Panicking..

[TheManicMummy]

So I've just found out I'm pregnant - meaning this November I'll have a 3 year old a 2 year old and a Newborn!

I'm really freaking out a little about the practicality of it all... I already have a double buggy but when taking my son to pre school I have to go in, take his coat off and put it on the peg, put his bag in the box, take his lunch box out, which seems fine. But with a 2yr old and newborn!? And what about the picking up when I have to put his coat on, find his lunch box, collect his pictures, talk to the teachers with two kids running around and one strapped to me in a sling!?

I'm really really panicking - does anyone have any advice for a really scared mumma to be? X

Do not panic, you will manage,can you put baby in a sling and get a small easy fold buggy for your two yr old, to use while taking your other child to school,that way you only have one to keep and eye on at collection time. I do know how you feel as it's hard work taking my two to school, with 3 yr old running around and pregnant. And this pregnancy is my 6th, so you will manage and wounder why you worried

I have a 4 year old, 2 year old and a newborn and so far it isn't too bad. My four year old is good at walking and my (manic) 2 year old stays in the pram. My baby is fine in the sling or in the pram if we are out for walks. Honestly I thought it was going to be worse but it's ok.

I had a just 4 year old, a just 1 year olds and a newborn.
It was hard work but manageable. Take any help offered and don't try and be superwoman. They are 6,3 and 2 now and it's fine now.

You'll be fine and the children adapt. Three isn't really so many. The three year old will be more mature and able to do more, the baby won't need much when newborn and the rest just falls into place. He'll be able to,take his own coat off, find his own peg.

There are some things to make life easier - Velcro shoes or slip ons. Babygrows rather than fancier clothes when baby is young (makes laundry easier - just have a warm outer sleep suit for outdoors. Put gloves on elastic through sleeves. Make sure clothes are simple - pull on trousers, wide enough neck holes for heads, avoid tiny buttons. Hoods rather than hats to save searching for lost items.
Get the older one used to walking reasonable distances without moaning before baby arrives. Then he'll not need a buggy ride.
Get evening routine and good sleeping in place before baby arrives.

I agree with Crumbs - do stuff that makes life easier for you, have a good routine in place and plan ahead (meals, school stuff etc)
I have 4 dcs - 10, 8, 5 and 7 months. The older 3 are at school and do clubs so Sunday I plan the week ahead and pack everything needed for that week - dance/ football/ cross country etc. I also meal plan for the week ahead, makes shopping easier too. I swear by online shopping. Batch cooking is a life saver too, specially now Im back at work.

Thank you all ! We do have a really good routine which helps with my youngest but I think my real main fear is my eldest.

He is a very strong willed child - I can't even take him shopping because he will scream and scream and throw things off of shelves if he's allowed to walk - stands up in the trolley and tries to jump out etc. I'm hoping in another 8 months he would've calmed down his behaviour a little bit but he's been like this from around 10 months old.

Currently seeking help from behaviour therapists. I suppose I'm just worried having to juggle three kids when I'm out and about with my eldest liable for multiple meltdowns when we are out xx

Yes you definitely need to address the older ones behaviour. Online shopping will save hassle of battling about trollies and screaming - life's too short for that level of stress. Just don't take him shopping until he can behave. Don't be fooled by the strong willed excuse - parents are always stronger than a three year old. Your life will much easier if that strong will is reined in now.
We had a two week menu with a simple press of the button resulting in same food being delivered each week. We had flex for special occasions and to allow for seasonal produce but stuck to it mainly to save thinking time, shopping time and battles about what was for supper. I found if they knew what to expect the battles didn't happen (except if the boys were expecting pie and it wasn't - they both disliked change).
I always wrote a mobile phone number on their forearms or tummies if we went somewhere busy (London, crowded beaches, theme parks etc) so in unlikely event of me losing one they could show a shop person the phone number and contact us. It reassured the more twitchy ones, provided a safety net and taught them about staying safe from a young age.

Congratulations!
I had a 2 year old and a nearly 3 year old when my dd was born. I had a double Phil and teds promenade which is fan as neither were walking for long periods at that point. When dd was born I put her in the sling and manage fine! Now she's 5 months the 3 year old is out of the pram have replaced the double for a smaller pram and a buggy board which works equally as well. Don't worry, honestly you will find your own rhythm. I was panicking as everyone around me was telling me I wouldn't cope or get out anywhere. Far from the truth I still do all of my shopping and outings the same as I did before! Now expecting no 4 ! Lol
So yes, just make sure you keep organised and take everything you may need wherever you go to save on any issues.
Good luck x

Congratulations! We've just had our third. The oldest is 3 and the now middle is 2 in a few months. You've got this!

We have the school run too. Try teaching your oldest the coat flip and work on helping him figure out his peg and book bag etc now so that he has it all in hand by November. Remember 8 months is a HUGE amount of development time for young kids. My son (4 in August) has matured hugely since he started preschool last September. Now he is my biggest helper and I really don't think I could manage without him. We started to give him additional responsibilities and give him huge amounts of praise for being our big helper. He fetches nappies and wipes for me, finds drinks cups, lays and clears the kids table after breakfast etc. He's a bloody star!

The only advice I have 10 weeks in to three kids under four is to give yours me some grace. I breastfed the first two and tried this time and had to call it in. Not saying the same will happen to you but sometimes something has to give. Don't beat yourself up about it if the kids watch too much tv for a few weeks or eat crap. It's only a short while