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I didn't forget you! Here is what I have to say about the car seat arrangement. I liked having two in the back, so if I had to sit near the kids while my husband was driving, I would have easy access to everyone. And I wanted a middle seat free for anyone else we may be riding with. (I didn't want to make any grandparents climb into the back seat) Our trick for a while was to take one of the middle seats out. We had it out for months, and it made going into the back so much easier. But because we have guests a lot, and we often use that seat for my niece who is with us all the time, we had to put it back in. You just have to get used the ducking, and maneuvering around seats with a child under your arm. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a jungle gym as I use one arm for my baby and another to guide us out gracefully. It's a always such a relief when the loading/unloading is done for the moment. I just consider it as part of my daily exercise.
It was a good, happy day when I let them walk to the car themselves, and climb into their seats, without worrying that they'd wander into the street on the way (although they still like to run off before they get to the car now and then, but usually come when I call...or yell). Or when all I had to do was unbuckle them, and they'd just climb out themselves. It's lovely. I still do a lot of carrying, lifting, and buckling when they're stubborn, lazy, asleep, or distracted, but it's definitely gotten easier as they've gotten older. The trickiest part is when they're asleep, and I want them to stay that way. There is no easy way to take a sleeping toddler from the back seat into the house.
Good luck with your decision. I have always thought the van is the best option for triplets. Among other great features, those power sliding doors have been a life-saver! -
Sorry I haven't responded is so long! I have been drowning in toddler triplethood, as I'm sure you understand. I'm sure this problem is solved by now, but in case anyone else comes along with the same question, I'll say what worked for me.
If they are all of the sudden picky, don't give up on that food, just take a break from it. My kids will eat bananas and eggs like crazy for week, and then won't touch them. Frustrating, but I think all kids have a phase like that. I just keep a list of what they liked at one point or another, and cycle through it when I think they're ready. Someone told me, don't worry about the day to day meals being balanced for toddlers, but think more about what they are getting over a two-week period. That has really kept me from stressing too much about their daily eating habits.
Changing up the routine helps too. Eating at the table instead of highchairs (if you dare) or on a picnic blanket on the floor. And of course, anything I'm eating tastes better than what they have (even if it's the same thing) so sometimes I pretend something is mine when I want them to eat it. We parent's have to have a few tricks up our sleeves.
Also, stuff whatever you can in a smoothie! Spinach, carrots, kale, peas, anything with the fruit, juice, yogurt or whatever else you add. My kids usually love a smoothie, and are trained to think they are always green (though sometimes we need to even take a break from those so they don't get tired of them. Gotta love toddlers!) If you want a detailed list of foods we like around here, let me know. -
When it was official that they weren't going to sleep during their second nap time, I turned the lights on low. We JUST got out of the book eating phase. We destroyed many many books. If you'd prefer toys, then go ahead and use those instead. Just do what you feel would work best with your situation.
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Well, I usually put them down around 11, and they sleep for roughly 2 hours. Sometimes they don't fall asleep right away, and sometimes they do. Sometimes it's longer, and sometimes it's shorter. And depending on how the nap goes determines their bed time. Shorter nap, earlier bed time. It has worked great for us.
Quiet time is usually between 3-4 and can last for up to an hour if they are happy in there for that long. Sometimes someone starts whining after 20 minutes, and if they're still crying in a few minutes, I'll take them out. Any quiet time is better than none. Sometimes they just need a reboot, and so do I. I'm fine if it's just 30 minutes so I can get something done or just lie down for a minute. They love the music and books, and are always laughing hysterically in there, so I think it's good for all of us. I hope to continue this quiet time well after their naps are gone. Starting a quiet time early is key. Then they are used to it and know that it's just part of the day. I highly recommend it. -
Oh yes, we all go to the store. I used to think moms were crazy to shop with their kids before I had mine, but now I see why they do it. It's a nice way to pass the time when you're taking care of babies all day long!. When they were just sitting up, I'd pile two in the back and one up front, or vice-versa if the carts were two-seaters. Or I'd strap one on me, and push the others in the double stroller. When I got my triple stroller, it became a lot easier to get out alone. And as long as I have drink and snacks, they are and always have been the perfect shopping companions. We go somewhere several times a week, and I'm a happier mom because of it. Just be prepared for the unsolicited comments to come flooding in!
