Feeling self conscious...

Hi, I also felt self conscious about singing etc when Spencer was first born but now I sing and talk to him all the time without even realising i'm doing it. I think once they start smiling and interacting more you will find that you automatically talk/sing etc.
At that early age the most entertaining thing for them is to watch you, you will also find in a week or she will be able to go in a bouncy chair or be propped up so she can watch you go about your day and will be more interested in everything that happens around the house.
I also use to wonder if I was really doing enough to stimulate him, especially as I felt completely exhausting all day and found it hard to get the energy to be an entertainer, but things do get a lot easier.

I agree with the others, they don't need much in the way of 'entertaining' at that age. I still put Bella in her bouncer and just pop her wherever I am (then I can get the housework done ). I do most of my chatting with her when I'm changing her nappy as I'm close and she can really focus on me. The black and white books are also good for developing those focusing skills, I put Bella's on her playmat (I alternate sides) so when she's having 'kick' time she can look at that too. Tummy time at each nappy change too is something you can do...but you don't want to wear the little tyke out!! And as cuppatea said, once they start smiling and cooing, you'll find you'll chat and sing without even realising it!

I put Arabella in her bouncer or under her playgym and shes really good at entertaining herself - she just looks around and talks to her 'friends' until she falls asleep. . She loves the border on the cot and is always reaching out to try and touch it. .
I don't want to overstimulate her because then she gets very unsettled

I read to cooper every day (as a new entrant teacher it's something I enjoy and I found I was missing it not being at work!!!) I also love singing to him. Our favourite this week is Old MacDonald. I have a shocking singing voice, but his face lights up when I start! Try not to feel self consious as I'm sure you'll both love it once you start.

I find that most of the time my talking to him is just a running commentary of what I'm doing or planning to do eg "now mummy's taking off your socks and later I'll pop them in the washing machine......" totally boring stuff but in a nice soothing voice! I find I do it alot in the car and people must think I'm mad talking to myself!

ella and i sung all the time, we chatted, i lie on floor next to her and told her to kick kick or talked about things...interaction is great for them even at this early stage and they learn to respond to you well. It also gets you ready to play silly games, sing along in car etc for the next so many years...so start doing it now LOL!!!

I say go for it - noone should be self councious about enjoying being around their children and developing their kids skills as well as their own social skills.

I agree, I think most of us do feel self concious about it...of course I've been known to break out in song and/or dance for Maddie and forget that there are others there to witness the disaster that it is! (so don't worry Spudling, you are not alone on that count!!!!)

I talk to Ollie constantly - except when I am feeding him and trying to get him to concentrate on the job!! I sing to him all the time - although I generally make up the words to songs as I am shocking at remembering the real words! DH also talks to him all the time and sings to him too! He watches us so closely when we do - its awesome! I have started putting him down on his playgym in the last few days and he turns his head to look in the mirror - he seems quite happy laying there and just looking at the colours and hanging animals! We both walk around the garden holding him as well - to let him get some fresh air and see the sunshine! I also take him with me to the letterbox each day to check the mail and talk to him about it the whole time!! I just love telling him about everything - and he seems to recognise my voice now which is great!

 

I find myself making up songs, like when changing his nappy I sing

Cleaning up your bum
Cleaning up your bum
All day long..... Cleaning up your bum.

yeah our first "song" was

"ella bella the breech baby..." sung over and over again in a harmony to her...and she still responds to that tune now....

ummm and have to admit we talk all the way up and down the DC stairs each day - always hoping noone else is around really but thinking "oh what if they are...so what".....

I forgot, Anabella loves when my husband sings to her...