How long do your babies play each day on their own?

[zazou]

Medina is now 7 months old and I've noticed that she plays on her own alot. Sometimes I feel really guilty and think I should play with her more. We do play together, sing, read and cuddle.  I'm starting to feel really bad but I'm guessing this is an important step in her becoming 'independent'. My friend was over today and was quite impressed at how patient she is and concentrated when she plays.

Just curious as to how long your babies play on their own per day?

[zazou]

I am really glad that I am not the only one with these thoughts. Medina has become rather mobile, rolling and turning herself around in circles when on her belly (it's unbelieveable how quick babies are), a little creeping as well. For us, it's almost time to give up the electric swings, she's losing interest and starting to sit forward and always appears as though she wants to unsafen herself. But I'm happy that we all are on the same boat here :-)

[ladybugbob1029]

Cash is scooting backwards now, but after a couple of scoots he's bored with it and just stays put and plays with whatever toys are still within reach.  He will play for at least an hour on his own.  i try to only leave him in the jumperoo or exersaucer for 30 minutes at a time, but he go for a while on his own on the floor on a blanket with toys.  I feel bad sometimes too, but it IS important for them to be content with themselves and we DO have chores we need to do.  I just pop down on the floor ever so often to talk to him and let him know I'm still around.  I try to be cheerful to encourage whatever it is he is doing so playing alone will be a positive thing.  Glad I'm not alone!  Great question - I don't feel so guilty now that I know that everyone is letting their LOs play on their own throughout the day.

[Dani711]

You all should be so happy your babies will play on their own.  Colter gets so frustrated that he screams for me to help him do something.  I actually just put him on his play mat so I could get his bath ready and he was on the other side of the room two minutes later.  He is crawling backwards!  He rolls over both ways but his new thing is the moving backwards...the sad part is he is actually trying to go forward LOL!

[kaprovea]

Joel will also play for atleast 30 minutes at a time on his own. I often will move him to a different activity when he starts to get fussy.  I also feel guilty like I should be playing/singing/reading to him more.  Don't get me wrong I do those things with him but it isn't for hours at a time. I guess this is just something they need to be doing though.  I think to myself that its alright for them to play on their own bc you can't be constantly engaging them 24/7 because after a little while you will run out of things to do.

[Sasha80]

Iliana is pretty independent too.  Being 5 months she goes 30 min or more on her own.  Very content little girl.  Hardly ever cries.  She loves her jumperoo and exersaucer.  She will also play for awhile with her rattles.  She still isn't rolling over or that would keep her occupied too.  

[Tasia32]

JT can play for a long time on his own especially in his jumper. I think it is a part of their growth. You want them to have some sort of independence.

[eternidad200]

James can play on his own for a long time, he will not fuss or cry, I do too feel guilty at times. He is the type of child that will stay in his play mat rolling all over our living room for 1-2 hours maybe more if  I let him. Also he can be in his bouncer for a long time, but I always pick him up and do something with him, bc feel bad leaving there alone.

[Dani711]

I only get half hour spurts out of Colter, but he isn't even six months yet.  As he gets older he is more independent.  I think it is normal and as long as you are playing with her as well I do think it is very important for them to learn and enjoy being on their own.  I CAN"T wiat to get some of that time.  I often sit in the room with Colt and watch him play...so fun to watch what they learn =)