How do people w/ more than one kid make it out of the house on time?

mrszimm · February 2010

It can take at least 10 minutes to get out the door w/ DD if we're going on a longer outing like church or shopping. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like when DS gets here. How do people do it? Seriously, any helpful tricks? (Also, I don't have a garage)

Ravings Rabbids · February 2010

Try to have stuff ready the night before and maybe get up a little earlier. However, I have an 8 year old who pretty much takes care of herself...easier than my 1 year old.

punkfiction_v.3 · February 2010

start earlier

and another kid is 1 extra step. 1 extra person to get dressed, get a bottle/sippy for, get snacks for, etc. just keep the same routine. when they are ready i tell them to stand by the door. then i lead them out.

i dont know what having a garage has to do with it though lol

CelticWife · February 2010

My neighbor told me to lay out everything the night before; stock the diaper bags and lay out the clothes, socks, shoes, coats, etc for the next day. That way, the next day you just get them dressed, grab your stuff, and go.

She actually puts everything in the diaper bag the night before, including snacks and toys, then puts it in the car. Then she just needs the kids.

yoko589 · February 2010

I don't know. I have enough problems getting places on time with just one kid!!

punkfiction_v.3 · February 2010

CelticWife:
My neighbor told me to lay out everything the night before; stock the diaper bags and lay out the clothes, socks, shoes, coats, etc for the next day. That way, the next day you just get them dressed, grab your stuff, and go.

She actually puts everything in the diaper bag the night before, including snacks and toys, then puts it in the car. Then she just needs the kids.

see this would stress me out. the last thing i, personally, would want to do before bed is run around getting things ready for the NEXT day lol

wcp · February 2010

we didn't make it anywhere on time for the first month or so. it was really hard when they were always napping at different times. i finally just gave up and let DS#2 nap anywhere instead of at home in the crib. i also made sure i started the 'getting out of the house' routine a good 20 mins. earlier than when i had one child.

ErinNConnorsMom · February 2010

I prepare ahead of time...set clothes, backpacks, and winter gear out the night before, pack snacks, diaper bag, and lunches the night before. It's an adjustment, but you'll get it figured out! In fact, I think it probably took us longer to get out the door with our 1st baby than with 2 or 3 kids!

SeattleMegan · February 2010

I wonder the same thing on mornings where it's a struggle to get out the door in a timely fashion! Like PPs said, I think just having everything ready the night before will be a big help and giving yourself LOTS of time. Right now, I try to get to the backdoor (which is where we put on our shoes and jackets) 15 minutes before we actually need to be on the road. This allows for "dawdle time" which happens frequently Smile

ms_mellor · February 2010

I get everything ready the night before. I seriously can't wait until spring, and I don't have to get two in snowsuits every time we leave the house!!

FolanMama · February 2010

You just do.

Pack the bag the night before, rely on the hubs if he's home, and pad your schedule with an extra 15 minutes b/c you will almost always need it. And hey, when you don't need it, now you have time to reward yourself for your Rockstar Mom Moment with some drive-thru Dutch Bros (or 'bucks).

mrszimm · February 2010

punkfiction_v.3:
start earlier
and another kid is 1 extra step. 1 extra person to get dressed, get a bottle/sippy for, get snacks for, etc. just keep the same routine. when they are ready i tell them to stand by the door. then i lead them out.
i dont know what having a garage has to do with it though lol

Good question. I thought if I had a garage (and it was safety proofed) DD could hang out in it while I load the car. I don't let her hang out in the yard unless my eyes are constantly on her b/c I worry about cars coming through the neighborhood and her toddling out.

Mia Wallace · February 2010

I keep the diaper bag stocked in the car. I have travel cups and bottled water in the car along with a box of crackers.

We put our coat on and go basically.

thomas&lynn · February 2010

Haha, I asked something similar about a month ago because getting out of the house with just DD takes me like an HOUR (not 10mins!!). Here are 3 things that have helped us be ready to go by about 9/9:30am each morning....even if we have no where to go....and that's probably late for some but I SAH and usually don't have appointments/things to do much before then anyway.

One thing we've changed is now DD is dressed down to socks (we do not wear shoes in the house) at the first diaper change of the day. I put out several complete outfits out at one time in a basket next to the changing area (in order as to the days I want her to wear them) so both DH and I can do this and the routine doesn't change from DH not knowing where something is etc. Having to do this has made me have to get to folding the laundry sooner which in turn helps my own clothes being folded and put away, too (easy to find, easy to get dressed faster).

I also shower at night to save that 15mins in the AMs.

We stuff her hat in one sleeve of her coat and her mittens in the other sleeve so that's always ready to go with no having to look around.

Helps a ton to know that if I want to run to DD for some yummy coffee, that it won't take an hour anymore. All it takes now is a fully sippy cup and her lovey and we're gone.

kfriscia · February 2010

The first time I tried to leave the house with both kids it took me an hour. I learned to get as much done ahead of time as I possibly can.. like pack the diaper bag the night before or during naps if I am leaving later in the day. If we are going out early in the morning I get ds#1 completely ready.. socks, and shoes etc before he even leaves the room or has breakfast. Then I don't have to spend too much time chasing him around later. That way I only have to worry about #2.

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