3 under 3 tips

[eliz20]

Hi mums. I currently have 3 under 3 - a 2 and a half year old, a 15month old (who isn’t yet walking) and a 3month old. Just wondering how everyone else in a similar situation copes. I find it extremely tough some days, it’s just so full on with all the different demands. I do thankfully have lots of help from family but just wondering are there any magic tips I’m missing out on or should I just keep embracing the chaos for now?

I don’t think three small children of those ages are going to be easily, unfortunately.

If you have lots of family, maybe try eldest one in nursery a few mornings soon, and family to help out some afternoons when you have all three. 4.30-8pm is hardest time with just one toddler here, so I would suggest help then. Could family come over 4.30-6.30 pm twice a week to take eldest ones for a walk or play in the garden, or just help with dinner and bath chaos.

Otherwise. Outside always seems better. So use garden as much as possible, and tray and put youngest two in pram and walk everyone every day, even if just around the block

Nope definitely not easy, although I knew it wasn’t going to be. Just don’t think I was quite prepared for how chaotic it was going to be! How old is your little one? My little girl will be starting preschool in September which will be good.

definitely agree with outdoors everything seems a bit calmer. We do try and spend as much time as possible in the garden. I do like the idea of going for little walks too and always have good intentions of doing so but sometimes by the time I get them all sorted for going out for a walk it’s either time for a feed for the baby or a nap for the middle one etc

some days are more smooth sailing than others and today is just an extra tough day that’s why I’m needing a rant lol

Mine is 2 years 3 months.
I couldn’t imagine getting him and two younger out anywhere tbh, so I’m
sure your doing great

There are positives to having 3 this age. You are not beholden to the school run, and I really missed those days when we could take long afternoon naps together, if we’d had a bad night with the baby. Also you don’t have to get out the house on time, because the lady who runs the toddler group at the library won’t be contacting you about your child’s punctuality.

They also grow up with the same sort of interests and friends.

when days got particularly tough I used to take a deep breath and look forwards. The benefit of having babies in a short period of time meant that once the baby phase was over I could get rid of the cots, high chair, changing mats etc and know id never need them again.

Yeah I’m already getting excited about getting rid of all the baby stuff soon 😂 my eldest girl is starting pre-school in September so the school runs will start then which will be fun getting the 3 of them up and out for that. Not sure how we’re gunna work round naps with the younger 2 but im
sure we will work it some way.

long afternoon naps sounds like absolute bliss haha But my eldest no longer naps and when the middle one is napping I’m either tending to the baby or doing stuff about the house/making dinner or doing some with the toddler.

it’s non stop however I know it won’t be like this forever, that’s literally the only thing that gets me through it some days

I had three under three.

Solidarity, sister! ✊

It's hard. Really hard. But that work will pay off I promise!

We had an excellent triple buggy from ABC (adventure buggy company in New Zealand).

It's a dad and son Phil & Ted Green. Same as the major buggy brand, but these they make in their garage. Or did 12 years ago, I'm well out of buggy stage!

The top and bottom buggies with a sling for baba also good.

Nap when you can.

Take what help you can.

People will offer to help but don't know what to do. If anyone offers help say 'yes that's great thanks, can you (bring some food round / take the baby for a walk / pick some shopping up / put the kettle on /other specific thing)' and pin a time down there and then.

They'll offer to take the older one but spend time with DC1 when you can.

And number one thing to get used to is the fact that the collective noun for thee under three is 'a handful', and strangers will helpfully remind you that you've got your hands full.

They mean well. It is a gesture of understanding and solidarity. However irritating it might be.

It’s always nice to chat to someone who knows what it’s like! How old are your kids now?

yes I’m actually getting better at saying yes to people when they offer to help. And have only recently learnt that sometimes like you said you need to actual give people specific things to do to help. It definitely works better.

I definitely need to make a conscious effort to spend more one on one time with DD1.

the only thing that keeps me going some days is that fact that I know it’s going to get better and it won’t always be this full on. I know it’s never going to be easy but I think as they get older it’ll be a little less demanding than now.

I had 4 under 4 and it’s hard work, tiring & chaotic and did sap my will to live some days. it definitely gets better, and less chaotic, youngest is now 3 and others are all at school (just finished for the summer), and I cannot wait to have them all home for a while. I used to have to get out the house daily, walk, park, library or children’s centre groups and baby/toddler gym if raining. This might sound a bit naff but I used to do (and still do) tuff tray activities at home, tray on top of shower curtain and put things like oats or rice for them to tip and pour, play diggers in, pasta threading. Simple stuff to messier stuff, it kept them occupied and they were calmer. It didn’t help with the household stuff though, just lowered my standards. I tried to give the older ones a few minutes a day with a cuddle and story.