Hi Mommies,
DS is 6 months old and doing very well. He just received an A+ on his 6 month check up! 17 3/4 pounds 27 1/4 ". I am trying to figure out how much time on the floor reaching for stuff is appropriate? They say that you havve to leave them alone to explore their bodies and figure out how to use them. But sometimes I feel like I don't hold him enough. So I pick him up. I try to refrain from helping him with toys too much but I'm not sure when I should step in and help. He is super strong and mischeivous, but his front to back rolling (which he did really young) seems to have disappeared and his back to front rolling (which appeared around 5 months for a good solid week) has done the same. How long do you leave your babies on the floor playing in order to build these and crawling skills?
I have another son that I held constantly and always helped with toys so he didn't get much of a chance to do things on his own. He didn't army crawl until 10 months and didn't walk independently until 17 months. No developmental issues. Mommy just controlling and helping the entire time!!! I just want to strike a good balance this time and let my second be more independent but I just keep feeling like I don't hold DS #2 enough. How long do you guys let your little guys play like this?
As long as he is content. Lay down on the floor next to him if you feel like you need that bonding time. :)
I have four kiddos and I remember when my two eldest were babies, I probably held them a lot more. However, one thing to keep in mind is that as long as they are content and not fussy, they are fine. Follow your instincts... If you can tell they are getting upset or bored, then it might be time to pick them up. If they are happy just playing on the floor, use that time to get a few things done or lay down with them and show them different toys.
I think so many times us moms forget that we have wonderful mommy instincts that will help us a large part of the time. Don't be afraid to follow those and remember that each child is different. Try to go with the flow and follow the cues from your baby. :) Oh -- one thing I heard one time too -- you've never seen an adult crawling around because they never learned how to walk, right? :) Everyone will learn in their own time. :)
~ Ann
If I remember... my girl would be mostly content on the floor (alone) for 30-45 minutes tops. That was enough time for me to wash dishes, fold a load of clothes, and sweep the kitchen. When she started getting antsy, I'd lay on the floor with her and show her more "complicated" toys or play "what's the body part" etc. That's about 1 solid hour of tummy time! She'd do this several times through the day (at home and at daycare). I tried to schedule it when she was "happiest" (after nap, diaper change, and snack/meal) She was a solid roller by 5 months, sitting alone at 6, crawling at 8, cruising at 10, and walking at 12. Every kid is different, so you just have to learn to read his signals and trust your instinct.
Helping him with toys isn't a bad thing either. If he sees how you do it, he'll start to mimic and do it himself (whatever "it" is: stacking, pulling, twisting, etc). Also, having an older brother can play a huge role in how he develops--since he'll probably want to do (or try to do) everything that "big brother" does. So, include your older son in the playtime, too!
I don't really remember the amount of time... but if you feel that he need bonding time - you can sit with him & play with him. I remember playing with their feet and tickling them to get them moving sometimes actually I still do now & then and they are 2 1/2, 4 1/2 & 6. We actually still play the tickle the feet game with my daughter when her knee is swelling up or she is having troubles with it hurting a lot. We streach her leg out streaght- ticker her feet and she pulls her leg up to her chest & bends her knee and repeat to loosen up the knee.
They do need a little "alone" time & you also have an older boy that needs some of your attention... which works out good. Plus, I'm sure there are things around the house that might need done. I would put the baby on his blanket on the floor & go do 1/2 the dishes, come back & check on him - if he was ok, finish the dishes, but if he was upset I'd take care of him & then finish the dishes later. Also, I liked putting the baby on a blanket outside in the playpen, somewhat under a tree & doing my gardening... that also helps w/ their vit D - since we get it from the sun.
Good luck finding the balance and congratz on the baby!
We let our kids have lots of time on the floor exploring - partly because they were in day care and allowed to, and partly because we wanted to instill independence and help as needed. We love being on the floor with our kids, so we'd spend a lot of time down there doing things with them but trying to let them explore as much as possible.
I don't know if there is a real balance - each child is different, will have different strengths, weaknesses, preferences. Our son pushed a walker from 9 months to 1 year because he had no confidence that he could walk. Our daughter hated the walker and was willing to give it a go even if it meant falling - different personality, more confidence.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll know what's appropriate and how to help him develop on track.
I agree-until he expresses that he's "done" for now. Make time for floor play and make time for cuddling too!
