Life with twins or triplets throws up challenges in areas where life had previously seemed so simple – getting from A to B included. Linda Jones highlights some of the obstacles facing multiples on the move. Even a mundane trip to the supermarket can present problems when you have twins or more – from fitting your triple buggy through the door to persuading bosses to supply trolleys with room for your babies. Ruth Stone, director of Tamba, The Twins and Multiple Births Association, says the charity has spearheaded a successful campaign for the introduction of double and triple shopping trolleys. The situation is now much better than it was 10 years ago. But there are still plenty of stores that do not value mums of multiples enough to make shopping easier for them. And, as Ruth reveals, even when a double trolley has been provided, it’s not always available. She says: "Mums with single babies have been known to take up the space for a second baby with their handbag."
But according to Denise Wakeling, mum of three-year-old triplets, Emily, Adam and Jason, nothing is impossible. She says: "I live in Essex and have visited friends on the other side of London with the triplets, while they are too afraid to travel to me with their single child. My motto is: where there is a will, there’s a way. Otherwise you can tend to become housebound. You have to be positive." Yet, no matter how positive you are, you have to be prepared to overcome hurdles put in your way by red tape or thoughtlessness. Consider the fate of a single parent of four-month-old twins wishing to travel by air to visit relatives, or the mum and dad of five-month-old triplets hoping to fly away for a well-earned break. Airline rules mean this is out of the question. Until children are six months old, they must be accompanied by an adult each. And even when the children are much older, travelling by air can turn into a nightmare, as Diane Elliot, mum of two-year-olds Luke and Dominic, discovered. British Airways recently apologised to Diane and offered her 1500 air miles after a catalogue of misery suffered by her family on flights to and from Vancouver – including being split up despite booking 10 months ahead, and having to go without bassinets on the return journey. Diane says: "My concern is that on their website and in company literature they portray themselves as such a family-friendly company but our experience shows they were way wide of the mark. Twins are a special case and they should make special provision." Tamba holds a special week every year, known as Twins, Triplets and More Week, to raise awareness of the obstacles parents face on their journeys. Ruth Stone says: "It is important we campaign together to allow families of multiples to do the things other parents take for granted – like being able to rely on accessible public transport.."
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For me, since having my daughters Emily and Melissa, now 20 months,
journeys on public transport have become a thing of the past. I could not face getting my
double buggy on and off a bus and unloading the kids while facing the wrath of other
passengers for delaying their journey. And I don’t relish the prospect of standing on a crowded train with Emily and
Melissa in tow.
