How To Occupy A Baby To Get Jobs Done

Many a new parent has wondered how anyone manages to get anything done once they have had children. When you have a baby to look after, finding time to do basic tasks is often a challenge, and many parents find themselves still in their pyjamas at 2 in the afternoon having had no time to get dressed! Whether you have a newborn, or a toddler, simple jobs such as making a quick phone call or trying to wash some dishes can become impossible tasks when keeping up with the needs of a small child. Many mums long for their baby's naptime just so they can get on with a few jobs they need to do! There are some ways however you can try and keep your baby happy and safely occupied while you get on with some tasks.

Items You Can Place Baby In

Baby Chairs

Young babies are often content to sit in baby chairs while you get some jobs done. Chairs that rock and play music are fantastic for soothing babies. Some chairs have toys attached to them which dangle down into your baby's vision and move with the chair. Never leave your baby alone in a room, take the chair with you if you go into a different room.

Baby Gyms

Baby gyms usually consist of soft, lightly padded mats, with a frame attached that has toys hanging down. Babies lie on the mats and enjoy kicking out at the toys and watching the toys move when they wave their arms and legs. As their focus improves and they gain control over their hands, they will start to try and grab the toys, eventually being able to pull at them. Many of these gyms have sensory features, such as mirrors, squeakers, and different fabrics such as velvet and material that makes a crunchy sound when touched.

Baby Slings/Carriers

Most babies love being carried around the house in a sling as it means they get to stay close to you. Being next to their mother's (or father's, or older siblings') chest means they can hear their heartbeat and voice, which has a soothing effect on them. It also promotes bonding between the baby and the person carrying them. Carrying your baby in a sling leaves your hands free to get on with what you want to get done. The rocking motion of you walking around also helps soothe your baby to sleep.

Doorway Bouncers

When babies are four months old (as long as they can hold their head up unassisted), they can use a doorway bouncer. Your baby sits in a harness that is attached to an elasticated strip. This attaches to the door frame and allows your baby to jump up and down. Babies love the feeling of bouncing themselves up and down and the freedom of using their leg muscles to move themselves. Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes however as babies get tired and at this stage have probably had enough.

Music

If you need to keep your baby occupied while you do something, put your baby in their bouncer or chair and put some music on. Dance energetically while you work. This will keep your baby entertained (they may even join in the dancing by waving their arms and legs too) while you get things done. Granted, it takes longer to do things while you're bopping along to music at the same time, but at least you can get it done eventually!

Keeping Baby Entertained in the Kitchen

If you're trying to put the food shopping away, or cook dinner, take your baby into the kitchen with you and try putting them in front of the washing machine. Babies are fascinated by the sounds and sights of the washing machine turning clothes around, so pop him in his baby seat in front of this. You can also put him in his highchair (provided he can sit up unaided) and put some toys on his tray while you get things done. Toys will inevitably end up on the floor, so to save you from endless bending down, buy a toy with a suction pad on it so it sticks to the highchair. If your kitchen doors open into the garden, open the doors so your little one can see into the garden.

Entertaining Themselves

If your baby is happily playing by himself, use this opportunity to get jobs done. It's important babies do have some time to play by themselves as this is how they learn that they are independent from you. It gives them a chance to explore their environment on their own and amuse themselves (always supervise your baby's play however). Keep an close eye on your baby so you can anticipate when he has had enough of playing by himself and wants some company. Try to pick him up before he starts fussing.

Exploring Handbags and Boxes

Babies love exploring boxes and bags and taking out the contents (which can be quite annoying when you can't find your car keys as baby has helpfully hidden them somewhere). Take advantage of this by giving your baby a handbag or a box packed with baby friendly objects. Use an assortment of objects with different shapes and textures, such as a feather, pieces of cloth, a pinecone (make sure it's not sharp), a wooden spoon, an egg carton, a sponge, a soft bristled baby brush etc. This can often give you 15 minutes grace while baby unpacks the objects, packs then back, then unpacks and so forth!

Playpen

Some parents swear by the playpen as a great way of being able to get jobs done while keeping baby safe and happy. Other parents don't like them as they believe it confines children too much, stunts their development and means children see it as a 'punishment' place. Playpens are certainly not as fashionable as they used to be, but if only used in moderation and if your baby is happy to play in one of these, they can be a handy way of knowing your baby is safe while you get a quick job done. If you don't like the idea of confining your baby to a small space, you can use a 'gate' system. This is a method where parents buy multiple stair gates and use them in doorways, making sure everything in the areas the child can get to is babyproofed. Then baby has the freedom to crawl/roll/toddle around while also being safe. Make sure you can always see your baby however while you are getting jobs done.

Television

Babies are normally fascinated by the television; the moving pictures captures their attention, giving parents some much needed respite! TV should be used with caution however, as too much television can impact on language development. Some experts say you shouldn't let children under 2 watch any TV, so it's up to you whether and how much TV you let your child watch. See our article on Should I Let My Child Watch Television? for more information on the pros and cons of watching television.

Make Jobs Into a Game

When your baby is old enough, you can make household chores into a game. Ask your child to match the socks together by colour, or buy a toy broom so your baby can 'clean' with you. Play 'chase the vacuum cleaner' with your toddler. If you're cleaning the surfaces and you're toddler is keen to join in, give them a clean, dry sponge and let them imitate you. Ask them to pick things up for you and make tidying up a game. Say 'let's see how fast we put these bricks into the box!'.

Don't Try To Do Too Much!

If you find yourself getting anxious about not getting enough done, try not to give yourself so much to do. Choose one or two tasks to do each day, and no more. Looking after a baby is a full time job and the most important thing is giving your child lots of love and attention throughout the day, so don't feel guilty if you haven't managed to clean the house up to your pre-child standard, or that you feel you haven't been very productive. If you manage to get any chores done at all while looking after a young child, you've done well!