How in the world do you manage to leave your house or do anything in Town with two li
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Well, to put it bluntly....when my youngest was as small as yours is now last summer and fall.......I didn't go anywhere. Not much at least. I always waited to do things til my hubby and I could do them together. It is so dang hard to get two little people ready to go out just for an hour or two by yourself!
Sorry, I'm absolutely no help here....
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Sorry, I'm absolutely no help here....
O.k., here goes it--
1) always keep the diaper bag packed and ready to go. when you come home replace any used up diapers and clothes changes you've had to do.
2) keep your keys and purse/wallet (whatever) either always in the same place or in their own pocket in the diaper bag.
3)try to get yourself dressed asap. If you will probably get puked on, either don't worry about it, or get a second shirt out when you first get dressed, so you don't have to look for one as you're walking out the door.
4) if the 2yo isn't too messy, get him/her dressed before they leave their/your room, before breakfast.
5)if the babe will be warm enough and is clean enough, don't worry about getting out of pj's in the a.m. A clean diaper is enough. My kids wore onesies or pj's for much of the first year, especially if we had to get out in the morning.
6) Have appropriate outerwear easily available (hanging on hooks near the door, or in the kids room)
7)if you can make the older child's lunch while they're having breakfast, do it. That way lunchtime is not such a hungry emergency if you're back at home, or you can take it with you just in case you're not.
8)if you want to do more than one thing in a day, well, be happy with one, and then anything more is a bonus
I have dd(almost 5yo) and ds (almost 3yo), so I was where you are a few years ago. I have to say it took me quite awhile before I got the first two down, but now we have a bag by the door with all we need--not a diaper bag now, but a canvas tote(they hold lots when you need them to) and I actually have a key rack next to the door. These are major accomplishments for me and have cut abour 2hrs off the 'go time' in our house.
Most mornings now it takes about an hour (+- 15mins) to get myself, dd and ds ready from waking up to walking dd to kindergarten. I feel that this is the minimum amount of time for us. I know that it is longer, the younger they are (also depending on everyone's moods and temperament for the day), but you just have to go with that and don't make any dr's appts before 10am unless someone is there to watch the older child and you can concentrate on yourself and the babe.
Also, if you don't have any special place to be at a special time, don't worry too much about it. We sometimes didn't leave the house somedays, and well, we're all o.k. In fact when dd could understand, she was happy to have a few pj days to just chill and relax at home.
The big thing though is--as long as every one is healthy, happy and loved--don't worry too much, it will all work out and you'll find your way!
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Kelso
P.S.--I didn't know any of this stuff when my second was born. It took a long time to figure it out (in fact, I'm still working on it).
"Just when I think I know how to play the game, someone changes the rules!!"
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1) always keep the diaper bag packed and ready to go. when you come home replace any used up diapers and clothes changes you've had to do.
2) keep your keys and purse/wallet (whatever) either always in the same place or in their own pocket in the diaper bag.
3)try to get yourself dressed asap. If you will probably get puked on, either don't worry about it, or get a second shirt out when you first get dressed, so you don't have to look for one as you're walking out the door.
4) if the 2yo isn't too messy, get him/her dressed before they leave their/your room, before breakfast.
5)if the babe will be warm enough and is clean enough, don't worry about getting out of pj's in the a.m. A clean diaper is enough. My kids wore onesies or pj's for much of the first year, especially if we had to get out in the morning.
6) Have appropriate outerwear easily available (hanging on hooks near the door, or in the kids room)
7)if you can make the older child's lunch while they're having breakfast, do it. That way lunchtime is not such a hungry emergency if you're back at home, or you can take it with you just in case you're not.
8)if you want to do more than one thing in a day, well, be happy with one, and then anything more is a bonus
I have dd(almost 5yo) and ds (almost 3yo), so I was where you are a few years ago. I have to say it took me quite awhile before I got the first two down, but now we have a bag by the door with all we need--not a diaper bag now, but a canvas tote(they hold lots when you need them to) and I actually have a key rack next to the door. These are major accomplishments for me and have cut abour 2hrs off the 'go time' in our house.
Most mornings now it takes about an hour (+- 15mins) to get myself, dd and ds ready from waking up to walking dd to kindergarten. I feel that this is the minimum amount of time for us. I know that it is longer, the younger they are (also depending on everyone's moods and temperament for the day), but you just have to go with that and don't make any dr's appts before 10am unless someone is there to watch the older child and you can concentrate on yourself and the babe.
Also, if you don't have any special place to be at a special time, don't worry too much about it. We sometimes didn't leave the house somedays, and well, we're all o.k. In fact when dd could understand, she was happy to have a few pj days to just chill and relax at home.
The big thing though is--as long as every one is healthy, happy and loved--don't worry too much, it will all work out and you'll find your way!
Kelso
P.S.--I didn't know any of this stuff when my second was born. It took a long time to figure it out (in fact, I'm still working on it).
