How to Shop for Triplets
Having triplets is a life-changing event. Even routine everyday tasks such as grocery shopping can become complicated. Not only do you need to think about how to get there if you have the triplets in tow, but you also have to rethink your whole shopping list. Kids need a wide variety of items, and when you have triplets, you have to multiply almost everything by three. Shopping for triplets requires much more planning and thought for your budget.
Instructions
Make a list. When you're buying for triplets, you can't afford to shop on impulse. Write a list of everything you think you need and evaluate it for any redundancies or deficiencies. Many new parents think they need more than they do. When you make the list, ask yourself if you really need a bouncy seat and a swing or if you can get by with just one. Decide if the expensive teething toy is really necessary or if you can give your children cold washcloths to gnaw on instead. Plan for special needs. Many triplets are born early or are born at a lower birth weight than most babies. Newborn clothes and diapers are likely to be too big for them. Plan to buy premature clothes, diapers, pacifiers and bottle nipples to accommodate your new babies. Buy items that work double duty. Old-fashioned cloth diapers can also be used as burp cloths or rags to clean up spills. Receiving blankets can also work as changing pads or mattress protectors. When you buy more of these items that serve double duty, you can reduce your overall purchases. Invest in "helper" items. Unless you have full-time help, you won't be able to hold your babies all the time. You'll need some "extra hands" to help you, such as infant seats, cradle swings, activity mats and strollers. A good baby carrier or sling can help you keep your babies close when they are young. You can carry one or two of the babies while another sleeps or plays. Buy clothes that coordinate. Instead of buying all of your outfits in triplicate, buy outfits that mix and match together. Not only will you be able to dress your triplets in outfits that look good next to each other, but you can mix and match the pieces so they work with more outfits. You'll get more looks out of fewer clothes, which saves money. Focus on basic pieces such as plain onesies and jeans that can be worn with anything. Keep an updated list of clothing sizes on you at all times so you only buy what you need. Buy essential gear in triplicate. Important pieces will be in use all the time, and you don't want to have to rotate babies or get them to share. Pieces you should buy in triplicate include cribs and car seats. A triplet stroller can eliminate the need to buy multiple strollers. Shop sales and consignment. Buying retail can be expensive for one baby -- for three babies, it can sink you into debt. Look for items when they are on sale, or purchase second-hand items at consignment sales where most pieces sell for reduced rates. Buy in bulk. Wholesale retailers give you a discount by selling items at bulk. These stores are ideal for shopping for triplets since you already need to purchase more than most typical families, and you'll save money in the process. These stores are especially helpful for grocery shopping when your babies are a bit older.
