Play is actually necessary for development. Play with others gives babies a chance to connect with them. Play with objects gives babies a chance to discover that they are powerful and that they can act on their environments. Solo play gives babies a chance to connect with themselves, and it will give you a few minutes while your baby happily entertains himself.

Let your child learn to entertain himself — it will pay off down the line. But that doesn't mean that you abandon him. Instead, set up a series of play stations in your house and move him from one to another, letting him explore something new. For example, position the infant swing so your baby can look outside; place the baby chair on the counter (back from the edge) but with a view of the kitchen and you working in there; put a quilt on the floor and scatter a few toys on it. Moving your baby from station to station will keep him happy and amused for as much as an hour.