Getting out of the house helps to entertain the children, breaks up the day and is good for everyone’s mood.

When going out in the early days ask a family member or friend if they can come with you to lend an extra pair of hands (even if it is just a small walk) to help and for you to gain confidence.

Plan things in advance, and don’t be too ambitious: small children are just as happy with a small outing as they are with an all-day marathon. If you are going by public transport make sure you have researched transport options including double buggy access.  If you are going to a café or restaurant, ring ahead to check on the availability of high chairs as well as double buggy access / storage space for the buggy.  Take small toys or activities to amuse the children as well as food and snacks that you know your children like.  It’s good to have these on hand anyway in case of any delays or changes to your plans. Find a local park where it is safe for the children to run around and make it a regular destination. Attending a multiples club can also provide great opportunities for safe roaming.

Once the children are confident walkers, you could switch to a single pushchair if that makes outings easier and let the other(s) walk. Identify fixed changing-over points on regular routes to avoid any arguments.

Whenever possible, try to give each of the children the chance to go out separately with you, even if it’s only to the shops. Of course, not everything has to be done in twos, threes or fours and it’s nice for each child to have some individual time with if you can arrange care for the other children.

You might have some worries around safety when you go out of the house but if you remember the benefits that it can have on you all it will become easier. It may help you feel more confident if you have firm rules for the children and enlist the help and co-operation of everyone else who looks after your children to do the same. For example one of the rules might be that if you are in a car park or crossing the road, the children must always hold your hand or the hand of one of their siblings (you only have 2 hands after all!), even if they are wearing reins or wrist straps.