Proud parents Karenn and Ian Gilbert, hailing from Pontypool, South Wales, have adopted this unique practice, utilizing brightly colored nail polish to distinguish between their two little daughters.
Ffion flaunts Fuchsia polish on her toenails, Madison opts for mint green, while Paige adorns purple.
Karenn, at 33, shares, “It’s not a fashion statement; we genuinely struggle to tell them apart. The idea of using nail varnish was ours, and it’s been incredibly effective. It significantly eases our daily routine of feeding, bathing, and changing diapers.”
This color-coded system proves instrumental in efficiently managing the distinct needs of each child. As the girls mature, the hope is that they’ll naturally evolve with individual looks and personalities, rendering the nail polish identification unnecessary.
Born prematurely, with Ffion weighing 3lbs 8oz, Madison at 3lbs 5oz, and Paige at 3lb 4oz, these naturally conceived triplets defy odds of 160,000-1. The family recently celebrated the girls’ first birthday, reflecting on a year filled with both challenges and joys.
Their weekly routine involves a staggering 120 diapers and 84 bottles of formula milk. Karenn and Ian eagerly anticipate the day when their daughters develop distinct characteristics, simplifying the task of telling them apart.
The triplets’ identical appearance even secured them roles as the same baby in TV productions. Their interchangeable features during filming prevent any one baby from becoming excessively fatigued.
Karenn, a full-time mom, humorously shares the chaos and joy of their experience, noting, “It’s been a frantic yet fun-filled year. Going out has become a military operation, which we humorously term ‘Operation Triplets.’ We can’t just decide to go out on a whim; we need at least 24 hours’ notice. It feels like preparing for a holiday every time we step out.”
Their local supermarket has accommodated the family by ordering a special triple baby seat shopping trolley. The triplets’ older sister, Faye, age four, actively contributes by assisting with the toenail-painting sessions.
Summing it up, Karenn expresses, “We have triple trouble – but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”