At Asalvo we have collected information about the daily life of fathers and mothers with more than one child close in age, especially in situations where they are alone. And one of the situations that generate the most stress for parents twice are trips to the park. So many things to carry! and above all, how attentive you have to be.
In times like late summer and spring, one of the best plans to spend the afternoons with the little ones is the park. That's why today we want to tell you some of the tricks to go down to the park alone with more than one child without dying in the attempt.
Probably if a child is asked what their favorite place is, without hesitation they would answer: “the park.” There you will have the opportunity to spend some time outdoors, see dogs running around, other children playing, birds flying... You will be able to play with the earth, ride the swings, go up and down the slide a thousand times, splash with the water in the fountains, experiment by walking on the grass... In short: in the park a child can explore a world in which everything is new and wonderful.
But what about the parents? When it comes to small children, going to the park can be an exhausting activity for parents, because children never see danger: they put everything in their mouths and they love to run from one place to another. When it comes to more than one, things get a little complicated. How can you control two small children with just two arms and two legs? This activity should be considered an Olympic sport! You get to exercise muscles that you didn't even know existed, and it is a long-distance race in which we must measure our strength, since the most complicated thing comes at the end... the return home!
From Asalvo, we want to give you some simple tricks that have worked for a few Asalvo families, and that may save you more than one disappointment:
Use a double stroller or carry.
The use of a double stroller can be a relief for parents of babies of similar ages, since in addition to being able to transport everything necessary for the stay in the park in its basket, we have control of both children and have the opportunity to rest both at the same time. At Asalvo, we have super light and easy to handle double stroller models, like our Double Henry stroller. It usually happens in couples with children of close ages that one is more independent and the other only wants arms, so problem solved: one child will be carried, leaving his/her hands free to control the other who is walking to the park. It is the perfect solution to keep them both happy, and when you get to the park you only have to worry about them. Added to this is that if any of the children are breastfeeding, you just have to put them in the baby carrier and they can drink discreetly while their brother/sister enjoys the swing or plays with the ball. On the Asalvo website we have several models of baby carriers in different colors to adapt to each family.
The two on the swing
This option is very useful, since it allows us to keep both of them under control without fear that they may escape and we will start hyperventilating in tenths of a second. Extra tip: if we place them both back to back, they don't bother each other too much.
Don't forget the toys
The idea of going down to the park with a small bag is ruled out. It is much better to opt for a maxi bag, tote bag, backpack... This way we will carry enough toys on hand so that they are always entertained, saving themselves from any conflictive situation if they decide that they want another child's toy. A good option, depending on the age of the children, may be to go down with a light towel that allows you to play a little while in the shade of a tree. And if you also have a tricycle, scooter or bicycle at home, it is a great idea to take it with you. Ah! And if you don't have one, at Asalvo we have THE perfect PRODUCT: our Asalvo Ride&Roll evolutionary scooter, which grows alongside your children. If they are of different ages, they can each use it as best suits them. However, if they are of the same age, they can transform the product adapting to little users.
Plenty of water and food
Let's remember that on hot days it is very important that the little ones are well hydrated, so water should never be missing when preparing the bag. We also recommend preparing a tupperware with fresh fruit cut into pieces, or with the little ones' favorite snacks in case they get hungry.
Make friends in the park
Yes, you read correctly. From now on you have to spend many hours in the park, so making friends is almost an obligation. Look for mothers or fathers with whom you have things in common and with whom you share tastes and hobbies. They can serve as a relief if they are having a bad day, and will sound the alarm if one of the children decides to run away without looking back.
Always keep an ace up your sleeve
A mother or father of siblings close in age should always keep an ace up their sleeve. If you are planning an afternoon at the park, it wouldn't be a bad idea to put some water balloons in your bag, some water guns to organize a pitched battle, an inflatable ball... Something that goes unnoticed, but that can be used in case of emergency.
And you, what tricks do you use? If you have THE TRICK that can change the lives of our Asalvo families, share it in the comments.