Just curious, how old are your triplets? -
My need for constant help ended when the babies were about six months old. A strict sleep routine, a triple stroller, and bottle propping was what I needed to feel comfortable by myself. Everyone is different, but I found it was finally doable for me to be alone by then. Still hard and exhausting, but rotating between the doorway bouncers, Baby Einstein, and Bumbos (among other things), it was possible. Things change as they grow, but I can't stress how important a strict sleep schedule is at any age. If you know you have a nap time coming up, you can get through anything! And I also LOVE their 6:15 bedtime. I really thrive on having a solid schedule.
They did get easier in a lot of ways as they got older, but it also became hard again as they started to be more mobile and into things. With enough baby proofing, it was manageable again, but I really do have to keep my eyes on them a lot of the time so they don't climb on the table all day long. You just have to learn a few tricks, like putting bungee chords around the table and chairs so they don't use them as scaling devices, and keep all off limits doors closed at all times. You will get used to loading the car and highchairs by yourself, and even feel like sometimes it's almost too easy. You'll also find ways to go to the store alone, and come to the realization that it's alright that you can't do what other people can do with one toddler, like go to the park or pool alone. But I have managed to find things we can do, like play in the tennis courts because they are fenced in, or finding enclosed play areas where I know no one can run away. I really push myself to get out there and try to do regular things with them, and they have become great little shopping buddies because of their early introduction, as long as I have enough snacks and distractions to keep us all content.
They are ways to get through this tricky time as parent of multiples, you just have to find them. And I keep telling myself that it will pay off then they all go to school at the same time, and I am free to do whatever I want! Not to mention we got that extremely hard newborn stage of three infants all done at the same time, whereas other have to repeat that with every child.
I will say that when they are sick (because when one is, they all are) it's pretty tough. Especially because I usually catch it too. They are so needy, their noses are constantly running, and don't sleep well. I'm usually very spent by the time a bout of sickness is over. I try to keep a pretty strict quarantine during the winter to avoid too many sicknesses. Mostly for my sanity. And constantly taking kids to the doctor for ear infections, and asthma issues isn't my idea of fun. I had to call in some reinforcements when my kids all had RSV. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. That is something I had to learn.
Have fun in this new independent world you're entering. It really is thrilling, in a way, doing something you never thought you could do. Remember to get that shower in when you can. If you miss that opportunity, you never know when another will come along! And, when you do have help, enjoy it! My sister lives close by and I have really loved having someone I can trust to help when I need it, and to talk to during those long days. And when we have out of town visitors, I really try to put the extra hands to use, and do things I can't do on my own. You'll get so used to doing everything alone, that the extra help will be extremely rejuvenating.
Mine are definitely getting to an age where I can see the light at the end of this tricky toddler tunnel. It still hard, because their growing independence is as much of a hindrance as it is a help, but I love the all the time I have with them. This age extremely entertaining, and so lovable. And I'm not afraid to put in a movie when I need a break! Good luck. I hope that answers your question. Let me know if I can help with anything else! -
It IS tough. I remember. We're still in a little bit of a transition, with the triplets' nap being earlier than I'd like it to be, but it's hard to make it any later with how early my little ones wake up. And I am usually ready for a break too. We probably started the transition around 18 months, and that is about when they stopped taking their afternoon nap anyway. We moved their morning nap a little later every month or so, and soon it was late enough to get them through the day without becoming little crazies. Their nap was at 10-10:30 for a while, but I still put them in their cribs for an afternoon quiet time. And I have ever since. Most days, anyway. I just leave the lights on, turn on some music, and give them some books. It's been great for all of us. Cutting out naps is harder on me than it is on them!
Right now they start their nap between 11-12, because they wake up around 6 am. When they wake up later, their nap is a little later. Our goal is to eventually have it consistently around 12:30. So ease them into a mid-day nap slowly, and soon you'll find that they can stay up later without being too cranky. Some people just switch to a later nap cold turkey, without any transition, but that wouldn't work for us. Try to figure out what works for you.
