Babies - would you, could you, have you?

[Care]

They're a little older now but they couldn't walk when they first came (all around the same time, 5 part timers) and I love them, I found out I like the little ones best. Although I thought it would be tough, I found it way easier than I had expected it to be. I'm sure you'll find your ways soon too! Good luck

[Spixie33]

Thanks guys. This makes me feel much better and has given me a lot to think about.
One of my concerns is that I have 2 other children who are 2.5-3 year old so I don't want them to suffer if I have to give 80% of my attention to the babies.

My immediate reaction was to say No way but this has been some good advice. Thanks

[sunnydays]

If the babies have morning naps, it is great because then you can spend that time doing activities geared to the older ones. That's what I am doing now and it is working really well. And actually, aside from the first weeks of adjustment, I find the babies actually need less attention than the toddlers and preschoolers. The entertain themselves quite easily while the older ones seem to always be doing something that needs my attention or wanting me to read to them, play with them, etc. Honestly, my two that are under 1 are the easiest of the whole group

Thanks guys. This makes me feel much better and has given me a lot to think about.
One of my concerns is that I have 2 other children who are 2.5-3 year old so I don't want them to suffer if I have to give 80% of my attention to the babies.

My immediate reaction was to say No way but this has been some good advice. Thanks

[daycaremom9]

I'm wondering how you daycare providers that have more than one baby deal with them and the snow. I have 2 babies just over the age of 12 months. I've never had them together but that is about to change. Anyway I was out in the snow with one of the 12 months old boys today and had him in the exersaucer; much to his discontent. I'm just wondering what to do with them until they start walking.

[sunnydays]

I have the same problem! I have two exersaucers outside, but they don't like sitting there...it's boring, cold, uncomfortable in snowwsuits, etc. Now I am trying to do a lot of outside play when they are having their morning naps...hoping they will continue to nap twice until they are walking well enough to play I also have an Ergo carrier I could put one in, but then the other is still unhappy. I think the babies need the fresh air too, so sometimes I do try to take them out as well, but it always ends up in crying all around.

I'm wondering how you daycare providers that have more than one baby deal with them and the snow. I have 2 babies just over the age of 12 months. I've never had them together but that is about to change. Anyway I was out in the snow with one of the 12 months old boys today and had him in the exersaucer; much to his discontent. I'm just wondering what to do with them until they start walking.

[lotssoflove]

I too have two infants under 18 months. I love it. They play and babble to eachother. Everything is scheduled and planned for them so no mixups. I wouldnt do much more then two however. Not enough hands!!

[DaycareLulu]

I have four one year olds at the moment. 3 full-time and 1 part-time and I am loving it. They can all walk now and it helps having the choo choo wagon so we can still go for walks without them all running off in different directions. The first of own four kids were twins so I knew kinda what I was in for.

[jodaycare]

When I first started home daycare, my daughter was 6mths. I also had an 8 mth old, a 4 mth old and a 9 mth old. It was actually pretty easy since they all napped in the morning and in the afternoon.

[fruitloop]

Yup, I had 2 12 month olds start at the same time just this past fall. It's busy but very doable. Your days go by fast. Right now I have enrolled in my daycare..

1-12 month old
2- 16month olds
1-2 year old
1-2.5 year old (starting Feb. 1)
1- 4 year old.

When the 2-12 month olds started I had 4 kids here under 2...it was fine but you have know you can handle it. I was very very busy and nap time was a saving grace but I knew I could handle it. Now everyone is walking except the 12 month old and he is fairly close.

[lunademiel]

This is all so encouraging, come spring I will have 3 x 1 year olds! My own daughter 12mnths, another girl 12 mnths, and another girl 15 months. Also my own boy who's 3.

I think it's going to be very sweet for the 3 girls to grow up together BFF's!