How to Survive the First Year With Three Children Under Three Years Old

Shortly after my daughter turned one, my husband and I discovered we were expecting twins.After the initial shock wore off, we began preparations for the biggest life challenge either of us had ever experienced. In the end, having three children in a two-year span would bring us to the edge of our capabilities, physically and emotionally. Through it all, we fine-tuned the most practical and realistic ways to make it through the first year with three under three.

Things You'll Need

  • Larger vehicle
  • New car seat
  • Frozen meals
  • Baby Bjorn like carrier or wrap
  • Double stroller
  • Multivitamin

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider upgrading your automobile to accommodate three car seats. If a vehicle upgrade is not in your budget, check online for specific information regarding the brands with the best narrow car seats and configurations of car seats in smaller vehicles.

    • 2

      Create a list of items that need to be completed so you can assign tasks when well-meaning friends and family offer to help, such as laundry, grocery shopping or cleaning. Research and seek out online companies that deliver healthy, organic frozen meals right to your front stoop.

    • 3

      Work with your partner or spouse during those initial months. Find out ahead of time if your state allows paternal family leave. Work in tandem to get through this difficult time. Split the night shift so that one of you is getting a solid chunk of sleep while the other tends to the children. This will enable each of you to handle whatever the wee hours of the morning have in store for you.

    • 4

      Introduce a schedule as soon as appropriate weight gain has been established in your infant, usually not before eight to 12 weeks. Keep the schedule consistent, even waking up the baby if that necessary to keep the routine intact. Read books that educate you on a variety of techniques to establish a baby's sleep schedule, such as "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" (promotes limiting wakefulness, consistent naps and later on, early bedtimes), "The Happiest Baby on the Block," (emphasizes the swaddle and suck technique) and "The Baby Whisperer" (promotes the E.A.S.Y. method).

    • 5

      Stagger sleep and feeding schedules to allow one-on-one time for each child, if possible. Sleep schedules will overlap, so prepare yourself for being in two places at once. Use television as a distraction as a last resort. Plan ahead and have lots of books, crayons and puzzles close by to keep your older children occupied while you tend to the baby.

    • 6

      Keep expectations realistic. You are in survival mode and will be for about 18 months. Outsource the housecleaning, if possible. This may mean a once-a-month deep clean, but will be invaluable when you calculate the reduction of stress in your life. Contact a local mother's club for reviews of affordable, reliable people to come and clean your house.

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