Elyse Knowles: 'Two months after having my third baby, this has surprised me most.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Bugaboo

Elyse Knowles absolutely loves being a mum — and it's no surprise. After all, she's welcomed three little ones in less than four years.

Her firstborn son, Sunny, is about to turn four, middle son, Zaii, is 18 months old and her tiny daughter, Java, is still a newborn.

As any parent of more than one kid can attest, despite being related, all three of Elyse's kids have totally different personalities.

"Sunny is soft and gentle, measured, our sensitive boy," Elyse told Mamamia. "Zaii is the complete opposite! He is cheeky, full of life and keeps us on our toes every day."

And although baby Java is still developing her own personality, "she seems pretty relaxed so far and manages to tolerate her two big brothers!". 

Watching her three kids together has been an unexpected joy for Elyse.

"I love seeing the boys warm up to Java in their own way. Sunny is gentle — and Zaii loves her so much, but expresses it differently and not as gently," she laughed. "I know Java will have two beautiful, protective big brothers when she grows up!"

Going from two to three kids is a big change, but Elyse said the decision was never in doubt for her family.

"As soon as I had Zaii, I knew I wanted to try for another baby. I'm one of three kids and I have so many happy memories from my childhood. I feel so lucky to have two beautiful, healthy boys and now a girl as well."

And the thing that's surprised Elyse most about the jump from two to three kids? Somehow, parenting seems to be getting easier, not harder. 

"I found my first baby, Sunny, the hardest," Elyse told Mamamia. "Sunny wasn't a great sleeper until he was two years old, which meant I didn't get much sleep either."

Of course, that doesn't mean that having three kids is without its own challenges. When asked about the trickiest part of being a mum of three, Elyse doesn't hesitate: "Not enough hands. Giving each kid enough attention. Everyone wanting different things at once... it can be chaos!"

One key tool in managing the chaos with multiple kids is a pram that can contain everyone. Elyse and her family use the Bugaboo Kangaroo, which she describes as a "gamechanger".

Image: Instagram/elyse.knowles.

And that's a fair description — with 20 different configurations and a commitment to sustainability, including a goal of zero emissions by 2035, Bugaboo's first tandem pram in 25 years is far from your average family pram. 

"I decided to make the switch because I love the design of the Bugaboo Kangaroo — the tandem design and capacity to fit three kids really suits our family and busy lifestyle," Elyse said.

"Zaii is at that in-between stage where he can walk or ride in the pram. The Bugaboo Kangaroo gives him his own secure space and in the front-row seat he gets a perfect view of the world. Meanwhile Java stays close to me in the bassinet and Sunny can hop on the wheeled board attachment."

One of Elyse's top tips for parents-of-three-to-be is to make sure everyone gets some fresh air every day.

Image: Instagram/elyse.knowles.

Having a pram that's robust enough to tackle the great outdoors is a non-negotiable: "I love how the Bugaboo Kangaroo is great for any terrain with its extra large wheels — I can go from the beach to town, to a walk in the bush, all in one day," she said. 

Another element of parenting three kids which has surprised Elyse is how much difference an age gap can make.

"Zaii is still a young toddler who can't express himself with words yet — he gets very frustrated! He is still so young and wants to be cuddled as well, which can be difficult with a newborn, especially when I am breastfeeding and can't move. Sunny is at a great age where he is more independent and happy to go off with Josh or to kindy to spend time with his friends."

Having two little kids who both need lots of physical contact with their mum can be exhausting, Elyse admitted, but she's learning to manage it as best she can.

"I've learnt to look after myself over the journey too. If I am exhausted and fall in a heap, I'm no good at looking after the kids. Our house is chaos right now but I have had to learn to embrace it and not get stressed over the little things."

For now her motto is really just to embrace everything as it comes and remember how lucky she is.

"I feel happiest when I am making memories and focusing on our little family. I am still learning so much about my kids and myself, but I'm trying to enjoy the small moments and to not worry too much about little things."

Check out the new Bugaboo Kangaroo now available online and Australia-wide.

Feature Image: Instagram/elyse.knowles.

Bugaboo believes that parenthood has the power to shape the future. Embraced by families around the world, our award-winning prams and parenting solutions — including car seats, a porta cot, a highchair, and accessories — are engineered to be comfortable, long-lasting, and easy to use. The new Bugaboo Kangaroo is the go-anywhere pram that grows with your family. The pram boasts more than 20 flexible configurations and is Bugaboo's first tandem pram in 25 years.