This post is sponsored by Baby K’Tan, but all opinions are my own.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out with my three kids and people look at me with pity, or comment about how full my hands are.
When people look at three child families, they are often met with judgement.
I could give you the cliche, my hands are full, but so is my heart, but if I’m being totally honest, some days my hands are REALLY full. There’s nothing that could have prepared me for having a third child–not even growing up as one of four.
To complicate things even further, my husband is a farmer and many days during harvest season I am (semi) solo parenting.
When my son was first born, I shied away from outings with all three kids because…well…fear.
How would I manage life with three kids? How can outings that used to be fun with 2 kids be fun with three kids?
I learned by trial and error, and some days I’m still learning what works best. Here are a few words of advice from a (semi) solo parent:
Baby Wearing Will Be Your Best Friend
We absolutely LOVE spending time on the farm. It allows us to spend time outside in nature AND spend quality time with my husband while he works.
Since the baby is too little to run around with the animals like his sisters, wearing him in our Baby K’tan affords him the same farm experience as the rest of his family!
It also allows my husband to work hands free with baby in tow.
And the best part about daddy baby wearing is that mommy gets a break!
Pack For Every Emergency Possible
One of the hardest parts of transitioning from 2 kids to 3 is preparing to leave the house. Between my middle child and baby the age difference is 4 years, so I almost forgot what having a baby was like.
My girls are old enough to dress themselves, but they still get cranky when they are hungry, thirsty or tired, but they can tell me what’s wrong.
When I first started taking the 3 of them on all day or half day outings, I would pack for the baby, but sometimes forget about the girls. It was like my brain was on autopilot!
After taking a few day trips and returning with cranky kids & a migraine to boot, I realized that the mommy brain excuse was not going to cut it anymore. Thanks to the mother of all diaper bags, the Baby K’tan Weekender Diaper Bag, I have enough room to carry whatever I need for all 3 kids.
Before my son was born, my girls were too big for a diaper bag, so I often used my purse as a post-diaper bag. The problem with that is there were always crumbs or something wet (ewww) in my purse.
One of the features I love about this bag is that it comes with a built-in antibacterial wet bag!
I also love that it comes with a changing pad. Whether we are at the farm, Target, farmer’s market or grocery store, I can be prepared to change baby boy anywhere we go.
Another amazing feature is the full-size insulated cooler pocket. We live in south Georgia, and summer seems to last most of the year. My girls are always thirsty, and now that the baby has moved on to solids, I usually have some baby food and a bottle in his bag. This feature allows me to keep all of their stuff cold while out in the Georgia sun.
Outings With Three Kids Requires Flexibility
Life with three kids changes things significantly. You have to go to sleep earlier. Rise earlier. Make more lists. Plan in advance. Say no.
And even when you do all those things, life happens. Accidents happen. You have to be able to roll with the punches or you will go crazy.
Take it from this type A mama. I’ve learned how to make things easier by putting in a little extra time and effort into the things I can control, but the things I can’t will not drive me crazy.
Some of the myths you’ve heard about raising three kids are true (i.e you are outnumbered & it’s hard to have one on one time with your kids), but your heart is really just as full as your hands. I promise.
Loving this diaper bag! Being prepared for absolutely everything is definitely essential!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
Such a lovely family. Great pics too, have a lovely day x
Great tips! I completely agree with planning for every possible emergency. With kiddos you just never know what’s next!
Bingo Maya!
It is a challenge to bring three kids out and about and make sure you have what you might need. I still think about that with my three who are older…it doesn’t matter what age they are, they ALL get cranky when hungry. Great tips and love that bag. Enjoy your three beautiful kiddos!!
Julie, that is so true! My kids turn into little monsters when they are hungry!
I’ve heard so many positives about baby wearing! It seems so easy and beneficial for both mom and baby!
I love it!! If nothing else, it frees up my hands!
These are great tips! As a nanny I remember these days fondly! It could be a little chaotic, but having good tips to fall back on is crucial!
You have a lovely family and great tips too
I’m sure this will help so many parents out 🙂
Great tips, I only have one and it can be a struggle!