Anyone done pram/sling combo or how early did you use a buggy board??

[ThisIsYourSong]

The title says it all really - my SIL is adamant I don't need a triple buggy and I am adamant I do . So I thought I would canvass opinions here.

She thinks we can keep the twins in the double and use a sling/frontpack for the baby - has this worked for anyone? I am guessing even if it does work, it won't last for long with a big baby to carry around so would need to switch to a buggy board at some stage. When did people start to get use out of a buggy board?

I don't know why I'm bothering as I am sure I need a triple, except she keeps going on and on and on about it. She's never had three under 3, let alone 3 under 2 that we are going to have!

For clarification, twins will be 17 months when the baby is due - now at 16 months, only one is walking.

Thanks

[mamadiva]

I done this for a day with my DS and my twin sisters (their are 8 months between them) and it was bloody hard work, And if you have the wrong sling your back will be in bits.

I would say you need a triple for a few months yet for keeping them still if nothing else! :)

Don't listen to your SIL and do what you want.

[Hevster]

I tried a sling, a buggy board and a backpack to avoid buying a double buggy and it wasn't good, My back hurt and I got way to hot and sweaty (TMI!) and that was over the winter months

[MonkeysPunk]

You need a triple buggy - your SIL can advise what she likes - you don't have to listen after all it's not her trying to get out and about with 3 BABIES!!!

At 17 months your twins are still little babies themselves - they will both need a seat to sit in, sometimes they'll need blankets tucking over them if it's cold - sometimes they'll need a raincover to keep rain and wind off - it's really harsh to expect a tiny one of that age to STAND on a buggy board in all weathers/conditions! What about when they are poorly too? How would you cope - they'll all be catching the same colds and illnesses - so how do you choose which child has to stand.

Yes you can use a sling - but my goodness you're going to have your hands full and you will just want a seat for each child sometimes.

Imagine you are a MAN about to take care of 3 babies - do you think you would "economise" trying to get by with a sling and a double - having one baby or toddler ON you the whole time you're out - or a toddler standing on a board the whole time? NO - I don't think any man would put up with being asked to perform a difficult task (being out with 3 babies!) with the WRONG equipment - you do need a triple IMO.

I have to say - I AM an avid sling-wearer too - I like Didymos - Storchenweige - Connectababy - Kozy Carriers - Babyhawks - you name it, but your babies are all really young and sometimes - if it's hot - if YOU are under the weather, or you just want the toilet - or not to feel "tied up" some of the time while you're out you could do with having seats for all babies!

By all means choose to use a sling as often as you like - but at least have a triple buggy available for those days when you need a bit of space! (or you may go insane!).

HUGS to you - twins are FAB but I understand they're also a lot of work - and a new baby in addition - you need to your childcare quipment right to make life as stress-free as possible.

Of course it's important babies are held - a lot and cuddling them is so nice - but DO make things as easy as you can for yourself too. x

[MonkeysPunk]

You are going to need eyes in the back of your head if you have a toddler so young on a buggy board - they hop off and chase butterflies - or try to leap into puddles at the most unexpected moments you know - even if you have them on reins and on the buggy board - it's a real struggle to hold reins of such a young toddler and push a buggy at the same time in my experience!

[ThisIsYourSong]

thank you! I knew it was crazy - especially with late walkers. The stupid thing is, we don't mind spending the money on a triple as I know I will use it loads. I love getting out and walking and hate the hassle of getting everyone in the car and out again the other side so tend to arrange activities I can walk to. Its just hard when you haven't done it before and someone else is so insistent.

MonkeysPunk - I have a babyhawk too and want something easier to get on and off so will look at the slings you mentioned!

[greensnail]

I have done it with mine but I only have two, not three to think about. I have a 17 month gap and DD1 didn't start walking until 16 months. For about the first 5 months I generally had DD1 in a buggy and DD2 in the sling. After that DD1 generally walked and DD2 was in the buggy.

I have a buggy board which she rides on occasionally, but she prefers to walk unless she's very tired and I keep the sling with me in case she's being a nightmare and I need to put her in the buggy (the threat of it is usually enough to get her moving sensibly). Its vital to have a buggy that you can easily push and steer one-handed though so you have a hand free for the walking toddler.

In your situation I would definitely want to have a triple though. Sounds like you're going to have your hands very full and you should do whatever you can to make your life as easy as possible!

[MonkeysPunk]

do look at the www.connectababy.com site also wwwnaturalconnection.co.UK had a bit of money off the "olives n applesauce " slings too. They look great for ease of use. X

[LooL00]

So you can struggle round town with the twins in the double and a baby in a sling, BUT have you ever tried rescuing a 18m old from the top of a climbing frame with a baby strapped to the front of you? You need a triple.

[MonkeysPunk]

well said LooL00 x That just about sums it up. It's not just about transport is it - it's about safety, control, comfort, stress management, weatherproofing etc....

Do feel free to send your SIL out with just a sling and the double buggy when she offers to babysit them all for you though...

[ENormaSnob]

You need a triple IMO