Ideas for infant wake windows at 0-3 months

We didn't call them "wake windows" a lifetime ago when we were raising our babies....but this is the time when babies aren't napping or feeding.....we need to fill that time with engaging activities, because they are always learning! Here are my favorite ways to entertain the babies while they're with me! (And some of the products are followed by affiliate links!)

First, one of my favorite things is to just walk around with them and "narrate." I show them all the rooms in the house, telling them what colors and shapes are in the room, show them pictures of their family, tell them what's next on the list of chores and how I'll do it another day when they're not here (ha). I also have Scripture written on cards on my fridge, so in those fussy wake windows, when I'm circling my kitchen island, I stop at the fridge and read Scripture over them. When it's nice outside we walk around outside and talk about all the beautiful things God made for us to enjoy!

Tummy time--I love this playmat and piano that lights up from Baby Einstein.

Crib time--If I need to fold a load of clothes or something really quick, I can count on this Elephant to keep them entertained with Peekaboo and a song for a few minutes. I also have this toy bar that goes over the crib to give them something to look up at.

We love the swing and the bouncy seat, too, as "stations" to rotate through during wake windows. I love to talk to them while they are in the bouncy seat, and usually this is when I read to them. Here are some of my favorite books:

These wrist rattles and rattle socks are precious and I think they enjoy the sound they make even if they don't quite yet understand how they are making the sound! The rattle socks will be fun as they later learn to find their feet and bring them to their mouth, so we kept them in the toy basket for a long time.

I used these rings to hang additional things to the play gym , or from the visor of the stroller, or to connect a toy to the headrest in the car.

A Boppy pillow is another great "station" to use. I propped mine up in this to talk and read to them, and they enjoyed doing it for a little bit instead of being flat on their back all the time. You can also use it as a prop during tummy time!

At the end of this age range some babies are learning to reach out and touch things and even bring them to their mouths, and so these are my favorite teethers. In the 3-6 month age range they are still loving these teethers and I keep one in the stroller and the car seat too, at all times:) There's a cute banana and strawberry and carrot shape, and also this Nuby is the absolute favorite.

And I know that screen time for infants is controversial.....and I do agree that it's best to limit it.....but I have no problem with a little Winnie the Pooh or Blues Clues or Curious George while in the bouncy seat, while I return a phone call or pay some bills online! I try to make sure it's a show that's pretty calm, pretty slow moving, something not too intense or loud. (I don't need that myself either!)