Being a mom is tough, there is no doubting that. Having 3 under 3 is something else. The more kids you have the more you are pulled in so many different directions. One kid needs a snack, another needs a diaper change, etc. I started 2023 with 2 under 2 which was a lot and I was finally starting to get the hang of it until I found out I was pregnant with baby number 3. Having a third baby meant that I would be a mom of 3 under 3 and honestly, it just seemed like A LOT!
Now as a mom of 3 under 3 for about 2 months I can honestly say it is as I anticipated, a lot but it’s also so sweet to see my older two and how much they love their new sibling. As they get older it will be so nice for them to have built-in best friends for life!
If you are a mom of 3 under 3, 2 under 2 or even thinking about having more than one kid I want to share three important things I have learned from being a newly 3 under 3 mom.
Take it easy
This is coming from someone who had a massive nesting checklist. TAKE IT EASY! I know, easier said then done. I wanted everything done, from going through every room in the house to finishing all the pending house projects, before baby number 3 arrived. I’ll be honest a good percentage of that list still isn’t done because of life and it just isn’t realistic right now in this season of life. Your long list of things to do can wait. Being pregnant is already a lot and so is chasing after toddlers. Don’t add more to your plate than you already have!
You can’t do it all and that’s okay! Relax, nap when your kids nap, and spend time taking it easy before the baby is born and after because postpartum is hard enough as it is. Put on a movie for your kids, set up a sensory bin activity anything to keep them occupied and something easy that you can do with them. Postpartum relaxing will be crucial for you to heal, which brings me to my next piece of advice which is asking for help.
Ask for Help
No, I mean it! I’m someone who doesn’t like relying on other people, other than my spouse but having multiple kids has forced me to ask for help when I need it. It could be as little as asking a friend to bring you coffee or asking family or friends to take your kids when it is time for you to have your baby.
Plan ahead
Having a plan for not only your day but your week has helped me a ton. Make a meal plan, buy easy meals, or buy in bulk, it will save you a lot of time and energy. We went to Costco right before I had baby number 3 and it helped so much because I didn’t have to worry about groceries and what we had when we came home from the hospital. You won’t want to think about groceries and meal planning when you are newly postpartum and sleep-deprived!
I’ve only had 3 under 3 for two months now and not only has it been a little bit of chaos, but it’s also been fun and wonderful. It has taught me a lot about myself and taking the time to enjoy the little moments I have with my kids.
Yes, having three little kids at home has been a little chaotic but instead of stressing about it I’ve decided to embrace the chaos and enjoy our family of five. That’s not to say I haven’t had my moments, I have for sure. I’ve remembered to take it easy, try and plan for each week and ask for help when needed. To all the moms who have 3 under 3 or even 2 under 2, I am in the trenches with you, every day! What advice helped you when you became a mom of 3 under 3 or 2 under 2?