5 Best ways to entertain your baby safely

These days parents are super busy juggling so much, from working a job, running a household and looking after a baby – all at the same time. It can be exhausting for sure. I remember literally not having a minute free sometimes when looking after my daughter Katie when she was 1 to 6 months old, even just to make a cup of tea or put the laundry on. So finding clever and safe ways to keep your baby entertained when you need a few minutes to get something done, can be a lifesaver.

I remember literally not having a minute free sometimes when looking after my daughter Katie when she was 1 to 6 months old

Here’s our list of the best products to entertain your baby that can help save you countless hours and sanity to get some things done around the house while keeping your newborn or older baby safe and busy.

1. Baby Bouncers

A baby bouncer or baby rocker is a great invention that will both keep your newborn baby safe while bouncing happily. There are quite a few types to choose from, you get ones that are for newborn babies with built-in seats so they are safer, bouncers that vibrate if the baby kicks a little or even automatic vibrating baby bouncers that work using an electrical outlet or batteries.

Some bouncers also have a mobile arm on them with toys hanging from them which also helps give your baby something to play with. There are some great quality bouncers out there from brands such as Fisher-price, Graco and Chicco.

Another bonus, is that many parents also use their bouncer as a convenient option for feeding their baby, since your baby can be securely fastened while being kept semi-upright, it keeps your hands free for feeding them.

2. Walking rings

Another baby entertainment option is the baby walking ring. These have been used for many years and while allowing your baby to roam around freely, they are quite safe in this sort of plastic moving chair on wheels. Many of them also have toys in the front for you baby to play with, some of which make noises for extra fun.

Some concerns have been highlighted that it might delay a baby walking, so I’d suggest not letting your baby be in these for too long though, usually for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Another option is to use a baby jumper.

3. Baby Playmats

A baby play mat is essentially a soft padded mat that you put on the ground for your baby to play on. Baby activity mats usually have some sort of play activity or accessory that your baby can do while lying on it.

There’s a massive variety of play mats available including ones with sounds, lights, swings or other things that babies can touch and play with. They are also sometimes referred to by other names like baby gyms, activity mats, activity gyms, activity blankets etc and there are so many different types I’m sure you’ll be able to find one that’s just right for you at your local baby store or online.

4. Baby Playards

Playards are ideal for giving your baby some space to play freely, while still keeping them safe in one place. You get a variety of playpens, some just have an outer perimeter and others include mobiles, toys or activities built into them to entertain your baby or toddler.

You also get playards that are portable allowing you to conveniently fold it up and take it with you when you visit friends or go on holiday, or for easy storage.

5. Newborn Bassinets

This option is really only for infants and newborns in the first 3 months after birth. There are many different kinds of bassinets, from the more classic Summer infant comfort bassinet, the automatic rocking fisher price bassinet, to the more stylish Bjorn cradle bassinet. Because bassinets are smaller than baby cots they are quite mobile so you can move easily move them to where you need it around the house – just don’t move it with the baby in.