by Maren Williams
Photograph by LaDelle Photography
The major challenge of having my second child was not what to do with the baby. I had plenty of baby experience. But I had no idea what to do with my toddler; he was used to having me all to himself and now he had to share. The activities that had been fun with one kid were suddenly impossible. Swimming pool? No thanks! Baby yoga? No longer welcome. The park? Not again!
Finding some good play date friends with kids roughly the same ages as mine has been my best mom-of-two move. You get friends to hang out with while your kids entertain each other, a support system that understands the challenges you are facing, and the occasional parental night out co-conspirators. So where do you find these new BFFs? Attending one of the local moms group is a great place to start, although few allow older kids to tag along so it is easier to start with your first baby and stay connected to those mamas! If you haven’t made those new mama friends, it’s easier to meet and connect with these cool moms and dads in places where the kids are more contained and their activities somewhat structured. Luckily, Portland is a wonderfully kid-friendly town, and there are a ton of things you can do with your baby on board and toddler in tow.
Play cafes are great with two kids, no matter how mobile they are; drinks, food and toys they don’t have at home. Even if they have the same toys you have at home, somehow it’s more fun when you’re out. Each cafe has a unique personality with musicians, story hours, outdoor areas, even sensory play. (And you can get your decaf soy latte too!) Check out nwkidsmagazine.com to see what’s happening near you.
Both the Portland Children’s Museum and OMSI have baby areas for crawlers, although you’re more likely to be digging, building and doing water play. The Children’s Museum has a new outdoor nature play area and a weekly schedule of story times and music. OMSI has the science playground geared for 0-6 which is all in one room, making it easier to keep track of both kids. Bring a change of clothes and just let them go to town in the clay/water/sand.
If you’re more of an animal lover, or want your kids to be, the Oregon Zoo is great for all ages. Take your stroller so you don’t have to carry your tired toddler all the way-back up the hill. All three are pricey and worth a membership if you think you might want to visit often.
The Indoor Play Park is my secret weapon. They are inexpensive and provide space for gross motor play that I certainly don’t have at my house! Ride on toys, basketball hoops, slides and more will keep babies, toddlers and preschoolers happy. It’s a great place to meet up with your new friends, get you out of the house, and wear out your toddler on those days when the weather is just not kid friendly. Most community centers and some churches have them so you can keep it local.
Feel like moving? I love Fit4Mom workouts like Stroller Strides. I get a great workout, connect with my kids through songs and games, and meet lots of really great moms who also love to be active (Dads welcome too). Classes are great for all fitness levels, and it doesn’t matter if your kids are fussy. If you’d rather be in the forest, check out Hike It Baby. Hikes and walks are rated for strollers or carriers and many are toddler-led rambles great for getting your big kid out walking while you carry your little one. The added bonus? HIB is completely free!
Parks and Rec have lots of classes for toddlers and wearable babies are welcome. Movers may be as well, but you might want to check with the instructor. Library story times are hit with both my kids, although some fill up very quickly so get there early! Gymboree and Music Together also welcome multi-child families in their programs.
A few tricks: take multiple snacks everywhere they are allowed. I bring “regular” snacks and “emergency” snacks; don’t forget the snacks for you too! Be prepared for one or both kids to fall asleep in the car and totally derail your plan—you might want to keep a book in your bag.
Lastly, ask for help when you need it. Even teenagers will hold the door for my stroller if I ask them nicely! Don’t be shy about talking to other parents, as Raffi sings, “The more we get together the happier we’ll be.”
Maren Williams M.S. Ed. is a native Oregonian, speaks Danish and toddler, aspires to be an apparel designer, and is taking time out from school counseling to raise her 2 and 4 year old boys into happy, healthy kids.
