Getting out alone

I'm sure I'll get a variety of responses, but I want to know when were you comfortable taking your twins out alone? Also, did you have a set schedule to work around?

We're still working on the schedule and I'm terrified to take them out by myself to places like the grocery store and Target. I'll go to Dr's appts or play dates at a friend's house, but I'd be so frazzled if I got to Target and they both started wailing. What would you do????

Maybe I'm building it up to be worse than it actually is. DH and I have taken them to the grocery store and it took both of us. He pushed the cart and I pushed the girls. We did have to get each girl out of the stroller once to comfort her and then they ended up falling asleep in the stroller, which was heavenly!

 

You gotta just go for it. I would pack the diaper bag the night before so that I was ready to go. I would feed them a bottle and then scoot right out the door. I started getting out alot when they were about 12 weeks and we were through RSV season. Good luck!!

 

It depends where I was taking them. I started taking them for walks in the stroller, with a stop at a cafe, around 2 months. They would usually sleep, but I always got my coffee to go so that if they cried, I could just start walking again. Around 5 months I started taking them for longer outings where I'd take them out of the stroller one at a time at the cafe and let them sit on my lap and look around. Again, if they cried, I left. In the nice weather I'd go to a park and let them crawl around on the grass or on a blanket while I drank my coffee.

I was very fortunate that I never had to take them by myself for actual errands when they were babies. DH and I took turns doing the shopping in the evening after the girls were in bed (or, during the really early months when there really was no "bedtime," at least during a time when we hoped they'd stay asleep for a couple of hours). But I think the principle is the same -- if it gets really ugly, you can always leave, or at least stop your shopping for a few minutes while you comfort, feed, change a diaper, whatever. Like PP said, you just gotta do it. And always remember that everything gets easier with practice, so don't panic if your first outing is a disaster.

 

QUOTE(DATJMom @ May 20 2009, 08:33 AM) [snapback]1321352[/snapback]
You gotta just go for it. I would pack the diaper bag the night before so that I was ready to go. I would feed them a bottle and then scoot right out the door. I started getting out alot when they were about 12 weeks and we were through RSV season. Good luck!!

I completely agree with Rachel! It can feel incredibly daunting, but it is such a great feeling once you go out and do it! Its a huge accomplishment and extremely liberating! A lot of times I had no choice but to take them out by myself because my DH is gone for several days at a time. My girls actually preferred being out and about and a lot of times they were actually better mannered out and about because of the change of scenery. Good Luck!!

 

I've been taking the girls out alone since they were about 2 months old--I wanted to wait until they got their first round of shots. In fact, they didn't go into many public places at all before then, even with DH and I because I'm a little paranoid about the whole sickness thing (which is funny, because they've already had 2 colds and stomach flu!)--especially since we have a lot of whooping cough in my area. Many times I find they are better when I'm out than when I stay at home. I only go out in the mornings though after their first nap, because in the afternoon I try to get them to take a good nap and don't want to mess with that. I am always prepared to bail when I go in a public place. In fact this morning I have 3 different stores to go to, and we'll see how they are! I don't do full grocery shopping with them though, because I think it would be such a pain to haul a cart behind my double stroller (and I don't really feel like becoming the "talk of the store" when I'm there--the girls get enough attention as it is).

Good luck!

 

i think i started taking them out more at about 8-10 weeks. all of my helpers had left by then, so i was going stir crazy in the house. i think for a while there i went to target at least once a week! it was my weekly field trip .

we have always been on a schedule and i would do what pp did, just feed them and then get out of the house ASAP so i had plenty of time before the next feeding. i still haven't gotten up enough courage to tackle a feeding by myself when i have been out, but i think i am getting closer to a time when that will be doable. when they were younger, i let them nap in the car, but now i do stay home during nap time.

the more you do it, the more confident you will get!

 

I have ventured out alone i want to say around 8 weeks or so.. I know for sure that i went to their 2 month check alone, that being that probably wasn't a good idea, but i have gotten out lots of times to target and such. But then again i get stir crazy..

I don't have a snap n go so i lots of my trips have been limited to target and babies r us, places with carts. I would stick one in the basket and one in the upper part, still in the carriers. Mine do really well when they are moving. If i stop moving they get fussy but usually a passy will pasify them. And usually it isn't too much a problem when you are shopping since you are constantly moving. Last week i wanted to try the SBS and they actually did pretty well with it. And it is really really nice to not have to pull out the carriers.

So yea, as long as mine are moving they do pretty good and aren't really fussy.. I have gone when one was fussy and just pulled her out of her carrier and held her..

