7 THINGS YOU FIND OUT AS A MOTHER OF THREE UNDER FIVE

The baby carrier will be your lifesaver. Not only will the littlest be more likely to sleep next to your skin, but it frees up your other hands to make Lego/do sticker books with the older pair.

With TV shows, go for the lowest common denominator – even older children will watch Peppa Pig if it’s the only thing on offer.

Bed-time – once the preserve of 7pm(-ish) – will shift to the highest common denominator: that of the eldest.

Always buy nappies three sizes too big – the larger the nappy the more surface area it will protect; one size can fit all.

There’s no point dressing them in matching clothes – it’s far too much hassle separating the correct sizes from the washing pile.

A sense of humour is essential. Someone will always be unhappy, someone will always be sick, and someone will always need their bottom wiped.

There’s nothing wrong with being boring: if it all gets too much, stay at home. There is so much pressure for mums to be doing constant activities with their children, but independent play is also essential.