Save your sanity with printed lists

 I readily admit to being one of “those” list-makers. And yes, I sometimes add something I’ve done to the list just so I can cross it off. But when I gave birth to my twins, Holly and Wyatt, in 2004, my propensity for listmaking was a real lifesaver. Who can remember everything to load into the diaper bag when you’re going on three hours of sleep?

Keeping track of the babies “In’s and Out’s” (feeding and pooping for the uninitiated) was my first challenge. I created a simple spreadsheet for each baby. I suggest keeping them on clipboards with a pen in the baby’s room. The information was helpful for our pediatrician to review with us in the early weeks and months. Especially with twins, it was hard to keep track. (“How often does she eat? Did he really go three days without pooping?”) It also helped my husband and I coordinate any medications so we didn’t double-dose. When relatives wanted to help out, they could also check and see when a baby last ate or pooped. 

Click here to see my charts:  Baby’s In’s and Out’s Chart

Get the idea? You can be very utilitarian and create a plain typewritten chart or list. Or, you can have some fun and use colors and fun fonts to get creative. I used some basic Excel skills and some free fonts from the internet to create my charts. A terrific source for (free!) fonts you can install on your computer is http://www.momscorner4kids.com/fonts.

More lists!

Then it was time to get out of the house. The idea of leaving the house with two little ones in tow took some real guts. Keeping bags at the ready was helpful. For example, I try to keep a pool bag packed and ready so we can head out quickly. But a packing list tucked in the bag helps with restocking and remembering perishables.

A diaper bag list near the door was a great way to avoid that “what am I forgetting” feeling as I left the house with two little ones, especially at first. I liked being to update and reprint them as their needs changed, too. We extended the idea to overnight trips, too. Packing is a snap and makes it easier for my husband to pitch in and grab things, too. So, save your mind. Download some fonts and create some easy lists and charts to get organized.