We all (hopefully) learn from our mistakes and become wiser because of them. What follows below are tips & pointers submitted by Keeping Pace members who have found 'simpler' ways to deal with this 'multiple life' and who have learned from their experiences. So look around...something here may be of great help to you!

Bath Time Tips

To give my triplets baths when they between the ages 1 and 3 we put 3
laundry baskets in the bath tub and the kids in the laundry baskets, it was
cheaper then 3 child bath tub seats, no worry about them growing out of the
seats and they all fit in the bath tub at the same time so it saved on time.
By,
Eileen

Bed Time Tips

Layer your crib sheets.  It saves on storage and is great when you have kids with reflux or illness.  Put on your pad and your crib sheet, then put another pad (or plastic mat) and another crib sheet.  When it is time to wash, simply remove the top sheet and plastic mat.  Then, the bed is ready in the middle of the night or for naptime.
By, Anonymous

I found that when the kids were little they got great comfort from sleeping in the same crib together, this had to stop around 6 months of age since they would roll onto each other but as infants they grew great comfort from being in 1 crib.
By, Eileen

This trick is cheaper then crib tents if you have little ones who are escaping from their cribs, Put your kids in sleep sacs... legs are confined, so no climbing.  Seems logical, except when you have to do it during naps...
By, Renee

Have an extra crib set up on the first floor. We did that and used the living room during the day as a second nursery so we went forever running up and down stairs. We also kept all the essentials like diapers and wipes on the first floor also.
By, Joan

In the early weeks my husband and I used to take care of the babies in shifts. His shift was 7pm to 1am mine began at 1am. That was we were both guaranteed some sleep each night.
By, J. Swaun

Diaper Changing Tips

To make cheap baby wipes we bought a Tupperware bread container (with lid), cut a roll of paper towel in half, put it in the tub, and poured over it 2 cups of water with about 2tbls of baby oil in it. Let it sit at least 1/2 hour to let it absorb, then pull the cardboard out from inside the roll, and pull wipes from inside the roll up. We found big Bounty rolls the best, and liked the select a size type.
By, Sennu

Duck Tape wrapped around a diaper will keep it on and you just need to cut it off when you are ready to change them. Especially good tip f your kids like to take of their diapers and play at naptime or bedtime.
By, Eileen

To clean soiled clothes we used Murphy’s Oil as a stain remover. Let the soiled clothes sit in a tub with water and Murphy’s Oil, when ready to wash, add a little Murphy’s Oil to the stain, rub, rinse and wash as usual. Works great with those baby stains!
By, Sennu

If your babies are wearing different size diapers, take the stack of new diapers from one package and run a marker along the folded edge of the size that one is using. At a glance you can see whose diapers is who’s.
By, Sue

We made our own baby wipes with bounty paper towels, some baby wash, water, and a splash of baby oil. Keep in tight rubbermaid container and use for everything!
By, Deanna

Miscellaneous Tips

Although we didn't do this when we had our babies, it is the ONE THING I regret!  We should have hired some night time help to guarantee us at least some sleep during their first year :)  With 4 children under 5, your friend will need all the energy she has, but you already know that!
By, Karen

Never, ever go out to the mailbox without taking your housekeys!
By, Heidi

My one big tip would be to keep the babies on the same schedule if possible.  We have always done this (especially for sleeping and mealtimes) since they were infants and it has worked beautifully.
By, Karen

I always kept my keys in my pocket.  When my kids were 2-4 year olds, they were very interested in the little buttons beside the door knob.  My sister-in-law had to walk to her local fire station twice to get them to let
her in!
By, Anonymous

Use small white washcloths...you can get this in big packs at either Wal-Mart or Target....for everything! We kept piles of them everywhere the first 6 months for spit up, feedings, burp cloths, etc. They were much more inexpensive than actual cloth diapers or burp clothes that you can buy. These washcloths lasted us forever and you just throw them in the whites wash with bleach and they were sanitized.
By, Deanna

Frozen mini bagels were wonderful teething treats for babies getting teeth in. They are small for them to hold, they are soft, and they break apart gradually as they "gum" them and they can easily swallow the soft
bagel. My kids especially loved the flavored bagels (cinnamon or blueberry). Yum!
By, Deanna

I think the best advice is to find what will work for you and your family.
By, Eileen

