Talk to me about 3 under 3

[seabuckthorn]

I'm not actually that worried...is ignorance bliss?
I did 2 in a year so I would love to think 2-3 is easier!
I'll have 2 walkers who get on really well.
Number 3 is a boy so 3 lovely boys!
I'm just trying to work out how to do bedtime?
I used to put the youngest down first then bath DS1 and do the routine- we were in an apartment so easier iyswim?
I'm not sure I can leave my two downstairs whilst I bath baby? Though would doing 3 at once be nuts? Not very calming for a newborn.
Maybe older 2 watch DVD in their room whilst I bath and dress the baby? But then feeding... Oh help! What did you do?
I ideally want all 3 down by 7:30!

I'm sure there was a good long thread about 3 under 3 a while ago?

If there was I missed it
I've got 3 under 3 and put them all down together, production line style, when baby was younger, he didn't go off til later, but I quickly synchronised all 3 of them

I think I might have to do similar but my older two need law and order when it comes to bedtime!

I am planning to feed the baby while reading story to oldest (4) while middle child (2) roams the flat and plays with Daddy. Then middle child comes to bed as well and we all look at a book middle child likes. Lights off for older two (they share the room).

I assume the baby will stay up for a bit longer.

Hi Seabuck I will also have 3 under 3 so watching with interest! How old are your oldest 2 and when are you due?

I am 22 weeks with DC5 - and my other DC's are 6,5, 2 (next week!) and 11 months - so the youngest 3 will all be under 3 when the baby arrives - due in Nov! We are also expecting our 3rd boy. Having both girls and boys I sometimes do think boys are easier - my oldest and youngest are girls, and DC1 can be a bit of a drama queen! Bit too early to say for DC4

If I am trying to bath all my DC's on my own I usually take them all upstairs and then youngest 2 in together, and then the older 2 on their own, and just let the younger 2 play upstairs while I am doing that. I guess it will be the same one the new baby arrives, will just take a little longer than it does now! I don't bath the DC's every day though - unless they are really dirty . Feeding - currently DC4 is still having bedtime milk so usually stick on Cbeebies while she is having that!

Then actual bedtime - DC's 3 & 4 go first at about 7pm and the older 2 usually play/ watch tv while I am doing that - then they go to bed at about 7:30. It is hectic and I don't know how it will work when the baby arrives - will probably just wing it until we work out a routine! I assume that eventually the youngest 3 will go to bed at the same time, and then the oldest 2!

4kidsplusbump- my eldest is 2 this wkend and I have an 11 month old!
I'm on my phone so I can't quite read all your message but will do you a proper message tomorrow.
I don't know anyone with a similar age gap!

Back in the day I had three under two. (Twins then another). I bathed and bedded the toddlers (together) and once they were asleep concentrated on the baby who was less in need of a strict bedtime. There was lots of number 3 being tied to me with a sling whilst I dealt with the 19month yr olds.

The TV was a help in calming the toddlers down whilst I cleared up tea/got bath ready etc. How did our mothers cope without cbeebies or DVD's?

When I had another two and a half years later I got a Mothers help!

I had 3 under 1 at one point!!

They are now 6 months (twins) and 17 month old!
Also have 2 older children!!

My best thing I have is a play pen, so once I'm bath little one my 17 month will sit in there drink her milk whist I bath babies as put them to bed!!!

It's all about routine my 3 little ones are all in bed by 6pm :) it can be done i often think the thinking about it is worse than the doing!! A lot of people gasp at how awful it must be etc, when Infact it's not and we are all very organised :)

Baby bouncer/ sling in bathroom whilst elder two bath. Can quickly dip baby in bath at same time.

Baby changed, then in bouncer/ sling and other two out and in pjs

Sharing a bedroom helped as everything and everyone in one place. Elder two have milk on beanbag in bedroom whilst listening to a storytape
You Can feed baby
Then x2 stories ( each child chooses one), then bed.
Baby gets taken with you to finish feed and usually pop asleep in Moses basket or similar downstairs.
From around 6 months repeat routine above but with all three being placed in bed and sleep together
We use a cot bed with sides for all three to prevent escapees but prob take side of eldest soon

Oh and stairgate on their bedroom so I ce you are all in they can't get out as you dont want to be chasing them around house

Then chill

My problem is that the baby cries because he wants to sleep when it is tone to bath the oldest too... Also the bathroom is really small so can't take him in a sling...
I hate having to let him cry.. any tips?

I have 3 yo, 2 yo and 15 week old. From about 4 weeks I've bathed baby first at 6 pm, sometimes with the 2 yo. Baby has a bath support which is essential.

Sometimes, 2 yo keeps on watching some Cbeebies with 3 yo. Then baby out and older ones in, I just cuddle baby in a towel or put him in a bouncer next to bathroom door. Then quick out, pyjamas, and I bounce baby to sleep in a baby hammock as I read the others their bedtime story. All down at 7 pm on the dot... it's roughly gina ford I guess. Though the actual secret to success with keeping newborn happy is definitely the baby hammock + dummy combo.