Baby stimulation

Thanks ladies. Ive realised after posting that she gets loads of stimulating just by her environment.
I have one of those cloth books which I put out in front of her while she's lying next to me but realised I keep it there too long.

Yaz you're so right. By the time they're burped and changed and walked around from one room to another, they have gotten loads of stimulation. So I'm sitting with her for a while, and by then its time to start getting her to sleep, otherwise I find she fights the sleep and is awake way too long and the cycle just starts over again.

I'm learning every day!

Next question of advice I am after is methods of getting them to sleep during the day. Especially if she gets past the calm alert stage it takes a good 30mins before she falls asleep!
At the moment I cradle her in my arms and pat her bum, or I hold her on my shoulder and pat her bum. The 2nd works best.
Rocking doesnt really seem to work at this stage, and she doesnt take a dummy (her choice) - doesnt suck it to hold it in, it just falls out.

I worried about the same thing, hun, but learned that just being awake incl. nappy changing, bathing and being carried around is a lot of stimulation for them already at this young age. L loves it when I sing to her. I also made my own toy for her which I've been using since she's 6 weeks old: take a normal woolen glove, preferably dark in colour, and sew little bells on all five fingers. You get them at those scrapbook shops. L loves it!!
I've subscribed to the My Baby newsletter on babycenter.com. You get a weekly email including age appropriate activities, most of them cheap and home made - very good
x

We painted shapes on paper plates with black craft paint. Worked a charm and was dead cheap!

Otherwise I agree with GW - it is easy to overstimulate at this young age and what is most important is bonding and cuddling and just enjoying each other.

I have a baby play gym mat (those expensive ones that many mommies will tell you is a waste of money), but when Emma was as small as you LO, I would put her on the mat for no more than 5 minutes a day and she would stare at the different hanging toys. Now that she is almost 4 months, she spend about 20 minutes on it - she can now touch the toys and kick the pad - loads of fun!

www.ehow.com/how_2171146_month-old-baby-...lopmental-games.html

Dont feel bad about letting her lie down, its her way of learning to move. Any contrasting bright colours, your voice and touch is good for her. I know it gets a bit boring for you showing her a black and white face all the time, so alternate it with some baby massage to develop her sence of touch, read to her ( I read whatever book I am reading because I figure hes too young to understand the story at the moment, its just the tone of your voice). Movement is also very good. I used to carry james round with me in the morning while opening curtains etc... the rocking and the closeness helps to develop their body awaeness as well as a relationship with you:)

Go and visit the website www.babygym.co.za

Your baby is never to young. You jsut have to limit the amount.