Please Tell Me How it Works For You

[providerandmomof4]

Hello! Since my SAC went back to school last week I have had an ad in for more dck's. So far I have had only responses from people needing infant care. I already have my granddd who is 4mths and decided to take an 8mth old dg starting Monday. I'm a little nervous because I've never took on two babies that small before and was hoping to hear from you all about this. Does anyone have two babies or more? Also is there anyone who only takes babies? Just curious...I love babies and just wondering how this works for everyone else? I could take up to three babies and just curious how it is working for those of you with multiple babies?

[EchoMom]

I have multiple babies. They are 11 mos, 11 mos, and 8 mos now. They were more like 4 mos, 4 mos, and 10 weeks when they started. I also have 2 two year olds and a 4 year old. It was really hard in the beginning, but much much easier now, although it's changed too.

In the beginning I was losing my mind because there were so many bottles and nursings (DS) constantly and the babies weren't old enough to hold their own bottles and they took so long to drink it all. I felt like I was stuck on the couch doing feedings and couldn't get up to redirect toddlers but yet didn't want to be telling them directions with no follow through on my part. And they napped at all different times and all different places. I was always wearing someone in a Moby wrap on walks and pushing the other two in a double stroller, while the toddlers and 4 year old walked with safety bands on so I made sure we all stayed together and no one ran off.

However, it was also easy. The babies played on their blankets and didn't leave the space I put them in! They also didn't make any messes.

Now that they're older they're easier because I don't have to constantly reposition them and move them and bring them new toys. They all crawl now and my DS walks extremely well. They are always under foot, they all follow me to the bathroom, they make big messes self feeding and pulling out toys. But, they generally entertain themselves and love playing with the "big" kids (toddlers). They all nap at the same time twice a day now and eat at the same times and hold their own bottles.

There are pros and cons but I think it's very very doable.

[julie]

I'm in Canada, so mostly we get babies that are 12 months and up. I have 4 right now between the 12-18 month range and then a few 3 year olds and a 2 year old. Occasionally I get calls for around 6 months and I am always very tempted to take them. The 6-18 month age is my favourite age as they are still young enough to nap twice, they are gaining some independence and can play pretty well and be amused with simple things. However, they are not at the point where they are so independent that they will talk back or be willfully disobedient. Not a lot of 18 month kids are potty training too, so that's a plus. Right now it is a little too difficult to take on another young baby with the mixture of ages.

Right now my sons are 1 and 3, and once they are school age, there is a very high probability that I will only provide care for infants when having playmates for them is not a factor in my decision. I have an 8 seater runabout stroller and love taking long walks with the kids and my dog. I have a ton of playpens and baby toys and high chairs. I think it can work very well if you enjoy that age group and have the right babies in care. I am already looking forward to offering a baby only program even though it is upward of 3+ years away! Good luck to you!

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I would take all babies if I could but I can only have 3 under 2. But, I tend to get babies in pairs! Bouncy seats! I can bounce one, hold and feed the other. My only suggestion is to be sure to not let them both be starving at the same time I have a play yard and bought a seperate area rug(s) for the babies. THis keeps them safe from the older kids.

[moshimoshi]

In my state, we are allowed to have two infants at a time. I cared for a little girl when she was 4 mo old and my son was 10 mo old. Both had mild temperaments, which was helpful. It wasn't too bad, but I don't know if I could have taken on another infant if allowed. I was also babywearing and pushing a stroller when we went outside.