NEVER throw out a comforter, no matter how ugly it is. You never know when all your kids will get a stomach virus and you can put the comforter on the floor to help save your carpet or furniture. It is also good for going to the beach and on picnics or to cover your crew during late night movie watching.
By, Sue

I will never forget the best and I mean the best by far advice I ever got. Keep them on a schedule.
By, Nancy

Join your local multiples club or a like age email group. It will do you a world of good to know there are other like you going through the exact same things.
By, Krista

Get Help!! If friends volunteer make them commit to a time and day right away otherwise the help may never materialize.
By, Krista

The Baby Einstein video’s are your best friends! We all swear never to use tv as a baby-sitter but there are times you need 15 minutes just to brush your teeth, clean the kitchen or whatever and those videos will let you have those 15 minutes.
By, Krista

Schedule, schedule, schedule!! It’s been said a million times. You will never regret having your kids on a schedule.
By, Krista

Always make time for yourself as an individual and for you and your spouse as a couple. It is hard to do especially in the beginning but recharging yourself is the best way to make a good parent and spouse.
By, Krista

Take any and all the help you can get. Never refuse an offer from a baby-sitter, even if you must take a rain check.
By, Maggi

When your children are little use all the same style and color sock so that you aren’t forever trying to match socks.
By, Tasha

Write everything down! You will be too busy and sleep-deprived to rely on your own memory. My motto: if it isn’t written down it never existed.
By, Tracey

I wish I had color coded my children’s things from the beginning. It would be easier to tell them apart in early photos (this is very useful for identicals)
By, Tracey

Have an organized friend or acquaintance act as a liaison for your volunteers. You are going to be too busy to make follow-up phone calls once your babies are born.
By, Tracey

Get organized!
By, Janene

Sleep when the babies sleep, forget about laundry and dust.
By, Janene

Take all the volunteer help that comes your way. Get the word out early that you are in need, before the babies come home.
By, Janene

Let your friends do your grocery shopping.
By, Janene

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Eat healthy food and rest while you can.
By, Janene

If you have other children ask for play dates. Get your friends and/or family to take them to McDonalds or a movie.
By, Janene

Don’t try to be a superwoman.
By, Jennifer

Use a hands-free phone.
By Stacy

When friends visit have them help you with laundry, dishes or bathing your kids. Those routine tasks can be overwhelming and visitors are great but have them help you when they are visiting.
By, Joan

Travel Tips

I always had a diaper bag packed and in the car with everything I might need while I was out that way I was never stressing at the last minute getting things together. I always repacked it as soon as we got home.
By, Lora

In the car, don't forget a set of jackets or blankets for those days when the weather changes suddenly.  I always kept a small unopened package of diapers (from the Sam's big box).
By, Anonymous

During potty training (and beyond), keep a potty chair in the back of your van.  If you keep a little kitty litter in it, it will keep the urine "contained".  This is great when you have one that needs to go and don't want to take them all in a dirty public restroom.  Or at the park with no potty handy.
By, Anonymous

During potty training we did the potty chair thing also. Except we bought one that was used for camping that had water and chemicals in the bottom so you could “flush” it. We emptied it about once a week. I don’t think I would have ever make it threw potty training without it. What a lifesaver. Great tip.
By, Lora

I got this tip from many moms with multiples and it was the best tip I ever received. We put a potty seat in the car with some kitty litter in it and it was a lifesaver on many a trip or errand with the kids while they were potty training. We kept a small Rubbermaid container in the back of the van next to it with pull-ups/diapers, wipes, rash cream, and small scented garbage bags (4 gallon).
By, Deanna

Cover your the seats and benches in your car with big beach towels and tuck them in. Then place your kids car seats/booster seats on top. This has saved the benches in our van from many a spill, throw up, and accidents. Once a month I take them off, wash them, and put them back on.
By, Deanna

When my children were nearing 2 years, I started using the Tot-a-Long leashes, particularly when I knew I'd be alone. We called them magic ropes or special bracelets to give them a positive connotation. They were very helpful, as most of the time I was using them while walking in parking lots going into anywhere that I considered to be a potentially hazardous area.  Although I think any place could be potentially hazardous with 4 two year olds!  I even used them to walk from my back door to the gate for our back yard since I live on a busy street.
By, Karen

