Attending church with a toddler and a baby may seem nearly impossible, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are my top 10 tips to make it easier.
My boys are 20 months apart. That means that when it was time to return to church, we had two boys under two years old.
Before we actually did it, I could only imagine the chaos that would ensue the minute we stepped into the church building. I spent hours thinking and planning. Imagining every possible scenario. I packed and repacked the diaper bag. Trying to plan for everything.
Until suddenly, we were there.
All the over thinking and planning was done. We did it.
It took some time to establish a good routine and feel confident every Sunday, but now we’re back to attending church weekly! Through many good and bad experiences, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of what helps and what doesn’t when it comes to getting through a church service with a baby and a toddler.
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Here are my top 10 tips for attending church with a toddler and baby:
1. Prepare the diaper bag
This is your go-to place for everything! Make sure it’s prepared for anything. Use this list to help, and add anything else your little might need.
Diaper bag:
-Diapers for baby and toddler (if needed)
-Wipes
-Burp cloths (these are my favorite)
-Nursing cover or bottles and formula
-Changes of clothes for both kids
-Snacks (LOTS of snacks!)
RELATED: Diaper Bag Essentials- From a Mom of 2 Under 2
2. Use a baby carrier
You are going to need somewhere to put your little bundle of joy, especially when you are chasing a toddler. Investing in a good baby carrier can make all the difference. Many moms in my church like the ring sling baby wraps (like this one). I personally use a baby carrier like this one. I like the soft shell carriers best because I don’t have to worry about readjusting it an baby feels more secure.
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Test these out at home before trying to use it in public. It took my little one some time to get comfortable and used to being in the carrier. He had his own preferences when it came to type of carrier vs wrap, which is how we ended up using this one. Here is a more in depth guide to different baby carriers and wraps.
3. Bring things to entertain your toddler quietly
I like to keep these items especially for church so they are still new and exciting when we need them to keep him entertained and quiet.
-Our toddler loves reading so the easiest thing for us to bring for him are small picture books. Board books are best so the pages don’t get bent or torn going to and from church. Here‘s a list of animal books for toddlers and babies, most of them are touch and feel books, which the little ones love. If your toddler likes bright colors and good stories, try this book list.
-We also bring him a doodle pad so he can draw quietly while he listens. I like this one because it comes with two.
-And of course… SNACKS! The most sure way to keep my toddler quiet is by giving him something to eat. I always bring something that won’t be messy so he can independently eat during service. When he feels like he is in control of something, everything runs smoother. My toddlers favorite snacks are squeeze packs and dry cereal. Click here for more healthy snack ideas.
4. Involve them in the service
Getting the kids involved in the service can help keep them engaged and interested. If there are things like hymn books or prayer books, they can hold when the adults do. They are going to feel like they are part of what’s going on. If everyone is standing, have them stand. If everyone is sitting, encourage them to do the same.
The baby will enjoy listening to all the new sounds and looking at everything around the room.
Taking both kids for a walk around the room during the service can give them a slight change of scenery without removing them from what’s going on. Once you are done with your walk around, the kids will have new things to think about as they sit and listen.
5. Sit near an exit, or sit in the very front row
These two things are complete opposite pieces of advice, let me explain…
My family prefers to sit near an exit so that when the kids need a break, we can easily slip out without causing a scene. This is also a huge advantage if you are nursing the baby and want to go to the nursery for some privacy.
Other families with littles prefer to sit in the very front row so their toddler can see everything going on in the service. This helps keep them entertained and engaged because there’s always something new to notice.
Try both ways and let me know which works better for your family!
6. Take a break
It’s pretty unlikely that you are going to make it through the entire service without taking some kind of break with the kids. That’s okay.
Our church has a room downstairs with a TV showing the service live. This room is perfect for the toddler to run around in and get out some energy in the middle of service. It also allows him to take a break from working so hard to be on his best behavior.
Every service I take the baby into the nursery to feed him and change his diaper. In this room there is no TV, so I watch live on my phone until we go back in.
Most churches offer live videos of their services, this can allow mom and dad to still watch while the kids get a break too.
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7. Expect noise
Your baby will cry. Your toddler will talk too loud. People might even stare.
When you bring a toddler and a baby to church, expect them to make noise. They are trying to figure out the world and what’s appropriate in one place for them, may not be in another. They are learning a lot when they are brought somewhere like a church.
When your kids make noise, people will probably turn around and stare at them. Most of the time, especially in our Orthodox church, people are turning around because the sound of children reminds them that the church is growing. They welcome the noise. They also think kids are cute and want to see where the baby noises are coming from so they can catch a glimpse of the baby making them.
If your children are being too loud or you feel uncomfortable, feel free to take them out to play and take a little break. Once they are calm again, bring them back into the service.
8. Wear comfortable clothes
Wearing the right clothes can make all the difference.
Put your toddler and baby in comfortable, yet church appropriate clothes. My baby usually wears a onesie. My toddler often wears a little polo and shorts. Giving them one less thing to complain about always helps.
Mom and dad should also wear clothing that allows them to move and get to the baby and toddler when needed. I always wear a nursing dress so I can easily nurse my baby when he gets hungry. My husband typically wears a polo and pants because he is usually on toddler duty and is constantly moving.
Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes too! I have two boys so shoes are usually just nicer sneakers without dirt all over them. When I am getting ready, I have to say no to the heels (for now). I usually wear flats that I can move in without getting too uncomfortable. I will wear heels again when the boys are older.
9. Familiarize yourself with the church
If you are attending a new church, arrive a little early to find out where the nursery is, where the toddler can run around, where the bathroom is, and find the exits.
When you arrive, bring your toddler with you as you explore the location so they can become familiar with the area too. This can help get rid of the unknown factor that can cause difficult behaviors.
Most people are happy to point you in the right direction if you need help finding something.
10. Attend regularly
The more practice you and your kids have with going to church, the better it will be for everyone. Your toddler will know what to expect and what is expected of them. You’ll have strategies in place for when things get tough.
You will also establish a routine for feeding your baby, whether during the service or by arriving early to feed them beforehand. Figuring out what works best for both you and your baby can only happen when you go regularly. This is how I learned that it works best for my baby if I feed him during the service and watch on my phone in the nursery until he’s done.
You’ve got this mama!
Let me know how it goes and if you have any other tips.
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