Are you a mom who does not have a lot of spacing in between your babies? Are you expecting your third child thinking.. “Oh My God, my oldest is barely out of diapers and my soon to be middle child is still a baby!” Take a deep breath.. you got this! This is such an exciting time and with a few intentional strategies and thoughtful planning, you will make this a breeze!
- TIP #1: Be Flexible with Sleeping Arrangements at First: Don’t worry about making the decision about where everyone will sleep before or the moment baby comes. Remember, baby will sleep in your room until he/she is ready to move their crib in their own room. This will allow you time to see how the other two children are adjusting to the baby..especially who can sleep through the crying! We tried 3 combinations before landing on the one that works best for our family!
- TIP #2: Smart Location of the Wipes: You want the wipes to be in reach for the oldest child but not in reach for the middle child! This is important. Otherwise you will have a New Orleans second line worth of wipes and will need a zip lock bag to preserve their wetness. This will help with spills, diaper changes, spit up and more! Practice with your oldest child where to find them and his/her speed by asking, “HELP! Mommy needs a wipe!”
- TIP #3: Make a Safe Place to Put the Baby in Almost Every Room: This is important as a multi-tasking mom. Middle kiddo is covered from head-to-toe in spaghetti sauce and dad isn’t home from work yet? Need to “hose” him off…well, good thing you have a pack-n-play in your bathroom to stick baby in while the other two get a bath. Oldest wants to play dinosaurs outside? Good thing we have a sleep basket for outside! Think about each room and where would be safest for the baby to be while the other two are tugging on toys, running around, etc.
- Tip#4: Create a Safe and Fast Routine for Getting TO, INTO, and OUT OF the Car: When I say “Van Time,!” we walk immediately out of the house and my eldest son opens the sliding door to the car. Both older boys jump in and I close them in! Then I walk around and put the youngest in the car seat base and close myself in. Now we are all stuck in the car! I buckle the other two and then get in my seat. I donβt let anyone stand outside of the car or let them escape. The same goes for getting out of the car. I close myself in the back of my minivan and get everyone unbuckled and ready to get out at one time. Choose the routine that works for you but remember, get in the car as quickly as possible because you are extremely outnumbered!
- Tip#5: Always Pack the Baby Carrier and Choose the Best Stroller for You: I have 4 strollers and two baby carriers. It took me a while to figure out which one I like most for outings. I know Walmart Pickup and Delivery and Sams Club Pick Up are AMAZING but you will have to go to the store eventually! I have a double stroller but it is so heavy. I load up all of the babies on one light stroller (not safety approved!) to get them into the gym, church, and other places quickly. I always bring the baby carrier with me even if I have the stroller. This way, if baby gets cranky, you can load him/her in that and even feed them while pushing a shopping cart or stroller.
Chris says
You are an awesome mommy!!!