Keep masking tape in your diaper bag. When the kids are old enough to sit in high chairs at restaurants tape the paper placemat to the table. This makes coloring easier for the kids. When they are toddlers keep play-dough in your diaper bag for a fun to do while you wait.
By, Tasha

Meal Time Tips

A pizza cutter is a great time saver when cutting up french toast, pancakes, grilled cheese etc.
By, Heidi

We made our own baby food with frozen veggies, fruits, jar apple sauce, and baby cereal. We bought a very small inexpensive food processor (one of the hand held units that makes about a cup or so). We would steam frozen veggies/fruits in the microwave and then let cool on the counter until it was ok to puree. We would thin it out either with apple juice or formula as needed. We used baby cereal and apple sauce to thicken as needed. We bought small rubbermaid containers that could be washed and reused for food. I made food once a week and it lasted all week. We tried canned veggies but the preservatives and salt were nasty so I just used frozen. I did use canned fruit in light syrup or juice and that was an easy timesaver. My kids loved the fruit cocktail you can get in the big economy cans. I just drained, pureed and fed them. I bought big economy jars of apple sauce. I bought frozen Tree Top apple juice and used that most of their first year. If you ask around, you can get empty clean baby food jars from another mom to use instead of rubbermaid containers.
By, Deanna

It is hard to do BUT feed the kids all at the same time, even if you have to prop a bottle. If they are fed at the same time you will get it done all at once, if you are feeding them at different times it will feel like you are always feeding a baby.
By, Eileen

One thing I did that was helpful was to have a crock pot on low all the time. I would pour my formula in the bottles and it would just take a couple of minutes to warm up. I never had to worry about the formula being too hot and it was really convenient.
By, Lora

I know propping bottles is controversial but it made my life so much easier. My kids are now 4 and I don’t see any ill effects of propping bottles.
By, J. Swaun

If you use powdered formula, make it in large quantities each day. We were mixing a gallon a day. Use a gallon jug with a large opening and a long handled electric mixer to make it.
By, Joan

When the first baby wakes up in the night to eat wake up the others, that way you will have to get up less often. By, J. Swaun

Instead of using regular high chairs consider the booster style seats that strap onto regular chairs and have a tray. They are light wight and portable and take up no extra room. You can also take them with you when you go to relatives or out to a restaurant.
By, Ruth

Check with your pediatrician to see if he or she can help you get some free formula. A lot of times they will get formula from reps and then throw it away because it will expire before they give it away. We probably got 80% of our formula free from our pediatrician.
By, Sue

Nursing vs. Formula Feeding:

Formula Feeding:

1 (14 oz.) can of powder formula costs about $20

Triplets being fed every 4 hours require about a can of formula a day.

Cost: $20 a day x 365 days (first year) = $7,300.00

Breastfeeding:

Free!

Other Expenses for Multiples:

Diapers: 8 changes a day x 3 babies = 24 diapers used a day

A case of diapers costs about $31 and contains 120 diapers

Triplets use 8,760 diapers in the first year, costing $2,263.00

To formula feed and diaper triplets during the first year: $9,563.00

Based on the Gelman Triplets of Avon

Layette for Multiples:

Large Items/Furniture/Equipment:

*When borrowing items, or getting equipment from a yard sale, ALWAYS check consumer reports for recalls!

Car Seats (1 per baby, possibly for 2 cars if you choose)
Changing Table (possibly two-one upstairs and one down)
Crib (eventually 1 per baby)
High Chair (not needed until around 4-6 months, 1 per baby)
Bassinets or Portable Cribs (borrow these, they won’t be in them that long- not needed)
Swing (possibly 1 for each baby, get 1 at first and see if you need more)
Bouncy Seat (vibrating kind nice to sooth, great to begin feedings in!) 1 per baby
Exersaucer (not needed until 4-6 months, wonderful for babies to interact) 1 per baby
Baby Sling/Carrier (wonderful for “wearing your babies” they will cry less if with you!)
Large diaper pail or Genie (get the largest they have) one per each changing station
Play Pen /Pack and Play (1 per baby, great for naps and travel, beach, park, Dr. Offices)
Glider/Rocker (the ones with glide foot rest are very comfortable)
Diaper Bag (one for each car, fully stocked)
Tub (prefer the sink cushion/sponge for no slipping and easy storage)
Bottles (12 per baby if not nursing)
Pacifiers (if you choose to use them, buy a ton!)
Baby Intercom
Cool mist humidifier (where they sleep or nap if stuffy)
CD player and soft CD’s for sleeping (in nursery)
Mobile/Mirror (change table stations)
Flashlight (for nursery visits, without disturbing them)
Head Supports(to be used in car seats, swings, and strollers, especially if preemie)

Stroller (the kind that recline are wonderful for infants to nap at the mall or on outings)
*As the babies grow, the stacking stadium seating, or side by side are nicer for them to see out! And everyone loves the convenience of the fold and go umbrella type strollers.

