Here are a few ideas for my moms and future moms who have to spend some time on bedrest and are going stir crazy with boredom:
Knit a blanket, baby socks, or quilt or make a Tutu (mesh headband or elastic band and tulle)
Birth Plan Checklist
Count fetal kicks
Find an encouraging passage from the Bible or inspirational quote daily
If you’re on bedrest at home, have a routine story time with your kids and find some interesting books. If at the hospital, you can Facetime or Skype story time with your other kids. If this is your first baby, video yourself daily reading a story or telling a story you created.
Create a recipe book
Compose baby shower wish list/registry or even plan shower for yourself
Journal each day on bedrest—what you do and how many days and thoughts
Update addresses of people to send birth announcements or thank you cards to
Look at birth announcements online/ request catalogs of baby stuff
Think about baby’s 1st year (possible appt dates, daycare research, even start looking into future preschools and kindergarten guidelines.)
Pinterest- ideas for baby’s 1st birthday or Sip N See
Sign up for Parents as Teachers
Order online in advance (diapers, formula, etc.)
Draw & Compose kids’ books
Color in adult coloring book or kids coloring book that you can hang some of the pages in your baby’s room.
Plan a future vacation (look at pricing, budget, things to do, think of who you’d like to go with, etc)
Prepare for the next holiday with crafts. For example, if Christmas is coming up, decorate a stocking for your baby or a loved one. If Valentine’s day, make a Valentine box, etc.
Join a community in one of the pregnancy/parenting apps such as “What To Expect” or “The Bump”. You’d be surprised who shares your experience and can make friends/bump buddies. (P.S. Also join the community here at yomamasworld.com – lots of interesting topics, trivia/giveaways, and even an area to shop for customized gifts)
Research infant care/ CPR
Buy or order Nano baby gadget
Develop goals or job placement plans and such for after delivery
Set schedule throughout the day to do things (Example: 9am-wake up and eat breakfast, 11- craft, 12:30 lunch, 2pm-write in journal, 3:30-nap, 5pm-watch news, 8pm–bathe/wash-up)
Throw a virtual baby shower https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166773992438348386/ ; https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166773992438348870/
Arm exercises and leg stretches; Be sure to rotate sides you lie on at least every 2 hrs
Hope this is helpful and feel free to share other ideas! Take good care, hang in there, and remember that it's only temporary.
~Yo! Mama
