What activities did you do for playtime with your infant? How much time did you let them play independantly vs. w/ you?

So far we've been doing tummy time, playing under the playgym/arches, reading books, bicycling his legs, practicing rolling from side to side, & playing sit-up lie down. I"m not sure what else I should be doing with him.

I usually let him play independantly for 15-20min and then engage him in one of the activites I mentioned above.

He plays independently whenever I'm on here. :lol: Which lately has been a lot. Kidding.

He probably plays more independently than Riley did because Riley was in daycare. Plus I'm out and about a lot, so he's being held or in the car or stroller quite a bit. I try to play with him during the day, but it's hard when you have another child to entertain.

I think you're doing a great job with Dylan. :nod: I can't really think of anything else.

I think you are doing everything you can! Well, ok, you could move things in front of him and to the sides to get his eyes to follow. [I know there is an official name to this but I'm blanking.] And I'm sure you do that too!

I remember feeling like I was supposed to be entertaining the baby all the time and I felt guilty when he/she was just laying there while my attention was elsewhere. But I think independent time to look at things, hang out, and start to play with toys is great. Babies need that. Eventually my rule became "independent play time lasts until the baby fusses." :)

You are doing great, Erica!

Well, ok, you could move things in front of him and to the sides to get his eyes to follow. [I know there is an official name to this but I'm blanking.]

I think this is called tracking.

There was an interesting article in the paper that says that the American Academy of Pediatrics is essentially in favor of making sure that children have time for independent play (to back up what Cami said).

I agree, it sounds like you are doing a fabulous job Erika! I might add singing songs but you might already be doing that & talking with your baby about what you are doing.