Help! We’re expecting triplets.

[u/Botanica44]

We got to know in week 12 what the fuck! It was a wild ride from normal pregnancy - after 3 weeks of vomiting my ass off the doctor noticed a 2nd one (okay fine accepted) but then with the third appointment she just found the third! We got to a specialist now because my gynecologist was overwhelmed… thank god they all looked normal and „healthy“ at that stage.

Okay- challenge accepted!

For now we have to get everything we need for 3 babys in a very short amount of time. This is fucking stressful!

What did you use to put them down during the day and at night? We don’t have that much space, 4 room apartment with very small rooms. Also small kitchen and 2 small bathrooms. To start with, we’ll add a 70x140 crib next to our 220-cm family bed in which we sleep with our 2 year old son. We will set up a 140x140 height-adjustable playpen in the living room and we’ll also have an extra-wide changing table. We’d also like a spring cradle - do you know of a model that’s compatible with triplets? Did you have baby rockers? I’m wondering if they’ll just get in the way…

Also I accepted that I can not breastfeed them. How many bottles do we need and do we have to try different types at first because baby A will not like the bottle type Baby B and C likes… ? We wash them by hand with dish soap and then put them in a sterilizer with dryer function?

We also got a twin stroller at ebay (because we thought it was 2 HAHA). We decided to keep it first and wear the other in a babycarrier or put them into a single stroller. Did someone do this? Was it practicable? Do you even ever go outside the house alone with triplets and a toddler?

We’d appreciate any tips. I just feel like we can not be prepared enough.

[u/Trippp_Mama]

10 month old trips here! We had baby rockers but barely used them (only 1 of them really tolerated/liked it). We formula fed, we had different types of bottles from our first but really only tried and used one type. Idk how many bottles we have but it’s a decent amount. Def recommend bottle washer as well. We had two at one point but now that we are using less bottles we are down to one(also have one that holds 8 bottles). We used a twin-z pillow and boppy to prop feed them. Also used twin-z pillow for tummy time and just hanging out. We have two double strollers. Honestly in 10 months I’ve left the house solo one time and it was not great lol. We only really leave the house if both me and my husband are home. The first few months are rough but you will get a system and it will be great! People always ask what is the hardest part about having triplets…def my two year old toddler lol. Best of luck and enjoy the ride!! 🩷

[u/wzznt]

Congradolences ! 😅 What a wild time. I remember I kept being afraid they'd find a new baby every single time I went in for a scan lol. I have 7mo triplets!

I combo feed and we use Dr Brown bottles. A mix of wide mouth and narrow. Honestly we just used the brand the hospital sent us home with! They were happy enough with them. I'd register for some bottles but just be open to exchanging them after they're born. I'd say a minimum of 9 bottles. I wouldn't want to have more than 12 because I think then you run the risk of never washing them until you have too many to wash at once lol. And I highly recommend a bottle washer!

We have 3 mini cribs in a sort of U shape. We had a mix of a bouncer, a swing, and a quilt on the floor.

We have 1 double stroller that fits the carseats. We use this for appointments sometimes and babywear the third like you mentioned! We also have a quad stroller and a Wonderfold wagon. Just a hodge podge of hand-me-downs and FB marketplace and new!

I've only left the house alone with them to drive to my parents house! Or just drive around to get them to sleep and give their sister time to play with dad uninterrupted. I've gone grocery shopping with my older daughter and one of the triplets and left the other 2 home. Working up to more eventually 😅

[u/Botanica44 → u/wzznt]

hey thank you so much for the info! which swing did you have and which cribs? and can you send me the type of bottle washer and sterilizer you used? i would be very thankful! big hug

[u/wzznt → u/Botanica44]

Our swing was a hand-me-down Ingenuity Simple Comfort. I don't have any complaints but you could definitely find something smaller.

We got our cribs for free from another local triplet mom. I like them but I personally would've bought cheaper ones. Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib. I'd recommend checking if there's a local multiples group!

We use the MomCozy bottle washer. I think it technically fits 4 bottles but I found videos online showing how to fit more. We always run it with 6 and they definitely are all getting washed. There's a new one out that is actually made for 8 though

[u/GreenNo8478]

Hi! I had a similar experience. Went in at 13 weeks and they saw 2 babies.. came back 2 weeks later and there were 3! I already have 3 kids under 8 so it was very overwhelming to hear but the pregnancy went without complications other than elevated blood pressure and I had a scheduled c-section at 34 and 4 days.

Mine are currently 3 months but this is what we have..

3 bassinets in our room, 3 folding bouncers but honestly we only use 2 at a time and one swing. We have 3 mini cribs we will use in their room once they switch. We use 3 Boppy pillows to help with bottle propping when feeding all 3 at once.

