I have a 4 1/2 year old daughter, 2 1/2 year old son, and a 3 week old daughter. The newborn seems to be on the 'high need' or almost colicky side with lots of crying. So far, I've had my mom staying with us and helping out. Now, I'm on my own while my husband is at work and I'm wondering how we're going to do anything!! I already feel like the older two get left behind while I'm taking care of the baby, especially when I nurse her or she's in a crying mood. How have you other moms balanced everything?! I am home from work until the baby is 12 weeks old and then will go back two days a week. Hoping to get things figured out before then!!
It has only been 3 weeks... Try relaxing and enjoy this time. You will find a fitting schedule soon enough.
Congrats!
I agree with using the baby wrap - although in this heat I'm sure it's tough!
A 90+ year old lady I know told me this when I asked for tips on raising more than one kid close in age: "There is no advice - you just do it."
Once you figure out a schedule it'll be fine. I always took the kids out as soon as the baby finished eating. This way I knew that we had about 3 hours before feeding time again. I didn't worry about the nap because babies sleep anywhere. I also kept my baby in the sling so he was always close to my body. Supposedly, this also helps with those that cry more often. I also included the baby into our play time. He either stayed in the sling or laid on the floor next to us while we all played. The other 2 also learned how to play with their baby brother.
My advice to you is to not worry about how you're going to do something, just go out and do it. It'll get easier each time.
I agree with Sam... You are panicking prematurely. It was so great that you had your mom to help while you were healing... Do you belong to a church? Or any mom networking groups? Just going to a Mommy and Me group or some other one and getting to know other young moms might help. Remember when you had a 2 and a half year old and a new born? It was probably overwhelming too but you got through it.
My friend's mom had 4 kids all under 5 once and now they are grown with kids of their own and they survived. My sister and I were seven years apart and I'm not sure how it happened (cuzz I hated the huge age difference) but my kids are seven years apart and I commend young moms who have their kids closer together!~ In the end... it is so much better!
Colic usually only lasts a month so you are almost over the hump and you will get in sync.
When daddy gets home... take the 2 1/2 year old with you to the store and leave the baby and the 4 1/2 year old with him and run errands.... just getting away will help... then the next time... take just the baby with you and leave the other two and then take the 4 1/2 year old with you on the next outing... Your hubby will truly appreciate you then! HINT: Whenever leaving the baby with him.. make those outings a little shorter so he will be willing next time! :)
Prayers going out to ya though cuz what seems overwhelming today is to you... but i promise it gets better!
Wear your baby. I like the wraparound-type carriers for tiny babies. Expect the older two to walk when you go somewhere, rather than dealing with strollers. Go slow. Stay close to home. Keep your expectations minimal. Avoid cars if that is practical in your area. It's a lot easier to move several kids by bus or foot than it is by car, especially if you're not dealing with strollers. Encourage your older kids to play well with each other. Get support from other people when you can. Experiment and find out what works well for you.
Good luck.
Since it's summertime and kids are home from school can you find a middle school or high school student who could come over for a couple of hours a day to play with the older kids and be a "mother's helper"? You could just do it until school starts, the baby gets less colicky or you establish a routine. The first few weeks of a new baby are kind of a blur so you'll figure out a routine as you all get used to the new addition.
I had a newborn, one year old and two year old. I can't exactly remember how I did it lol. But you'll be fine.
Hire a nanny! It is more cost effective than you think and you can either have the nanny care for the colicky baby or help with the other kids while you care for the baby. A nanny is a great resource for a busy family! Nannies4hire.com is a great resource for your nanny search and we would be willing to answer any questions you have! Check it out today!
best thing you can do is remember that you cannot spoil your baby the first few months. Carry as much as you can and just take it easy. I can tell you know that my 6yr old 4 yr old and 1 year old are quit easy to handle. We have our days/ our moments but other then that it is all well. i find having the three way easier then having just the two but that might just be me the Teenage years might be another story! Yikes! LOL Congrats and take it easy
