While it's tempting to leave the littles at home while parents attend separate masses, we'd like to suggest a different way - creating a dedicated Mass Bag.
What is a Mass Bag? It's a special bag for toddlers that you bring to Mass to help them quietly stay engaged and follow along with the liturgy. You can create one yourself at home using any tote bag you already have. Simply fill it with coloring pages, quiet books, or any other quiet activities. It's worth noting here that older children should be capable of sitting through an hour Mass without the use of a Mass bag, however, if attending church is new to you and your family, a Mass bag that contains items such as a children's missal and a print out of the readings can be helpful.
Before going any further, let's talk about what NOT to put in your bag - any toys that make noise! Think reverence - not just for your family, but for those in the pews around you as well. Do not include things like books that have buttons that trigger a sound, matchbox or hot wheels cars, or anything that can potentially distract you and those surrounding your family from fully entering into the Mass. Food should stay at home as well (except for baby bottles, of course). Wrappers are noisy, and things like raisins and fruit snacks easily stick to the carpet or land in a sibling's nose or ear. Remember, our goal is to keep the focus of Mass on Jesus fully present as much as is humanly possible - tantrums aside.