I have a 5 month old, do you always get to your appointments on time?

Question

i find I am almost late most of the time. To the baby clinic, church etc etc.. how do you plan and organise getting to your appointments with the baby.

Answer 1

I have had this problem since the moment I had my first child. I now have 4 (ages 2-6) and we still are late on occasion. My best advice for you is to double the time you think it will take you to get ready. So, if you think it will only take you 30 mins. to get ready and out the door, start getting yourself and the baby ready an hour before you have to go. But, i do have to tell you, with children, there is no guarantee. many a time have I been ready to leave on time, and one child messes her diaper, or another throws a temper tantrum, and I am late despite my best efforts. Its part of parenting. At least with more time, you can keep being late to a minimum.

Answer 2

I hate to tell you this but it doesn't get any better as they get older. When I have to go places with my 21 yr old there are still times I am almost late because of her. Sorry.
Ok Now you may already be doing this but here is a suggestion for you. Keep the diaper bag packed with the basics. When you get home from somewhere replace the used items then. So when you getting ready to leave all you need to add to the bag are things like bottles.
Also since my daughter had to use formula, I always kept a can of powder in the bag and just put in clean bottles and nipples. I just got water where ever we were located. Sometimes since the can was so large I measured out a bottle's worth of powder and put it in a ziplock baggie. I would then put in 3 or 4 baggies worth of formula in the diaper bag. Again when I got back home from an outting or appt then I would replace the formula.
Take a deep breathe & remember it will be ok. Don't let it stress you out too much. Everything will work out alright. Congrats on the baby.

Answer 3

I was someone who would arrive at exactly the moment indicated or just slightly late!!
Once I had my baby I realized that I had to plan better or I would always be late!! So, I decided I needed to leave the house 1/2 hour before. (I live in a city where it is possible to arrive anywhere in a 1/2 hour). So, if I have to be somewhere at 3, I leave at 2:30, which means I have to have myself, and baby dressed by 2:30, the diaper bag packed, etc...
You can keep a packed bag in the pram or your car and just add the bottle or whatever else cannot be left out. That helps!
Good luck, you'll get the hang of moving around with your baby!!

Answer 4

I have two under 2 and we're on time most of the time, though not all. I never assume I can just pick up the baby and walk out the door, because that's when one of them will need a diaper change, get hungry, lose a shoe, etc.

Build that extra time in. If I need to leave for an appt. at noon, I start getting ready at 11am and I think out all the steps of what I need to do to get there. If I'm really on the ball, I'll pack the diaper bag and set out our clothes the night before. I make sure I know where my keys, wallet, and cell phone are. I try to nurse both kiddos an hour or so before heading out and offer my toddler a snack and drink shortly before leaving. We always keep our shoes by the door so I don't have to hunt for them.

And I try to remember that even if the drive is only 20 minutes, I need to build in 5 minutes on each side to get them settled in their carseats, plus 5-10 minutes in case of traffic, so I just figure it's really a 30-40 minute drive.

Answer 5

Ha ha, I was one of those people who makes it 'just in time' BEFORE my girl was born. Now I'm one of those 'I'm so sorry I'm late' people. Not always, but too often... Thankfully most people understand. At least, those with children do! How many times are we completely ready to go and then I see her filling her diaper. Shoot! Then I stop, think if I should pretend I didnt see her doing it, then shrug and say, we're going to be late again!
I've gotten better about this of course, and now that she's 11mths we are almost always on time. Def advanced preparation is key. I usually keep a spare bag handy that has all the essentials (diaper or two, wipes, a snack, sippy cup of water, a toy, a jacket) just in case I get behind and dont have time to prepare one.

How people with multiple children do it, I have no idea!!

Answer 6

Oh gosh no, I am usually a month behind. I would not worry. I have twins and things like baby well visits just seem to not always be on time.

I wish I could help you with organization. Why don't you just call your pediatrician on the phone and make the appointment for starters. Then you will at least have the appt set.

Answer 7

With my 10.5 month old son, I have found pre-packing at free moments does save time. I have also learned (from having the same issue at times), to play appointments and meetings around his naptimes. Plan to be all ready at least a half hour in advance ( and get ready well before that). That way, if you have extra time you can relax. Don't fret-we pack less now that my son's a little older. Good Luck!

Answer 8

i usually start getting ready WAYYYY early. Even now that my kids are 7, 7 and 11. We start getting ready too early and then you have time if anything comes up or if your ready early you can just relax for a few minutes. Or you can always get to the appointment early..sometimes they will take you earlier.

Answer 9

after having four children, i understand your problem well.
first and foremost you will never always be on time everytime, and that is ok.
second, you can do what you can do, and start earlier, pre pack or keep a spare diaper bag packed and ready.
third, this will soon pass, while it seems like forever now, in just a few months it will be a part of your life that is gone, enjoy it as best you can today.

Answer 10

start getting ready all day...pack the diaper bag when you have a minute....load the stoller when you have a minute....etc....plan and prepare.....and you know what? You may sometimes still be late because of the unexpected diaper change at the last minute...oh well....you tried!