Babies - would you, could you, have you?

[Spixie33]

Hi Just wondering if anyone has any wonderful words of wisdom about babies for me to help me make a decision.

Have any of you ever been crazy/brave and ambitious enough (unlicensed daycares) to try two 1 year olds who can't walk yet or feed themselves and have them in your daycare at the same time?? I am talking literally 12 month olds

[jodaycare]

Yep, I have. I actually have three just turned one year olds in care full time now. Mind you they can all walk and feed themselves finger foods but I still spoon feed them the messy stuff. In the past I have had two non walkers and it wasn't so bad.

[Bookworm]

I currently have 2 one year olds, one of which is my son(both not walking), and may possibly have one year old twins starting part time (also non-walkers). All four of them are on the verge of walking and can feed themselves finger foods. I figure it will be crazy for a few months and then it should be fine.

[Spixie33]

I currently have 2 one year olds, one of which is my son(both not walking), and may possibly have one year old twins starting part time (also non-walkers). All four of them are on the verge of walking and can feed themselves finger foods. I figure it will be crazy for a few months and then it should be fine.

That's what I was thinking too. I also thought that it would probably mean a few crazy months until they are 15 mo or 16 mo and then it would slowly calm down as they become more mobile and better with motor skills and able to understand instructions etc.

[sunnydays]

I have two right now (both under a year) and third starting in a couple of weeks. I actually find the babies easier. Yes, you have to feed them and transport them from place to place, but they are very easily entertained, sleep a lot, don't argue or throw tantrums and don't fight with each other. I am finding it actually easier and more peaceful than ever. I went through the same dilemma as you, but I'm so glad I took the plunge

[mom-in-alberta]

I aim not to have any more than one or two that I would have to carry in the event of an emergency. But I have had around 3 barely-one-year-olds at a time, and I agree. They usually aren't at the stage where there are sharing or personal space issues, and although it's busier physically, I find it to be an easier environment to deal with emotionally.

[playfelt]

Just remember moms of twins and triplets do it all the time. I usually have 2-3 12 months olds depending on the year since I dont' take them once they start school. Looking more and more like I will have 3 starting this summer between June and Sept. First couple weeks are rough till you get the swing of it down. Ideally try to allow about 3 weeks between start dates so it gives you time to get a feel for the needs of each one but don't panic if they start the same time. You learn to do things in tandem and get pretty good at having a tray of dishes of food and three high chairs in front of you and feeding each one a mouthful from their dish when necessary. They also learn to wait and you will learn which ones wait the best and make your own decisions that way as to who goes into bed first, gets fed first, eats enough a few cheerios to tide them over won't be a problem till you finish feeding another child.

[waterloo day mom]

I've had two 1yr olds before and it's not bad, just take your time getting them around and it's much less stressful. To the point of only have 1 or 2 that you would have to carry out in an emergency, in the panic of an emergency you would probably have to carry (or at least lead by the hand) every kid there except maybe those 4 and up. Even if a 2yr old can walk 100%, don't expect cooperation during a fire etc.

[Judy Trickett]

When I first started out ALL my dckids were under 18 months old AND, my DD was only a year herself and my son was not yet 4.

It CAN be done.

[Cocoon]

Go for it. Unless you try you wouldn't know your cababilities. I'm sure it will be OK.

Cocoon