katiefleck's Unofficial Guide to Surviving 3 or more children under the age of 6
Volume 1: The Diaper Bag
Author Credentials: Even though I've only been a parent for about 7 years, if you total my kids' ages I have the experience of 22 years. *Bonus* at one point I had 3 under the age of 18 months. Course I really don't remember much about that year...
First if you are currently making the change from 2 to 3 children, remember you are going from a parent on child (man on man, in basketball terms) to a zone defense. Never take your eyes off anyone who is in your zone! Also I'm told that the transition from 2 to 3 is easier than from 1 to 2 because child #2 has never had the special privilege of being the only child and is thus used to sharing. Child #1 will still resent the addition of another sibling and always fondly remember those days when he/she was the only child receiving all his/her parent's attention and presents at Christmas and birthday parties. Like I said I've only been told this because I insanely went from 1 to 3. 3 to 4 wasn't too bad so I'm assuming it's something like that. 4 to 5, toss another car seat in the van and let's go!
As a parent of 3 children under age 6, you must have is a Diaper Bag. I don't care how unfashionable this is, it should be permanently attached to your shoulder until your children all reach middle school (removal is allowed for showers and any um, acts you can convince your spouse to do in bed besides sleeping. Good luck with that!). Besides the expected items like diapers, tissues, and baby wipes, the Diaper Bag must always include:
- a complete change of clothes for anyone who is not completely potty trained or age 4, whichever comes last. *Bonus* a shirt for you for when the baby spits up or the toddler rubs his/her snotty nose on you
- ziplock baggies or grocery store plastic bags, for the dirty clothes or used diaper when there's no trash can available. Also good for keeping various items together (i.e. not lost at the bottom of the Diaper Bag when you really need it) or potentially leaky items from goo-ing up the rest of the Diaper Bag
- a First Aid kit with cartoon character band-aids, various children medications (baby Oralgel, Tylenol, Motrin, cold medicine, etc) and a bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol for adults (trust me, you'll thank me for that one).
- any special food and utensils required (baby formula and bottles, jarred food, sippy cups, spoons, bibs) that can't be bought at McDonalds. *Bonus* lollipops, fruit snacks, and crackers for bribes at the store and when the stupid teenage server at TGI Fridays is taking too long with the appetizers
- bottle of hand sanitizer. A trip to the port-a-potty at the fair when newly potty trained child can't hold it any longer? Enough said.
- a notepad and pencil for writing down directions, To Do lists, phone numbers, and its most important job, a doodle pad for bored children. *Bonus* crayons and coloring books
- quiet toys, emphasis on "quiet". You do not want to bring attention to yourself at cousin Sue's wedding when the children are tired of looking at the program. examples: Little People figures, Barbie dolls (clothing optional), hot wheel cars, a deck of cards, finger puppets, picture books. Legos and McDonalds Happy Meal toys will do in a pinch but Legos have a habit of being thrown at my house (which is why balls are a huge no-no!) and Happy Meal toys often break when you need them the most. And there is nothing worse than a cranky child with a broken toy.
- "lovelys" also known as that Must-Have-*cries*-"I-want-my!" blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier
- umbrella
- sunscreen, bug spray, chap stick
- digital camera
- spare house and car keys
- hair brush and hair things for girls
- hand towel and washcloth
- child safety scissors, nail clippers, nail file
- cartoon movie and children songs CD
- bottled water
- flash light (I really don't know why but I have one in the Diaper Bag so I must have needed it at some point)
- And since you probably don't want to jungle the Diaper Bag and 3 (or more) children and a purse, skip the purse and toss in your wallet, day planner, cell phone, sunglasses, and feminine products (if you're a Dad, you should still pack these for your wife, in case of an emergency, she'll be eternally grateful).
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