Hello fellow triplet parents,

It has been quite awhile since I have had the chance to actually log on to the site.My triplets are now 14 months old. I couldn't see this far down the road only months ago, but the time has really went fast!For those of you that are past this age or those that are also at this age with your toddlers, I could use some help....

Feeding- What are you feeding them at this stage, I'm running out of finger foods (it has to be finger foods) they will only eat if they can feed themselves at this point.( Also, the triplet table is not working for us any longer).

Transporting- I have a triplet jogger, but it is too big-wide, they have outgrown the carseats for the triple decker stroller, I have a triplet Inglesina but purchased it second hand and cannot find a basket to fit underneath the stroller.

Pacifiers- They have been done with the bottle since they were 10 months old, but I can't get rid of the darn pacifers- HELP!

Playing together- Will they ever play together long enough to allow me to get a few things done around the house? The minute I lift my leg to go over the gate to the playroom- they all run to grab my legs and throw tantrums, so my house is suffering tremendously.

I am still in complete aaw with these three precious gifts from heaven. I am completely in love with these babies, I would just like to make our home more liveable, and our outings just a tiny bit less complicated and feeding time more enjoyable for all of us.

All ideas, suggestions, comments will be greatly appreciated.

Mom to the Harvey Triplets

Hi!

My boys are now 27 months so I will try and help you out based on what I can remember.
Feeding-When we started finger foods, we fed them everything that we ate and just cut it into appropriate sizes. At that stage, I fed them what ever we were having for dinner (lasagna, chicken, casseroles, meatloaf, turkey burgers, etc.) and just diced it up for them. Other easy main courses were grilled cheese, omelets, hot dogs, lunch meat, macaroni and cheese, noodle side dishes with canned tuna or diced chicken and vegetables added, chunky style soups with most of the liquid drained, etc). They also liked diced fruits (especially peaches, apples, pears, bananas) and vegetables (broccoli and canned green beans were hits). They also loved cubes of bread or cheese. For snacks we used crackers, Teddy Grahams, pretzels, Gold Fish, etc. Sometimes it creates a big mess, but I really got used to just cleaning up yucky trays and bibs.
Transport-When we outgrew the carseats for the Triple Decker, we converted it with the Bell bicycle seats from Walmart. There is lots of information on this website about how to do that. Once we outgrew these (about 22 months), we got a Choo-Choo. They are made by Step 2, but out of production right now so you have to try and find a used one. I paid $75 for my 3 seater. I use this if I am by myself. If there are 2 adults, we still use a double and single stroller. I loved my Triple Decker and find the Choo Choo much more difficult to use, but it is the best solution for transport that I know.
Pacifiers-My guys never took pacifiers, but we had trouble with the bottle to sippy transition. After 3 failed trys, I took the advice of a quad mom.....go cold turkey. I offered them nothing, but sippies and we got it done. It took 5 days with my son that held out the longest, but once it was done, it was done. I took the bottles out of sight on the first day and never let them see them again. Maybe you can try this with their pacifiers.
Playing Together-My guys can routinely play in their gated off playroom for 2 or 3 hours with me checking on them periodically (every 15 minutes or so). We started right off the bat putting them in there in going longer and longer periods of time leaving them in there by themselves. This is when I get the majority of my housework, laundry, etc. done. At first they would whine when I left the room, but I would stay out of sight but within earshot. It usually took less than 5 minutes for everybody to be playing happily. Over time, they got used to me telling them that I was going to go do some work and would be back to play some more. Now they rarely cry when I leave.
Hope the above helps and hang in there!

