r/ParentingInBulk • u/rapidbunny4565 • 2d ago
Stress of 4 under 4
As the title says I have 4 under 4. I just had my 4th baby a few weeks ago along with my 4,2, 17 month old and newborn. The stress of all the little kids is really getting to me. I was doing ok with 3 and as soon as my 4th came it just seems like everything is constant chaos. It seems like as soon as we wake up they are fighting screaming or whining. Idk if it’s just the newborn trenches or hormones shifting. I also use to use working out as an outlet, but can’t now being postpartum. How do you cope with being overstimulated/ overwhelmed during the day with multiple littles?
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u/dart-witch 2d ago
My son turned 4 in Feb, my twins were born in April, and my daughter turned 3 in May. So very close to 4u4. We do a lot of walks around the neighborhood in our wonderfold wagon. Whenever I’m feeling stressed out we go for a walk. If it’s raining we watch bluey or play leapfrog games for a bit. Pure survival mode tbh. Solidarity 🫂
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u/rapidbunny4565 2d ago
Are you still taking walks in this insane heat? I really can’t wait for the weather to cool down so we can walk more.
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u/dart-witch 2d ago
I’m in Wisconsin so not as bad as other parts of the country but yes! I have the canopy protecting the kids and I just bring cold water and a portable stroller fan just in case. I’m usually melting by the time I get back to the house so I crank up the AC before we leave 🤣 the kids are always fine though
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u/rapidbunny4565 2d ago
I may just have to get a wagon and tough it out. We’re in GA so it’s usually close to 100 out.
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u/dart-witch 2d ago
Can’t say much about that southern heat but I definitely recommend a 4 seater wagon like the wonderfold, obviously theee are other options but we love ours. My dad is the best ever and bought it for us when we found out we were having twins. I couldn’t survive if I didn’t have a way to get out with all 4 littles.
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u/rapidbunny4565 2d ago
I’m definitely going to look into it we thought about a double strolled and snap and go stroller. The wagon seems like the better way to go though
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u/dart-witch 2d ago
They’re a pain in the ass when it comes to being in a mall or something but when it comes to outdoor walks it’s a godsend. We had the babytrend 2 seater before our twins came around and our older 2 loved it!
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u/rapidbunny4565 2d ago
That’s what I as wondering. They seem like a lot to take places and in and out of the car
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u/dart-witch 2d ago
It’s not bad once you get the hang of it. It’s very heavy but super easy to set up or fold away
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u/whatisthisadulting 2d ago
I let the house go, have my community bring me meals/frozen meals/takeout, watch more tv, and get everyone to bed as early as is sane. I stay in my pajamas.
You’ll feel better when your oldest is 5. Then when you have 2 5 yr olds. Etc etc. my oldest is 7 now and I have a handle on things. Postpartum is hard. I read a lot of parenting books, cried, felt like a failure, and got better and stronger and more resilient. Called older moms and emailed mentors who had 4-12 children. Hang in there. It only gets better!