The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

Posted by pecuellar on 04/21/08 - 07:25 PM

Your days are packed full of things to do especially when you have kids. Avoid wasted time by finding your family rhythm and establishing some routines to help keep things moving along and buy you a few more minutes and a few less things forgotten. I have made many trips back home because I forgot the baby’s formula or didn’t pack enough pampers. After a while I started to find a few tricks that helped get everyone out the door on time without having to return for items left behind.

I have three kids (all in diapers) so I don’t leave the house without a diaper bag. I actually have three. Not one for each kid but rather one for each size trip. I have a small one that is for the quick trip to the store, a larger one that goes to daycare each day and an even bigger one for longer trips like an all day outing or a trip to Grandma’s. All my bags are partially packed at all times to make leaving go a little quicker. I also keep a stash of extra diapers, wipes and cloths in the car for unforeseen emergencies.

Mornings will be smoother if you plan a little the night before. Pre-pack your bags as much as possible. Lay out everyone’s cloths. You can also leave yourself a note if necessary so you won’t forget an important item or thing to do. The trick here is to leave it where you are sure to see it, like next to your keys or on the refrigerator.

Try doing things in the same order each morning. That way if you are not a morning person, you can just follow the pattern and get everything done.