Out And About With Two

[springmama]

Going out W/ 2 kiddos is pretty challenging (well everything is actually) so I was wondering how all of us who went from 1-2 kids are doing with that. I find that I have too many things to carry, my two year old knows that she can run away from me and there really isn't much I can do, and I feel overwhelmed easily. How is everyone else doing? Please share any suggestions or ideas you have on how to make it less stressful. I know that with time it will get easier, so I'm keeping that in mind.

[greenmagick]

So far if I dont have help, I just go places where my toddler is used to going This way she already kind of knows the drill, and doesnt seem to test me as much. I get the baby in the mei tai as well so I can chase dd if need be

[danaalex]

when we had two we used the stroller for the walker and the sling or mei tai for the babe, every single time we went ANYWHERE. sometimes i would wear BOTH of them just to make my life easier.

i have 4 now and i haven't been anywhere with all 4 of them by myself yet LOL. i'm a little freaked out by it.

[IntuitiveJamie]

I live in an apt. currently and have a long walk to the car. This is the most challenging thing for me with all the stuff I have to carry, plus the babe and the running away toddler.
I use the sling every time to go everywhere. Period. I never try to carry the baby in my arms to the car and try to get my toddler in it. If we are leaving the house the baby is in the sling. It doesn't matter if it's a few "quick" (haha) errands that are in and out of the car. I don't care how many times I have to put the babe in the sling, I do it. It just makes my life easier.
Another trick I've learned is to keep the diaper bag in the car. I got a smaller, kid backpack that I repack with the things I need to replenish the diaperbag. When I get to the car I transfer the stuff. Also my son LOVES to wear the little backpack, so he's become my little helper in carrying stuff. (if I haven't loaded it down to heavy).
I've also figured out that everything just takes more time and I'm cool with that. I think my attitude makes the biggest difference. I try never to rush myself, and I remind myself that essentially I have all day...so if that's how long it takes, then fine.
Hope some of these things help ya.

[lactivist]

I have four but the two older ones are helpful. If I have to go out with all four it is much easier than going out with just the two littles. If I have to go out with them I always put Dahlia in the Mei Tai so I can chase down Eavan. I always put him in the car first so he is contained and then take him out last. He is a bolter so I have to be really prepared. My purse is a backpack style and I load it up with all my diapering supplies so I don't have to also carry a diaper bag. I find going places with just Eavan to be difficult at times and taking both of them can be really hard. I am getting better at it every day. The thing I hate more than anything is that Dahlia is in the way back of my car and rear facing so I can't see her. If it is just me and the littles no one is back there to check on her and that makes me nervous. I won't put a mirror there because it can become a projectile in an accident and hurt the baby. I feel like I am going from one to two for the first time because all my other kids are so spread out. It does get easier.
Wendi

[SortaCrunchy]

MEI TAI! If it weren't for our Mei Tai, I would never leave the house. I use it for every single outing. Even if my two year starts getting brave and runs away from me, I can still grab her up and carry her on my hip if I have to. I've gotten some looks, but a mama's gotta do what she's gotta do! It's been tricky and I get really tired if we try to do more than one or two stops per outing, but my DH is super busy at work right now and we don't have family close by that I would trust with both girls, so I just have to buck up and do it.

But seriously - it's all about the Mei Tai.

[mommajb]

I have five and I have to have all three littles I usually ask for a big. Heck, I ask for a big with just one little.

Another suggestion I had was wearing the older babe if that would work at all. For example, in an apt I might feel comfortable leaving the baby inside while I carried groceries in but I NEED to keep my eyes and a hand on the two year old so I would wear her in that situation. I have also found that a baby on the front and back is nt as bad as it sounds. They balance each other out.

So, I can get where I am going but monitoring/helping everyone to get along and pee where they are supposed to wears me out. I just want the kids to go play peacefully (not in the pantry if you are reading this mommasgroovin - her 12 yo boy with my 9 yo girl for you others) while I crash on the couch and have coffee with my momma friends.

[springmama]

Things are getting easier for us ech day. Last Wed. I went to the library with both kids and I had to park far away so I put dd in the little umbrella stroller and ds in the sling. It was so much easier for the long walk than letting dd walk. I always have ds in a sling but sometimes it can be hard to pick up or chase dd with a babe in the sling, and all of the stuff that I have to carry. So my plan is to get a slightly larger stroller with a good basket underneath to hold all of my bags, wear ds and then dd can ride in the stroller if she wants or she can help me push it. And I agree that my attitude has everything to do with it. I can't believe what an adjustment all of this is! But hey we are learning everyday and having fun too!

[forestrymom]

My carriers are essential. Dd also has gotten great at going from the house to the car on her own, and holding my hand. We live in a very rural environment, so generally her running off isn't scary. I don't know how city dwellers, especially apartment dwellers do it! You are some strong mamas!

[jessjillbolyer]

I also use a mei tia for the baby. My son has special needs and doesn't walk so I can't use a double stroller or have him walk. I try not to go many places with both if I have to though. I also try to get someone to go with me and help when I can.

[indiemamma]

My two-year-old is very brave (yay AP... I think! ) so our car routine goes like this: In the apartment, I pre-tie my Moby wrap, pack up our diaper bag that doubles as my purse (all I need is my wallet and sunglasses) and put the baby in the Moby. Walk out to the car, open Jonathan's side (we have a van), put him in but not in his seat (haven't figured out how to do that with Hannah on my chest) and close his door. I'm ok with him climbing all over the seats while I get Hannah buckled in. Then I go back around and strap him in. It seems to work.

We did the park on Saturday with a friend who has a 4yo and 2yo and that was great because she ran after Jonathan for me... I don't think I'll do the park by myself yet ! We went to the library afterwards and everything was great until we had to leave and Jonathan started throwing a fit. I had to carry him on my hip and of course Hannah started crying because Jonathan was being so loud :. Yikes. We did get the Sit 'N Stand double stroller but I've only used it once because Hannah likes to be held and Jonathan hardly sits still. Oh well. I think I'll role play with Jonathan some more at home and in some safe places (when DH is home!) so that he will get used to staying close when I have the baby.

But for now we mostly go out with Daddy helping!