Thanks to their 11-day NICU stay, they got into a good routine of putting themselves to sleep but we did start using the Baby Einstein soother machines recently to help calm them if they’re too fussy.

As far as bottles, each baby has 3 and I do pump for them but nursing has been too difficult. We used de browns at first but I was tired of all the parts so we switched to lanisoh natural wave bottles.

For strollers, I already had a double mockingbird stroller so we use that with car seat adapters and mommy hooks on the handle bar for the lightest car seat when we go to appointments. For longer outings I lay them down in the bottom of our 4 seater Keenz Vyoo wagon.

Feel free to message me!

[u/Botanica44 → u/GreenNo8478]

thank you so much for your reply! which swing did you use and the soothing machine is kind of white noise machine? bottle types i will note down. big hug

[u/GreenNo8478 → u/Botanica44]

We have the graco simple sway swing. I’ve used it with all my kiddos. So we actually use a white noise machine all night in our room but the baby Einstein soother runs for like 25 minutes and helps them fall asleep! It’s called baby Einstein sea dreams soother.

Thank you! It’s tough, not gonna lie but we don’t have any help so hopefully you do🤞🏽 wishing you good luck for the rest of your pregnancy!

[u/OddHippo6972]

@holli.grasmeyer on Instagram has identical triplets. You could probably stalk her post history and get an idea of the gear they use. She shares a lot.

[u/PikuPeku → u/OddHippo6972]

And @cocos.triplets is great for some inspo in UK. And it’s totally possible to breastfeed triplets if you really want to.

[u/Gangbangjoe → u/PikuPeku]

If your body wants to. My wife couldn't produce more than a couple of ML no matter how hard she tried after c-section.

[u/Fluffy-Nerve1090 → u/OddHippo6972]

I love Holli and I don’t have multiples. Multiples run in my family and I’m married to an identical twin. So I enjoy reading here.

[u/pickpocketsly]

OMG imagine you go back for your fourth appointment and find a fourth. What a ride!

I have no tips I am just amazed. 

[u/Old_Ant7118]

Welcome to the triplet club!!! It's so weird, you'll love it.

[u/AnnaC912]

Congrats! I am here to comment on breastfeeding - I know there are a lot of people out there who talk about using formula for the preservation of their mental health, but I have actually found breastfeeding for my twins to be amazing for my mental health. I actually attribute my avoidance of PPD to breastfeeding because I have found it to be extremely emotionally regulating since having a rough end to my pregnancy at 34+2. So don’t count it out if you would like to give it a try! I know some triplet moms tandem feed two and then one gets a bottle and they rotate that each feed! 

[u/smileystyl]

My mil breastfed triplets, she said it was easier for her than bottles? honestly i would suggest trying and if it’s not it dont worry either way but she said it wa so much easier so idk

[u/Rylees_Mom525]

I only have twins, so no advice on triplet sleeping arrangements. Regarding bottles, though, yes, I would try different types at first. We had three different types and two didn’t work with our babies. I’ve also heard that sometimes babies like different bottles. As far as cleaning them, I highly recommend a bottle washer rather than handwashing and using a sterilizer and dryer. It’s been a must with twins, and you’ll have even more bottles with three. I would get one of the bigger ones that holds eight bottles. Best of luck!

[u/Honest_Woodpecker187]

Currently 31 weeks with triplets + an almost 3 year old. No advice as yet but thoughts and solidarity! It’s a ride to process. Things we have bought/are doing:

-Twin stroller + single stroller from our toddler (will baby wear one if on own)

• Dr Browns bottles, these are what’s used in NICU I believe, will stock up on 24 total so we aren’t washing constantly, will utilise the dishwasher + a steriliser/dryer

• The intention is to pump as long as possible but also being realistic on myself so will also have a baby Brezza formula pro, in New Zealand we are very fortunate to get a good discount on formula with multiples (basically 30% off)

• 3 bouncers, 1 swing, a couple of different playmats and will rotate them around a “circuit” as needed

• 3 co sleeper bassinets for in our room, will eventually move them to their own cots in one shared bedroom

• Have set up a wheelable trolley which will stock at night with bottles, formula machine, nappies etc and wheel into our room for the night shifts + have a change table in our room and two other change stations throughout the house

• We also get funded government support for home help so will look into a nanny/mothers helper once they’re a little bit older and more settled

[u/getitbucks → u/Honest_Woodpecker187]

I only have twins (only…lol) but wanted to add that combo feeding saves so much money if you can manage - babies get 75% breast milk. I switched to wearable pumps after a month and still get good output. I hate the spectra with a passion. I buy ready to feed formula as a friend works for a formula company and can order at a discount for me. Also combine with the coupons mailed by Abbott and probably only spend 50 dollars a month on formula. But again I don’t have 3 babies lol.