When they finally got into the groove of one mid-day nap, they started taking nice long naps. Now they are about 2 1/2-3 hours, and sometimes they magically sleep even more than that. It's so wonderful, especially when they all decide to take a huge nap on the same day!
Good luck. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with. -
How kind of you to say. The triplets really did a number on my body during the pregnancy. I believe it was nursing in the beginning that helped me get the pregnancy weight off, but chasing the babies around after I stopped nursing has probably helped keep it off. Just getting in and out of the car is a workout! I've always been a stickler about portion control as well. I definitely have a sweet tooth that can be hard to manage at times, but I always try to keep my portions small.
Like most people, my weight definitely fluctuates (especially when I decide to give into any cravings or delicious looking recipe I find for a few days/weeks in a row). It can be frustrating, but I try to stay positive and make the right changes I need to stay healthy. I am just starting to begin a new workout routine since the pregnancy, and it feels great. It's mostly for my mental well being (that quiet morning break from the kids is quite a luxury) but I welcome any physical perks as well. I'm always looking for improve myself in all areas, and I think exercise is good for so many things.
Although my body is nowhere near what it was pre-triplets, my kids are worth all my stretch marks, and more. -
Sorry it took me to answer this question, anonymous asker!
My husband grew up using a White Mountain hand crank machine. So before we were married I surprised him with one (a different brand, though) for Christmas. It makes a lot, six quarts, which is nice for a crowd, but you have to have ice and rock salt on hand, so it's a bit more work. But kids love to help crank it, and the ice cream is always delicious. It did come with a motor attachment as well.
We don't always want to go through that whole process to make ice cream, and sometimes just want a small batch, so I'm planning on buying the KitchenAid ice cream bowl attachment soon. I'm excited for that.
There are so many great options out there that I don't have any experience with. Good luck in finding what works for you! -
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We bought ours used for $275, but it was a huge hassle to get a toddler seat for an older model (like, we had to have it sent from Australia-and we had to pay more for it). It was still a great deal in the end, so you might want to look into used ones if you want to pay a little less. I've seen them a lot on Craigslist, and even at some consignment shops. It's helps to look around.
The seat definitely does not have to be taken off when folding it up. It takes a little time to learn how to fold and unfold it quickly, but we have it down now, and it fits in the back of the van perfectly. -
Ours is the Twin Runabout, or something like that, but it's old, so I'm not sure what they sell that is comparable now. It sounds like an awesome deal, so I would definitely look into it. Their customer service is really great. I would call then and tell them the model you are looking into, and if it's compatible with the toddler seat. They should be able to help you with any questions you have. Good luck. And have fun with your Valco. I love mine more than I can say!
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We started out using very simple Gerber 5 oz. bottles, since they were very similar to what they nurses used in the NICU. They have been great. When the triplets got a little older, around 6 months, we added these bottle straws for a little juice now and then (mostly water), and have been using them every day until just a couple weeks ago:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Self-feeding-Bottle-Straw-Stainless/dp/B000H6ONJ6/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1310422480&sr=8-15
They were great for outings because they kept the kids content and quiet. When they stopped formula at a year old, we used them for their whole milk, along with regular sippy cups on occasion. I loved them because they were a great transition from bottle to sippy cup, and they were easy for me to keep them hydrated without much of a mess. We got pretty attached to those, but when we recently lost one on an outing, I finally decided it was time to switch to sippy cups full time. They are going to be two soon, after all.
Now we just use a couple different kinds of cups. Some have straws which we love for smoothies, and when they are eating meals so they can drink faster, and we also have the two-handled kind which are nice because they don't leak as much when they are carrying them around the house. They had to learn how to tilt those back, something they never had to do with their bottle straws, but they are getting the hang of it. We just use a variety, so I'm not hooked on any, and don't really have a great recommendation. I'll just say that those bottle straws were one of the best purchases I ever made as a new mom of triplets. I hope that helps! -
I usually just set a time that I would start getting babies out, and really hold off getting anyone out until then. That way I knew I had that block of time for me, no matter who woke up. With my babies being very individual about their sleep habits, I tried to train them to stay happily in their cribs even when they woke up earlier than I wanted them to. I believe we can train our children to what we need, to a certain degree of course. I think they eventually will learn to either just go back to sleep because they know it's not time to get up, or just be content in their cribs until it was time to get up. You have to be a little strict about things like this when you are working with more than one baby if you want any time to yourself. I found that I really really need a chunk of time to myself to make it through the day in one piece, so I really try to stick my my rules when it comes to naps.