Beth

>Hi!
>
>My boys are now 27 months so I will try and help you out based
>on what I can remember.
>Feeding-When we started finger foods, we fed them everything
>that we ate and just cut it into appropriate sizes. At that
>stage, I fed them what ever we were having for dinner
>(lasagna, chicken, casseroles, meatloaf, turkey burgers, etc.)
>and just diced it up for them. Other easy main courses were
>grilled cheese, omelets, hot dogs, lunch meat, macaroni and
>cheese, noodle side dishes with canned tuna or diced chicken
>and vegetables added, chunky style soups with most of the
>liquid drained, etc). They also liked diced fruits (especially
>peaches, apples, pears, bananas) and vegetables (broccoli and
>canned green beans were hits). They also loved cubes of bread
>or cheese. For snacks we used crackers, Teddy Grahams,
>pretzels, Gold Fish, etc. Sometimes it creates a big mess,
>but I really got used to just cleaning up yucky trays and
>bibs.
>Transport-When we outgrew the carseats for the Triple Decker,
>we converted it with the Bell bicycle seats from Walmart.
>There is lots of information on this website about how to do
>that. Once we outgrew these (about 22 months), we got a
>Choo-Choo. They are made by Step 2, but out of production
>right now so you have to try and find a used one. I paid $75
>for my 3 seater. I use this if I am by myself. If there are
>2 adults, we still use a double and single stroller. I loved
>my Triple Decker and find the Choo Choo much more difficult to
>use, but it is the best solution for transport that I know.
>Pacifiers-My guys never took pacifiers, but we had trouble
>with the bottle to sippy transition. After 3 failed trys, I
>took the advice of a quad mom.....go cold turkey. I offered
>them nothing, but sippies and we got it done. It took 5 days
>with my son that held out the longest, but once it was done,
>it was done. I took the bottles out of sight on the first day
>and never let them see them again. Maybe you can try this
>with their pacifiers.
>Playing Together-My guys can routinely play in their gated off
>playroom for 2 or 3 hours with me checking on them
>periodically (every 15 minutes or so). We started right off
>the bat putting them in there in going longer and longer
>periods of time leaving them in there by themselves. This is
>when I get the majority of my housework, laundry, etc. done.
>At first they would whine when I left the room, but I would
>stay out of sight but within earshot. It usually took less
>than 5 minutes for everybody to be playing happily. Over
>time, they got used to me telling them that I was going to go
>do some work and would be back to play some more. Now they
>rarely cry when I leave.
>Hope the above helps and hang in there!
>
>Beth

Hi Beth,

Thanks for sharing. Iv'e tried ( and still offer) most of the things that you've meationed- my kids don't care for meat,graham crackers, goldfish or just about anything crunchy was a hit for a little while and now they act as though they are bored with those foods & snacks. For the last two weeks fruits & veggies has been a big hit, anything berries, strawberries, bluberries, blackberries & rasberries. They are not too much on apples, pears, melons & oranges. They are loving anything noodles right now and two of the three turn their noses up to peanut butter. Veggies are okay most days and one of the three doesn't like bread. I just keep offering different foods, and it is usually a coin toss if they will eat good or not.I'll try taking the pacifiers cold turkey- I guess I'm not ready for the crying spells. I'll do a search for the bell seats to convert the triple decker, I wish I could find the step2 wagon, Iv'e been on a hunt for that since the triplets were tiny babies with no luck.

Two or three hours to get chores done sounds like heaven! Mine throw tantrums when I leave the room, even with someone else still in the room with them. Wish me luck, I'll keep trying.

The Harvey Triplets Mom

My kids are 4, so the memory is a little hazy, BUT:

FEEDING: We used the Chicco hook-on chairs. They take up way less space than high chairs. No help with the food, sorry.

TRANSPORT: we used the Valco runabout. It is a double jogger with a booster seat. It fits through doorways, which was key for me, and is so easy to push. It is pricey. Everything we had was hand-me-down, but we did pay full-price for this. It was worth it for the freedom!

PACIS: They are a pain. My dr. said not to worry too much about them until they start really talking, so they don't impede their speech. Two of mine just gave theirs up at about 10 months. The other was a challenge. Finally got rid of it around age 2.

Good luck!

Susan

I dont know how much help I can be since I have a lot of the same questions but here it goes.

We use high chairs so no help on the feeding table. My kids are really picky eaters but here's a list of what I have gotten them to eat. I try to give them what we eat but most of the time they won't eat it.

