Raising kids can be challenging. If you have triplets, things can rapidly become even more hectic. When you are raising three babies, it's important to get in a routine and find methods that work for you. As your triplets grow, its important to remember to treat them as individuals. No matter how old your multiples are, you can't forget to take care of yourself, too. There are several steps you can take to make coping with triplets a little easier.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Handling Three Babies
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Get in a routine. One baby is a big adjustment. Bringing three home can cause even bigger changes in your life. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when you have three babies. Finding a workable routine can help.
- Your babies will need to be fed, changed, comforted, and loved. It can be difficult to anticipate when they will need each of these things.
- It is useful to try to create a routine. For example, try to get up at around the same time each day. You will also need to feed them at regular intervals.
- While a routine is helpful, you can't plan for every eventuality. So much sure to allow yourself some flexibility.
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Find the best feeding method for you. Babies need to eat multiple times a day. When you have triplets, multiple times can easily mean "dozens". Experiment to find the best feeding method and routine for you and your babies. [1] X Research source
- If you are breastfeeding, it might take a couple of days or weeks to really get the hang of it. It is possible to feed two babies at once.
- Experiment with different positions. One method is to cradle one baby in each hand with their feet facing outward.
- Maybe you are choosing to bottle feed. Make sure to prep several bottles at a time so that you are ready when your babies need to eat.
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Schedule tandem sleeps. Triplets formed a very close bond with one another while in the womb. Once they are born, they are still a great source of support for each other. Consider having them sleep together.
- You might want to try putting your triplets in the same crib. The can soothe one another simply by being near.
- If your babies are sleeping together, they are likely to wake at the same time for nighttime feedings. This will help you manage feedings a little easier, even in the middle of the night.
- When your babies nap, you should try to nap, too. Sleep schedules can be erratic, so take your rest when you can get it.
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Buy the right supplies. Babies require a lot of equipment. This can seem overwhelming when you bring home triplets. It's a good idea to figure out which things your babies can share, and which items you will need three of. [2] X Research source
- There are lots of things your babies can share. For example, you will only need one changing table and one activity mat.
- You will also only need one breast pump and one baby monitor. One triple stroller will probably best suit your needs.
- There are some things that you will need to purchase for each baby. For example, you will definitely need a care seat for each one. It might be a good idea to have multiple swings, too.
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Make a financial plan. Having multiples will cause dramatic changes to every aspect of your life. One of the biggest shocks can be the financial cost. Try to make a specific list of all of the additional costs you will have. [3] X Research source
- Plan for healthcare. Your pre-natal and post-natal doctor's appointments will be costly.
- Try to figure out how much your hospital stay will cost. Talk to your insurance provider about what will and will not be covered.
- Make a list of everything your babies will need. Factor in large items, such as cribs and high chairs. Don't forget smaller items, such as diaper rash cream and baby wipes.
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Relax your standards. Your life with triplets is going to be hectic. For the first few months, you are mainly going to be concentrating on feeding and holding your babies. That means that it is okay to make sacrifices in other areas. [4] X Research source
- Your standards of household neatness are going to have to relax for a while. Tell yourself that it's okay if the dishes don't get done immediately or if the laundry pile lingers longer than normal.
- You probably won't shower every day. You might not even get dressed every day in the early stages of raising triplets. Give yourself permission to be a little more relaxed.
- You probably won't be up to cooking gourmet meals for your family while you're coping with triplets. Don't be afraid to turn to ready to eat meals.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Dealing With Older Triplets
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Foster individual interests. As your triplets grow older, you will face new challenges. Since they are the same age, many people who don't know them will tend to view them as a unit, or even one interchangeable person. It's important for family members to treat each triplet as an individual. [5] X Research source
- Help your triplets develop different interests. Let them try a variety of activities to find out what interests them.
- Don't try to make them all conform to the same activities. For example, if one triplet loves soccer, that does not mean that the other two need to play on the team, too.
- One of your triplets might be very musical. You can foster than interest without forcing the others to learn to play an instrument.
