Tips for managing a routine with multiple kids
Hi Full Feedings Fam,
Let me start off by saying, I’m no pro at this (yet) and if I’m being very honest – it’s tough to stay on routine every day. Some days are great while others are a struggle. My kids are 2.5 years old and 3 months old, therefore, I’ve only been managing with two for a short time. However, I’ll gladly share a few things that I have found to be extremely helpful during this chaotic yet amazing time:
- Preparation: Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly prepping. In the morning, I’m prepping for the day, during the day, I’m prepping for the night and at night prepping for the morning (or for the overnight during the first few weeks). At night, I already have (mentally) planned what I’m making for breakfast and if my daughter is going to daycare that day, I have her bag and lunch packed from the night before. As well as her clothes laid out. By 3:00pm I’m already prepping for bath time by laying out pajamas and putting her bath towel in the bathroom. By 3:30pm I’ve either already started prepping dinner or have in my mind what we’re ordering for takeout. I find staying ahead of it all just helps me mentally and physically. It also helps keep my toddler on schedule, too!
- Multitasking: Whether it’s ordering my groceries while I’m nursing or pumping while I’m making dinner or nursing in the bathroom while my toddler plays in the tub – multitasking is something that I feel like I get better and better at as the days go on since becoming a Mom. If you can, kill two birds with one stone, it will save you time and help you get the laundry list of things you need to get done, done!
- Utilize props: The Baby Bjorn soft seat is probably my most used baby item. My son loves it and it allows me to get things done while he is safe and seated upright. For now, my toddler goes to bed before my baby so while I’m doing bath and bedtime with her, I have him sitting in the bouncy seat so I can keep her on schedule for bedtime.
- Time management: Knowing my daughter usually wakes up around 7:00am, 7:30am, I wake up my baby at 6:30 to feed him (in quiet) before she is awake, this way by the time she’s up, I can focus on her and by the time we’re done with breakfast, it’s time to put him down for his morning nap. (It doesn’t always go this smoothly, but I try!)
- Have realistic expectations: This really helps me on days when I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we have these expectations of our kids or ourselves and they’re just unrealistic. We think we can do it all and some days we can’t, and that’s ok too!
- Lastly, don’t let the crippling fear of multiple carseats in your backseat stop you from enjoying your life! Going out with kids can be terrifying, especially if you’re parenting solo, but it can also go way better than you think. Have faith in your parenting (and patience) and get out there- you’re currently creating their “good old days”.
xo,
Vicki