Getting out on your own with the babies...

How old were your babies when you finally ventured outside on your own with them (i.e. malls, shopping, playgroups)? DH and I have been shopping quite a bit with them but I haven't done it on my own yet. I am considering getting out shopping this week if the weather gets warmer (it is going down to -29 celsius tonight - yikes)! I am probably also going to finally go to the Multiples playgroup at the end of the week.

Any words of advice or tips?

 

How old were your babies when you finally ventured outside on your own with them (i.e. malls, shopping, playgroups)? DH and I have been shopping quite a bit with them but I haven't done it on my own yet. I am considering getting out shopping this week if the weather gets warmer (it is going down to -29 celsius tonight - yikes)! I am probably also going to finally go to the Multiples playgroup at the end of the week.

Any words of advice or tips?

 

The first time I took them out alone was at about 2 months to a multiple moms club meeting (was a complete nightmare). Tried again at about 3 months - went to the grocery store. It was hard but I survived! It's not easy pushing a double stroller while pulling a full cart behind you at the store, but we do what we have to do! I'd say it got much easier at around 4 months. Now, at almost 7 months, I regularly take them out by myself and it doesn't scare me at all anymore. My DH takes them out by himself as well! I usually go shopping, running errands or to visit someone. He also goes to visit friends, to the store, etc. It gets much easier! You just have to keep practicing and soon you'll be an old pro

 

My tip is to park between two parked cars. That way, you know that unless the people come back, the cars aren't going to move. I once unloaded next to an empty spot, and somebody started to whip in with my DS in the stroller right there. So, that is how I do it.

Also, I've gotten so I take my sling with me. The twins start out in the stroller, but if somebody is fussy, they get sling time and we can get our shopping done.

Get out! It is soooo much easier at the 3 month mark than when they start to eat solids, have fixed naptimes, and are no longer happy in the carseats!!

 

I was out with my girls very early. Our first trip was to Babies R Us when they were about 1 1/2 wks. old. I had to get out for my own peace of mind as my girls had reflux and colic early on. They were always so good when I went out. I think as a result they are excellent when we go out now. I would say do it, and keep doing it, to get them used to it. Just give yourself extra time for what I call "fascination factor". Everyone wants to know all about them. Even though twins are everywhere now, it's still exciting for people to see them. Good luck!

 

I was a big chicken! I have only taken them out 3 times by myself. I usually wait until someone is here to stay with them - then I take a couple hours to go to the grocery store or shopping.

I agree with PP, I think it's a little harder now that they are eating solids 3 times a day and have two REAL naps...hopefully it will get a little easier again soon.

 

I think my girls were about 3 months old when I first ventured on my own. I was terrified and overwhelmed but I did it. It got easier each time and now it's not a problem at all. I would deffinately start off small. Maybe just out to your local supermarket to pick up a few things or to Wal-Mart or K-Mart. My favorite place to go to is BRU cause they have a very spacious mommy room for changing and feeding. They even provide you with diapers!! (at least the one by me does but only size 1 and 2, I think.)

Make sure when you go out, you have your diaper bag fully loaded. I never leave without it even if I'm running a 5 min. errand. You just never know when that 5 min. can turn into 5 hours for whatever reason and it's just good to be prepared. If either of your babies take a paci, buy one of those paci clip ons so you don't lose them.

Lastly, believe in yourself! If you could carry them on your own for 35 weeks and bring them into this world then you can surely bring them into a store for a little while. GL and have fun.

 

quote:
Originally posted by MichelleL:
I was out with my girls very early. Our first trip was to Babies R Us when they were about 1 1/2 wks. old. I had to get out for my own peace of mind as my girls had reflux and colic early on. They were always so good when I went out. I think as a result they are excellent when we go out now. I would say do it, and keep doing it, to get them used to it. Just give yourself extra time for what I call "fascination factor". Everyone wants to know all about them. Even though twins are everywhere now, it's still exciting for people to see them. Good luck!

My sentiments exactly! My girls were just 5 weeks, 3 days when I had to get them out the door and to the pool by 11 each day for two weeks when my 5 year old started swimming lessons. After the first week of lessons, I realized it wasn't so bad after all. One day after lessons I even took my 3 dds to McDonald's for lunch! My oldest and I ate, while the babies just sat in their stroller as good as gold. Now it's nothing for me to load them up and head out to the grocery store, mall, market, etc. It's all what you make of it. I was determined to set their schedule, so I did and it works out great for us!

