By Janny Jackson
My baby is 3 months old now, and I just found myself in a predicament in which I needed to lay down because of a congestion headache. I felt dizzy and hot and just needed to rest my head.
My baby wasn’t ready for a nap yet, and my husband wasn’t home to watch her. I don’t ever have my big kids watch her for more than a couple minutes a time, like if I have to use the restroom or put something on the stove quickly.
Obviously screens are not advisable for infants, nor an option in our home, but there are a couple things anyone can do with a baby if in this position and needing to just get to the next nap time so you and baby can rest.
Peekaboo
Babies around the 3 month age still don’t fully comprehend that when something is out of sight that it hasn’t completely disappeared, and at this age they are showing a lot more emotion and excitement.
Peekaboo is something I have been doing with my baby for a couple weeks now. If I leave the room and come back I say “peekaboo!” If I’m not holding her and break eye contact with her, the next time we ‘see’ each other I will say “peekaboo!” It helps to teach her that just because I have gone out of her sight doesn’t mean I’m completely gone.
At this age she gets so excited when she sees me again and gives me big smiles and throws her arms up in the air. It’s adorable! You can use a burp cloth, blanket or book while laying down. Really anything that covers your face and can be moved quickly.
Read a Book
My daughter has been listening to books since she was in my womb, and has been looking at books since she was born, and I’m not exaggerating when I say she loves looking at the pictures.
It’s not just about reading. You actually don’t even have to read the words of a book. Describing the pictures, colors, animal sounds, position of things, etc. All of it is teaching your baby and exposing them to new and exciting information.
This is an easy activity to keep baby stimulated while laying your head down and resting.
Tummy Time/ Rolling Over
Tummy time and practicing rolling over is another perfect activity to stimulate your newborn if you just need to lay down.
This can be done on your chest with lots of encouraged eye contact to get that neck up nice and high, and chatting of course.
At 3 months old baby is getting stronger and getting the hang of rolling over but can’t quite do it alone just yet. Lots of practice can be fun while you’re resting.
Sing Songs
Baby knows your voice before he or she is born, so obviously this is one of the easiest ways to keep baby happy while you’re laying down.
Baby just wants to hear your voice.
Combine singing with tummy time and eye contact and he or she will stay happy while you rest.
Chew Toys & Rattles
At 3 months old baby is drooling a lot more and chewing on whatever those little hands can grab and bring to his or her mouth. Frozen teethers, crinkle books and rattles are a favorite in our house. When I need to rest these are handy tools that keep baby busy and happy.
Practice Grabbing
One of my favorite things about my 3 month old has been seeing her learn how to use her little hands. From not knowing how to handle anything to now being able to grasp objects (and faces) with her fingers, she’s learned a lot. Using toys that fit in his or her hand and practicing that grip is an easy activity to keep baby engaged while resting.
Touch/Talk About Body Parts
One thing I’ve done with all of my kids is teach them about their bodies starting from the newborn stage. This is really easy to do while bathing and getting baby dressed, but also while you’re laying down trying to rest.
Start at baby’s toes, give them a little rub or tickle, name them, then move upwards to legs and tummy, arms and head. Make it a game, sing a song like Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Just the main body parts will do, and with enough repetition baby will start to recognize his or her own body.
Moving Mobile & Mirror
If baby is content on his or her back for a short time, and you have to close your eyes long enough for the meds to kick in, a moving mobile and mirror will be your best friend. Place baby in a safe place like a bassinet or playpen in view of these objects and let her play for a bit.
These will keep baby engaged while you rest and are able to grab him or her again.
Skin to Skin, Nurse & Nap
Skin to skin is one of the best ways to connect with baby and keep him or her happy if you just need to rest. Especially as baby gets older it’s not something we do as often as when they are fresh out of the womb.
If you’re nursing baby will inevitably want to nurse and with the added warmth and comfort of being skin to skin he or she may want to nap sooner rather than later.
What are some tips you have for keeping baby happy while you rest? Let me know below, and as always thanks for being here!