Restless Baby Syndrome

JJ is almost eight months and we seem to be entering into what I like to call RBS-Restless Baby Syndrome.  Since he's approaching toddlerhood, he's taking fewer naps.  And that's not a problem.  The problem is finding stuff for him to do during those hours that he's now spending awake.

It's hard work keeping him entertained.  I thought for sure that he would be like Moo was.  She was fine as long as she was in her bouncer seat and watching Yo Gabba Gabba.  And once she learned how to make her walker go, she could care less if anybody paid her any attention.  

This is not the case for my little prince though.  He is a total attention hog.  I can't leave his sight for more two seconds unless he's fully occupied with something else.  But the moment that fascination wears off and he sees that I've escaped the room, he lets it rip.

We've been trying to get him interested in toys.  It works for a little bit and then he's like ok, what else ya got ma?  He's not a fan of tummy time at all.  He simply rolls over and gives me the you have ten seconds to pick me up look.  He's already mastered the walker.

I mean he can navigate that thing better some people navigate their cars.  I thought it would have taken a while to get the hang of it.  But by six months, he was already showing off his skills.  My family couldn't believe how well he got around in that thing.  We're convinced he's going to be walking by his first birthday.

And you would think that the walker would keep him occupied, but not so.  It just allows him to get into stuff like the Mr's PS3, snatching lamps off tables, knocking over cups, etc.  It also serves as a way for him to tag along behind me 24/7.  He was content with that at first but the novelty of being able to keep tabs on me is wearing off since I'm not actually holding him.

I'm running out of things and ways to keep this little guy entertained.  I don't want him getting sucked into tv watching.  However, we're both going nuts from his restlessness and easy boredom.  I never imagined that I would be the mother of a high maintenance child.

So, how do you keep your baby entertained?

14 comments

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    1. He's loves to be in his Snugli, but he's not a lightweight. So, I only use it when we're outside the house.

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  2. I have no great ideas but maybe play dates!!

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    1. I thought about adding more playdates but I'm hesitant because we're still right in the middle of cold season. It's a thought though.

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  3. I remember those days. I found that getting out of the house for a bit each day helped. Sometimes they just need a change of scenery. I hope things get better for you!

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    1. We actually went out the other day and I noticed that he was much more calm. So, maybe he does need more fresh air than he's been getting lately. Thank you

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  4. I to totally feel you on this one. My little one is an attention hogger too and she is not even that old yet! My older ones did not like "toys". They loved to play with pots, pans, papers, cooking utensils. If it was not too cold, they loved being outside in their walker or laying on the grass.

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    1. I wish it was warmer outside because he does enjoy being out. I might have to get him some old pots to beat on and see how those work. Thanks!

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  5. I remember when Aiden went through that stage. It was rough. LOL. Seriously though, there was still nap time in my house. (There's STILL nap time in my house.) The rule was/is, if he doesn't want to nap, then there is quiet time for an hour in which he can play in his room quietly until nap time is over. This is good for both of our sanity.

    In terms of keeping him entertained, it always helps to get him out and about. He's an active little guy so this helps channel his energy.

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    1. I'm learning that boys do seem to need a little bit more guidance on how to channel their energy. I've already started trying to hunt down more playdates and activities to get us out of the house.

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  6. Thank goodness my baby likes toys and Yo Gabba Gabba. I would suggest putting a ton of toys on the ground so that when he gets bored with one there is another one there for him to play with..

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    1. I need to get him one of those little seats for babies because sometimes he falls backwards, but this might be a great idea to try. Thanks!

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  7. This is a hard stage. I wore my daughter a lot, and carried her a lot during this stage. I think I talked to her so much about what I was doing, that I still find myself doing that now.

    We read books, played with toys, went out for walks a lot. I think I took her out every day to the store for one thing or another.

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    1. Yea, I think we're going to start getting out more. We got a little bit today and he hasn't been as restless since we got back home.

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