Caring for more than one baby at a time costs far more than caring for a single child. Our research shows an extra £20,000 in the first year alone.
We're calling for increased maternity pay for parents of twins, triplets or more. We believe maternity pay should be paid per baby, not per pregnancy. This is about fairness and making sure every family has the support they need during this crucial period.
Take action
We're campaigning for fairer maternity pay for families with twins, triplets or more. You can help by emailing your MP and asking them to raise this issue in Parliament.
How high are the costs of having twins, triplets or more?
Our State of the Nation research shows the significant financial pressure on families with multiples.
There is an upfront cost of over £2,000 to buy double or triple of many essentials. This includes nappies, bouncy chairs, car seats, bottles and more, all at once. People having single babies can buy one set then hand them down. Families with multiples do not have that option.
Families with twins, triplets or more also face a sharp drop in income - estimated to be £12,500 in the first year alone. Many families need to buy a new vehicle and some have to move home to have enough safe space for their children.
All this comes before the cost of childcare is even considered.
Why maternity pay should be per baby
The current Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) system does not reflect the realities of life with multiples. Despite higher financial and caregiving demands, maternity entitlements are the same as for a single baby.
Families with twins, triplets or more are more likely to experience complicated pregnancies. Many parents have to start maternity leave earlier than planned. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is not available in the four weeks before the due date. Mothers who become unwell during this time have to move to SMP and Statutory Maternity Leave (SML). This can shorten the time they have at home with their babies after the birth.
The financial strain on families with multiples is greater, yet SMP still follows one standard structure: 90% of a mother's average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, followed by up to 33 weeks at £172.48 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. These entitlements are given per pregnancy, not per child.
— Pause for thoughtWhy is it a mother with two separate pregnancies in the same year receives maternity benefits for each, instead of the single allocation a mother with twins receives?
We believe a fair system should recognise the extra costs and challenges that come with multiples. By adjusting maternity benefits to reflect these realities, we can offer better support and create greater parity for families raising twins, triplets or more.
What change could mean for families
Change would help to improve financial stability and reduce financial strain.
The additional pay and leave would give parents more time at home without the pressure of going back to work too soon. This is especially important if babies have been in neonatal care, had medical problems or if parents are coping with trauma from the birth, the stress of caring for multiples or postnatal depression.
A fairer system, combined with more affordable childcare, would also make it easier for women to return to the workplace. This benefits families, employers and the wider economy.
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