when to use a activity mat for 4 week old??

[nenee]

Hi there ive got a 4 week old and was wondering if i used an activity mat that he could lie on with toys above him would that be ok at this age as i need something for him to lie on (besides a blanket) whilst i prepare his bottle etc and thought he would be happier than just lying there, but i dont want to overstimulate him either as hes so young.  Any advice on what you did with your 4 week old and when should i start more stimulation ie music etc for him?

[Mariek]

Hi Nenee

Tbh for a 4 week old activity time can be something as simple as their nappy change and a little botty-airing time on the changing mat. You really don't want to be overstimulating them too much when they're very little and its super easy for them to get overstimulated in a matter of minutes.

love

[nenee]

marie
thanks for your advice il leave the mat for now, but when should i buy one for him and start more stimlation etc
cheers

[Mariek]

Nenee

When he starts going a decent time between naps (an hour or more) then it will be more worth it because he'll get time on there after changing and feeding and before naps again.

That said, no one can tell you when you should or shouldn't buy one. Only you know your LO best.

love

[Erin M]

The other thing with activity mats is that with the one I have you can remove the toys, so when her awake time started getting longer, I would put her under there with just a toy or two and add as she became able to handle more stimulation. 

[Kimberly®]

We didn't start using an activity mat with DD till she was about 3.5-4 months old. It just stimulated her way to much. A lot of the time it depends on your LO's temperment. Spirited LO's (like mine) tend to get over stimulated to quickly, so leave those activities till a later time 

[binxyboo]

I would put Riley sitting in his bouncy seat on a cuddly blanket for a little bit, no toys dangling.

Or just sit him on my lap and talk to him, hold him while doing my day to day things, go for a walk in the stroller or baby carrier etc...

I can't remember doing specific activities with him.

[Lolly]

Lying flat may not be a good idea for a LO with reflux, a bouncy chair may be better for when you need to put him down. This worked better for us anyway!

Laura

[nenee]

Iv been doing that when hes awake hes been sitting him upright in his chair (it does have music and heart beat sounds but dont use them way too much for him to handle).  Also been letting him lie on blanket (before he feeds) with his nappy off and he loves it although had a few wee wee fountains lol.  so I am doing the right thing by him, just wanted to make sure othing else he might like at his early age
thanks

[Kimberly®]

Another tip for your LO.
Avoid the swing.
Kayla had really bad reflux at that stage too and it really agitated it. She never used the swing at all. It was just to much for her.