 

Shameful admission time: I still haven't taken them out alone. :blush:

I've done one or the other, but the idea of taking both just stresses me out. I really need to get over this....

 

I remember all too well how anxious I would get taking them out alone. It took me a more than a couple months to get the nerve up to do it
It was so amazing & liberating once I did it though.
They key for me was to do as Rachel said...get everything ready the evening before & have it all ready to go.
I would feed them & then we would load up in the car.
I mostly stuck to Target or a smaller mall that were within 10 minutes from home. I would just keep the girls in their car seats & snap their seats into their stroller instead of trying to use a cart.
I never really 'shopped' but just browsed while pushing them around the store in their stroller. If I found something small that I wanted/needed I would just put in the stroller basket until the checkout.
If they started realllly crying I would just leave and head back home (or give them a bottle).
The sense of pride I had in myself after these initial outings was AMAZING. It really helped me gain the confidence that I was lacking

Good luck & give it a try :hug:

 

The girls were about 3 months old when I started taking them out alone. I actually went to a postnatal yoga class, I had my MIL come over and help me get them ready and so I could go get ready myself and then off we went. After a couple weeks, I didn't need anyone to help me get ready and I would just do it myself. Maybe have your DH help you pack them up and then just head out to Walmart or Target and stroll around for a bit. You can do it!! I would usually bring a sling or carrier and if one needed to be held or carried I would just put them in the sling.

 

I've been taking them out since they've been home from the NICU. It is hard with feedings so I plan everything around that. I make sure I'm somewhere I can comfortably feed them. That for me has been the hardest part. I will go to a restaraunt just to feed them so it's more comfortable for me.

That said- I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I don't remember how old they were when I first took them out alone but I do remember that scared feeling, it was like a very bad fear......you can do it! Yes pack a diaper bag the night before......put both in their car seats strapped in, take one to the car, come back for the other, same while shopping. Bring toys/snacks etc and keep the stroller moving even if you stop to look at something just roll it back and forth.....movement keeps them happy You'll feel soooo good about yourself afterwards!

 

Yep, movement is key! I have taken mine alone since about 8 weeks and they do so good. We go to the grocery store or Target every day pretty much on the way home from daycare and we have never really had a meltdown (fingers crossed) because they are used to it and actually like the lights and sounds and being in their stroller! The most challenging part for me is just physically getting them in and out of the car and in the stroller and so on but once we are actually inside they are pretty good - not nearly as scary as I built it up to be! I agree with the others, just do it and you'll see that it isn't so daunting and is great for you! Ours are on a great schedule and so it helps to know when the best times are to take them out - I know that we feed them every four hours and when their naps are and I try to work around that - I have fed them out and about but I try to avoid when possible so usually it is feed and out the door to maximize the amount of time I get!

 

I take mine out on my own all the time (DH doesn't and says he doesn't feel comfortable yet). I've taken them out to dinner by myself too. Just make sure to bring snacks if they can snack yet, and give them things to play with. We were at Target yesterday and I happen to be buying a bag of Dove Dark Chocolates so I decided to grab two bags and let them play with them while I walked around the store. They loved the sound of the plastic and it's soft so they can't get hurt from it if they are shaking it.

 

As soon as I felt like the boys were old enough to be out in public places (8 weeks) I went places on my own with them. I can't stand the thought of waiting on people to help me or just sitting at home all the time. I have always had an "I can do it myself" attitude my entire life so this wasn't any different. Of course I love when DH can tag along but when he is at work I don't let that stop me from getting out. I load them in their car seats then put one car seat in one arm and then then I pick up the other car seat and head to the car. We go to walking trails, the mall, target, wal-mart, post office, doctors office, you name it. I didnt take on grocery shopping on my own until they had turned 5 months old. I wore one on my chest facing out and I kept the other in his car seat and placed in it the top part of the shopping cart. They did great! I made sure to limit eye contact with people because the last thing I wanted was to stop a million times for questions. The faster I can get it done the better my chances are that no one gets cranky.

Give yourself some credit. I bet you will be surprised at how well you do with the two of them out on your own. Plus it will give you a great sense of accomplishment. You can do it! Good luck!

 

QUOTE(Kyrstyn @ May 20 2009, 11:38 AM) [snapback]1321369[/snapback]
I completely agree with Rachel! It can feel incredibly daunting, but it is such a great feeling once you go out and do it! Its a huge accomplishment and extremely liberating! A lot of times I had no choice but to take them out by myself because my DH is gone for several days at a time. My girls actually preferred being out and about and a lot of times they were actually better mannered out and about because of the change of scenery. Good Luck!!


