Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Do you leave your newborn alone?

I have a three week old daughter, and would like to know if any parents have left their child of this age laying alone while awake? I feel guilty not using every waking moment talking or singing to her and using that wakeful time to help her development, but sometimes she just seems so happy laying in her pack and play or bouncy seat staring into space.

I'm talking 15-30 minutes spent by herself spread throughout the day, not hours on end.

Do you think newborns need 'alone time'? I've read conflicting advice from experts - but most of it says to use every opportunity to talk to babies and work on their development. Do they mean that literally? Or is that information trying to encourage people who never talk to their children?

Update:

Great answers so far - thank you. To clarify, 'me time' isn't my concern. She's a sleeper, so I have plenty of time to get things done around the house. And my house is tiny, so I'm never more than 20 feet from her and of course supervising her time alone. My only concern whether or not she'd be missing out on learning/bonding time by not being interacted with, or if I'd bother her by being in her face 24/7. I think she's a daydreamer (like me) though, and really enjoys her 'chill out' time.

9 Answers

Relevance
  • Favorite Answer

    Usually not alone as in another room but I would lay her down and do things... At about 3 to 4 months I would give her mirror time (where shed play with her reflection in the mirror) for up to 20 minutes unless she cried in her room while I was in the living room or kitchen and she loved it. They need personal play time so I dont see why not as long as theyre happy and safe

  • 1 decade ago

    During those first few weeks I don't normally leave the same room as my babies. That might mean putting them in a swing or bouncy seat in the same room as me so they can hear me moving and know that I am still there or laying them on a blanket on the floor for a bit. There is nothing wrong with that.

    I made my 19 month old a small blanket that is black, white, and red with all kinds of patterns with the three colors on it and I lay it up on something so they can see in front of them so they can look at it and study the colors. That is all they can see when they are really young and it's great for eye development. But no, you don't have to be talking or singing every second of everyday.

  • 1 decade ago

    If my son was content, then I valued the time I had to get things done. When you have a newborn, having time to do the dish, laundry, clean, or just have time to yourself is rare.

    Also, I believe it's good for them.

    I've known women who held or played with their babies every waking moment. As the child got older, they grew used to Mom being there every second. Therefore, the Mom couldn't leave them alone.

    Once your baby gets a little older, you'll want them to be able to entertain them self.

  • 1 decade ago

    I think leaving her for a few minutes here and there is ok. For example, if she is content and you want to fold the laundry and you can see her, or if you want to get other house work done.. as long as you can keep an eye on her. Over stimulating a baby isn't good, it will overwhelm her and get her all grumpy! :)

    When my little girl was a little babe I would put her on her play mat and fold laundry or straighten up the house while keeping an eye on her. She is fine and I think its good for her to be able to explore and look around and absorb her surroundings. She can also play with her toys which helps her develop mentally and physically.

    Hope this helps!

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    When my daughter was an infant I did let her amuse herself. I was always in the same room as she was. So I was always watching her. I thought it was nice to have my time to read while she was banging on her piano with her feet. Taking a bath as she was bouncing in her bouncer(the bouncer was placed in the bathroom)etc. Even if you are not directly with her your daughter is gaining knowledge by watching what you are doing. If you feel like you need a little time for yourself then take it. There is nothing wrong with that. If you want to give your daughter all the attention you can then that's fine too. They don't stay babies for long and it is nice to savor every moment.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I never did, I felt too guilty. Now that my son is 9 months old I feel silly for feeling that way.

    If your child is happy and content alone (supervised of course) there is no reason not to let them have some 'alone time'.

  • I only did it VERY briefly, and still do. When she was at newborn up to 4 months, I'd place her in her bassinet (it had wheels) and just took the bassinet with me, for example, to the kitchen while she watched me do the dishes. When she was around that age and younger she couldn't play with toys much anyway, and she couldn't roll & crawl :-) I use to bring the bassinet to the shower while I had a shower as well lol.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I did with both my kids. But I was usually right there (with the exception of taking a quick potty break) with them in the same room either cleaning or trying to relax or something. I don't see anything wrong with it if they are just laying quietly and not fussing. But if you are going to take a shower or something, I would take her with you in to the bathroom in her bouncy.

  • 5 years ago

    It depends on many factors

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.