Breakfast: eggs (microwaved or omlets, easier to pick up) french toast sticks, waffles, bannanas, pancakes, oatmeal (i can only feed them this if I give them their own spoons and encourage them to dip it in, then I feed them with my spoon).

Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwich (their favorite, Peanut butter and jelly, cream cheese and jelly, Turkey and cheese sandwich, and yogurt (they LOVE yogurt).

Snack: String Cheese cut into little pieces or Gerber cerel bars, goldfish crackers, cheerios, or any kind of crackers.

Dinner: The hardest meal for them: Chicken nuggest cut into pieces, meatbals, mac & cheese, pasta with butter, canned string beans. I continue to try and give them our food, but it's very iffy.

Sorry no help on the transporting since I'm in a similiar situation, when me and my husband go out together I found a double and a single umbrella stroller work the best, but I'm still looking for something that will work good as a triple.

No help on the paci's since all mine still have them

My kids have just gotten to the point that they will play together for a very short time until someone tackles someone or pulls their hair or takes their toy (usually my one bully who is ironically the smallest ) So I find i still have to be very close by to supervise.

JILL MOM TO
KOURTNEY 3 LBS 1 OZ
KEEGAN 2 LBS 1 OZ
KARVER 1 LB 10 OZ
10/4/08 @ 29 weeks

Hi, my girls are 21 months now and my memory is a bit hazy however the best advice I received regarding pacifiers was to cut a slit into the top of the paci. This worked great for my girls. After a few frustrating moments they gave up the pacifiers during the day. We still allow them pacifiers during nap and at bedtime (some battels are better left un-fought for now LOL) but not during waking hours.

As far as playing together, mine are playing together some and parallel playing other times. Don't worry soon you will be hoping that they would leave each other alone and stop ganging up on you! God Bless and have fun!

When we got rid of our triplet table we bought booster seats from Target that strap on to a chair and then they have a strap to keep the kids locked in! (I love having them strapped in ) I think the brand we bought was Princes, but they have all different types.

www.doubledeckerstroller.com sells the toddler sets for the triple decker. It transports pretty easy and my kids love it!

My kids still go through stages of not playing well together. I think they just all want to be with Mommy, which is great, but some time for house work is great too!

Rachel

BGG 3/20/07 - 32 weeks

Chase 4 lbs
Carolyn 4 lbs 1 oz
Charlene 2 lbs 11 oz

www.chapmancrew.blogspot.com

14-20 months is a tricky age with a lot of adjusting. And just when you think you have a good "system" down, it changes again.

Anyway,

Feeding: At 14 months we fed them what we ate. In fact, we'd feed the kids the dinner that we ate the night before. We just cut everything up. It's a VERY messing feeding stage. We let them use spoons and forks (we gave them yogurt, mac&cheese, etc). Favs for breakfast: waffles, oatmeal, eggs, fruit, pancakes, cereal
Lunch: deli meat, cheese, pb&jelly sanwiches, noodles, grilled cheese, chicken salad, crackers, etc
Dinner: spaghetti, chicken nuggets, frozen veggies, turkey, pizza, etc

We had 3 chairs that hooked onto our backed bar stools and we fed them that way. We also had (and still use) those chairs that hook on to the side of the table. During the summer they ate a ton of meals outside at a little picnic table

Transporting: we used our choo choo wagon almost exclusively. Any sort of wagon may be a good way to go. I found transportation to be REALLY frustrating at this age. At 2 it starts to get easier because they can hold hands and walk together into places.

Pacifiers: Keep 'em. Our DS used his until he was a little over 2. I pricked a pin in the end and then eventually just too it away and he was fine. My 20 month DD still uses one now and eventually well just go cold turkey. But for now she has it when she sleeps and I take it for car rides or when she is going to any sort of child care on her own (church nursery).

