How to Care for Triplets

Be patient. Triplets are usually born premature and may come with some health issues that need addressing. It is likely for your multiples to spend some time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for a little while after birth. Learn as much as you can from the nurses about any specific needs your triplets may need.

Get some help. Contact family and friends before birth to figure out how they can help. Make up a schedule so you don't have five people in your house one week and then no one the next week. Consider hiring a postpartum doula who is experienced in baby care to come and help out for the first few weeks or even months.

Figure out a feeding routine. Decide whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed your babies. And then decide whether you are going to offer your babies pumped breast milk or formula. If you plan on breastfeeding, get some help from a lactation consultant and La Leche League. Remember, with some help it is possible to successfully breastfeed triplets.

Set up baby care stations in your house. Set up changing stations, feeding stations and play stations in several different rooms to help you save time. Make sure each station is fully stocked with what you need so you don't have to go from room to room to find things.

Decide how you are going to tell your triplets apart. Some people paint toe or fingernails specific colors while others dress babies in only certain colors or write names on the backs of shirts. It's important not only as you care for them to know who you're caring for, but it's also important for their personality development that you think of your multiples as individuals from the beginning.

Care for yourself and your partner. Make sure you and your partner are eating (even if it's while you're feeding a baby), drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest. Set up a sleeping schedule so you and your partner can be completely off triplet duty for at least a few hours every day.

Join a multiples group in your area. Many of these groups help you find discounted baby supplies, may offer babysitting or baby assistance and may help out in other ways. In addition, you have a network of people you can call to ask advice about how to care for and parent your triplets.