{Baby Play} What Can You Actually Do With Them @ 4-5 Months?

Oh my heart! This little guy is 5 months old. I'm completely exhausted as all parents of babies are, still (almost) exclusively expressing, and just trying to make it through the days. A big difference I'm noticing in this baby stage with him compared to his big sister is the lack of time to actually PLAY with him. There's always something else to do and I feel like so often I'm just trying to 'put' him somewhere where he'll be happy so I can go and do other stuff.

I started this blog when Miss M was 9 months, so I didn't write about the early stages of baby play. A lot of mums always ask "What can I actually do with them at this age?" or "Am I doing enough?" - so allow me to answer!

Mat Time & Tummy Time



Lay them under the play gym with all of the things to look at and kick their little legs. This is when they practising rolling and develop muscle strength. Read this guest post from an OT about why Tummy Time is so beneficial and important for babies physical development. My Little Man has just rolled back to front by himself over the last few days!




Jump Jump!



If they can hold their head up and like to be upright these Jumparoos are awesome! Like I said, sometimes you just need to 'put' them somewhere and keep them happy and entertained. This one has lots of interactive bits and pieces, music and lights.

Go Outside!



Get out and go for a walk in the pram - it will be good for both of you to get some Vitamin D and fresh air. Baby will love looking up at the trees as you walk and it will be a lovely change of scenery.

Baby Toys & Teethers



Babies of this age are probably just starting to grasp toys and try to put everything in their mouth. Toys that make crinkle sounds and rattles are perfect and Sophie the giraffe is always a favourite. Wooden teethers are also great for this teething stage - we love this bumble bee one from Mr Kipp & Little Jimmy (above) and these couple from Mini Minds (below).


Mirrors



Babies at this age love looking at themselves in the mirror. This one he's looking at came with the play mat which was so handy! We always spend a few minutes before the bath checking each other out in the bathroom mirror.

YOU!


In these early months you are the best and most important toy for your baby at this young age. Look, smile, giggle, tickle, play, peekaboo, talk, hold, cuddle, kids, raspberries, sing...

For more baby play ideas check out this guest post from earlier in the year, or for older babies her are 3 simple baby play ideas.

Have a great day! Make sure you play!
Lauren xx

19 comments

  1. Mine loved all of these things. She would go nuts in the jump around it was hilarious.

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    1. I wonder why it is that they love to jump so much? :)

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    1. Thanks Beth! You'll have to meet him soon xx

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  3. Oh my he's adorable! We had that same animal mat / play gym when my two were little - seeing it brought back sweet memories. :)

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    1. I LOVE this play mat, was given it at my baby shower with my first. I love how it's gender neutral to use for a boy or girl :)

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  4. I found that sort of 3-5 month age is kind of awkward for playing with them. I never felt like I was doing enough with my kids, but it was because they weren't really doing much either, but they're awake for longer, but they're still either just wanted to chill out on their mat or cuddle me. Once they could crawl and sit up then it feels less like I'm just leaving them to blob on the floor, but yeah, that was basically our rotation. Tummy time, bouncer, go for a walk, chat with them... what else can you do.

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    1. That's right they can't actually do a lot! As they build their physical skills they can do much more. LOL at "blob on the floor" - this little man currently rolls over every time and then cries when he's on his tummy!

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  5. Oh so sweet! What lovely memories this brings back... it's so fun when they start interacting a bit :-)

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    1. Thanks Chelsea - he is a little sweetie (when he wants to be lol)

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  6. I can certainly relate to just putting somewhere were they will be happy whilst I run around trying to get stuff done. I often feel guilty for not interacting more this third time around. All three of mine have loved the Jumperoo! It's genius.

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    1. How else do you get anything done ?!?! Like blogging and social media stuff (hee hee - just jokes). No really he's actually in the jumparoo happy right now!

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  7. This is a great reminder for me. My son is 4 and a half years old and to be honest, I've forgotten a lot of this. My second is due any week now and I'll be doing this all over again. I can't wait!

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    1. How exciting for you Eva! Can't wait to hear your news and follow along xx

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  8. Wow time flies with your second child! He's so big already! I miss this stage but not the lack of sleep ;)

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    1. It sure has Nichole! Trying to survive each day - but also make the most of it while he's little (and while I'm on maternity leave!!)

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  9. So cute!! All of these pictures bring back fond memories. All the same activities I did with our babes, although I too found it harder to find the time to play with baby no 2 as much as i did with our first. My boys also liked soft books they could crunch and squeeze and they liked when I played with finger puppets too! We were gifted these finger puppet books like Old Macdonald and Three in the bed and the boys loved them. A fun way to amuse them whilst they lay on their play mats.

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  10. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Baby Floor Mats

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  11. Your writing style is amazing, I read the whole article while enjoying it. By the way the information is very informative and interesting. My baby loves tummy time and swinging in swing, he spend most of his time in these two activities. However, sometimes I put teether in his mouth, only when he cries a lot.

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