Practical tips for 3 under 3

[Droflove]

I've just found out I'm expecting #3 in time for Christmas. DS will be almost 3 and dd will be 15 mts. I just bought a buggy board for the back of my single buggy as I rarely need to use it but figure ds can go on the back, dd in the buggy and new baby in my sling. Is that reasonable to think will be possible? I am guessing then that by the time baby is too heavy for the sling, dd can go on the board and ds can walk. We have started to train ds strictly to wait getting out of the car, hold the side of the car seat when walking into places with baby etc. so that he will be hopefully as safe as possible when my arms are full with 2 little ones.

Does anyone have any handy hints for preparing for 3 under 3? ideas for naps, mealtimes, sleeping arrangements, travel etc. Things you found helped things run smoothly. Would love to get any advice so we can prepare.

Congratulations! When I was pg with DC3 I trawled through this now very old, but really good thread for tips. It might have a few ideas that might help.

The only thought that I have about the buggy board/sling combo is that when I have one in the sling it is better for my back if I walk upright. I'm not sure if you can do that with a buggy board? Also DC3 is 3 1/2 and was in the pushchair today as he was worn out/coming down with something, DC4 was in the sling instead. Sometimes when you need to get stuff done or you are 'miles away' from the car an actual pushchair rather than a buggy board is a life saver...it is tricky though as they are all different.

I would say you need a double buggy, once baby is too heavy/your back gives out he will still be young enough to need a seat plus it will be handy if both of them are safely there while your trying to do stuff and keep an eye on the three year old.

I loved my joovy caboose that I got off ebay..it's a tandem but ds1 often got on too on the step and it was fine.
youngest has morning nap in pushchair on way to/at playgroup or park. All 3 have afternoon nap at home. I made a huge effort to keep them awake before lunch so they'd all sleep at same time.
lots of bouncy chairs door hangers etc to put the baby in.
I just got out of the house as much as possible, walked to shops and friend's houses through the snow, staying in not an option!

I think as long as there is still danger of a child falling asleep during the day, you need a seat in a buggy for them. My youngest is 3.5 now and I finally manage without a buggy (after YEARS of needing one), but I had a long period last year where dc3 and dc2 would both fall asleep on the afternoon school run and I really needed my double, despite dc2 being 4 at the time and capable of walking long distances. I used a double for almost 5 years - my gaps are 13 months and 22 months.