Playing together: It'll get better. And when you are out of eye shot, they will do SO much better. Put them in a playroom, set out some toys and then leave. They may scream at first (and the first couple of times), but they will get used to it. If they are still throwing a temper tantrum after 5 minutes, pick them up, put them in their crib and close the door. When they pull it together they can go back to play. Repeat if necessary and they will get the hang of it. They aren't suffering, remember, you are teaching them a valuable skill to play independantly. It is much more kind to teach them the lesson at this age than at age 3 or 5.
Hang in there! I am responding at such length only because I know I felt like I hit some sort of wall at about 14-15 months. Hang in there. It's a 6 month period of transition between babies and toddlers. Don't be afraid to try new things and then quit them if they aren't working for you. It's trial and error and your kids will end up just fine!

Tiffany
BBG @ 31.4 weeks
on 11/27/06
3.11
3.6
2.14



baby girl born on 7/24/08

Feeding- We give everything as finger food since they want to feed themselves. Even rice. Yes it's messy, but they will only learn by doing it. We also give plastic bowls and spoons. Yes it ends up dumped frequently, we give small amounts at a time. We do high chairs for my triplets and my daughter sits at a booster seat (one that has straps to strap her in). We pull the high chairs up to the table instead of using the trays, I'd like to move to booster seats soon.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, cream cheese sandwich cut into tiny cubes, yogurt (usually with cheerios mixed inside so they can try to spoon feed themselves), cheerios, oatmeal, fruit (banana, apples, applesauce, grapes cut into tiny pieces, strawberries, blueberries, melon, cantaloupe, mango, etc.), cut up pieces of toast, cut up french toast, pancakes

Lunch and dinner: I find it easier to think in terms of food groups. I do do a veggie, fruit, dairy, protein, and starch at each meal. Keep in mind a serving is about a tablespoon at this age. I offer a tablespoon of each food group to start, and if they finish everything I offer more. I tend to keep veggies readily available and give them the veggies while I cook the rest of the meal, they tend to eat the veggies if they are hungary and that's all that's in front of them.

Veggies: I buy a lot of frozen veggies and cook them...mixed veggies, corn, green beans, carrots, peas, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, etc....there are tons of varieties in the store I buy five favorites and two new to try every week.

Fruit: Same list as in breakfast foods

Dairy: Cheese, yogurt, or milk

Protein: Cut up chicken, pork, or turkey (often marinated or in soup broth), hummus, tofu, meatballs, quinoa, or veggie burger

Starch: sandwiches, rice, pasta, bread, crackers, etc.

Transporting- I use a double stroller and an ergo baby carrier for the third baby, and have taught my two-year-old to walk with me by holding on to the stroller. I just can't stand huge bulky strollers, but that's just a personal preference. I'm starting to teach my 14 month olds to walk holding on the stroller (just one at a time, the other two are strapped in).

Pacifiers- I think cold turkey is the only way, but be prepared!! If you take it away, and then give it back...that's the worst thing you can do..then next time you try to take it away they will just wonder how long they have to cry until they get it back and they will cry and cry. Try to transition them to another comfort object, like a blanket or small stuffed animal. Put the comfort item in their crib whenever they sleep, and have it around during the day, "Oh no, you fell down, here let me hold you and here is your blankie". DISCLAIMER: Make sure you have extras of these comfort items in case one gets lost!! Stay consistent with the comfort item for a little bit of time, then plan a week where you can have some help, maybe dh is on vacation or you have a friend or mother or mother-in-law. Then just do it, and have your helper during that week let you take a nap during the day in case you are not getting much sleep at night or hold you back from giving them the pacifier when its 2 am and they've been crying for an hour.

Playing together- I have basically toddler proofed my whole house. On each level of my house, the kids can run around and play on the level I'm working on. I close off unsafe rooms so they have the hallway and 1-3 rooms on each level that they can play safely in. We have had to relocate a lot of furniture in able to do this, but it is very much worth it. When they need it, they can stay close by while I cook/fold laundry/etc. and when they are feeling more independent they can toddle off and play. I have a lot of "helpers" and it takes me about 8 times as long to do everything, but it works for us.