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What Is It Like to Be a Parent of Triplets?
Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 30, 2011
When folks learn that I’m a mom of triplets, the first question is often about daily life with three little ones. My go-to response is something like, “It’s just as wild as you’d expect… chaotic” or “Picture three of your child.” However, many can’t truly comprehend that experience. Before becoming a triplet mom, I was in the same boat. I recall observing my cousin with her twins while my oldest was just a year old and thinking I’d never manage twins. Luckily, I was spared that challenge and jumped straight into the world of triplets.
The Reality of Raising Triplets
So, what’s the reality of raising triplets? Here’s a glimpse from my journey with my triplet toddlers:
Having triplets means washing pee-soaked sheets nearly every morning thanks to bedwetting. It’s using 212 newborn diapers in just over a week. You’ll find yourself fielding personal questions, such as ‘were they conceived naturally?’ or the rather blunt ‘did you have intimate relations three times in one night to end up with triplets?’ You’ll go through a pitcher of formula every day and hear a constant chorus of “me too’s.”
You’ll be the mom that other parents eye with skepticism because your children often travel as a pack, yet there’s a secret thrill in knowing they’ve got each other’s backs. Plus, you gain a little free time since they always have a buddy to play with that isn’t you.
Imagine a scenario where one child is shoving a t-shirt into the toilet, another is coloring on the wall, and the third is leaping off the couch—all at once. It’s a perpetual headcount at parks or play areas because they’re rarely all together outside your home. You might feel like a failure when one baby has to cry it out since your arms can only hold two at a time.
You’ll find yourself pleading with the universe for just two hours of uninterrupted sleep because that’s all you need to keep going. And amidst it all, you’ll hope that the smell of baby vomit will eventually transform into a designer fragrance, as you constantly smell of it due to having triplet infants with reflux.
You’ll forever drive a minivan and experience overwhelming joy when three little voices say “I love you, Mommy” in unison. Expect judgmental looks and eye-rolls from strangers, yet relish the ability to rock, burp, and feed a baby simultaneously. Tripping over a child who’s always underfoot becomes a regular occurrence, as does frantically hunting for three different lovies to soothe cranky toddlers into naptime.
You’ll learn to decipher the simultaneous stories being told by three kids at once and strive to help each child appreciate being a triplet while nurturing their individuality. With everything that comes your way, you’ll find pride in simply getting dressed and stepping out of the house with triplets in tow.
In essence, having triplets is a unique blend of challenges and joys. It might sound overwhelming, but it’s a wild ride worth experiencing! And who knows, after reading this, you might even feel inspired to have three kids in one go—just like I did!
Additional Resources
For more insights about pregnancy and the journey of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy or explore our blog about home insemination for additional guidance. If you’re looking to boost fertility, Make a Mom offers some great supplements to consider.
Summary
Being a parent of triplets is an exhilarating adventure filled with chaos, laughter, and love. From the everyday challenges of diaper changes and sleepless nights to the joy of watching your little ones support each other, every moment is unique. Whether it’s managing multiple tantrums or simply finding time for yourself, the experience shapes you in ways you never expected.