance and confidence, skills that will be valuable to your baby throughout his life.
“Playing alone” doesn’t mean setting your baby on the floor and leaving the room, however. Get your baby started on his own by providing a few toys and initiating the activity. Once he’s engaged, move out of his view. (Make sure he’s in a child-safe area to begin with, such as a playpen or a childproofed living room.) Resist stepping in to retrieve dropped toys or to show your baby how each one works. Let him figure it out on his own. Return to his side when he seems frustrated or upset.
As your baby grows older and gets better at interacting with a variety of playthings, you’ll be able to leave him alone, under supervision, for longer periods of time. Not only is this good for his development, but it’s helpful for you, too, as you’ll gain precious extra minutes for yourself in your day.
Leave a Reply