Clothing/Bedding:

Rubber Flannel Crib Pad (1 per crib plus an extra)
Crib Sheets (3 changes per crib per baby)
Blankets (6 per each baby)
Sleeper Blankets (2-3 per baby)
Nightgowns (opening at bottom for quick changes) 4-5 per baby *you will love not snapping these at late night feedings!
Cotton Snap Undershirts (onesies) 6-8 per baby
Leg Snap P.J.’s (6-8) per baby
Snowsuit (one per baby)
Socks (6-8 per baby) *buy all of the same kind to save time on matching!
Hats (1-2 per baby) optional
Hooded Towels (3 per baby)
Baby Wash Cloths (4-6 per baby)
Cloth Diapers (for burp cloths-you will need a lot of these!)
Bibs (pullover, Velcro, or Snap-do not get the kind that ties, you will never use them)

Breastfeeding:

Pump (buying vs. renting)
Nursing Pillow (horseshoe shape)
Nursing Stool (for comfort)

Moving with Multiples
Carrie Burke
Mom to Kelley, Katie, Jimmy and Brendan age 9

In the nine years since we've had our quadruplets, we've had the pleasure of moving two times. The first time was really a two-part move, as we had rented out our house before the house we were moving into was ready. We ended up moving into my parents' home for six months and then moving again. We learned to live out of boxes during this time. You quickly come to appreciate those things that you really need for day-to-day living but can't find because you're not sure which box they might be in.

One thing that we did (for both moves) that was very helpful was to videotape the new house. This helped immensely when trying to plan where the furniture would fit, how many curtains would be needed for each room, what color schemes were in each room, etc. I also took measurements of all the windows (for curtains), as well as the rooms themselves. That way I would know if a certain piece of furniture would fit in a particular spot. Even though you might tour the house several times, there are always details that slip your mind and having that tape is a great resource to be able to look back at.

The first move was across the state. My big focus for this move was finding good medical care for the kids in our new location. The kids were two years old and were being followed by many specialists for their various "preemie" and ongoing issues. I contacted the local Mothers of Twins club in the new area and asked for their help in recommending pediatricians. I knew that I was looking for a large practice that offered evening and weekend hours. I talked to several moms and one practice was mentioned over and over as being the best. I called this practice and did an "over the phone" interview and decided that they would in fact be ideal for my family.

For this move, we did not hire a moving company. We rented a moving van and enlisted the help of friends and family. This was without a doubt a big money saver. It was also a lot of work. We vowed then and there that the next time we moved, we would get professional help. The main reason was the two sleeper sofas that we have. very heavy and very awkward to move. Not to mention the fact that if we dared ask these friends to help us move again, they would disown us!

The last thing we loaded onto the truck and therefore the first thing unloaded at the new house were the things for the kids' rooms. We wanted to have the beds and toys all ready for the kids so they could feel "at home" with familiar surroundings.

We were very lucky to have a few of the members of the local Mothers of Twins club offer to bring meals to us those first few days. This was so helpful, as the last thing you need to be doing is cooking a meal in the midst of moving (and as it turns out, it was several days before the gas for our gas stove was delivered).

We also found it helpful to have family/friends watch the children during the move. Kids can be wonderful and helpful, but they can also get in the way.. Keep in mind that if you have little ones, you should child-proof the home before they arrive.

Our most recent move was this past summer, when the kids were 8 1/2. Unlike last time, we only moved about 30 minutes away, so we were able to keep our same health care providers. My big focus this time was on the school. Because three of my four are on IEP's for special needs, I wanted to find a school that I felt would meet their needs. Another thing to consider in the case of multiples is the school policy on keeping them together or putting them in different classrooms. While house hunting we actually came across many houses that were wonderful, but the school systems weren't as great, so we passed on them. We did finally find a great house in a town with a terrific school.