Exactly the same here. My DH left for 2 months just a month after the boys left the NICU. I had to get out! I pushed them in the stroller and pulled a shopping cart behind me (and still do this every time I shop). If I just needed a few things, I would circle the parking lot until I found a space by an abandoned shopping cart and put one in the back and one either up front (which scared me) or put that one in a Snugli. When the carrier is in the basket of the cart, it rocks when you push it which was soothing for my little ones. If they started crying, I did what a could to soothe them. If it didn't work, I quickly bought what I needed and calmed them down at the car. I got into such a habit of taking them out that now, if by 10am we aren't out of the house, they go to the garage door and say "go". Be careful what you wish for!

ETA: The more you do it, the better (and quicker) you will be at it. Start off knowing you are just going out to try it and don't start with a huge shopping trip. Maybe just run out for a pint of Ben and Jerrys! It can be your reward!

 

I've been taking mine out since about 5-6 weeks once my Mom went back home and I was on my own with them all day. I've never had one of them break down on me and they, 9 times out of 10, will sleep in their carriers that are snapped into the stroller. I don't know if my babies are defective or just really sleepy. LOL!!! DH and I always take them out to dinner too, and they just sleep right through. We really are blessed.

 

Not only have I taken them out alone, but i've gone out with all 4 of my kids alone!! It gets hairy sometimes, but thankfully my 7 yr old can push a buggy with my 2.5 yr old in it, or push the stroller while I push the buggy.

I've even gone with my toddler and twins, altho that's harder, I have to make her hold onto the stroller and she doesn't always like to do that!

You just gotta do it, and as pp's said, feed them then RUN like mad!

 

Honestly I'm still terrified, but am working on it.
We didn't start going out of the house (other than dr apts) until the middle of March. They were 6 months old.

I started slow. First a stroller ride for 5-10 mins. Next a car ride to Wendys drive-thru. Then stroller ride to the town pizzeria.

We just went to the mall for the first time last Friday. Still haven't gone grocery shopping with them.

Schedule...my guys love to nap in the morning & I still pump every 2-3 hours. So our best time to get out has been 12-3:30pm.
I bring extra milk bottles for them in a cooler.

 

I think I started taking them out alone after a couple of months...it was daunting at first. I started off with small trips and once I did longer trips, I would do it inbetween naptimes and bring bottles, rattles, toys that would distract them. I would make sure that we would be home in time for naps.

 

QUOTE(Nate and Jack @ May 20 2009, 11:59 AM) [snapback]1321401[/snapback]
Shameful admission time: I still haven't taken them out alone. :blush:

I've done one or the other, but the idea of taking both just stresses me out. I really need to get over this....


Umm, yeah! Go for it! :youcandoit:

 

We're still working on schedules but in the last week or so I almost like taking them out better than staying home. They're really enjoying looking at people and things so really it keeps them pretty happy as long as they're fed. I feel very comfortable taking them on my own now (they'll be 6 months next week).

 

DH and I have taken them out together a number of times, and I took them a few places w/my mom when she was here, but I've only taken them out by myself once so far. (DH and I were sharing a car until this month so there was no need for me to do so.) It felt good though and I am looking forward to doing it more! Though working around their nap schedule is tough since they're usually only awake for 1.5 (maybe 2) hours at a time and the first 30-45 mintues of that is spent changing diapers and feeding them! (My boys have always been slow eaters.)

 

I've been taking them out alone since they were born. I do errands, or go to friends houses, etc... but I haven't attempted grocery shopping with them yet. My DH and I take turns doing this when the other one of us can be home with the girls.

The trick is to pack the diaper bag when they're napping, feed them right before you leave, and then have a plan for what you're going to do. Now that your babies are older, you can probably get them out for a few hours after feeding before they get really fussy (at least, this is usually the case with mine). And honestly, I don't care if they both start crying. If I'm out at a friends, I usually just say OK - time to head home. If I'm at Target or something, I just finish my errand and then leave. People sometimes look at me like I'm nuts for having a stroller full of crying babies but you know what? Babies cry! It's not the end of the world. I know I probably annoy people, but it's not like I have a whiny toddler throwing a tantrum (although, I'm sure I'll get there too!). If I was afraid of the girls' crying, I would never get out. I think most people understand, and those that don't need to get a reality check.

Also, we're at the stage now where I can have them out and miss one nap every other day, so I tend to stagger my outings so they can get a full day of naps in between outing days. (my girls will be 5 months on the 31st)

Just go for it, I know you can do it!

