3 under 3 anyone?

[NathansMummy0203]

I have literally just found out that I am due in September this pregnancy was not planned and has come as a complete shock for me and my husband as we were using contraceptive and already have 2 boys aged 2 and 10 months. They will be 2.5 and 16 months when this baby is born. I think I am still in shock tbh but am also completely terrified as I already find coping with 2 under 2 difficult so am thinking how will I manage with 3?? Can anyone else relate or already have 3 under 3 that can offer any advice or assure me it won't be hell?

I have 6 children and my first three I had in 2 years! I actually had 5 in 5 years! Slightly longer gap if 5 years between 5 and 6.

It wasn’t hell for me but it depends on your circumstances. Do you work? Is your oh supportive? Do you have family and friends nearby and can you afford to pay someone to clean the house so it’s easy for you to keep on top of it?

Hi Mabel, Thanks for your reply. I have a husband who works and I stay at home with the kids. My oldest goes to nursery 2 days a week now which helps as he didn't when my youngest was born and I found it incredibly hard. All my friends and family work during the day during the week. My oldest didn't start nursery until he was 18 months but am considering putting my youngest in earlier to lighten the load a little, even if it's just a day or 2 a week.

I had 3 under 3, not going to sugar coat it, it wasn't easy. I found going from 2-3 a bit of a shock. But soon got into the swing of it. I try and get out a lot, groups, gym and fresh air walks, balance bikes, park etc. Everyone happier for fresh air and exercise. I purchased an annual pass to.local farm park with a soft play too. Was a lifesaver, tough day with baby and off we went. Tbh I find people's comments the hardest bit of it. Due my fourth in a few weeks, will have 4,3 & 21month old, which was the result of a failed vasectomy. If you have 2 under 2 you will be ok.

No advice but I'm also due in Sept but having twins. My DS turned 2 in Jan so I'll also have 3 under 3! Scared how I'm going to deal with 2 newborns plus my son! My DH seems to be extremely calm and I'm waiting for him to actually have a freak out moment so that I don't feel so bad about freaking out myself!!

I’m about to do this - a 4yr old, a 2yr old and twins. I’m hoping a cleaner is going to be a magic solution.
That and a trampoline and CBeebies.

I met a women with triplets the other day. So at least you can take comfort in the fact there is always someone who has it worse.

I had 3 under 3.5, also 3rd was a total shock. Was in total panic for about 2 weeks before I got my head round the fact that I felt my choice was taken away from me as would definitely keep baby. 19 years later and all grown up. I would not change a thing. Practically a lot of things are so much easier as close in age. All enjoy same activities, toys, bedtime stories. Also never got used to sleeping or having me time as was just continuous! Another plus - all grown and offhand at roughly the same time and DH & I not too old to enjoy the alone time 😀 you will be fine. You just get on with it.

Btw should say no cleaner or nursery & I was childminder to 4 others 😂

I’ve just had my third although thry aren’t close together. It’s still hard. One huge help has been a small deep freezer. It’s got whole meals plus extra bits of meals. So I can pull out either a quick lunch for me or dinner for the family.

My partner also makes everyone (including me) lunch

I had 3 under 3. There are 12months and 1week between my youngest two. My eldest was 2.5 when the youngest was born. Our youngest wasnt planned and came as a huge surprise. My husband works long hours and isn't here mon to fri so I worried how I would cope,

6 months on I can honestly say it's been the hardest 6 months of my life, but also the most wonderful. It is really really hard work, I've found I have to be absolutely completely organised down to the minute. Have low expectations, at the beginning I just aimed to get us all out of the house, even just to Sainsbury's or the library. Nursery has saved me, I'm lucky that I've been able to send the older 2 for a few mornings/ days a week. Now I'm more confident we are out and about all the time at groups and classes etc so it honestly does get easier and you soon get into the swing of it. And I can honestly see that my 3 are going to be the best of friends, they will be into similar things at the same time, will go through school together and even now have their own ready made little gang x

Thanks everyone for your replies and honesty. I know it's not going to be easy but at least I know it can be done. It's helpful to know I'm not the only one in this position and feeling scared also. When I first found out I went into panic mode and thought "it's ok, we do t have to have it if we don't want to" but quickly realised that that wasn't even an option as we couldn't not have it. Moreso when we went for a private scan and found out I was 13 weeks along, our 10 month old was with us and just giggled all the way through while I sobbed. I just kept looking at him and thinking I don't really have a choice, I could never not have it. Don't care how hard it is we will just need to manage. I'm still terrified though nice to hear some similar stories though x

Oh Nathans mummy, i thought exactly the same!! I don't have to do this while knowing full well i didn't really have a choice. My Mum said to me, you always wanted another, she just came sooner than anticipated lol!!

I had three under 2. I'm not going to lie it was hard, but number 4 came along not long after. 🙈😂

We’ve got three under three. The oldest was 2 and 10 Months and the middle one was 19 months when the third arrived. It’s been really hard and we are knackered but the baby is now coming up to one and is a real part of the family - defo the right choice as we were like you when we found out. Lots of very stressful times but we just do a lot less and it’s starting to be quite enjoyable. I’d recommend splitting your childcare so you won’t have any time with just you and the baby but lots with two which is far easier than 3. I look at people with two now and wonder what they are complaining about. You’ll be busy but fine.

OP, definitely get the youngest into nursery a couple of times a week if you can. None of mine went til they were three because we couldn’t afford it back then but when I had number 4 they had all started school and nursery 5 days a week and it was so much easier! Wish I’d just sent them to nursery earlier.

I would never change how close I had them, they are so close and all like similar things. It will be hard sometimes but it’s so much fun too! Good luck and congratulations

I am starting to be able to look forward to the good things like some PP have said, having a ready made gang, them all being close in age and being able to do similar things. Days ago I could o ly think of the negative things and how hard it would be. I think I will look into putting the youngest into nursery ASAP so he's used to it by the time the baby is here. Thanks all, I'm glad I made this post as it has really helped :-)

I would start going to lots of toddler groups now and have a weekly schedule sorted for when the baby comes. If you go to the same thing each week you’ll make friends who go there too and it’s so nice to see familiar faces if you’re having a bad day, and there’s always someone to hold the baby whilst you have a bit of time to play with the older ones and change a nappy - everyone loves to help out and cuddle a newborn. They are also enclosed spaces and really cheap!!!

Agree with op about toddler groups, at one point we went to one most days!
And you will get lots of comments about how you are a supermum and managing so well which always makes you feel better! trying to get into a good routine now so that it’s second nature when baby comes is a good idea, but also remember that it’s ok to have the odd day where you all stay at home in your pjs and watch CBeebies and no housework gets done, especially if you have had a bad night! X

Get a cleaner.

Had 3 under 3, was remarkably ok. They were still napping. The oldest two had each other for company.

Have fond memories of that time.