There were several things that we did to make the school transition easier for the kids. First, we visited the school before the end of the school year and the kids were able to meet their future classmates. We were also given a class picture so the kids could learn names and faces. We also visited the school several times over the summer, so the kids could learn their way around before school started. This was so important in building their confidence and made the transition slightly less worrisome.

Since the kids were older for this move, we also let them make some decisions about the new house, such as which bedrooms would be theirs, how to arrange the furniture in their rooms, etc. Remember those heavy sleeper sofas that I mentioned earlier?? Well, this time we splurged and hired professional movers. In order to keep the cost down, we had them move the big things (those sofas, all the big applicances, bedroom sets, etc) but we still rented a moving van and moved the smaller things ourselves. This seemed the best solution to us.

We are now settling in to our new home. The kids still maintain friendships with old schoolmates, but are settling in nicely in the new school. They played soccer in the fall and are now playing basketball. This has helped them get to know their classmates a bit better and has been a wonderful way for mom and dad to meet other parents.

There are also books available (check your local library) that discuss moving and how you might feel about it.. At various points the kids expressed great sadness, anger, excitement, and uncertainty about moving. I felt it was important to discuss those feelings and let them know that mom and dad felt the same way.

Moving at any age is such a big transition for children. I hope my experiences might help those of you who are planning to move. As for me, I think we'll stay put for a while.

"The Binky Fairy"
By Paula J. Peters, Mom to Julia, Jacob and Timothy 6/5/99

Our trio was "addicted" to their binkys. At approximately 18 months, we started to wean them. We let them use them in their bedrooms and car only. Then we eliminated the car usage. Soon, they were only permitted to have them in their cribs. We explained that their binkys came from the Binky Fairy and soon, they would be big kids and the Binky Fairy would return to take their binkys and bring them to other babies that need them. Whenever we saw a baby, we would check to see if it had a binky. If it didn't one of our children would make a secret wish that, that baby would get their binky. So one nite, (around the age of 2.5 years old) they put their binkys under their pillows and in the morning, they were gone. The Binky Fairy had replaced them with "Big Kid" bikes (two wheelers with training wheels). Our kids were so excited to not only have "Big Kid" bikes but to know that their binkys went to other babies. After that, when we saw a baby with a binky and it was the same as one of the kids', they were thrilled. The first maybe two nites were hard but after that, they never asked for them again. By the way, we have told them that the Tooth Fairy does not bring toys but gold, dollar coins!

PREGNANT WITH TRIPLETS: HOW WILL WE MANAGE?!
a letter from Maureen Huddleston

I contacted Pam Pace when I was 10 weeks pregnant with my triplets. We spoke every week until I delivered them at 32.1 weeks. She gave me lots of advice and support, throughout the pregnancy. I was very lucky and had 3 very healthy babies (2 boys and 1 girl). One of our biggest concerns during the pregnancy (besides making it through the pregnancy) was how we were going to manage, especially since we also had a 22-month-old daughter and both of our families live out of state. That was when Pam gave me what I truly believe was the best advice that I have ever gotten in my life. I want to share this advice with anyone else pregnant with multiples with the hope that you will have as wonderful of an experience as I have had. Pam suggested that I write a letter to our church, asking for help.

I was very hesitant to do that for a couple of reasons. The first was that we had just moved to Walpole during my pregnancy and I barely knew where the church was. I had serious morning sickness through my 18th week, and was not ready to chance getting sick during a Mass. Then once I hit 20 weeks I was on partial bed rest, but still planned on going on Sunday, but the timing was never right (excuses, excuses). Then the morning sickness came back at 24 weeks. Anyway - I never made it to a Mass. In addition, I was feeling very funny about asking for help. We have usually been on the giving side in these situations, not the receiving end. On the other hand, we were not in a position to be able to pay someone to come in to help. When I was 30 weeks pregnant, I did end up writing a letter to our church, explaining our situation.

I received a phone call almost immediately from Marie, the Cantor of the Church, asking what I had in mind. Part of my problem though, was that I did not know what to expect or what I needed. She and I decided that the best tactic would be to put a notice in the Sunday bulletin asking for volunteers to do whatever they could for a family with newborn triplets. The day that they were born, I gave her a call. Our babies were in the hospital for 3-4 weeks. Before they were all home, Marie came over with a long list of volunteers and we discussed how we were going to proceed. She sent a letter to everyone that was going to start coming over discussing the importance of hand washing, and a Confidentiality agreement that they all had to sign. Once all of our babies were all home we had people start to come over. We did go through some growing pains in deciding what worked and what did not.

