The Financial Strain of Raising Multiples: A Deep Dive into the Challenges Faced by Families with Twins and Triplets
By Megan Harwood-Baynes, cost of living specialist
When Monique Bertrand discovered she was pregnant with triplets at just eight weeks, she was filled with a mix of joy and disbelief. Having been told she could never conceive, Monique had been contemplating foster care when life threw her a curveball. However, the excitement of welcoming three new lives into her family soon turned into a daunting financial reality that pushed her family to the brink of bankruptcy.
The Financial Impact of Multiples
Recent research commissioned by the charity Twins Trust reveals that families with twins or triplets face a staggering financial burden, with an estimated £20,000 hit in the first year after birth compared to families with children born sequentially. This financial strain is exacerbated by the fact that families of multiples often experience a 15% decline in household income, equating to around £12,500. The need for larger vehicles, additional childcare, and the sheer volume of baby supplies can quickly add up, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
Monique’s experience is a testament to this reality. After a challenging pregnancy that required her to spend 34 days in the hospital, she returned home to find her partner had already exhausted his two weeks of paternity leave. Left to care for three infants alone, Monique felt overwhelmed and isolated. "I felt I could not do it. I felt I wanted to run away. There was no support in any way," she recalls. Her plea for recognition of the unique challenges faced by parents of multiples highlights a significant gap in societal support.
The Cost of Raising Triplets
The financial demands of raising triplets are staggering. Monique explains, "I have to pay for everything three times. A twenty-pound baby outfit, for me that costs sixty. We go through nappies like they are tap water, formula… the costs just mount up." The inability to pass down items between children further compounds the issue, as families must purchase everything anew for each child. Monique even knows of mothers who had to transition their children to cow’s milk early due to the prohibitive costs of formula.
Support from the community has been essential for Monique and her family. Friends and families have rallied to provide clothes, food, and baby items, often sending deliveries to help them survive. "The doorbell would ring, and it would be Amazon delivering three high chairs," she shares, illustrating the kindness of those around her.
The Struggles of Other Families
Monique’s story is not unique. Frank Fallon and Frankie Wakefield faced their own set of challenges when their twins, Ezra and Theo, were born three months premature, just a day before their wedding. Despite their best efforts to mitigate the risk of multiples through IVF, they found themselves navigating the complexities of caring for two premature infants. Frank had to continue working while the twins were in the hospital, visiting them early in the morning before his shifts. "We had to rely on friends and family to drive Frankie to the hospital to see them," he recalls.
Now, as energetic two-year-olds, the twins have brought joy to their parents’ lives, but the financial burden remains. Frank notes the cumulative costs of raising twins: "Everything just adds up. Extra nappies, high energy bills because they are having more baths. I think I am at Tesco every day because they now go through litres of milk." The financial implications extend beyond basic necessities, affecting their ability to participate in social activities and classes.
The Childcare Crisis
Childcare costs present another significant hurdle for families with multiples. Almost 90% of the 1,800 families surveyed reported that current childcare provisions are inadequate. Monique faced the heartbreaking decision to resign from her job upon realizing that childcare for her triplets would exceed £5,000 a month. Fortunately, her family stepped in to help, volunteering to care for the children on different days, allowing her to return to work.
Frank also grappled with the staggering costs of childcare, considering splitting his twins’ care to reduce expenses. "We are lucky we have both been promoted, but in our old jobs, we would never have been able to afford it," he admits.
A Call for Change
The Twins Trust report calls for urgent reforms, including maternity pay allocated per baby rather than per pregnancy, an expansion of the Sure Start Maternity Grant, and additional mental health support for families of multiples. Shauna Leven, chief executive of Twins Trust, emphasizes the need for societal change: "This report lays bare the grim reality facing families with multiples – the financial burden, mental health toll, and lack of support."
With one set of multiples born every hour across the UK, it is critical for society to step up and provide adequate support for these families. As Monique poignantly states, "I wish the government realized there is a huge difference between having multiples and having singletons." The challenges faced by families with twins and triplets are profound, and it is time for a collective effort to ensure they receive the support they desperately need and deserve.