to ask you to tell me that 3dc (including toddler and newborn) is a walk in the park?

[WhatsTheBuzz]

I am BU but dc3 due end of this week and I keep hearing how nightmarish a toddler (mine's 18mo) and a newborn is. Also have 7yo... Please lie to me?! I found going from 1 to 2 relatively easy but dc2 is very laid-back and there is a fairly big age gap!

[BluelightsAndSirens]

I found DD3 was a much more relaxed baby as she had so much going on around her to keep her entertained.

DD2 loved being my helper and was put in charge of the nappy box, restocking it and she even made the very good suggestion of having one box up stairs and one downstairs, she was 4 at the time.

Mine are argumentative, noisy, competitive, loud laughers and I love them all!!

Low expectations in the first year is great advice.

[3b1g]

I had twins when the others were two and four. It wasn't that bad. A bit time-consuming in terms of feeding and changing the newborns, but that stage doesn't last for ever. Try to be kind to yourself and don't set unrealistically high standards for yourself. Let the oldest one help with fetching nappies etc.

[WaftyCrank]

You'll be fine. It might be a bit of a shock at first and take some getting used to but you'll soon be in a routine and wonder what you were worried about.
My youngest is 5 weeks now, DS2 is 20 months, DD1 is 3 and DS1 is 5. I actually found it easier once DD was here than when I was pregnant.

[DewDr0p]

I don't personally think a toddler plus baby is necessarily a nightmare. I also had 3 under 3 (gosh there are lots of us on this thread! ) and I thought it was time consuming but not difficult.

Two toddlers was a bit hellish but your age gap is big enough to avoid that!

[GreatGretzky]

I found going from 2 to 3 far easier than going from 1 to 2. Mine are 10, 5, and 3 now. Hope you like watching Cbeebies and cbbc though

[JockTamsonsBairns]

I can't tell you it will all be fine, but you'll find your way of getting through it. I have very similar age gaps to you, and Dc3 very quickly learned to fit in around us all. No choice, really. The biggest shock to the system is your first I think, and you get more familiar with each Dc.

I remember in the early days when Dc3 was newborn, putting on Dvd's for my then 20 month old toddler son - and serving up Weetabix and banana for his tea one night, as I was struggling with post CS surgery and general exhaustion. I felt horribly guilty about that at the time but, looking back, I wish I'd been kinder to myself - I was doing my best to get through a difficult time, with no support network around me at all.

Be kind to yourself, cut some corners when you have to, and try not to feel guilty - and remember, there are plenty of wonderful times in amongst the toil too!

[Ihateparties]

I don't find it easy at all - must be pretty useless at all this! 1-2 was waaaay easier in my house. DC2 was easiest baby of the bunch though, who has blossomed in to unexpectedly tricksy fiddly toddler just in time to coincide with DC3 at nearly 10m entering full upright mobility stage

Same old same old though, it will be fine and you'll cope because there is no choice. I'm sticking my hand up here on this thread of people who find it easy and saying I find 3 much harder than 2. Someone please tell me it gets easier at some point, at least in a practical sense?!