I ended up having four volunteers per day (Monday - Friday). Someone would come in the morning, early afternoon, late afternoon and evening. Once I knew the babies’ schedule in the morning I would call the volunteers and let them know what time that babies’ would be eating. On the weekends, I also have volunteers for the babies. Additionally, teenagers who are doing their community service hours, come over and play with our two-year-old. There have been times that one of the babies needs to go to the doctor. I have a list of people that I can contact to come over and just sit with the other two babies. I have made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Some of our volunteers are retired grandmothers whose children live out of state. We have full time moms who leave the kids with dad at night or on weekends to come help us out. We have working moms who have a spare couple of hours during the week. I guess what I am saying is that we have a variety of people in all situations helping us. I had a friend come over and spend a day with me. She was pregnant with twins at the time. Her comment was that our house is like Grand Central Station, which it is. Having strangers coming in to your home is very difficult, but our volunteers did not remain strangers for long. I do not know how we would have gotten through all of these months without them. The volunteers feed one or two (or sometimes three) babies. We sit and talk while they are eating. To me, this means that my babies are being held and have a warm face to look at and are spoken to while they are eating. When I am alone, they are usually propped in a car seat while I hold two bottles. It may be crazy at times, but I think that it has benefited all of us. I have volunteers who tell me time and again that they are not doing this for me, but for themselves. This also gives me time to take a shower, make formula, load the dishwasher or whatever else needs to be done. The volunteers always offer to help me, but I have mainly had them feeding and interacting with the babies. Plus this became a social event for me. Being in the house all day with no one but preemies can be very hard. I have volunteers who have told their friends or neighbors who do not belong to this church and now also come on a regular basis. Another thing that amazed me was that when the volunteers started coming, many would bring presents to my 2-year-old (coloring books, dolls, beads etc). She was never left out. Women made ornaments for the babies at Christmas (and always one for my two-year-old). Speaking of Christmas - Christmas Eve was a particularly hard night and my husband and I were both wiped out. The babies were totally off of their schedule and we were in a constant feeding/crying and “Nothing will make us happy” zone. We actually had two volunteers scheduled for Christmas, which was amazing, but one of the women called over to her family gathering and had more people lined up for a later feeding. We have also had meals delivered two to three times a week, which kept us from eating Captain Crunch for dinner.

I just can not say enough about our volunteers or the experience that we have had. I could go on and on and write pages upon pages about the wonderful people in this community. Many of our volunteers will find someone to fill in for them if they are unable to come over. One of our volunteers is in Florida for 2 months and has called many times to check up on her babies. We are having the babies Christened in April and are inviting all of the volunteers and their families back to our house afterward for coffee and breakfast. (I have not yet figured out how I am going to pull this off, but I will worry about that later). We have about 25 regular volunteers and others that come, as they are needed or to fill in. People have offered to do grocery shopping, run errands, go the pediatrician with me, and do just about anything you can think of. People have even offered to help with the middle of the night feedings, which I have not done. Maybe my experience is unique, and I would never have imagined this outpouring of support from our community. I certainly would not have known this had I never written that letter. I do not know how we would have been able to survive these past months without the support of our community.

I strongly urge others to take Pam’s advice and seek help in your community. I hope that you are all as overwhelmed with support as I have been.

HALLOWEEN
submitted by Ellen Stafford

Instead of the kids carrying pumpkins and flashlights when they go trick or treating, we have the boys put their flashlights inside of their plastic pumpkins! Then they only have ONE thing to carry and it is safe!

We buy our boys costumes at the end of the season for the next year! You can find great buys, at 50-75% off regular priced items! Not always the greatest choices, but if you get a little creative, there are some wonderful possibilities!

