Dressed and Out the Door

There are so many things we just don’t think about B.C. (before children) and getting dressed, out of the house, and anywhere on time is one of them.

I can probably count on one hand the places we have been to on time since having Kinsley and that’s with work included. Between all the equipment, organizing the diaper bag, doing her hair and then there’s getting yourself together, it can become a mad dash by the time it’s time to get to the car. I have shamelessly snuck in the back door in church, arrived to friends’ gatherings late, and the list goes on and on. And of course I just blame it on the baby :). But, now that we are in quarantine, I have mastered getting Kinsley dressed, fed and out the door to daycare in a timely fashion. This is largely due in part to my commute being reduced to just going upstairs to my desk, but I really have a good flow and I want to share some of my tips on how to get out the door faster for all the mamas out there struggling to get anywhere on time.

Build a Routine

At this point Kinsley is very familiar with our morning routine. She wakes up, goes to the potty (we’re potty training), we brush her teeth and wash her face, get dressed, and eats breakfast while I do her hair. This consistency allows for no push back from missy because she knows the drill!

Prep Yourself

Depending on where you’re going, like to work, church or the park, prepare yourself! I’m not going to claim to look like a supermodel every time Kinsley and I step out, but I also don’t want to look disheveled, so I like to pick my outfit out ahead of getting her dressed. In my mind this minimizes the rush, the mad dash and ending up looking like who did it and why. I also like to put on my clothes after getting her together to avoid inadvertent stains from her breakfast or mine lol.

Prep the Baby

I know I’m preaching to the choir, because mama’s you already know, but it has to be said. Pack the diaper bag ahead of time. Don’t wait until the morning of sis, because mommy brain is sure to kick in and that baby will distract you and before you know it you made it all the way to daycare and the wipes are still on the changing table :) (been there, done that ). This preparation will look different depending on where you are going, i.e the park, daycare, shopping, out to eat and also the age of your child. But you know what you need. Get the clothes ready and do their hair as well, if that applies.

Prep the Car

Get all the equipment you need for your outing in the car ahead of time. The stroller, the toys and whatever else you need for your outing.

Engage the kids

As your child gets older, they get busier! Kinsley is very accustomed to her routine. In the morning when she wakes, she knows it’s time to wash her face, brush her teeth and get dressed! I have found she also loves to feel as though she is helping mommy. So as you are getting them ready for the day, allow them to help. I’m very playful so I like to make things a game. I tell Kinsley a color and have her pick out that color shoes. Then we do a game of “hands up” so I can change her out of the pajamas and into her outfit for the day. It’s a fun way to get the day started and an efficient use of time to get her little self-dressed!

Wake up earlier

I know, I know, but for real. Stealing an extra hour of borrowed time will help you to collect yourself, tend to your needs and not feel rushed. Who wants to start the day stressed, overwhelmed and hurried? I mean we have the whole rest of the day for that, right lol.

When you’re a mama, every second counts! So, I hope this list helps!

If you have any tricks you swear by for getting out faster, share them in the comments below!

Love ya, Mean it,

Nateanah