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I think our feeding schedule was about like that. They would eat probably every 3 1/2 to 4 hours. I remember that age being a transitional time with nap dropping, and teething, etc. It was hard to keep a strict schedule when they'd wake up at a different time every morning (between 5-6), and their naps being a bit inconsistent. But they did have about 4 feedings (when they woke up in the morning, and after each nap) and one quick bottle before bed to top them off. I don't think it was exactly by the books, but like I said, it was a transitional time. You could try a 3 1/2 hour schedule to make the bedtime a little earlier. This is about what ours looked like (except it started around 6 instead of 8):
8- wake up, eat
9:30-nap
11:30-wake up, eat
1-nap
3-wake up, eat
4:30-nap
6:30-wake up, eat
7:30 top off,
8-bedtime
Of course, their naps hardly ever lasted two hours, but that was the ideal schedule for that particular age. Anyway, that's just one idea. I hope that answers your question.
My philosophy is, the earlier the bedtime, the better. But, If you do want an earlier bedtime, you might have to deal with an earlier wake time. You can make your babies' schedule into whatever works for you. So if putting them down later means they wake up later and you like that, keep doing it. But I think most kids sleep better when they go to bed earlier. And my kids always wake up early, so the decision to put them down so early started because of that. But I love that early bed time so much, I'm telling you! It's so much easier to get a babysitter for triplets when they are asleep! We can leave for date night at 6:30 if we want, and then I'm not too tired to go out and have fun. It's just worked great for us, so I hope you find what works well for your family. -
Yes, my kids have always had a pretty early bedtime, between 6-7 (sometimes as early as 5:45 on the days when they didn't nap well). For my kids, and I think for most kids, they sleep more soundly when they go to bed early because they aren't overtired. They do wake up pretty early, but I am also a morning person, so it works out great for me. And it means I get a nice break in the evening to spend however I want! That's quite a luxury around here.
We wanted to train them very early on to be able to fall asleep on their own. We did A LOT of rocking when they were newborns. I swear those rocking chairs never stopped! But I knew if I wanted to eventually care for them on my own (I had a lot of help in those first few months) I wouldn't be able to rock them all to sleep for every nap and bedtime. For a while, we swaddled with pacifiers, which they really did well with. We eventually got rid of those, and had to re-train them to sleep without them. Ever since, all we do at any bedtime is turn on their lullabies in the living room while we read a book or two, let them have a little milk, and then head to the nursery. Sometimes they even walk to the door by themselves and wait for use to let them in. We put them in their cribs, give them a little blanket, turn on the white noise and say "night night", and that's that. Of course sometimes they play for a while (or laugh hysterically at who-knows-what), and sometimes they fuss a little, but they always fall asleep pretty quickly. Most days we don't hear a peep once the door is closed at night. I'm pretty strict about leaving them in their cribs all night, except when they're sick of course. They really learn to put themselves back to sleep that way. It's been an amazing thing to be able to just put them in bed at 6:30, and just be done for the night. After a hard, long day, that early and quick bedtime routine has been a lifesaver for me! And the kids have been great to obey our rules--most of the time.
Their sleep schedule has been a constantly evolving thing, depending on their age, and if there is sickness or traveling, etc. involved. They now take two naps, at around 9 or 10, and 1 or 2, depending on when they wake up. And by some miracle for the last week they been sleeping from 6:15 pm, until about 7:15 or ever later! Never thought that day would come! Usually they only need about 11 hours of night sleep, which unfortunately had them waking up around 5:30 sometimes, but I got used to it. But with their second nap starting to go, they seems to make up for it at night, which is lovely. I hope it sticks for a little while.
Whew! Long explanation. Their sleep habits have always been a project for me. It's a bit of a science, really, making sure they are sleeping enough, and at the right times. We have our hiccups, but mostly do well at keeping our schedule and rules. I'll always say that sleep training my kids was the best thing I ever did for me and them.
