Our days are slow, simple, and centered around being together.
We don’t use screens, and I’ve noticed it’s helped my baby stay engaged with the world around him. This is what our days actually look like at home — not perfect, just what works for us ❤️
In this post, I’m sharing:
– our simple daily rhythm at 9 months
– screen-free play ideas we use every day
– how I set up our play spaces at home
– the toys and items we reach for the most
Our Morning Rythm
We don’t rush our mornings.
When my baby wakes up, I turn off the Hatch sound machine and let him listen to the world around him — the quiet house, my voice, little everyday sounds.
We stay in bed for a bit, usually about 30 minutes. We’re slow. We talk, laugh, and just rest together.
I used to feel like we needed to “start the day,” but I’ve learned these quiet mornings are some of our most connected moments.
Independent Play While I Get Things Done
Once we get up, I bring him into the living room where we have his play space set up.
Everything is organized into simple baskets
• fruits & veggies toys
•small toys
• musical instruments
• rotating items
He goes through them on his own while I do things I can’t do while holding him — unloading the dishwasher, starting laundry, or prepping food.
I don’t try to entertain him every second.
I’ve learned giving him space to explore independently has helped him stay curious and focused.
I noticed that when I gave my baby too many toys at once, he would get overwhelmed and want to be picked up much faster.
When I started offering just one basket at a time, everything changed. He began to focus longer, explore each toy more deeply, and play more independently.
Keeping toys organized and offering fewer choices helped create a calmer play environment for him.
Read how I set up our living room play space here
Babywearing & Daily Life
When it’s time to cook, I strap him on.
This has been one of the biggest things that’s helped me stay present with him while still getting things done.
I can make breakfast or prep meals while he watches, touches safe utensils, and observes everything happening around him.
We sit down and eat together, then we move into play time.
Shop our favorite baby carrier here
Our Play Spaces at Home
We rotate between a few simple areas in our home so he stays engaged without needing anything overwhelming.
Living Room Play Space
Where he explores his baskets and toys independently.
Tent Play Area
This is our cozy reading and play space. It’s surrounded by plush toys, books, and a few simple activities.
See how I created our tent play space here
Backyard Time
We also spend time outside — sitting in the shade, one or two simple toys to play with.
He doesn’t need much. Being outside is enough.
I shared some of our favorite ideas for summer days with baby here.
Music & Movement Time
This is one of our favorite parts of the day.
We have a special playlist we listen to together — songs we dance to, move around with, and enjoy.
Sometimes I hold him and dance, other times I set him down and we use instruments:
• maracas
• simple musical toys
• even a little record player
His dad will play guitar for him, and he loves just watching and listening.
Music has become one of the easiest ways for us to connect and create joy without needing anything fancy.
Reading Throughout the Day
Books have been part of our routine since the day we came home.
We read:
• before naps
• during quiet play
• in the evenings with dad
He loves books with movement, repetition, and sounds.
Some of our favorites include:
• pop-up books
• lift-the-flap books
• sound books
• repetitive stories
Read our favorite baby books here
Following His Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule)
Our day isn’t strict or perfectly timed.
His first wake window is shorter, so he goes down for a nap after our morning play.
After that, we repeat the same rhythm:
• slow moments
• play
• outside time
• music
• books
I follow his cues instead of the clock.
Outside Time & Simple Moments
We spend time outside every day.
Sometimes it’s just sitting in the backyard while he plays or I hold him and walk around the trees and flowers.
He loves observing everything.
It reminds me that babies don’t need constant entertainment — they’re naturally curious about the world.
Why We Chose a Screen-Free Day
We’ve chosen not to use screens during the day.
Not because I think it’s “better,” but because I want him to experience real life without rushing past it.
I want him to be engaged in the world around him — not just watching it. The slow moments, the simple play, the little routines… those are the things I want him to grow up with.
He doesn’t expect constant stimulation.
He doesn’t need something loud or fast to stay interested.
He finds joy in:
• simple toys
• music
• books
• being outside
• just being with us
And I think that has made our days feel calmer and more connected.
Ending
At the end of the day, we slow everything down. Dinner, bath time, and getting him ready for bed.
We don’t follow a strict schedule, but most nights we settle in around 8. Instead of trying to control his sleep, we’ve learned to follow his rhythm.
After a full day of exploring, playing, and simply being together, he’s ready to rest. It feels like his little body knows when it’s time.
These are the days I want to remember.
The slow mornings, the simple routines, the music, and the little moments at home ❤️
Our Favorite Simple Play Essentials
• Play mat