Advice for Growing Family

Updated on August 27, 2007
K.A. asks from Rochester, NH
8 answers

Hi everyone. My husband and I just found out we're having our third (and last) baby. We're due May 1st. We also have two little girls. Our oldest will be 3 in Sept and our youngest turned 1 in June. We know how hard it can be to have little ones close in age, from experience. We were just wondering if anyone had any advice or helpful hints for raising three little ones at the same time. I'm a SAHM and he works full time.

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J.P.

answers from Boston on

Hi,
I have 3 kiddoa very close in age 1yr old twins and a 2yr old.
while its a lot of work and very busy having them close together its also a lot of fun. I dont really have ne tips or hints just do what you can and dont worry about the rest in the end it will all fall into place :)

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S.W.

answers from Boston on

I have 3 kids, my oldest is 5, 4, then my little princess is 2. My younger son was only 8 months old when I got pregnant for the third and final time! I was so stressed out I cried for the first 4 months. Now I know that all that stress was for nothing. THe biggest change is going from 1 kid to 2 after that what's 1 more? I have become very effecient at everything. I work full time and they go to daycare, well my oldest is starting kindergarten this year. People ask me all the time, how do you do it all? My response is "I just do!" THere are few times that I get to sit and relax, other than after bedtime.
Your 2 oldest will probably start playing together when you are tending to the baby, which will help alot.
Now that my kids are grown up a little that 2 younger ones play together alot. My oldest son is a mama's boy. He rather hang out with me.

Good luck and remember that more stressed out you are the more bad behavior your kids are going to show. I used to sweat at the idea of taking the kids to the grocery store. Now we go as a family and we get through it without tears most of the time.

S. Mother of 3 - 5 son Devin, 4 son Donovan, 2 daughter Mya

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K.B.

answers from Boston on

Congrats to your family! I have 3 kids ages 5,3, and 8 months. It is always an adjustment when a new baby comes home, but it was actually fine for us. I learned very quickly how to be organized. You will have to be tough and stick to a schedule. My advice is to focus on bedtime. If you can get the other two to bed on time, eventually you will get the new baby on a good bedtime routine, and this frees up time for yourself at night. If I didn't get all three of my kids to bed by 7:30(sometimes 8:00), I would go nuts. You need time at night to relax or exercise or just have a moments peace after a long day with the kids or at work. Most of all, remember to enjoy it. It is sometimes hard to enjoy this time, especially when you are overtired and stressed out. I have to remind myself all the time that they are not going to be little for long, and this time with them is precious, because it won't be long before they are all grown up. Slow down and enjoy it as much as you can.

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J.C.

answers from Providence on

Wow, sounds so formila. My kids are now 3yrs, 2 yrs (in two weeks anyway) and 10 1/2 mionthes. All 3 right in a row. It's amazing how close they are. My advice is to make sure to always let the other two feel involved with the baby. Get a baby doll and show them how to hold the baby. Ask them questions about the baby ex: are you excited to meet the new baby. You can even count on the calender with them (not that they fully understand but it will make sence when you bring the baby home) I love being a stay-at-home mom, my 3 are so close and they really are best friends. My best wishes to you & your family!

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C.M.

answers from Boston on

HAVE FUN...and pick and choose your battles....everything will be ok....and remember to rely on family and friends when you need a time for yourself ....lol....you''ll do ok....

Mom of 4 with hubby that makes 5

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D.P.

answers from Providence on

I only have 2... BUT I think the key is to foget about a perfect house and to pick your battles :)

Congratulations and Good Luck!

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S.M.

answers from Boston on

I had my first three in three and a half years and it was a lot of work but if you husband works with you it is actually not too bad. By the time my third came along the first two were at the perfect age to play together. the only real tricky part was that my two year old would know when I sat down to nurse that was her time to get into trouble. I eventually learned to just gate us all in the same room for feedings. Good luck. It is a lot of fun to have so many kids close in age as long as you can handle a little chaos. ( so much fun I now have 4 )

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A.R.

answers from Boston on

I also have 3 and my youngest are only 15 months apart. My advice (which I wish I would have figured out sooner!) is not to worry about the little things. Who cares if the house is a mess, dishes are piled in the sink, and all the other stuff that is endless mom work. Anyone with multiple kids knows that trying to do it all is impossible, and if they can do it all, it means they're exhausted and have no time for hubby or fun with the kids. Enjoy the young years because before you know it, they'll be off to school...and you won't be thinking, "man, I wish I spent more time cooking and cleaning while they were younger!" Also, if you have anyone to help out, mom, sis, good friend, etc., ASK FOR HELP! Even just going to the grocery store "in peace" will help. Hopefully your hubby knows how hard it is to be a SAHM, especially with little ones and will help give you "mommy time!" Yes, sometimes you will want to just run away, down the street screaming at the top of your lungs, but at the end of the day when you see those sweet babies, you couldn't see yourself doing anything else!

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