What did/do you do with your 3 week old?

[neostudded]

When Julius is in a "quiet alert state" what should I do with him? I have been talking/singing to him he seems happy to look around alot.Yesterday I massaged him & played quiet music to him.My mum insist's he isnt getting enough stimulation he is worn to much in his HAB & I should buy him toys or let him watch tv for a while.

It is so confusing if Iam doing the right thing :hair: he seems happy with the way everything is so should I just not worry about it.

[Zada]

bubs is still a tad young to play. If he is happy laying down maybe you could lay him under a playmat with hanging toys if you have one? Otherwise just keep doing what your doing :)

[melannh]

It is hard to know what to do at that young age. I was confused also, as DD seemed quite alert also.... I wouldn't overdo the stimulation - and what you're doing is (in my mind) plenty.

As suggested, maybe put him on a playmate with some toys hanging around so he can see them (fairly closely) and the music is great. My DD was a handful at that age - alert and screaming to put it frankly.. ha ha.. So, I would put music on and I am sure she listened.... Using your carrier is fine - they want to be really close to you at that age - want to feel secure and close to your heartbeat.

You're doing really well!!!!!!

[Lastcenturymum]

Dont start the TV caper yet! Music is a great idea. Or just sit and look at him!!

[FunkyMonkey]

What your doing sounds just fine for his age. I would give bubs a few minutes of tummy time every other quiet alert period. (stop when he starts to grizzle)
Make good eye contact with bub when you talk to him, he'll start moving his mouth as if having a conversation. When he's "talking" let him finish before you start talking back to him. IYKWIM
:thumbsup:

[Pippi Longstocking]

Wearing him in the HAB is perfect, listen to your instincts, not your mum!

Everything is still new for a three week old. Everything is stimulating, he doesn't need extra. Just cuddle him a lot and be receptive to his cues. That's seriously all you need to do!

Babies are clever. They can communicate. It's just that we as mothers sometimes forget that we need to listen to them because we are too busy listening to others/reading the latest book on child-rearing etc. He'll tell you what he needs. :yes:

[Roxy]

I agree with the others - you sound like you are giving him exactly what he needs!

Young babies can get over stimulated very quickly, and it unsettles them.

Wearing him in your HAB or cuddling him and talking to him/singing is all he needs right now. Maybe you could start telling him stories (that you either know or make up as you go along), or reading to him...it's all good habit forming stuff for later.

I'd also be avoiding the TV - babies don't need TV.

[our little treasures]

You sound like your doing a great job as is. Try not to overstimulate your bubs. Trust me this is very hard to figure out and can cause some crying fits if bubs is over stimulated.

[~mia&ryan~]

bubs is still a tad young to play. If he is happy laying down maybe you could lay him under a playmat with hanging toys if you have one? Otherwise just keep doing what your doing :)
I used to put DD under her play mat, she just loved staring at it and occasionally bashing it by accident!! I also used to read to her alot, she always enjoyed it..

[twitch]

I hardly did anything with DD when she was that tiny, just gave her looooootttttssss of cuddles! I'd lay on the floor next to her and just look at her and hold little toys up to her face.

[shinebrite]

You sound like your doing everything perfectly and with what your mum has to say... welcome to motherhood!!! ah just accept her advice but learn to not take it on board. accept that she wants to tell you stuff and you might need abit of that advice but there is a line! Just let her know gently that YOUR the mother now and that you want to have a turn at doing things a little differently to her... (Im talking from experience)

I use to put DD in fron of a mirror, and Id turn play school but not near her so she could look just so she could hear it... or better yet just get a CD.. read to bubs or sing or dance around... do what you want really... Having a bub inside of you and birthing a bub gives you the instinct to be a mum so use your weapon!!! your doing SO SO SO well

[Tabby]

bubs is still a tad young to play. If he is happy laying down maybe you could lay him under a playmat with hanging toys if you have one? Otherwise just keep doing what your doing :)

Agree :thumbsup: . Or the bouncer / rocker with the toys over the top is what I did.

[neostudded]

Thanks for the replys, I feel much better :) I didnt think he needed extra stimulation but I had to make sure.