However, as pp said, it does get more difficult when they're older and into more high maintenance things. Mine are taking 4 bottles a day, 3 solids sessions a day plus they are both using the nebulizers 4 times a day. That doesn't leave us much time for leaving the house these days... But we still managed to go out to eat last night (with dh too). Hang in there!!

 

I was out at 7 weeks. It's not that bad. I just went shopping. Really helps to keep me sane. Now that the boys are 5 mo, I'm home more cause they need to nap more regularly. Enjoy this time when they can nap anywhere, cause you're more mobile.

Cheers,

Teri

 

I was out with the girls and their 2 1/2 year old sister at 3 months. Before that I would walk to the park from the house. After I brought them out with their sister I started bringing just the two babies at least a few times a week. Once you get used to it it gets easy. I just always had their stroller so it was always easy to go wherever. They were just fascinated with all the things to look at and didn't cry or fuss because of everything to see.

 

Thanks for all of your replies and tips. I am looking forward to getting out more. I think one of my biggest worries is the stroller (Graco Duo Glider). I find it heavy and difficult to open and close. I guess practice makes perfect. When I go for walks on my own with them it is easy because the stroller is already open and ready to go in the garage.

So, now I just need for the weather to warm up a bit and I will get my butt out that door!

 

My boys are now 5 months and it so much harder to get out now. I was out all the time when they were 0-3 months. At first I took my sister in law or a friend, and then I went a few times by myself. I never did the grocery shopping thing, but I did do Walmart. They were great and sleep almost the whole time in the mall. Now I find they want to see everything that is going on around them and are not as happy in their car seats.
A tip for the cold weather: Walmart sells covers that go over the top of the car seats (mine are Toronto Maple Leafs) and they are fantastic. I don't have to dress the boys too warmly and that means less work for when you get to where ever you are going. I just pile on some blankets and mitts and a hat. All easy to remove! Sure beats the snowsuits! Works well for the -29 weather!
Good luck!

Heather

 

I completely agree with you about the bulky, heavy stroller being a hinderance to getting out in the winter. I too have trouble getting my Duoglider in and out of the trunk, so I invested in an inexpensive side-by-side umbrella stroller. It is light and folds very compactly, so I just leave it in the trunk of the car for when I take the babies out. I keep my Duoglider in the garage and only really take it out when the weather is warm enough for long walks.

My advice: if you do decide to take the babies out, start with 'fun' or short trips. I frequently bring them to the grocery store, but never when I need to get a full load of groceries - just when I have to pick up a few things. A trip to the mall can be fun too this time of year - at the age your babies are they're likely to sleep in the stroller while you browse the stores.

Good luck!

MJ

 

How funny that I found the opposite to be true... I went out at least once a week starting at 8 weeks (when the pedi told me I could have them around people). I didn't have much problem in the mall and I use to do the grocery shopping every week to do the full shopping to force myself to get out, and to open up the weekends so all 4 of us could just hang out. When they started on solids, especially finger foods I found it to be a BREEZE.

 

I have had mine out a lot on my own and I, too, have a Duo Glider. I don't like the umbrellas because they don't fit between aisles in the store well.

I think so many people try to scare anyone with twins that it just puts a mental block and makes everyone not want to venture out. I love going out with my babies as I feel it is good for me to get out and yes, I live where it is cold...I just bundle them up real well.

 

My girls were 1 month old. I took all 5 (9,4,2,and 1 month)of my kids out to the mall. It wasn't that bad. My 2 year old was the toughest to handle. It was fun. we shopped for a bit then had lunch. It was fun. I loved all the people looking at me like I was crazy for having all these kids.

 

I do EVERYTHING alone with them since my DH leaves at 7am for work, and doesn't get home until 6:30pm. It's a piece of cake. I am so used to it. (my babies are 5 months BTW)

 

I started within a week of having both home (Joseph was in the NICU for 9 days.) I love the Duoglider, maybe it's easier in and out of the SUV than a trunk. Just do it (I sound like a NIKE commercial)- the sooner you do and the more often the easier it will get (and you'll build up muscles from lifting the carriers in and out.)