Photo Credit: Jessica Rockowitz Photography + Film

I thought I knew what I was doing the first time I ventured out to a doctor’s appointment with my newborn and my toddler. I. Did. Not. During the doctor’s appointment it was made very clear to me that I did not bring enough diapers for my blow out happy newborn and I forgot to grab my toddler’s tablet. So instead of having a nice quick chat with the pediatrician, I had to yell over my toddler’s nonstop tears and ask the nurse for a diaper. Since that disastrous first run I’ve had more successful outings with one or two of them being near perfect. Here are some tips to help get you out the door, hopefully having a good outing, and not stressing.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best

Please listen to what I’m about to tell you. Pack the extra onesie, pack the extra diapers and wipes. I know you’ve gotten a little more relaxed because your toddler is no longer having blow outs as often or spitting up anymore, but your newborn is going to do both. Maybe you’ll get lucky and you’ll make it through a couple of hours without that happening, but don’t bet on it not happening at all. It’s going to. No one is going to judge you for overpacking, I mean you’ve got two tiny humans you’re responsible for now, stuff that diaper bag! (Don’t forget to pack some snacks for yourself, you’re gonna need it.)

Organize

You don’t want to get to your playdate or doctor’s appointment and realize that you’re missing diapers for the baby and a snack for your toddler. How do you avoid this? Organize. Look, if you’re not into organization that’s cool, I don’t blame you. But if you want to make it through getting out of the house with your two kiddos you’re gonna need to take at least 15 minutes to make a quick list and gather what you need. Keep in mind how long you’re going to be out of the house and make sure that factors into what you’re packing.

Have your toddler help

I know. This sounds like a crazy tip, but it seriously helps. Rather than having your toddler following you around crying aimlessly because you’re not paying attention to her, give her a task she can do. It can be something as simple as “Find your toy,” or “Grab your shoes,” or “put your toys in your bag.” Make it something that doesn’t require your assistance and that excites your kiddo. This way you can get baby in their car seat and triple check your bag to ensure you’ve got everything you need.

Accept help from others

Don’t be proud. You’re going to struggle, especially in those first few outings. Just like it was new and different when you went out with your first born, it’s going to be new and different with two kiddos. I’ve had people offer to hold my newborn (while in her car seat) so that I could wrangle her sister, I’ve had others entertain my toddler while I breastfeed her little sister. Definitely use your gut feeling to determine if you’re okay getting assistance from whoever is offering, but don’t just say no because you think you need to be super mom. We all need help from time to time and if someone is offering you kindness, take it.

Relax

It’s easier said than done. But you don’t want to go through an outing being completely stressed out and upset. Just take the hits as they come and make sure that you’re flexible enough to make changes based on how your two tiny humans are acting or feeling. Heading out with two kiddos can be a challenge and it will be rough at times, but remember that your little ones will grow, the outings will become simpler.

Just make sure you’re present and enjoying the time you’ve got with them while they’re little.

What are your tips for outings with a toddler & newborn?

 

Photography: https://jessicarockowitz.com/

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