How to Fit Triplets Into Car Seats
Parents of triplets can have a difficult time putting the babies into car seats. Triplets are typically born a few weeks ahead of schedule, which can mean that they are too small to fit in some types of car seats. You must take special care to have car seats that are safe for your little ones. You'll need your car seats before you can take the babies home from the hospital, so purchase and install car seats ahead of time.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 car seats with manufacturer's instructions
- Several towels and blankets
Instructions
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1
Select infant car seats. Take note that some car seats are meant for children that weigh more than 20 pounds. You need ones made for infants. Pay specific attention to the minimum weight limit. Triplets are likely to be smaller than singles, so you'll need a low minimum weight limit.
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2
Install the car seats in your car according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is one of the biggest challenges for new parents, as many compact cars are not able to fit three car seats across the back. You may need to purchase a minivan to accommodate all three car seats. Infant car seats must face the rear of the vehicle.
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3
Position the straps on the lowest level. Your car seats will have three or more positions for the straps. You'll need the lowest hole for your tiny triplets.
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4
Strap your babies in. Place each baby in his own car seat and connect the straps. Tighten them so that they are snug, but not too tight. You can do this in the hospital so that the nurses can check that you are doing it right. Most infant car seats have two latches to secure around the baby, one across the baby's chest, and another between the baby's legs.
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Roll up towels and position them around your babies. The triplets will look small in the car seats, and they do not have the muscle control to keep themselves in position as the car moves. To help this, take several small blankets or towels and roll them into tubes. Place them around your babies--to their sides and around their heads.
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Tips & Warnings
A traditional head support is likely to be too large for newborn triplets. You're better off sticking with the towels.
Many police or fire stations offer a car seat inspection service free of charge. An officer or firefighter will look at your car seats and adjust them to that they are at the correct angle for safety.
Some stores offer discounts on buying car seats in multiples.