 

Thanks ladies, I'm definitely going to start getting out with them next week. I know the more I do it, the easier it will be. I've just got to get over the fear of them crying in public and realize, they're babies and that's OK. I'll let you all know how our first 'girl's outing' goes!

 

I started taking them out when they were about 4 months old. I would have to time it around naps and feedings, but I started by going to Target or somehwere like that. After about 6.5 months things got really easy b/c I could bring puffs with me. They stop crying for a puff in a split second! I would also bring a bottle or two just in case of a meltdown and also a carrier (moby or bjorn). It is a great feeling once you can get out with them! GL!

 

I didn't have much choice in the matter. My dh works long hours and has to travel now and then. He had to travel a lot during the boys first few months and he was gone for a few weeks at a time.

I've been taking the boys out on my own since they were about a month old, and that was when I felt physically able to do it after the c-section, though I was still very sore.

I keep a carrier in the stroller in case one gets fussy. If they both get fussy I just try to jiggle the stroller to calm them down. I make sure the diaper bag is filled with all the essentials before going out and have done feedings on the go, sitting on benches or at restaurants. I have a tandem stroller that has seats that fold down to flat bassinets and I've done many diaper changes in it.

Having them both crying at the same time when out and about isn't so bad - it gets people to let you in the front of the line and they ring you up faster. :lol:

 

We took them out together from being 4 weeks old, it was bliss they just slept! Then went it alone with them for a march around where i live at 3months old. I used to go after a feed and they would usually be awake for half hr and then sleep... So i would just keep walking till it was time for them to be up from the nap. The girls have been ill for about 2-3wks now so the only place we have been is to drs surgery <_< I cant wait till they are well again so we can start going on outings. It really lifts my mood and i'm sure it makes them sleep better at night!
I always carry milk and nappies with me but have only ever needed to stop to feed when df has been with me on a proper day out to a park.
Go for it, very scary but once you have done it you will be hooked!

We took them out together from being 4 weeks old, it was bliss they just slept! Then went it alone with them for a march around where i live at 3months old. I used to go after a feed and they would usually be awake for half hr and then sleep... So i would just keep walking till it was time for them to be up from the nap. The girls have been ill for about 2-3wks now so the only place we have been is to drs surgery <_< I cant wait till they are well again so we can start going on outings. It really lifts my mood and i'm sure it makes them sleep better at night!
I always carry milk and nappies with me but have only ever needed to stop to feed when df has been with me on a proper day out to a park.
Go for it, very scary but once you have done it you will be hooked!

 

it can be scary but you just need to just go for it and have an adventure!

i've been taking mine out alone since about 2 weeks after they got out of the nicu. i live on the 3rd story of a brownstone (no elevator) in a city so it definitely takes coordinating, but its SOOO fun to get out and do things.

today i met up with other mommies at the park and they had a really good time in the swings. sure, there are always those moments where they threaten to have a double meltdown but you just have to stay calm and work them through it the same way you would at home. pacifiers! hugs! kisses! bottles!

we go shopping and also to a lot of baby classes and just exploring.

i totally understand the anxiety and it DOES seem like a lot of effort sometimes, but its always always always worth it! you feel like superwoman!

 

Way to go! Keep us posted on your outing... Be sure to take pictures too & reward yourself for getting out.

 

We recently just started getting out with the little ones because it was just easier for one of us to go and the other to stay at home with them. I will confess that I haven't got out with both other than to take them to the doctor by myself

 

So, yesterday at the girls' dr appt, the pedi said to move BK on to the 2nd stage foods, so.....perfect opportunity to get out and run some errands. Here's the twist...we also have my stepson today. So, after the first nap of the day and a yummy bottle, we loaded up (all 4 of us!) and headed to Target. :escape: It was GREAT!!! DSS is 4 years old and he 'pushed' the cart while I steered from the front and pushed the girls in the stroller. I did have to give Aurora a little chaser bottle, but was able to do this while pulling the stroller and the cart...ha! We got everything we needed, DSS had a ball and we got out of the house. On the way home, we drove through the pharmacy and stopped by my BIL's house to pick up a Bumbo we're borrowing from them. :woo:

So, for anyone else who hasn't gotten out yet, just put on your anties: and do it. You will feel so liberated! :youcandoit:

:thanks: all for the encouragement!

 

Now your just showing off!! All 4 of you, grocery shopping and visiting? You don't do things by half lol

:bow2: That is great, i bet you will be out everyday now the world is your oyster!