FINDING CHILD CARE
Source: Child Care Focus, Hampshire Community Action Commission, Northampton, MA

DO – Spend time observing several different programs.
DON’T – Limit your search to a few providers.
DO – Ask about the program’s philosophy and staff qualifications.
DON’T – Take the first situation you find, even if you’re in a hurry. The quality of the program you choose is extremely important to your child’s learning and development.
DO – Get help with your choice from a knowledgeable person with experience and training in early childhood.
DO – Ask about discounts, subsidies and sliding scales if you are interested in a program but cannot afford it. Low quality child care is no bargain!
DO – Consider surrounding towns in your search. Sometimes a provider in the next town will have just the rates or openings you need.

1) I start a week before school starts, to get my daughter on a nightly routine, for early bedtime.
2) I go shopping in early August, to beat the rush, and yes, you still get good deals, with no mad rush.
3) I try to buy all of the school supplies early. I prefer STAPLES. I find they have the best prices.
4) I started my daughter on the computer, and she will continue to practice her lessons all through the summer. This keeps her brain from taking a nap!

CHILDPROOFING TIPS
submitted by Leslie Wentraub

As the mother of one year old triplets, I thought I would share my thoughts on childproofing your home. I also have a 6 year old so it’s not like I haven’t been through this all before, yet still I was unprepared. The gates and cabinet locks had long since come down by the time the triplets came along. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day to day care of the babies and not be able to foresee the day when they will be mobile and getting into everything. We had used every available object to barricade them in the family room including couch pillows and exersaucers when we finally became desperate and called Jeff Baril at Safe Beginnings, Inc. in Billerica, MA (1-800-598-8911). When I was told about the two month wait before they could come out to the house to install gates, I pleaded my triplet situation and actually received some sympathy and a house visit a few days later. The babies were 10 months old and like the majority of his customers, I had waited too long. He recommends doing this at 6 months, even though they may not need it right then, you’ll be glad you were efficient. Better safe than sorry.

We had an unusual layout with a 16 foot opening to a family room so the conventional gates simply wouldn’t work. In less than two hours, Jeff was able to set up a superwide gate to solve this dilemma as well as three other gates in key locations throughout the house. His company, Safe Beginnings, Inc., sells all sorts of childproofing items and other child related items in their catalog. So, if you’re handy and have some spare time you can order their products and install them yourself. The installation portion of their business is growing rapidly and in high demand. We were very pleased with the results, the gates are far superior to what you can purchase in a store and we received all sorts of other advice while he was here regarding potential unsafe items in our house. The service they offer can include a thorough review of your entire house and installation of everything from electrical socket covers to kitchen cabinet locks. I later found out that he has been in many homes with twins and triplets as they pose unique childproofing issues.

One last tip, we also saved our Enfamil bar codes to join their rewards program and recently received a copy of the Perfectly Safe Home book which is filled with helpful suggestions. Anyway, I hope this is helpful and can not stress enough how important it is to start early. Although these childproofing devices are not inexpensive, they pale in comparison to a trip to the emergency room.

THRIFT STORE SAFETY CHECKLIST

If you buy at thrift stores to stretch your clothing and equipment budget for the triplets and quadruplets, you’ll want to review this checklist issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In a recent national study of thrift, second-hand and consignment stores, the CPSC found an estimated 69% of them were selling at least one type of hazardous consumer product. Many of these were children’s products.

Consumers should check products carefully before making a purchase and here are some tips to help you make safer purchases.

Cribs

Make sure cribs meet current national safety standards and are in good condition. Look for a certification seal. Check that crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Crib mattresses should fit snugly.

If crib slats are too far apart, infants can slip between them and strangle. If the mattress doesn't fit snugly, infants can become entrapped and suffocate.

Clothing Drawstrings

Be sure there are no drawstrings around the hood and neck of children's upper outerwear clothing, such as sweatshirts. Other types of clothing fasteners, like snaps, zippers, or hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), should be used. Drawstrings at the waist should not extend more than 3 inches. Drawstrings can catch on playground and other equipment, and can strangle young children.

Hair Dryers

Look for hair dryers with large rectangular shaped safety plugs. These immersion protection plugs prevent electrocution by shutting off the current if the hair dryer comes into contact with water.

Halogen Floor Lamps

Make sure that halogen torchiere floor lamps have glass or wire guards over the bulb shield and the bulb is 300 watts or less. Glass or wire guards with lower wattage bulbs can prevent fires that occur when flammable materials like curtains get too close to the lamp. Wire guards are free. Call CPSC.