"Just when I think I know how to play the game, someone changes the rules!!"
I kept a diaper bag stocked & in the car.
I also kept my purse, etc. in the car.
I had lots of snacks & toys ready too.
With the baby, I first carried him & got my toddler to help me. At the grocery store, I got him to take a little cart & we'd fill it up and then leave. It kept my toddler busy (he was a bit older though) and allowed me to carry the babe.
As the babe got older, I carried him in the sling everywhere. I had a hand free for my toddler & still tried to keep my toddler actively involved in whatever we were doing so as to keep him busy without getting into mischief.
In the car, I had my toddler report to me about what the baby was doing.....a little game. Is he sleeping? Are his eyes open? etc. Worked for all of us.
Oh, and I kept a short, spikey hair-do so I could leave any moment they were "ready".
I also kept my purse, etc. in the car.
I had lots of snacks & toys ready too.
With the baby, I first carried him & got my toddler to help me. At the grocery store, I got him to take a little cart & we'd fill it up and then leave. It kept my toddler busy (he was a bit older though) and allowed me to carry the babe.
As the babe got older, I carried him in the sling everywhere. I had a hand free for my toddler & still tried to keep my toddler actively involved in whatever we were doing so as to keep him busy without getting into mischief.
In the car, I had my toddler report to me about what the baby was doing.....a little game. Is he sleeping? Are his eyes open? etc. Worked for all of us.
Oh, and I kept a short, spikey hair-do so I could leave any moment they were "ready".
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I never try to do more than one thing on an outing. If things are gong well, and we do two, I'm thrilled.
We had four things to return to the mall recently from dd's birthday. We made three trips in total, and one item is still in the car waiting for an opportune moment.
I think that setting yourself simple targets helps - we didnt go to the supermarket on our own for a good six months, or maybe it was longer - I think I waited until dd#2 could sit in the cart. We also go to one with one of those little cars to 'drive' in front of the trolley. I never try to do a big shop on my own, I rush to get the essentials, then see if I can manage anything else on the list. If they start to get restless, we give up and send dh later.
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I have a spare emergency bag always in the car. It has bottles of water, snacks, diapers (disposables, not my cds, but I'll use them in an emergency), spare clothes for both children. I've had to dip into it four or five times, and it's been a lifesaver.
I'd say the best thing to do is ask friends to come to you to play, or pick parks that work for you - one of my priorities was a fenced in play area so I wouldn't have to worry about my toddler doing a runner while I was nursing the baby. Friends will understand. Also, make times generous, so that you don't feel hassled about being late.
I posted something like this when I was at your stage. I think the title was 'Mums of two or more, how on earth do you do it?" And here I am giving advice! Hang in there, it does work out, in the end!
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We had four things to return to the mall recently from dd's birthday. We made three trips in total, and one item is still in the car waiting for an opportune moment.
I think that setting yourself simple targets helps - we didnt go to the supermarket on our own for a good six months, or maybe it was longer - I think I waited until dd#2 could sit in the cart. We also go to one with one of those little cars to 'drive' in front of the trolley. I never try to do a big shop on my own, I rush to get the essentials, then see if I can manage anything else on the list. If they start to get restless, we give up and send dh later.
I have a spare emergency bag always in the car. It has bottles of water, snacks, diapers (disposables, not my cds, but I'll use them in an emergency), spare clothes for both children. I've had to dip into it four or five times, and it's been a lifesaver.
I'd say the best thing to do is ask friends to come to you to play, or pick parks that work for you - one of my priorities was a fenced in play area so I wouldn't have to worry about my toddler doing a runner while I was nursing the baby. Friends will understand. Also, make times generous, so that you don't feel hassled about being late.
I posted something like this when I was at your stage. I think the title was 'Mums of two or more, how on earth do you do it?" And here I am giving advice! Hang in there, it does work out, in the end!
Or, you just do it. I started going out on my own w/both kids when ds#2 was about a month or so. Ds1 is 20 mos. older. It was hard at first. Oh my, I remember breaking a sweat over it. But, now it's a piece of cake at 10 mos. Every single day regardless of the weather or mood, we're out by 11am. I simply know that it WILL happen.
At first, Babe would ride in the Bjorn. Then, he moved to the backpack or stroller.
The hardest part is getting started. Really.
Geez, I do remember how scary it was at first, though.
Good luck!!!
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At first, Babe would ride in the Bjorn. Then, he moved to the backpack or stroller.
The hardest part is getting started. Really.
Geez, I do remember how scary it was at first, though.
Good luck!!!
Get as much as possible ready the night before, once you just get out th ehouse on time the rest just falls into place!
I'm usually out alone. By the time Dh gets home it's either late or he's not really up to going out again. So I brave the storma nd move on and after a few trips it isn't so bad. Over the summer I use to have three in tow. The baby a 2yr old and a 6 year old. Now that Ds is in school it's just us girls.
I always try to go out in the morning sso we will be home when they get sleepy.
