Feeding three babies at once

Feeding three babies: what really matters at home

In the early weeks with twins, triplets or more, you might already have tried tube feeding, expressing, top-ups, bottle feeding or breastfeeding. By the time you arrive home, it can feel like you’ve already been on a long feeding journey.

The most important thing is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Feeding three babies is hard work, day and night. There isn’t one ‘right’ way to do it. What matters most is finding an approach that keeps everyone safe, works for your babies and feels manageable for your family.

You’ll probably change your routine more than once as your babies grow and their needs shift. That’s normal, not a sign you’re getting it wrong.

Keeping bottle feeds safe and connected

When all three babies seem hungry at once, it can be tempting to speed things up. You might feel drawn to propping bottles or using gadgets that claim to help babies feed on their own. Although understandable, prop feeding is not advised.

Self feeding pillows and prop feeder devices can cause serious harm, including choking and aspiration pneumonia. Babies may swallow extra air, which can cause discomfort and more wind. Feeding while lying flat also increases the risk of ear infections.

Holding your babies during feeds helps you spot early signs that something is not right, such as coughing, colour changes or milk leaking from the mouth. It also makes it easier to notice when the teat is flowing too fast or when a baby has had enough.

Feeding is about more than nutrition. Cuddling your babies, making eye contact and watching their cues helps you all build a close bond, even if you can’t hold all three every time.

Practical ways to juggle three hungry babies

With three babies, one will nearly always need to wait. That can feel upsetting, especially if one is crying while you feed the others. Many parents try to cope by using props or speeding through feeds, but the safest option is still to avoid propped bottles.

It is usually possible to feed two babies at the same time. This is called tandem feeding and many parents find it becomes easier as their babies grow and gain head control. Some families use a feeding pillow or two bouncy chairs, so two babies can be well supported while you hold the bottles and keep the third baby close by.

Feeding all three on your own at the same time is not advised. Staggering feeds by around 30 minutes means you can focus on each child in turn. This helps you respond to their individual needs and makes it easier to spot any feeding difficulties. In the early days, an extra pair of hands whenever you can get it can make a big difference.

Parents often discover creative set-ups that work for their family. You might:

• Sit two babies in bouncy chairs while you cuddle the third, swapping who gets the cuddles.
• Tandem feed two babies keep the third close to you in a rocker you can gently move with your foot.
• Use different settling methods such as dummies, music, white noise, slings or the pram so each baby has something that soothes them.

You can’t cuddle three babies at once, so rotating cuddles, finding different settling tricks and reminding yourself you’re doing your best can really help with guilt.

It’s completely normal to feel torn when more than one baby is crying. Having a few go-to calming methods and a loose plan for who you’ll feed first can give you more confidence.

Breastfeeding three babies in a way that works for you

It is possible to breastfeed three babies, but it may look different from feeding one baby. You might find:

• One baby latches easily while another seems to prefer expressed breast milk.
• A baby who breastfed well at first suddenly begins to refuse the breast.
• You need to combine breastfeeding with expressing and some bottle feeds.

Expressing can be physically and emotionally tiring, especially on very little sleep. Choosing to use some - or all - formula is sometimes the most realistic option for the whole family. Many parents feel guilty when feeding does not match their original plan, but feeding three babies often means adapting along the way. You’re still doing your best for your children.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, try to line up as much practical support as you can. Feeding specialists and peer supporters (LINK) who understand life with more than one baby can offer suggestions on positions, attachment and realistic routines. You can also explore our feeding support information (LINK) to help you think through what may work best for you and your babies.

Being kind to yourself as you care for three babies

Feeding three babies is a big, ongoing task. Some days will run more smoothly; others may feel completely overwhelming. That still doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent.

What matters most is that your babies are fed safely, held close and responded to, and that you have support around you.

Try to notice what’s going well, even if it feels small. Saying yes to help, resting when you can and loosening expectations can make this demanding stage more manageable.