DS (5wks) can only stand being in his swing for a max of 15mins. He doesn't do too well playing by himself or even with me in the swing, play mat/gym, or anything else. Is this normal?

totally normal, he is only 5 weeks old, he is still getting to know his surroundings, Isaiah is just realy starting to play good and he is 14 weeks, dont worry your baby is fine

Maybe he would prefer the radio/TV on while in the swing, being in his infant car seat in the house, being in a pack n play, being in his crib, the swing either faster or slower, sitting in a bouncer seat placed in front of a window. Maybe he would prefer dim and quiet. If the weather is nice, he can be outside in his seat too (ensuring he's out of the sun and away from pets/animals if you aren't right there.

There's a jillion things you can try. I'm assuming you're trying to get him to give you a spare minute to go to the bathroom or do some chores? It's hard, hang in there and you'll find something he likes. They don't really start to "play" until between 2 and 3 months.

totally normal my ds is 9 weeks now and he is just starting to show a little interest in his gym etc. he does now like his bouncy chair but still not keen on being on his tummy long i guess it is hard working trying to life their little heads

yes totally normal - my girl is pretty mellow and is 14 weeks - she is really just starting to enjoy toys etc. - and likes things quiet - and not too dark and not too bright - LOL!!

she likes walks outside in the stroller - its nice and quiet nad the stroller cover is HUGE so she is in the shade and chilling out. Doesn't like LOUD stores or Dark restaurants - its hard to fing the balance....

Totally typical, they have a much shorter attention span at that young age, and prefer their surroundings to change every 10-15 minutes.

My daughter is 5 weeks also and she doesn't play. I assume she is too little to actually play. She doesn't show much interest in her play mats, gyms, etc. She does like to sit in her bouncer and look towards windows or the lights. She also is infatuated with our skylights in the living room. She mainly just looks around at her surroundings at this point and none of her toys.

ditto sam loves looking out the window maybe he is going to be a pilot or astronaut lol

do u experct a 5 week old to play? i mean wow...my little guy never sat in a infant swing, he wanted to be held or lay on the floor

My dd was the same way. I don't think very many babies that age really play. DD is 3 months and just started playing around 2-2.5 months. She will not stay in her swing very long at all. Occationally she will stay in it if I turn some music on, but id she happens to fall asleep. She loves her bouncy chair. It vibrates, and has stuff to look at. She has liked it since she was about a month old. Now that she is 3 months she is starting give me feedback. She will smile when I'm about to pick her up or smile and giggle when I kiss her or touch her feet to her face. At 5 weeks, I would not expect any playing or much feedback from him, its very normal.

My baby is 7 mos old and hated her swing the first couple of months. Now it's her favorite thing in the world. I think alot of times babies get overstimulated. Just remember they're experiencing EVERYTHING for the first time and I'm sure that can be a tad bit overwhelming. Things will change, trust me, just think how much your baby has changed in 5 weeks! :)