Getting out of the house with three kids can be related to running a marathon. It takes training + planning, dedication + perseverance, uses skills and makes you sweat. When you finally make it out of the door, you feel like you won the race – quite like I would imagine finishing a full marathon would actually feel like.
Thanks to Playtex Baby ™, I’m able to share exactly how we conquer this type of chaos in our house. The brand is dedicated to providing the best start for both moms and babies, and I’m excited to continue my partnership with them as a #PlaytexMom achieving their goal #ForBetterBeginnings. – And because I always laugh with my mom friends when we talk about the chaos of getting our kids out the door, which is quite the beginning to any day. It really can be hectic.
As we added Mr. Rush, a third, to our roost, I’ve decided that becoming more calculated and efficient in our departure from the house is the only way we will survive. Take it from me, these steps have saved me from a wild goose chase, lots of crazy chaos and insurmountable extra crying.
Sound familiar? Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to an easier exit, too.
6 Steps to Getting Out of the House with (Any Number of) Little Kids
Step 1: Keep your diaper bag stocked.
This has been a game changer for me. You know how you could run all around the house gathering diapers, getting an extra pack of wipes, searching the laundry for an extra change of clothes to put in the diaper bag (because diaper blowouts and potty accidents)? It can all be eliminated if you just vow to keep your diaper bag stocked indefinitely. Rather than doing the run around when you’re about to leave the house + you’re likely in a hurry anyway, restock it when you come home. As you’re putting things away from your outing, replace or stock up on the items you need. As the laundry is complete, replace or add as needed too.
Step 2: Give the big kids a warning.
I always give Maven and Sylvie a warning. I’ll say, “we are going to leave for insert-wherever-it-is in a little while, so in about 10 minutes we’ll need to get ready to get in the car.” This gives them the forewarning that whatever they are playing with will have to stop and in turn, I pray it gives us less of a little breakdown when we do need to go. I’ll give them updates along the way: “5 minutes and you have to get your shoes on!” so they understand the process. Honestly, it has really helped us because they can continue playing as I’m packing up + know that soon they will have to stop playing to get ready too.
Step 3: Anticipate needs.
Total mom skill right here. Yes?
Someone always needs something when we leave the house. Most often it’s food or a drink, so I anticipate that and pack our own. I always prefer to bring our own cups and have a few snacks on hand. The Playtex® 360 Peppa Pig cups are a new to the brand and a new favorite in our household. The girls love Peppa and George and I love that there is a secure lid to put on top so the cups don’t spill when I pack them up to go. The The Playtex® 360 cups also have a unique drinking design – no spout but just press the lips to the cup and drink like a “big kid” without spilling. Extra appreciated while we are out and about!
So happy to share a $2 Off coupon code for your very own Playtex® 360 Cups!
Step 4: Delegate the tasks.
Who can do what for themselves? When I’m getting three kids out the door, I certainly will take any of their little independence I can get. I ask the girls to get their shoes and put them on. Sometimes they need help to do so, but they can certainly go get them, and bring them to our shoe step for me. They know exactly where their hats are and Maven can even reach the coats. This was a major bonus of our Back Entry Transformation – all of the organization allows the girls to get their belongings and put them away accordingly. It’s been a lifesaver this winter with all of the hats, boots, mittens, warm accessories.
I may help put coats on, but the girls know how to zip and know how to get their hats on. Thus, giving me a little less responsibility in their process.
Step 5: Know the order.
KEY. If I were to put Rush in his car seat before this time, he would be crying. And crying babies strapped in their car seats make me become a major stress ball. And a major stress ball mama makes me a little on edge, and that would make our getting out the door process SO much harder. So, I keep Rush occupied while I’m packing up and helping the girls get ready. I get everything set, my own shoes on, diaper bag taken to the car, mini van door open for the girls to begin climbing in themselves and THEN put Rush in his car seat.
{Yep, mini van mom over here!}
Step 6: Finish strong.
I’ll click his car seat in, buckle the girls (grab my coat after, because I’m likely sweating by this point), gate our dog where she needs to stay, shut the door, hop in the car and turn on the tunes. Everyone buckled? Everyone set? Okay, let’s go.
Three kids, out the door, conquered.
What makes it better if is I remember to bring my homemade latte with too. (I use this machine and it’s uh-mazing.)
__
Juggling babies, toddlers and even bigger kids while heading out the door is a tall order. Putting together a routine has helped us all get out the door more smoothly and I assure you, it will help you too. Best of luck mamas!
XO
Amazing pictures and moments captured by Talia Laird Photography.
