Relationships and Family Talk (formerly AITF)

Experience with 3 under 5?

My first 2 babies were 2 years and 3 months apart. My second is only 15 months old and I just found out I'm expecting #3, so assuming it sticks (this will either be baby #3 or loss #3) I'll have 3 under 5 and 2 under 2, for about 3 weeks. I've managed 2 under 3 rather well I feel, but I can only imagine how different a ballpark 3 under 5 is! Does anyone have any experience with it? Tips and tricks? I'm an obsessive planner is why I'm asking at 4 weeks haha

comments (13)

  • First congratulations on being knocked up, I have like 89 kids under 23,.

    It’s really different from family to family I loved having small kids I love the chaos that is my family.
  • My girls were 4.5 and just turned 2 when LO was born. There's chaos for sure. Its always loud and often there is one or two (or three) kids crying. Really though, adding number 3 was easier for me then adding number 2 was. My girls entertain each other really well when they're not fighting. We're seven months in and its gotten a lot easier as the baby can play independently a little so I can squeeze in some time focused on the girls. That was really my only big struggle.
  • My youngest two (of four) are only 15 months apart.

    Schedules. For everything. Eat on time, snack on time, laundry at specific times, etc.

    Get the older ones used to sleeping through noise - it will happen.

    Don't treat the younger two as twins (my husbands perspective from BEING a twin).

    Get help wherever you can. Husband, grandparents, friends, cable guy.

    Take time for yourself (a gym with childcare saved my life).

  • NotaNative said:



    When I needed a break from my kids I would go to Starbucks because it was the farthest away and then I would take the long way there and home, also my husband always loved my breaks because coffee.

    And if I needed a longer break I would go to the grocery store.
  • It's not that hard, especially if you're organized and a planner, etc.

    A good partner is essential so be sure to speak up with what THE CHILDREN need assistance with.
    Don't ask. Tell.

    The slow cooker or Instant Pot is your friend.

    FlyLady is your friend.

    Your Local Mom Group is your friend with the Moms Night Out, meal trains, adult conversation, and support.

    One-on-one time is important for all children.

    Costco on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. was my Happy Place. I owned that store with my cart AND double stroller.
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  • Congratulations! I had 3 under 3 1/2 so I get it. My tips
    -sling or baby wear
    -stay on a schedule.
    - try to tire the older two out (playgrounds etc)
    -basic age appropriate chores for oldest (pick up room etc.)
    - realize it’s going to be hard, but as they get older it will get better.
    Good luck!

  • Lolly215 said:
    Currently mine are 3.5, 2, and 4 months. It's crazy but it's fun. I don't know if your husband works a crazy job like mine, but I have a great babysitter that comes a couple nights a week to hold the baby while I get the older two to bed. She stays for am hour or two while I try to catch up on cleaning, errands, or decompression time.

    Like others said, schedules are key. All of mine eat and have nap around the same time. Babywear. Try to keep your head above water lol. They are a blessing though and your heart will be filled with so much love. Congratulations.
  • My youngest two are 1 and 3 and I nanny another 1 year old. It's not the same as having a third toddler of my own but it has a lot of the same logistical challenges since he's here quite a bit. The biggest issue I've had lately is that I only have a double stroller, but the park is too far for my 3 year old to walk so I end up wearing my 1 year old and it kills my back. Baby wearing is a must, having good baby proofed areas to put everyone, and being super organized with toys IE having most of them put away where little hands can't dump them out.

    The nice part is that 3 play together way longer than 2, at least with my group, and there's just enough age difference that my 3yo can help lead play with the babies but she isn't older enough to lose interest in their games.

    Staying organized and cleaning up messes right away are key. Otherwise it all piles up.

    Oh I also have them sleep in the same room so I don't have to go back and forth for night wake-ups, and it keeps them mostly on the same schedule for wake-ups and bedtimes. I have one who doesn't nap, one who can nap whenever and she's fine, and one who needs to nap NOW or he will fall asleep on his feet, so we structure our activities around his nap and it all works out. You get into a routine, and it's not so bad. Congratulations!!
  • We have 3 that are 3.5 years apart total. Now that the youngest is school aged, I can say, I don't remember much from when the 3rd was born. Schedules, consistency, and get the younger ones involved with helping. Have your spouse take on more chores around at home for a bit. Communication is key for spouses surviving the day. Remember you're a team. You've got this.