Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

We set up one of our spare bedrooms as a playroom where everything is babyproofed so DS can play in there by himself once in a while and we don't have to worry. I am lucky if he lasts 20 min by himself before he starts to whine and cry. Is he too young to expect him to entertain himself while I TRY to get some housework done? Any suggestions?

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

Kaitee played by herself since about 6 or 7 months old. She has always been really independent though. Brooke is 9 1/2 months old and she plays without me most of the day but she has her sister to entertain her.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

My DD has really always wanted to be entertained, or at least to have someone in the room with her. I'd say once she started cruising and then walking she LOVES playing by herself now. But she will sprint down the hallway looking for me after a few minutes.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

Is he gated in the room?

DS is pretty good at entertaining himself. But he crawls around from the different rooms that he's allowed in and will usually come and see me before going back to play.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

My DS just turned 11 mos so he is around the same age and, honestly, I'm not sure b/c I am always in the room or the next room when he is playing b/c if I did leave him - there would be lots of bumps and bruises! He is into everything and constantly trying to walk or stand on things that aren't secure (some of his toys - the wall) etc. But, when I do leave him on his playmat in our living room and I am all around and checking in on him - he is perfectly fine to entertain himself on his own - right now I am on my laptop on the coffee table while he plays by himself...that is, until he climbs up on the table and starts banging on the computer

Message edited 7/31/2008 1:28:21 PM.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

DS has been able to entertain himself forever. Maybe you can play some music? DS loves that!

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

I think its too young for him to play by himself really, some kids might, but my son never would.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

I think 10 months is still a bit young for him to be on his own whether or not a room is childproofed. Thats my opinon, but of course its up to you.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

My DS loves to play by himself. However, 20 minutes is a lot to ask from them. When DS is playing on the floor or in the pack and play I peek in on him a lot and determine whether I need to switch up the toys for him. I usually stay within the same room as him anyway. If I need to leave him sitting on his own, I play with him for a few minutes in between. Lately, he takes a lot of time going through his board books.

Message edited 7/31/2008 5:43:27 PM.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?

I say if you ever got 20 minutes by himself - you are one lucky girl. I think that is too young but the again my olest son was about 18 mos old before he'd play for even 10 minutes by himself. He is 3 now and still prefers me to always be in the room with him. My baby is 12 mos now and he'll play for a few minutes by himself - maybe 5-10 at most and I feel lucky. But since he is walking - he pretty much just follows me and looks for my attention.

Message edited 8/1/2008 6:41:49 AM.

Re: Should DS be able to play by himself at 10.5 mos old?