I get dressed forst(preferably while their still asleep) and eat something so your weak while out. Speaking from experiance. I've skip eating and ended up completly drained and overwhelmed.
Dress the kids before heading out the door works best for me.
And as stated before do most of it the night before. Like diaper bags, laying clothes out, knowing what your going to eat, etc.
You can do it!
I'm usually out alone. By the time Dh gets home it's either late or he's not really up to going out again. So I brave the storma nd move on and after a few trips it isn't so bad. Over the summer I use to have three in tow. The baby a 2yr old and a 6 year old. Now that Ds is in school it's just us girls.
I always try to go out in the morning sso we will be home when they get sleepy.
I get dressed forst(preferably while their still asleep) and eat something so your weak while out. Speaking from experiance. I've skip eating and ended up completly drained and overwhelmed.
Dress the kids before heading out the door works best for me.
And as stated before do most of it the night before. Like diaper bags, laying clothes out, knowing what your going to eat, etc.
You can do it!
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1,264 Posts
I guess it never fazed me, I went out alone with the two of them fairly soon, and we go out daily now for many different things in one day. I have a 7 month old and a 2 year old. I do the following things(most have been mentioned
1) keep an emergency bag in the car- mine contains diapers, extra outfit for each child down to the socks and everything, pajamas-in case we are out late, a book for me to read if they are both asleep in the car.
2) I keep a sling and the baby backpack in the car always.
3) get up before the kids if possible and get yourself dressed and eat
4) This one is where I'll get flamed, but I put the 2 year old in fron of the TV while I get the baby ready. Put her in the exersaucer while I get him ready.
5) pack the diaper bag
6) grab the baby and have the toddler walk to the car and climb in his seat.
7) strap the baby in and go...
A typical day for us would be, go to the post office to mail trading post packages, go visit a relative and then run an errand on the way home if they aren't asleep. If they are both asleep I park in the driveway and read my book in the car while they sleep.
I find that if we don't go out I go absolutely stircrazy. I hope evryone's suggestions here helps out.
1) keep an emergency bag in the car- mine contains diapers, extra outfit for each child down to the socks and everything, pajamas-in case we are out late, a book for me to read if they are both asleep in the car.
2) I keep a sling and the baby backpack in the car always.
3) get up before the kids if possible and get yourself dressed and eat
4) This one is where I'll get flamed, but I put the 2 year old in fron of the TV while I get the baby ready. Put her in the exersaucer while I get him ready.
5) pack the diaper bag
6) grab the baby and have the toddler walk to the car and climb in his seat.
7) strap the baby in and go...
A typical day for us would be, go to the post office to mail trading post packages, go visit a relative and then run an errand on the way home if they aren't asleep. If they are both asleep I park in the driveway and read my book in the car while they sleep.
I find that if we don't go out I go absolutely stircrazy. I hope evryone's suggestions here helps out.
(avonlea, is it okay if i ask a question more relevant to my situation?)
i'm wondering if any non-car families have suggestions or stories. i just have my stroller and my sling, which effects time, and contributes to the exhastion factor, also how much i can get done (can only hold 3 bags of groceries, or whatever)..
i'm wondering if any non-car families have suggestions or stories. i just have my stroller and my sling, which effects time, and contributes to the exhastion factor, also how much i can get done (can only hold 3 bags of groceries, or whatever)..
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Yep, I totally agree! We have one big outdoor adventure/day to wear them out for nap time.
I actually love shopping w/them, too.
I think the key is just getting them used to it from the getgo. Me, too.
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| I find that if we don't go out I go absolutely stircrazy |
I actually love shopping w/them, too.
I think the key is just getting them used to it from the getgo. Me, too.
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3,508 Posts
"This one is where I'll get flamed, but I put the 2 year old in fron of the TV while I get the baby ready"
No flames from me. That's what I do. I have utmost admiration for any mothers of more than one who do it without the TV. I can do it without a video, but it's stressful and difficult for all. With a video, things go soooo much more smoothly. Same goes for if they both wake up from naps at the same time and want to be on my lap, and the whining begins............... TV goes on, and hey presto, peace and calm prevails.
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No flames from me. That's what I do. I have utmost admiration for any mothers of more than one who do it without the TV. I can do it without a video, but it's stressful and difficult for all. With a video, things go soooo much more smoothly. Same goes for if they both wake up from naps at the same time and want to be on my lap, and the whining begins............... TV goes on, and hey presto, peace and calm prevails.
Britishmum I won't flame you for that sometimes you do what you gotta do. My DD doesn't watch alot of TV. I can get her to sit still MOST of the 30minutes the Wiggles is on but that's about the only show.
And as far as no car, I have no idea. there is no public transpertation where I'm at right now and everything is way to scattered, I can't get any ideas, sorry.
And as far as no car, I have no idea. there is no public transpertation where I'm at right now and everything is way to scattered, I can't get any ideas, sorry.
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