Thanks for the question! -
I fed my kids in the bumbos for a long time. I just sat in front of them on the floor, and they worked great. Until they could squirm out of them, and were making more of a mess, that is. Then I moved them to the booster seats. I now have those on folding chairs with a waterproof tablecloth beneath them to catch all the food that inevitably drops. Three kids can make quite a mess! Ugh.
Try your local Costco for the carseats. In fact, they are on the Costco website for a little under $100. Still a great price. There are other seats for a good price there as well.
I don't know exactly what advice you are looking for, but something I have really loved having are these bottle straws:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Self-feeding-Bottle-Straw-Stainless/dp/B000H6ONJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298661495&sr=8-1
We use those things all day long. Especially when we went from formula to whole milk, they seemed to be easier to deal with than three sippy cups in my opinion. And they can drink from them as they play. They have also been a must any time I take them to the store, park, etc. They are very happy to have juice or milk in them as we shop. Don't know what I'd do without them.
Also, I don't know your stroller situation, and I'm sure you have it all figured out, but I will recommended our stroller until the day I die. It is a Valco Twin Runabout with an attachable toddler seat. Here are some pictures from my blog:
http://teedle.blogspot.com/2010/09/that-just-make-my-day.html
I really can't say enough good things about it. It is narrow enough to fit through any doorway, and very compact. The babies love it too. A must have for any mother of triplets.
Hope that helps! -
Good to hear from a fellow triplet mom! I LOVED the 7 1/2 month stage. I hope you are enjoying it too.
When the kids were in the NICU we found a van we couldn't pass up. We got a KIA Sedona, and absolutely love it. We had heard such great things about the Toyota and Honda vans, but with the cost of those being almost double the KIA's price, we just went for it. The reviews were good, and it had everything we wanted. I am a proud mini-van driving mom! We took out one of the middle captain chairs for the first year and half to give us easier access to the back seat where two of the car seats were. The other was obviously in the other captain chair. It was so nice to have that space to maneuver, and for gear. And the power doors are so lovely.
We went the booster seat route, rather than high chairs. A friend was selling one, so I bought two more identical ones and called it good.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Healthy-Care-Deluxe-Booster/dp/B0000DEW8N
They are so easy to fold up and out of the way if we need the space, and they can use them for years. We have also taken them with us to a friend's house. It's pretty hard to feed three squirmy babies without highchairs, so the portability has been awesome.
We (well, just my husband, actually) did SO much research on our infant car seats, so naturally I thought we'd go through the same process for the next set. But when I saw an amazing deal one day at Costco, I coudn't pass it up. We got the Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite seats. They were something like $65 each (marked down from $87)! Definitely a steal. Gotta love those kinds of deals when you buy things three at a time. We're not like other families where you can buy one car seat and use it for your next three kids, so you really have to be smart when buying those big ticket items. They are pretty big, but have great reviews, and the kids love them.
Thanks for the questions. I'm happy to help in any way. Have fun with your trio! I couldn't live without mine. -
How kind of you to ask. I think that ship has sailed. My new life as a mom of triplets has taken over for now. It wasn't really a well-developed blog anyway. There are so many better food blogs out there. I hope you find one you like. Thanks for asking.
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I am so happy to answer this one, as sleep training is near and dear to my heart. I own On Becoming Babywise, by Ezzo and Bucknam, and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child (and also the twin version of this book), by Weissbluth, Both are awesome references and can really help you on your way to a happily sleeping baby.
While books are great, the best thing I did was talk to another mother of triplets that had her babies going to sleep on their own, and staying asleep through the night by 8 weeks! She swore by Babywise, so that's the method she helped me achieve. I'd have to say that is my first recommendation. It's a grueling process for a week or two, but then it's pure bliss. Freedom to do whatever you please while the baby sleeps like an angel. Of course, every baby is different, and we've had our fair share of ups and downs with teething, sickness, etc. but they always return to the good habits they were taught from the beginning.
All this talk about sleeping is making me tired. Babies are napping, so I think I will too. Good luck!
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Emily’s Bio
I am the mom to my little triplets, identical boys and a sweet girl. My life mostly cosists of rocking, changing, feeding, bathing, smooching, and cuddling them. And I LOVE it.
