Managing school drop-offs and pickups can be challenging enough, but throw a baby sibling into the mix, and the stakes rise even higher! Here are some tips to help streamline the process while keeping your little one content.
1. Prepare the Night Before
Prepping in advance can be a lifesaver. Pack bags, snacks, and anything your school-aged child will need the night before. This way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute and can focus on getting everyone out the door calmly.
2. Keep the Baby’s Schedule in Mind
Try to coordinate drop-off and pick-up times with your baby’s feeding and nap schedule. If possible, feed them before heading out or bring a bottle for the car ride. For nap time, use the drive to lull them to sleep—sometimes the gentle movement can be just what they need.
3. Snacks Are Your Best Friend
Whether it’s for your school-aged child after pickup or to keep the baby distracted, snacks are essential. Have a go-to stash of quick, mess-free snacks within easy reach to avoid meltdowns.
4. Organize the Car for Easy Access
Keep everything you need for the baby—diapers, wipes, toys—in an easily accessible spot in the car. You don’t want to be digging through a bag while stuck in line, especially with a fussy baby.
5. Toys and Entertainment
Pack a few favorite toys or board books for the baby. Babies love visual stimulation, so hanging a colorful toy or mirror in the car can keep them entertained while you’re waiting in line.
6. Arrive Early (Or Late)
Timing is everything in the pickup and drop-off line. Arriving a bit earlier or later can help you avoid long waits, which is especially helpful if your baby is prone to getting fussy in the car.
7. Stay Calm
Pickup and drop-off lines can be stressful—cars everywhere, kids hopping out, and sometimes impatient drivers honking. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and remember, it’s just a few minutes. A positive attitude will help both your children feel less stressed, too.
8. Utilize Baby Carriers for Drop-Offs
If your school requires parents to walk their child to the entrance, wearing your baby in a carrier can be a game changer. This frees up your hands to help your older child with their backpack or to quickly navigate through crowds.
9. Have a Backup Plan for Emergencies
Things don’t always go as planned, so have a backup. If your baby is in the middle of a meltdown or something goes awry, try to have a plan B—whether it’s asking another trusted parent to grab your older child or calling the school to let them know you’re running late.
10. Patience is Key
Above all, be patient with yourself and your children. Juggling a school routine and a baby in tow isn’t easy, but with a little planning and some flexibility, you’ll soon have it down to a routine.
Do you have any tricks that make drop-off and pickup easier with a baby in the car? Share them in the comments!
