Raising multiple babies

Preparing your home for 3 or more babies

It’s important to prepare your home if you are expecting multiple babies. The more planning you do before your babies are born, the better.

While you are pregnant, you can avoid some stress once your babies arrive by:

• organising your house and baby supplies
• organising your finances

What equipment will I need for my triplets (or more)?

If you have 3 or more babies, each baby will need their own:

• cot
• car seat

You can read more about sleep and multiple babies below.

There are prams available for multiple babies. A baby sling or pouch may also help you carry more than one baby.

Make sure all the baby equipment you buy complies with Australian standards, including any second-hand equipment you may be given. For more information on safe baby equipment, visit Product Safety Australia.

What supplies will I need for 3 or more babies?

It’s a good idea to set up easy access to supplies, such as:

• nappies
• wipes
• feeding equipment
• spare clothes

Each baby will need about 10 nappies per day. Make sure you have plenty of baby clothes, so you always have some spare.

What should I know about feeding multiple babies?

Feeding multiple babies can be a challenge at first. You can get support from:

• your midwife
• a lactation consultant — a health professional who can help you with breastfeeding
• community or child health nurses

Feeding premature babies

You may need help feeding multiple babies, especially if they are premature.

If your babies are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they may be fed at first through a tube. This tube runs through their nose and carries milk straight to their stomach.

Breastfeeding multiple babies

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby. Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs to develop and grow for their first 6 months. It is:

• easily digested
• convenient
• economical

Breast milk is especially important for low weight or premature babies. This is because it also helps them to fight infection.

Mothers of multiple babies planning on breastfeeding often worry that they can’t make enough milk. You can breastfeed multiple babies — breastfeeding works on 'supply and demand'. The more often your babies feed (or you express), the more milk you will make. Keep up a good supply by alternating babies between each breast.

You may find it helpful to keep records of every feed, at first. This will help you time feeding.

Breastfeeding positions

It’s possible to breastfeed 2 babies at the same time. There are different positions that can help with feeding 2 babies at once. You can experiment with these positions to find out what you are most comfortable with, such as the:

• the twin football hold
• laid-back position
• parallel hold
• front ‘v’ hold

The twin football hold involves placing one baby under each arm.

The laid-back position is where you lie back and lie both babies on your tummy.

The parallel hold can be used as your babies get older. This is where both babies lie in the same direction across your body, meeting at a right angle.

The front ‘v’ hold is where you hold your hands in your lap, and each baby leans against one arm. Your babies’ heads will be supported in the crook of your elbow.

It’s important to make sure each baby is feeding well and attached properly to the breast. When a baby attaches and sucks deeply, it helps them drain the breast. This helps you avoid sore nipples.

You may find it easier to breastfeed your babies separately. If you choose to feed your babies at the same time, you can:

• focus on mastering the ability to feed 2 babies at the same time
• bottle feed your other baby

Breastfeeding and expressing milk helps release the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin helps bonding between mother and baby.

Breastfeeding 3 or more babies can take a lot of time and patience. Accept all the support you can. Some breastmilk is better than none for your babies.

Bottle feeding

Bottle feeding can be done with expressed breast milk or with formula. You can bottle feed when you’ve finished feeding the first 2 babies. Otherwise, someone else could feed them at the same time.

Each time you feed, bottle feed different babies. That way, you will get a chance to bond with each baby.

Expressing milk

Your babies may not be able to breastfeed at first. You may choose to express and store your breast milk to feed them later.

Some parents decide to use a combination of breast and formula feeding. Introducing formula feeds can affect your breastmilk supply. If you decide to stop breastfeeding or expressing milk altogether, it’s hard to start breastfeeding again later.

Formula feeding

The World Health Organisation suggests that babies are breastfed for their first 6 months. This can be daunting for parents with 3 or more babies.

Many parents of multiple babies introduce formula feeding at some stage. It may also be necessary if you:

• don’t make enough breast milk
• have trouble breastfeeding one or more of your babies

There is a range of different formulas available. There are formulas that are suitable for small or premature babies. Follow the directions on the label and ensure to keep all the equipment sterile.

