Just me and a five month old for a week - fun and/or relaxing activity ideas?

[Anonymous]

I have three kids, youngest is a baby. My husband (who is currently on parental leave) is taking the big kids on a week long trip, so I am taking a week off work to take care of the baby while he's gone. Baby will be five months old.

As as mom of three kids five and under, having just ONE (1) baby who doesn't even know how to talk (oh god my oldest is in a major "why?" phase right now) for a whole week sounds like an absolute vacation. Baby is already sleeping through the night and on a good schedule.

However I am a bit limited, as he doesn't take great stroller/on the go naps, so in general I need to stay fairly close to the house. He's up about 90 mins at a time and eats in like 15 mins, so there's some time to work with.

Ideas for fun things to do? I'll definitely have a lot of friends coming to hang out in the evenings. There will be lots of yummy takeout (my husband is the cook, ha). I've got a few books and puzzles I'm really looking forward to. Other activity suggestions? We live in Columbia Heights, and I don't have a car.

[Anonymous]

OP here. To clarify, taking suggestions for both solo in the house activities and out of the house activities that are manageable.

[Anonymous]

- go hang out at a coffee shop
- library visit to get new board books to read to him, since you already have books for you
- get yourself ice cream, gelato, or whatever other sweet treat is in walking distance

[Anonymous]

I would meet friends for coffee or lunch at whatever times work for the baby to come along.

Maybe go to a pool or some water place where you only have to hold one baby so could actually enjoy it without worrying about safety.

Library is a good idea.

Shopping for whatever you enjoy.

Do you have any house projects you want to tackle? Could be a good use of time during naps or evenings.

[Anonymous]

-Be prepared for your baby to sleep horribly since their day to day is off (parent home, other parent and siblings away)
-stock up in case you are stuck in the house due to weather, sickness, exhaustion…

[Anonymous]

Whatever you want to do. I would NOT be trapped in the house with a napping baby...having one child instead of 3 feels like no children. I'd make plans for coffee with friends, go to the mall, go to TJMaxx, museums...whatever sparks joy. Dont worry about the naps.

[Anonymous]

+1 library

long, relaxing baths

long naps

binge series/movies that you wouldn’t want to have on when kids could overhear and/or that your husband has no interest in

go to nearby parks and gardens - you can soak in the beauty and tranquility without having to visit a playground, keep track of kids running around, referee, etc. Your baby will enjoy the fresh air, motion, and new sights.

[Anonymous]

Toward the end of my maternity leave I took my son to a Nats game. They have a nice nursing room (he wore hearing protection) and we just walked around a lot

[Anonymous]

I would be lonely and wish I went with my husband.

[Anonymous]

I have a 6.5 month old with longer wake windows but we’re still on a schedule. Would just take the baby for walks and go out for coffee etc. if you have family nearby, would go for a visit. Baby just likes playing with you, being held, read to etc.

My three are 6.5,3.5 and the baby and the baby alone does feel like a vacation!

[Anonymous]

I loved taking babies to the park at that age - put a blanket under a tree, bring a picnic lunch for yourself, lay your baby down to be mesmerized by the branches in the wind above, and no need to chase a crawling baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I loved taking babies to the park at that age - put a blanket under a tree, bring a picnic lunch for yourself, lay your baby down to be mesmerized by the branches in the wind above, and no need to chase a crawling baby.

Awww, this just sparked a pleasant memory. Babyhood can be exhausting for parents especially if you have older kids. This is a good reminder to enjoy small moments.

[Anonymous]

Take him to a swimming pool. Do sensory play. Let him finger paint his body and a drop cloth while only in a diaper. Put pasta in a bin and let him run his fingers through it. Sing to him. Give him tons of direct sustained eye contact.

[Anonymous]

Maybe a fun craft project, depending on your interests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a fun craft project, depending on your interests.

I think I misread this at first and realize now that you mean a craft for the Op, not the baby, but I laughed at my desk imagining guiding a 5 month old through a craft project, so thanks for that!