But with thoughtful accommodations, help from others, and being kind to yourself, this is also a time when you can build a meaningful connection to this new child and prepare your family’s growth.
It isn't about being perfect in your new journey. It's about finding the practical ways to provide care for yourself as you continue to provide love and support to your toddler.
Understanding Your Changing Needs During Pregnancy
Physical and emotional changes can occur due to pregnancy. These changes can impact your daily life if you already have an older child at home and are in your first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Changes to look for would be fatigue, nausea, back or pelvic pain, or mood swings.
Being aware of these changes will help you plan out your day in a more realistic way. You will need to readjust your expectations and understand that your energy levels are likely to be different than that of your toddler.
Prioritise Rest Without Guilt
Both your health and your baby's benefit from regular sleep. However, getting uninterrupted sleep while caring for a toddler can be tough.
Here are some ideas to help you restore your energy:
- Take naps during the day while your toddler is napping
- Establish some quiet playtimes so that you and your child will have more independent playtime
- Go to bed early, often before your toddler
Simplify Daily Routine
Implement futuristic yet adaptable everyday schedules to help you manage your daily routines.
Prioritise:
- Cooking easy, not fancy, meals
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime ritual for your toddler (play, massage, bath, sleep)
- Planning fun, easy-to-implement activities
Encourage Independent Play
Seek attention naturally from your toddler, but at this stage, also be gently encouraging to allow your child to develop some independence.
You could:
- Provide toys that encourage self-play
- Create a secure area in which your child will be able to explore
- Rotate your toys frequently so that your child has exciting new things to play with regularly
Involve Your Toddler in Simple Tasks
Your child will feel valued when you include them in your daily activities, while at the same time, this will help reduce your workload.
Here are simple examples:
- Putting away toys
- Assisting with simple meal prep
- Getting diapers or other small items
By providing your child with these types of activities, you will be able to develop their sense of engagement, build a sense of responsibility, and have opportunities to bond.
Communicate and Prepare Emotionally
Having a baby can cause emotional changes for children, as well as for their mothers. Babies can sense that their regular routines and the amount of attention they receive is being disrupted, even at a very young age.
To help your child adjust to the new baby:
- Talk to your toddler, in simple language, about the new baby
- Show affection and give reassurance to your child
- Try to maintain their normal daily routine as much as possible
Accept and Seek Support
You must not take on the burden of doing it all alone, because you need support to stay healthy.
Consider the following:
- Ask your partner for help with some of the responsibilities
- Get assistance from some of your family members or friends
- If possible, hire someone to watch your children so that you can have time away from them for a little while
Take Care of Your Physical Health
A healthy body will support a healthy pregnancy and enable you to take care of your child. Therefore, it is essential for every pregnant woman to make her health her number one priority and to consult with a doctor whenever necessary.
Things to remember:
- See your doctor regularly for prenatal visits
- Follow the dietary guidelines provided by your doctor, including taking any recommended vitamins or supplements
- Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced food
- If your doctor has told you not to lift, avoid lifting your toddler or carrying heavy items
Call your doctor immediately for any of the following symptoms:
- Intense abdominal pain
- Bleeding
- Severe headache or swelling
- Decreased foetal movement (after 28 weeks of gestation)
Manage Screen Time Thoughtfully
Limiting screen time is a very wise step for toddlers. However, during pregnancy, you can practice some flexibility.
Screen time for toddlers on occasion can:
- Allow yourself some time to rest
- Keep your child engaged during low-energy periods
Use your best judgment when selecting screen-based content. Remember it should be educational and age-appropriate.
Strengthen Your Bond Before Baby Arrives
During this time of preparing for a new baby, you can strengthen the bond you have with your toddler.
Things to do with your toddler:
- Take time to read together or talk
- Develop a daily routine (for example: bedtime stories)
- Provide additional physical affection and comfort
Having a toddler while being pregnant is what we need to think about when a lot is going on. It also provides chances for you to be a supportive parent to your oldest child and your new addition to the family. You will be able to better navigate through this phase if you simplify how you do things and ask for support from other people when you need it.
Take small steps that are important for you instead of trying to accomplish everything at once. Get rest when you can, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the quiet times that you have with your children. If you prepare yourself and your oldest child for a new addition to the family with love and compassion, you will be ready for a smooth transition from one child to two children.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Tips on Surviving Pregnancy With A Toddler
- Can I lift my child when I am pregnant?
It is safe to lift your child early in pregnancy, but you should be careful with lifting as your pregnancy continues. You will need to maintain good posture and listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort, always contact your doctor. - Can I co-sleep with my toddler when I am pregnant?
If you are careful, co-sleeping with your toddler while pregnant can be safe for you. As your pregnancy develops, comfort and space to sleep may become an issue. You should establish a safe sleeping area for you and your child and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns. - How can I prepare my toddler for the hospital while I am having another baby?
To prepare your child for your absence while you are in the hospital, explain your temporary absence to them in simple language, introduce your toddler to the caregiver, and maintain as much of your routine as possible. Providing your child with consistent reassurance and regular communication will help alleviate anxiety and confusion.