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Make individual time a priority. Each of your triplets needs some individual attention from you. Find time to spend with each child individually. Group activities are fun, but make sure to do other things, too. [6] X Research source
- Parents should spend one on one time with each child. Make that a priority in your weekly routine.
- You don't always have to plan major excursions. Taking just one child to the grocery store with you can count as having one on one time.
- Celebrate individual birthdays. Give each child their own cake, or special meal or activity.
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Consider different classrooms. It is important to help your triplets develop individual personalities. Like all children, they need to learn to speak and think for themselves. Take care to place them in an educational environment where this can happen. [7] X Research source
- When your triplets reach elementary school, think about placing them in different classrooms. For example, if the school offers multiple sections of first grade ask that each of your children be given a different teacher.
- Your triplets might prefer to stay together and offer up some protest. Try to explain your reasoning to them.
- You can say, "You might enjoy having some time apart during the day. That way, you can all make new friends, and then you'll all know lots of new people."
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Budget carefully. Raising kids is expensive. Triplets can cause extra financial headaches since they will all reach the same milestones at the same time.
- Start a college fund early. It's a good idea to start setting money aside in individual accounts when your kids are young.
- Think about health care. Look for an insurance plan that can offer good coverage for all of your kids.
- Plan for the unexpected. For example, you might find out that all of your triplets need glasses. Try to have funds set aside for all sorts of costs.
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Respect the bond. As a parent, you will naturally be very influential in your children's life. However, it is important to realize that triplets share a unique bond. Try to be respectful of the relationships that your triplets share with each other.
- Triplets might turn to one another for help making important decisions. For example, when they are trying to decide where to go to college, your opinion might not matter to them as much as their siblings' opinions.
- Try not to take it personally if you sometimes feel left out. It is normal for triplets to bond with each other more than they do with others, even their parents.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Finding a Support System
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Look for a support group. You are going to have a lot of questions when raising triplets. That is natural. It might be useful to talk to others who are in your same situation. [8] X Research source
- Ask your doctor for recommendations. Many hospitals offer all kinds of support groups, including groups for parents of multiples.
- Consider joining an online support group. Many parents find online communities to be very helpful.
- Support groups can provide advice on things such as, "When should my babies begin tummy time?" They can also provide support for times when you are feeling at your wit's ends.
- Remember that you will usually know what's best for your babies. It's great to lean on others for support, but don't feel like you have to let someone else tell you how to raise your children.
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Ask for help. It's tough to raise kids. Raising three who are the same age can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask for help. [9] X Research source
- Accept offers of help. If someone asks if they can lend a hand, say yes.
- Be specific. If someone offers assistance, say, "Sure, I would really appreciate it if you could run to the grocery store for me. Thanks so much."
- Voice your needs. If you need a break, tell your partner, "I need a few minutes to myself. Can you please watch the kids?"
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Make your relationship a priority. Your triplets are understandably going to take up a lot of your time and energy. This is especially true when they are young. Many people find themselves putting less efforts into their marriage or partnership. [10] X Research source
- It's normal to let things lapse. But it's also important to try not to neglect your relationship.
- Be supportive of each other. If one of you needs a break, the other should step in with kindness and understanding.
- Make time for each other. If you can't afford a babysitter, ask a friend or family member to come over and give you time to go grab dinner together.
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Tips
- Talk to other parents who are in the same situation. Read the blogs, discussion groups etc.Thanks
- Join a playgroupThanks
- Discuss your frustrations and challenges with someone empathetic. Someone who's 'been there/done that'.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.parents.com/baby/twins/raising/twins-multiples-surviving-the-first-year/
- ↑ http://www.parents.com/baby/twins/raising/twins-multiples-surviving-the-first-year/
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parenting-multiples.html
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parenting-multiples.html
- ↑ http://www.chicagotribune.com/sc-fam-0421-twins-differences-20150415-story.html
- ↑ http://www.chicagotribune.com/sc-fam-0421-twins-differences-20150415-story.html
- ↑ http://www.chicagotribune.com/sc-fam-0421-twins-differences-20150415-story.html
- ↑ http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a569078/tips-for-raising-multiples
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parenting-multiples.html#
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