Dilemma. Advice please

[bunnyjess]

I currently have space on a Tuesday. I already have a 10 month old, pick up a 4 yr old at 12.30 and have a (will be) 11 month old starting in April who will be finishing at 12pm. I've had an enquiry for another 10 month old to start in April so there will be 2 1 year olds and an 11 month old. Do you think this will be too much to handle? Has anyone else done this? Thoughts much appreciated

[mama2three]

I have 3 babies together on a Monday , all between 12 and 14 months. Its not easy and I wouldn't like to do it more regularly - but its also lovely , the babies play together and we do lots of stories and singing and snuggling! They will grow up together and become firm friends , and having mindees all at the same age / stage is great from a resources and planning aspect.
how many mornings would you have all 3? If I had mine more often it would curtail how often I could get out to groups etc - with the best will in the world I simply couldn't cope with 3 babies at a busy group all heading off in different directions! I tend to stay at home or head off to the forest or country parks when I have my trio.

[playdayz]

I would say it may be to much when u want to go out an about. Everyone is different in what they can handle an cope with. Dont think I would do it, not that I would cope just for the reason I like lotes of different ages, I feel I can share my time better x

[JCrakers]

I haven't had three so young and close in a age, the most I have is two 17months and a 3yr old altogether.

Look at how you would get out and about, do you use the car or do you have a triple buggy. It sounds like you'll only have the 3 little ones in a morning until 12pm, just think of what you plan to do with them. Do you stay in or do you go to a group.
If you go to groups, I would say it too much as I'm unsure how I would manage 3 that young. But being in the house would be different, its more manageable

The 4yr old will be going to school and the babies will start to walk and it will get easier over time but only you know how much you can handle. It would also be good to think about your fire policy and how you would get all 3 out.

[Tealady]

I'm sure there are better CM's than me that would cope. I know I would struggle and think I would have to stay in the setting all morning. Also if one or more of them are clingy how would stay you care for the others.

[bunnyjess]

Ah that sounds lovely! It will just be a Tuesday. I'm also a bit stressed as the mum of one wants the sibling to come from sept too and for me to do a lot of pick ups and drop offs at 2 different playgroups.
I'm happy to do pick ups but not drop offs and I'm also worried as they haven't signed anything yet for this brother. So if I start the new baby then come sept it will put me over my numbers :-/

[sing-low]

It's only for a morning. My main worry would be how I would take all three outside, assuming they are non-walkers or just-learning-walkers. I struggle with two just-turned-ones. Also you'd need to risk assess getting them all out of the house in case of fire. OTOH they'll probably all play with similar toys and as they get older will enjoy socialising. They'll also be really good at waiting for their turn!

[VeggieSausage]

I would say yes I would do it.....it won't be long and they will be walking more and its only a morning......your outdoor play could be the garden, I have a triple buggy so could still get out.....

[smurfette]

I have three most days and this time last year they were all between 12-15 months.. Lot of hard work and yes if one or two are teething you can have a bad day plus they all needed spoon feeding (got around that by finger foods and when feeding one from spoon others were eating bread or something then swap!) I drove to groups and used a double buggy but didn't get out much before I had one who could walk short distance from car to group, and have to even now be careful which groups are feasibly laid out so I can see all three! You do adjust and figure it out and they are the best little friends now, all walking and talking and play really nicely., they got good at being patient and waiting their turns!

If only for a morning I would say yes because in a couple of months it will only be easier,, not sure about September if you have to do more than one nursery run?