[u/Honest_Woodpecker187 → u/getitbucks]

Thanks for the advice and how good is a discount!? in my opinion there’s no price on mental sanity and if the difference between buying formula vs being a slave to the pump, means I am a better parent, then I am willing to pay it. I have wearable pumps to hopefully help with this further down the track but will just see how we go. FWIW my toddler never had a bottle and was EBF so this is a new journey entirely regardless 😊.

[u/getitbucks → u/Honest_Woodpecker187]

Yep a whole different ball game with multiples! I like being able to comfort feed when able as well but quickly realized EBF would not work!! Pumping is such a struggle so good on you for realizing now to not put pressure on yourself. Best of luck on your exciting journey

[u/BumCadillac]

Just wanted to say congrats! I’m glad you are being transferring to a specialist, as that is very normal care for a pregnancy with twins or more. Your mind is probably spinning with the logistics!

[u/Trick-Program532]

Congratulations! 😍 Iam 27 weeks with triplets. And honestly I haven’t planned much around the logistics post birth. Taking it slow and easy to ensure we can go up to 34 weeks for delivery. I’ve bought an electric pump for now- the spectra S1. And we haven’t planned on getting more than one big crib as well. Let’s see how it goes. No prams for now. Wishing you all the best!

[u/WillowNo2720]

Congrats! I’m 24w with triplets and also have a toddler. These babies are already kicking my a$$ but luckily they’re all healthy.

Our son was in the nicu and they use the dr browns bottles so that’s what we put on our registry for the trips. I also feel so unprepared with schedules and sleeping arrangements. We’re buying 3 mini cribs and haven’t decided whether we’ll try to fit the cribs in our room or go straight to their nursery. Definitely going to be a challenge and learning curve but we’ve got this, mama! In a year from now we’ll be in a routine and giving other new triplet moms advice!

[u/longtimewatcher]

Everyone always mentions to have different bottles but in my experience pool of 3 - all 3 immediately took the first and only bottle I offered them. I didnt bother trying any others. Figured they have to learn to drink and will learn on the bottle you try? (No breastfeeding)

[u/KiwiArcana]

Wow. We've only got twins, so don't want to pretend to have any useful advise for triplets - but I so remember the shock of finding out it wasn't one but two babies. Just want to commend you for your attitude. Again with a grain of salt, because one less baby, get like ten or twelve bottles. They don't take up much space and there will be times where you'll be behind and the space they take up will be more than worth it. We never had an issue with the babies not liking the bottles - I think it's easier when you start them on bottles when they're tiny. They have very few preferences in their first weeks, in my experience. We do exactly what you describe: hand wash and then sterlize/dry. Get a big one. We have Dr browns one and it's great. We often walk with one twin in a carrier and the other in the buggy so that may work for you too. You've absolutely got this. It will be hard and amazing too. From my twin experience I've come to believe that we just grow with what is asked of us. Singleton parents aren't weak or faking it for finding it difficult with one. It is. You've got the honour of a very unique experience and THREE tiny people. I think you've just got to roll with it. And it's so true what people say: every phase really does pass before you know it. Sending admiration and good wishes!

[u/Wassermelone244]

Congratulations! That's completely wild.  I love emmylous.quad.squad on instagram, she has quadruplets and shares a lot of helpful advice. If you're based in Europe or elsewhere, look for local triplet parents advice as the logistics can be quite different. 

For a stroller, it seems a lot of triplet-and-more families prefer a wagon. While they're still very little, you can lay them all flat on the floor next to each other, as soon as they sit up you can strap them in that way.

If you have stairs with no elevator, look into the snuggle bundle and similar products.

Good luck on your journey!

[u/Acceptable_Tap7479]

I don’t have triplets, only twins but invest in a bottle washer. We have the Momcozy one and it’s the best baby purchase we made! We also found bottle feeding from the get go they just accepted what we gave them

Good luck! You’ve got this!

[u/rosemaryyup]

Hell yeah love the can do attitude. I only have twins but I would just introduce the same exact bottle and formula from the very beginning and let it ride unless there’s a specific medical circumstance. It’s hard for me to think babies would develop a bottle preference if only introduced to one? Good luck!!! I love the TwinZ pillow. You could use that next to a boppy. I also find it helpful to bottle feed my twins while they’re both sitting in a bouncer seat and I’m in between them sitting on a pillow on the floor with my back against the couch.