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Two Under 2
mamarazzi528
member
Daycare dropoff/pickup logistics
mamarazzi528
member
in Two Under 2
This is my first week back to work after maternity leave. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to manage my 18-month-old, almost 3-month-old, and a big bag of stuff for each of them during dropoff and pickup. I pretty much have to carry DD in and out of the building because the sidewalk is icy now (and I don't trust her in the parking lot anyway), but it really sucks carrying her and the infant car seat plus those bags! Luckily it's not too far of a walk through the parking lot...
I'm thinking maybe the best bet will be making two trips -- one for the kids and one for the bags. I can't imagine what it will be like when DS is too big for the infant seat -- but I guess by then DD will be an even better walker so that will help.
How do/did you guys do it? Any tips?
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Re: Daycare dropoff/pickup logistics
I don't have two yet (second on the way), but here is my two cents. Can you leave stuff at the daycare center? Our daycare center has us bring diaper and wipes once a week, a change of clothes that is kept in DS's cubby. If anything gets low or he uses that change of clothes we are notified so we can bring more next time.
When DS was little--same thing, we left weekly supplies of diapers and wipes and bottles (without milk); we also left several bibs and several changes of clothes. Each week we would change out bottles and check to see if DS needed more bibs or clothes diapers or wipes. This way you would just have to carry your breast milk or formula.
Maybe this helps? Hope so! Good luck!
It's tough. My DS is 2 now and it is way easier. It's rare that he doesn't walk himself. I seriously feel like a pack mule everyday. Another mom at DC was using a snap-n-go for the infant seat for a while. That would be a good option if you really can't carry it all. Or would using a backpack for your bag help? Or maybe a carrier for the older kid - still would be heavy but your hands would be free.
Whenever I have extra stuff (beyond daily bottles which are in a lunch bag) I make 2 trips. I drop the older LO off at his class first then take baby to her class.
It'll get easier, I promise!
Good ideas, but... We leave some supplies at daycare, but we cloth diaper so we bring clean diapers every day and bring home a wet bag full of the dirty ones (a set of these for each kid). We have to bring bottles each day because daycare requires the breast milk to already be in the bottles. We've also been bring DD's snowsuit back and forth in case they go outside to play, but maybe we could leave it there. DS has been going through 2 outfits a day, so we have to bring him new clothes each day.
I could probably combine it into one big bag.
Thanks for the encouragement!
I'm glad there's hope! I did think about a stroller, but thought I'd look like this crazy mom with these little kids and all this stuff and then those that said, "2u2? that's going to be a lot of work!" would gloat because they were right. I guess I look crazy either way so I might as well make it easier on myself! haha.
Hmm. That's a good idea. I do have an umbrella stroller and an ergo.
When we started DC, DS was already out of the infant carrier. But DD is 2 and can walk fine by herself. In the beginning I was putting DS in a stroller and carrying my big bag and DD walked. Now I usually carry DS and the bag, and DD walks.
In your situation, I would definitely use a snap and go stroller so you can carry your older one easier. It definitely gets easier as they become more independent.
Thanks! I tried out the stroller yesterday evening and it was much better! Daycare pickup still took 20 minutes to gather up kids + stuff, but it was much less awkward!
What worked best for me was to use a Snap n Go stroller and put all of baby's stuff in the basket underneath. It's definitely not the easiest thing in the world to navigate, but you should be able to carry the toddler and push the stroller with the baby. And PS, our daycare let us store the stroller there during the day--not sure if that's an option for you...
...and even though my kids are both past this stage, I still see a few other parents getting their kids in and out via the same method--so don't worry about looking silly. Just worry about whatever makes it easier for you!
when I only had 2, I put baby in the sling and carried ds1 until he was old enough to walk (they are 15 months apart). I had 1 bag that carried everything in. With 3 I either use the stroller or sling. DS1 will hold onto the stroller, ds2 holds my hand, ds3 is in the stroller. Bags go underneath the stroller. Or I put ds3 in the sling then I have 2 hands for the big ones.
There is no way I could leave then go back into their rooms. Even my 3 year old would issues with that. I know my middle would lose it.