Should I Take 2 Small Children to the Zoo by Myself?

Yup, just remember snacks (for mama too!) and water, as well as all that other stuff you lug around on a daily basis. I liked to bring a stroller (even though my kid NEVER would sit in one) because I could put my things in it to roll around.

Have fun!

Yes we do it.It can be frustrating but only when kids are hungry or thirsty feed them,talk to the 21 month old on the outing and engage in conversations with them while there.Let him play for a little while to let out energy.You'll either be glad you went or not won't know till you get up and go.

In addition to what others have said, look out for a family restroom. They usually have a bench or chair for nursing and a separate stall or two with the toilets. I found it easier to keep my younger one "contained" sometimes while I nursed the baby. You will be fine. I would go into it knowing that it might work for several hours and it might work for 45 minutes, and be prepared to leave when you know your kiddos are done. When mine were little we started buying the zoo membership. Still worthwhile now that they are 2 and 5, we never feel pressure to stay all day or see everything in one visit, and if someone has a meltdown half an hour into a visit, we leave without losing a bunch of money :)

Sure I have done it. I think it's easier than taking the older kids LOL

Put them in the double stroller or wear the baby
Snacks for the toddler
Nurse on the bench when necessary
Bring a change of clothes for the baby in case of a blowout
Be ready to abort if you have to
Go slow and take it easy, you don't have to do the whole zoo just do a section.
Enjoy

I remember taking 6 kids to the zoo. I had a 2,3,7, 10, and two 13 year olds. I just brought TONS of snacks, lunches, and went with absolutely no goal in mind but to not lose anyone. Didn't care if they just ran around and played or if we saw animals. We let the 13 year olds go off by themselves, but everyone else stayed with me. We saw a couple of animals, but mostly ran around and played.
I say go for it!
L.

i did it, a lot! strollers and backpacks, lots of snacks, lots of rests, lots of patience.
some trips were better than others.
:) khairete
S.

Get a map of the zoo before hand so that you can map your day. Note the location of bathrooms and snack areas and plan accordingly so that when baby is hungry you are close to a snack area.

Hmmm, depends on your kids...
My oldest was all over the place when I tried it. I literally had to leave my daughter in the stroller while I ran after him....he thought it was fun that mommy was chasing after him!
For me, both are super active and fearless, so I only take them to places that are enclosed that I know.

That said, you never know until you try! Just make sure that you have a handle on the baby somehow in case you need to take off after the toddler.

I did it. You need to teach our 21 month old red light green light.....if you yell red, she has to stop and wait for you. Also discuss beforehand that you need cooperation.

Make sure ou bring a baby carrier and. Double stroller...And tons of snacks.

Hi! The zoo is an awesome idea, pop them in the stroller and go. My son was a volunteer at two months and my daughter went to her first zoo meeting (dh and I were on the board) when she was six days old. We logged miles and miles cruising the zoo as volunteers. Please just don't hang your baby over the polar bear's wall. Yes, I saw that more than once and actually had a guy argue with me when I asked him to stop!
Have fun!
Oh- slices of American cheese do well in a diaper bag.

Take a stroller for the toddler and wear the baby. Take snacks for the toddler and yourself. Use a backpack for everyone's gear. Take it easy, hit the highlights and enjoy the outing.

I would do it if your almost 2 year old is a good listener. I assume you have a stroller for both, so that will make it easier. Try to plan times where you can stop for a while to nurse the baby...otherwise I imagine the baby will sleep a lot. So it depends on how well your older child listens.

I have always taken my kids places alone, but didn't really start until the youngest was over 2...only because with 3 that are all 2 years apart it was difficult. The zoo sounds like fun though! Maybe we'll do that this weekend! Thanks!!

At those ages, I'd say use a double stroller and pick a couple areas to see that would be most interesting to the 21 month old. Don't attempt to spend all day there. Plan to be home before the toddler's naptime, or go after naptime.

At that age when I took my son to the zoo we used a harness. It worked great because he could have a little indepedence and I could look at the animals too without worrying he would jet off while my eyes were elsewhere. With your baby being so little, I would definitely consider wearing the baby and taking a stroller for the toddler and all your stuff. Bring snacks and drinks, maybe a picnic blanket. If you are willing, bring a harness as a backup to the stroller if your little one wants to walk/run around :)

I have done it, but it's exhausting. My kids are 18 months apart, and I did take them to the zoo on my own and the aquarium on my own, but I enjoyed the experience a lot more when Hubby could come along.

Make sure you have a carrier for the infant (I prefer the Beco, but I know lots of people swear by their Ergos, too) which should help with the nursing, again. Bring a stroller for the toddler so that, if things start to become overwhelming, you can strap the bigger one down for a bit. Pack your diaper bag the night before so that you can put anything you forgot in the next morning. It can be done! But remember, you don't have to!

Good luck!

I personally would not do it yet or would bring someone if you feel you really want to do it now. I also would use a double stroller. Also, you could leave the 3 mos old with someone you fully trust, if the baby will take breast milk from a bottle.