How to Entertain Your Baby: A Guide for Work from Home Parents

Working parents are often caught between a rock and a hard place when caring for their children. On the one hand, putting your child in daycare for most of the day can be a godsend, allowing you to go about your work without worrying about tending to them. On the other hand, there are times when you may want to spend some quality time with them instead of leaving them with another adult who is not related to them. Working parents have a variety of challenges that they must overcome to ensure that their children are happy and well-cared for at all times. Many things working parents must consider if they want to have fun and effective ways of entertaining their babies so that they don’t feel neglected or disconnected from them.

Why is it Important to Entertain Your Baby?

If you want to keep your sanity as a working parent, it is essential to make sure that you find ways to entertain your baby. This is especially true if you work from home because you don’t have to be separated from your child for 8 or more hours a day, as many working parents do. However, it is still essential to ensure that you find ways to keep your child engaged and happy when you are with them so that they don’t feel neglected or ignored. Some parents find that their child does not want to be held or played with very much when they are with them. This can be frustrating, especially if you have been putting off entertaining your child because you have been busy with other things. Suppose your child is not interested in being entertained when you are with them. In that case, they may also not be interested when a nanny or sitter is with them. This can make it very difficult to go to work and do what you need.

How to Have Fun with Your Baby While Working 

If your baby is under 6 months old, you will likely find that they are happy to be held by you while you work. This is a great time to bond with them and get some baby talk while you work. You may also tell them a story or sing to them, which can also be very bonding. As your child gets older, keeping them entertained may become more challenging while you are working. If your child is over 6 months old, try to find ways to make your work more interactive so that your child can be involved with you while you are working. For example, if you are writing, your child can be beside you, coloring or doing a puzzle. Choose work your child is developmentally ready to be involved in so that they don’t get bored and want to be held or taken away from their activity. You may also want to try working with your child beside you sometimes so that they can have your undivided attention and be involved with what you are doing.

Tips for Having Fun While Working With Your Baby

• Be prepared: Before you start working with your child, ensure you have everything you need nearby so that you don’t have to get up frequently or be distracted by going to another room. If you are writing, make sure you have snacks and a beverage close by so you don’t have to get up and go to the kitchen. 
• Use toys: Babies and toddlers love to play with toys, and many of them are very entertaining. If you are working at a table or another place where your baby can’t play with toys, use a baby play mat or put down a blanket or sheet in a place where your child can play. This will give them something to do and keep them from getting bored or fussy. 
• Create a fun environment: You may want to create a fun and creative environment for you and your child to work in. This can help you to have fun and be creative while working. You can do this by decorating your space in a fun way, like decorating a table to look like a diner or by playing music that inspires you.

Games That Don’t Require Toys

Parents have been playing games with their children since the beginning of time and they are a great way to bond with your child while also keeping them engaged and entertained. Some games that don’t require toys include: 

• Flashcards: You can make your own flashcards or use ones that are designed for infants or young children. Flashcards are a great way to teach your child letters, numbers, and other basic skills. They also make a great toy, as children can play with them on their own and will often try to learn from them.
• More Games: You can play many games with your child that don’t require any toys. These include Bingo, Charades, Hot Potato, or Telephone.
• Go Outside: You can go for walks outside, look at nature, or play in a sandbox. Visit places other people visit, like playgrounds, zoos, or museums. 

Games That Involve Toys

Many toys are appropriate for babies and toddlers, and many of them make great toys for playing games with your child. If you are playing a game that involves your child playing with toys, you can choose whichever toys you want to use. Some toys you can use for fun with your child include: 

• Play Food and Kitchen Appliances: Your child can play with toys that look like kitchen food and appliances. They can also play with toys that make sounds like a blender, microwave, and other appliances. 
• Play Vehicles: Your child can sit and play with toy vehicles such as cars, trains, boats, and aeroplanes. They can also play with toy construction vehicles, like bulldozers and excavators. 
• Play Dolls: Your child can play with dolls and dollhouses. They can also play with toy animals if they are not too small. Babies can also play with toys that make noises, like music boxes and teddy bears. 
• Go to a Park: You can take your child to a park or a playground and let them play with other children while they are still in the stroller. This is an excellent way for babies and toddlers to learn social skills and burn energy.

Conclusion

Working parents have a lot on their plate, but they must remember to make time for their children. Children are very perceptive and know when they are being ignored or neglected by their parents. Spending time with your child and finding ways to entertain them while working will help you and your child be happier. Not only will this make your child more comfortable, but it will also make you happier. Working parents often feel guilty for not being able to be with their children more, but this is something that every parent goes through. Spending time with your child and having fun with them will help them to feel loved and will help you to feel better about having to work.