Truths About Parenting a Toddler While Pregnant

Other days are filled with frustration, exhaustion, and frustration. Some days shine like diamonds. Ugh! Self-care tips are important to help us cope with the challenges of motherhood.

Truths about parenting a toddler while pregnant may hit hard.  As you wait for your baby’s arrival, you may feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The second pregnancy is a great experience, but it has some differences. What is the most significant difference? What is the biggest difference? If you have a child, you can’t give your full attention to the baby growing inside of you. You must divide your energy and time between caring for your toddler and managing the demands of your body during pregnancy. You will need to balance your time and energy to maintain a smooth household while parenting a toddler.

But don’t worry. It may be a challenging season, but there are also rewards. This season can be chaotic and sweet. What to expect and how to deal with it.

1. Get Help to Lighten Your Load

You won’t be able to rest as much if you are pregnant with a second child. You’re always on the move with a toddler, which can be stressful for your mind and body, especially as you progress in your pregnancy.

It’s time to ask for help. You can ask your partner, close family or friends to help you out when they are able. Even a quick trip to the park with a friend or family member can provide you with a needed break. While your toddler is with a friend or family member, you can relax, do some online shopping for baby products, or just enjoy some quiet time.

You can also look at local services or programs that will give you some time off. Many preschools have half-day or extracurricular programs that will keep your toddler busy while you prepare for the baby. Some gyms offer babysitting, which is a great way to fit in a prenatal class.

Consider asking a teenager who lives in your area to help you out for a few hours a week if you do not have any family members nearby. You would be surprised at how much a few hours of help can make a difference.

2. Let go of Perfection

Managing the never-ending list of things to do while caring for yourself and your family is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting during pregnancy. You may not have time to fold the laundry as quickly as you would like, or clean your floors as thoroughly as you would like. You may not have the time to plan your meals or prepare them every day. You know what? It’s okay.

It is important to not beat yourself up about things you don’t get done. Nobody will notice if you’ve vacuumed your rugs daily or if there is a stack of clean laundry that needs to be folded. Your health and wellbeing are the most important things right now, followed by the needs of your toddler.

Use shortcuts whenever possible. You can use services such as grocery delivery, online shopping or ask your friends to help you with small favors. It’s fine if you put off the vacuuming and dusting. You are doing your best in a time of life which demands a great deal from you.

3. Encourage your toddler to be independent

Clingy toddlers are common, especially when they feel a change coming (like a new baby). Your toddler may suddenly want to be near you all the time, which can be exhausting for you both physically and emotionally when you are already tired from pregnancy. You can turn this desire for closeness in a positive way by encouraging independence.

It doesn’t mean you abandon your toddler, but rather that you find ways to help them feel confident and contribute to the home. Ask your toddler to assist you with small chores, such as sorting silverware and putting the laundry away. Your toddler will feel proud to be able to assist you with these small chores.

Set up a childproof, safe area for your toddler to play on his own if you want some time alone. Allowing your toddler to play in a space with their favourite toys or building blocks can give you some time to yourself.

4. Nap when you can

Fatigue can be a major pregnancy symptom, especially if you are already caring for a toddler. Even short naps can make a big difference.

Use the time your toddler spends napping or at daycare or preschool to relax. Even a 20-30-minute nap can reduce the fatigue that is often associated with the first or third trimester of pregnancy. Try to nap at these quieter times of the day so that you don’t lose out on important rest.

You shouldn’t feel bad about taking a nap. It’s good for you. You’ll have the energy to get through the rest of your day, whether you’re playing with your toddler or getting ready for the arrival of the baby.

5. Limit the time spent on errands

It’s a fact: running errands while dragging a toddler around can be time-consuming and exhausting. It can be overwhelming when you combine pregnancy fatigue with the mix. Consider ways to streamline your tasks instead of packing the diaper bag and struggling with the car seats, or rushing to the store to buy a few items.

Do as much online as possible. You can order items such as diapers, wipes and toiletries online and have them delivered to your home. Subscriptions for baby formula, diapers and household products, as well as other items, can help you save time by reducing the amount of shopping.

You can save more energy by minimizing the time you spend running around town. This will allow you to focus on the important things, like spending time with your child or preparing for a new baby.

6. Do Small Chores at Night

You may be too tired at the end of the day to do anything. Once your toddler has fallen asleep, you can take on small, low-energy tasks to help you feel more prepared and organized for the following day.

You can still accomplish simple tasks, even if you are exhausted. For example, prepare meals for tomorrow, pick out clothes or organize the diaper bag. Use this time to make your breakfast or lunch so that you won’t need to worry when you are running around the next morning. You will feel more in control of your life by taking these small, productive breaks.

7. Playing with your Toddler to Suit Your Energy Level

You may feel tired and sore after a pregnancy, making it difficult to engage in the energetic activities toddlers enjoy. You can still have fun with your toddler. Find activities that do not require much physical effort but allow you to bond and have fun with your toddler.

Board games, puzzles and colouring can be great low-energy options to keep your toddler engaged and entertained. Another great option is pretend play. You can play “doctor”, where you lie on the couch and prop your feet up. Or, have a tea party witha  stuffed animal. It’s not necessary to do something strenuous or run around to interact with your toddler. Instead, find ways to be creative while still being comfortable.

8. Prepare your toddler for the new arrival

It’s important to prepare your toddler for the arrival of their new sibling as your due date nears. Children can have mixed feelings when it comes to change.

Talk to your child about the baby. Tell them about the arrival of your baby and let them feel you growing tummy. You can ease fears and uncertainties by reading books about being a big brother or sister. Include your toddler in the preparations. Let them choose baby clothes, decorate the nursery or select toys for the baby.

Talk about your hospital stay, including who will look after them while you are in labour and what you will do when you get home with your baby. Making your toddler feel like he or she is part of the process will make the transition easier for all.

9. Plan Childcare for When You Are Working

You’ll want to have a plan for your toddler in place once labor starts. Who will take care of them while you are in the hospital? You should have someone trustworthy, such as a trusted grandparent or friend, to take care of your child while you are in the hospital.

Talk to your child about what will happen while you are away. Your toddler may feel less anxious and more secure if they understand the plan.

10. Enjoy the chaos and embrace the journey

It can be a real whirlwind to parent a toddler when pregnant. This is a beautiful, chaotic and exhausting time in life. It can be overwhelming, but it is also a rewarding experience. While you’re juggling your toddler’s needs, pregnancy demands, and preparation for the new baby with grace and love, it can be overwhelming.

It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. There will be moments of connection and joy despite the chaos and exhaustion. Your family will grow and your toddler’s new role will be as a big brother or sister. It will all feel worthwhile.

Take care of yourself, accept the chaos and ask for help if you need it. You can do it!