Playpens and Play Yards

Check that playpens and play yards have not been recalled. Recalled products include play yards with protruding hardware or rotating top rails that don't properly lock into place. Children can strangle if pacifier strings or clothing become entangled on protruding hardware. Children can be entrapped by folding play yards that collapse.

Car Seat Carriers

Check to make sure the infant car seat carrier you are buying has not been recalled. Car seat carrier handle locks on recalled models can unexpectedly release when used as a carrier outside of a car. Infants can fall forward and strike the ground if the handle disengages.

Bunk Beds

Make sure all spaces between the guardrail and bed frame and all spaces in the bed headboard and foot boards of the top bunk are less than 3 1/2 inches. Make sure there are guardrails on both sides of the top bunk. Children can become entrapped and strangle in the bed's structure or wedged between the bed and a wall and suffocate.

Toy Basketball Nets

CPSC has recalled millions of hazardous toy basketball nets. Check before you buy. Children can strangle on loops or openings in these basketball nets if the nets come unhooked from the rim or have knots that slide. If children put their heads into these openings, the nets can get tangled around their necks. Toy basketball nets can present a strangulation hazard to children.

Accordion Style Safety Gates

Do not buy older accordion-style child safety gates. Make sure that newer style child safety gates are used to keep children away from potentially dangerous areas, especially stairs. Older child safety gates that do not meet current safety standards can present strangulation and other hazards to young children.

Bean Bag Chairs

Do not buy bean bag chairs with zippers that can be opened. CPSC has recalled more than 12 million bean bag chairs. Young children can unzip bean bag chairs and choke or suffocate on the small pellets of foam filling.

For more information about hazardous products, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-638-2772 or their web-site: www.cpsc.gov

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: SAFETY FIRST

The Western Mass SafeKids Coalition recommends the following tips for keeping children safe as they learn to help out in the kitchen:

Be sure you’ve taken essential safety steps before introducing a child to cooking, such as having a fire extinguisher nearby and posting emergency numbers near the phone.
Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. Close supervision is essential, whether children are helping an adult cook or are simply watching. Never hold a child while cooking.
Put pans on back burners and turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Use caution when heating food and liquids in the microwave.
Supervise your child when he or she is near or using a microwave and never let a young child (under ages 10 to 12) remove heated items from the microwave.
Make sure you and your children wear close-fitting clothing when cooking.
Never leave cooking food unattended — it is the number one cause of house fires.
Place hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables.
Pay particular attention to items sitting on tablecloths or placemats so that children cannot pull hot food or liquid down and scald themselves.
Unplug appliance cords and keep them tied up and out of children’s reach.

Age-Appropriate Tasks for Children
Since each child is different, it is important for parents and caregivers to consider the developmental level and abilities of their children when it comes to assigning kitchen duties. Generally, children under age 10 don’t fully understand what danger means and therefore should not use the stove, electrical appliances, sharp utensils or handle hot dishes. Younger children can begin helping in the kitchen with basics like washing vegetables and fruits, or mixing foods that don’t require sharp knives, appliances or heat.

Here are a few suggested activities and age guidelines for parents review to help keep the kitchen a fun, safe place for the family. With close adult supervision children:

Over age 5 can:
Stir ingredients together in a bowl.
Rinse foods under cold water.
Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes in dough
Use a butter knife or plastic knife to spread peanut butter, or slice soft cheese.
Squeeze garlic from a garlic press.

Over age 10 can:
Use electrical kitchen appliances such as a blender, food processor, electric mixer, microwave or toaster oven.

Ages 12 and up can:
Chop or slice with a paring knife.
Use the stovetop to turn burners on and off and select oven temperature.
Flip pancakes on a hot griddle.
Place a tray of cookies in the oven.
Peel vegetables.
Use an electric can opener.
Shred cheese with a hand grater.

Children over age 14 can take on more responsibility in the kitchen and can handle tasks such as:
Operating the stovetop without adult supervision.
Draining cooked spaghetti into a colander.
Removing a tray of cookies from the oven.

Managing multiples in the kitchen is challenging, requires resourcefulness, and tests our patience. But with some planning and an eye to safety, decorating cookies or stirring gravy can be an exciting and satisfying activity for the entire family.

For more information on children’s safety issues, contact the Western Massachusetts SafeKids Coalition headquartered at Baystate Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital, 413-794-5434, or log-on to www.safekids.org