If you choose to formula feed, keep separate, clearly labelled bottles for each baby. This way, you can keep track of how much formula they are drinking.

Timing multiple babies' feeds

Feeding multiple babies is a skill that will become easier with time.

Each baby will have their own feeding patterns. You may need to adjust your feeding schedule to suit one or more of your babies.

You may choose to:

• feed your babies at the same time
• feed your babies separately
• feed the baby that wakes up first, then gently wake up the next baby

Sometimes, a sleepy baby may not feed so well.

There is no right or wrong way to time feeds for multiple babies. You will eventually find a routine that works for:

• you
• your babies
• your support network

What should I know about multiple babies and sleep?

Even if your babies shared a cot in hospital, it's safest for them to:

• have their own cot at home
• have their cot placed in the same room as an adult for the first 6 to 12 months

Putting your babies to bed at the same time will encourage them to develop similar sleep patterns.

Always follow safe sleeping guidelines by:

• placing the babies on their back
• keeping their head and face uncovered
• having a safe sleep environment

Sleep patterns

Your babies will start sleeping through the night when they are ready. Encourage night-time sleeping with:

• a calm, quiet environment
• a consistent routine

Sharing a cot

If you do sometimes need to put 2 or more babies in one cot:

• place them on their backs, head-to-head at opposite ends of the cot
• monitor them closely
• do not use bedding (a safe infant sleeping bag for each baby may be useful)

Your babies should not share a cot once they can move around.

What should I know about going out with multiple babies?

It can take a lot of planning to get out of the house out with multiple babies. Before you leave your home, make sure you are organised and have a good supply of:

• nappies
• wipes
• changes of clothes
• bottles and formula if you are using them

You might find it easier to travel with:

• one baby in a sling or pouch
• the others in a pram or stroller

Plan your route and try short outings at first.

How can I look after myself?

Multiple babies can be hard work, especially at first. It’s normal for parents of multiple babies to often feel exhausted and stressed.

Make sure you look after yourself by:

• eating healthily
• resting whenever you can
• finding and accepting support

Compared to parents of single babies, parents of multiple babies are at much higher risk of:

• exhaustion
• relationship stress
• postnatal depression
• anxiety

You may have postnatal depression if you are:

• feeling down
• feeling inadequate
• feeling anxious
• having trouble sleeping
• worrying excessively about your babies

Fathers can also experience paternal depression after the birth of children.

Older siblings and multiple babies

Having multiple babies affects the entire family, including your other children. You can help prevent potential sibling rivalry by:

• explaining the changes to your older children in advance
• involving them in the care of the babies

Make sure you spend time with your other children. It's normal if they take a while to get used to the new family unit.

Can I receive financial help after having multiple babies?

To help with the costs of raising multiple babies, you can get support from the government.

The Australian Government pays a Multiple Birth Allowance for families who receive Family Tax Benefit Part A. For more information, visit Services Australia.

What do I need to think about as my babies grow?

It may be hard to tell your babies apart at first. As they grow:

• you will start to recognise them as individuals
• they will develop their own personalities

You can help them develop their individuality by:

• dressing them differently
• giving each of your babies individual attention
• calling them by their individual names

Multiple babies often grow up having a special bond, but as they grow it’s important to encourage them to:

• have their own friends
• have their own interests
• spend time apart from each other

Try not to compare them with each other and remember to celebrate their individual achievements.

Complications from being born early

Multiple babies are more likely to be born prematurely (early), and have a higher risk of health issues or disability.

Having a child with disabilities brings its own unique rewards and challenges. Read more about parenting a child with disabilities.

Resources and support

You can join a support group through the Australian Multiple Birth Association, to speak with other parents of multiple babies for tips on what has worked for them. The Australian Multiple Birth Association also:

• has information on parenting multiple babies
• sells equipment for multiple babies

You can find resources on breastfeeding multiples through the Australian Breastfeeding Association. For help with breastfeeding, you can contact your midwife or lactation consultant. You can also call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268).

For more information on postnatal depression or anxiety, help and support, call the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) helpline on 1300 726 306.

For more information on safe sleeping visit Red Nose.