How do you manage your kids when you are alone with them in public? I'm getting so nervous about taking 3 kids out by myself. I'll have help at first, but pretty soon I'll be on my own while dh works. Matthew will only be 3 when the baby comes, and I can't count on him to walk for long periods of time. I'll be ok in stores with carts, but other places are going to be a problem. I need advice!

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Gretchen and Stephen
Matthew (4-25-05)
Joshua (5-30-06)
Lucas Azzarian (4-23-08)

Ugh, I wish I had some advice! I am dreading the same thing, although my 4 year old is usually pretty good about staying with me while he walks.

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I'm not much help since mine are a bit older. I try not to do it often. I try to do alot of errands when the big kids are at school or when Ben can watch them. Walmart has the carts that have the 2 seat thing attached to the cart. The big kids go in it, and Hannah goes in the other part. Otherwise the big kids walk. What about a double stroller, and then slinging the baby. Maybe by the time baby gets to big to sling you can work on Matthew walking. When Kalista started walking with me I had her "help" me push the stroller/cart. That way she was hanging onto the cart and I knew where she was. This is how I start all my kids out. Hannah has done it a few times, but I haven't pushed it since I haven't had a major "need" to yet. But I better get started on it.

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I have a 4.5 yr old and a 2 year old and then of course just like you will have a newborn soon. So, I think at 1st it will be a chore getting out of the house, getting in and out of the car, getting in and out of car seats, going places, and etc, but eventually I think it will get easier. I just purchased a Baby Trend Sit and Stand and I love it. My kiddos are on the smaller end and they easily fit the weight limit on the stroller. So, I've been testing it out and love it. My 4 year old rides in the back, my 2 year old in the front and when Kohen arrives I can have the option of her riding in the front with the car seat attachment, Kensley on the sit/stand and DS walking or if the older 2 want to ride then I will just use my sling for Kohen. I swear having a sling makes a world of difference. Kohen can be a snug as a bug in there and I still can use my hands to push the stroller, chase after the other 2, and etc. I would totally recommend a sling. Also are you near a Toy R Us or Babies R Us? If so, you might want to try out a sit/stand type of double stroller to see if something like that would work for you.

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Also I just wanted to add, Getting in and out of the store is alot like the "helping" with the shopping cart. I have them "help" me carry baby in, if I am using the carseat. They "help" me carry the baby in, hanging onto the handle of the carrier. Otherwise I put baby in the sling b/f getting them out of their seat, and I hold thier hand, or they hold my pocket of my pants.

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I've had to put a lot of thought into this, as I will be on my own as soon as I can. I hate being dependent on someone else to get out of the house. Of course, I have a double stroller already because of the twins, so I am looking into a sling or baby carrier for the newborn. Blake can walk, and he still has to hold on in parking lots and such. Next fall, Blake will be in school, so I'll just have the younger three with me. I really like the sit and stand option if that would work for you. Sounds like a viable solution.

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I'm concerned about all this, too. It's been hard enough w/ my 2 & being pg. Mine are older (4 in May & 6 in July!) But it still feels like a lot to keep track of. I am really hoping they will get into that helping mode often!

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