pregnant with a toddler? anything i should know?

**MrsHunidue** · 22-06-2011 12:34

my two kids are 5 years apart so being pregnant with DD was fantastic, DS was old enough to understand and help out where needed..

but this time around im pregnant and dd is only 20 months old... is it harder being pregnant with a toddler? is there anything i should know?

**Uniquey** · 22-06-2011 12:46

I think the thing that made it easier for me, was having my toddler toilet trained and in a 'big big' whilst I was still pregnant and before her sibling arrived.

Whether I found it 'harder' pregnant with a toddler, yes, I did find it hard being pregnant with a toddler at times, but that was mainly because I had shocking 24/7 morning sickness and a few pregnancy issues, so I was advised not to 'lift' my toddler, which was quite difficult as she was too young to climb into the car seat herself, bath, bed or high chair. It was also hard to keep breastfeeding her with the growing bump coupled with the morning sickness!

Toddlers demand a lot of attention (as you know

) so I would make a concerted effort on the days I felt energetic etc to do lot's of fun things with her and give her one on one time etc.

**2BoysPlusOne** · 22-06-2011 12:56

My DS1 was not even 1 when DS2 was born so there wasn't any jealousy, im pregnant with #3 and im hoping because they are used to having each other around that again there wont be any jealousy....fingers crossed lol they will be nearly 2 & nearly 3 when bubs is born.

**FluffyDucks** · 22-06-2011 13:07

Just get as much rest as you can....and try not to feel guilty if they are plonked in front of the tv while you get much needed rest/or cook dinner/or clean/or anything. Easier said then done I know!

DS1 was 22 months when DS1 was born so it wsa tough as he didnt understand why I couldnt play with him as much as he was so young. But honestly? They get used to it. Basically its whoever is crying the loudest at the time gets the attention first!

**SPC** · 22-06-2011 13:22

I'm finding that taking a long run at preparing her is helping her ajust well. We have several books, 'Rory's Story', 'We're having a baby' etc and a little model of a baby in the tummy that I got from Aldi which she is fascinated by.

Lifting the toddler is becoming increasingly hard and my muscles have divided, so I have a big bit of tubigrip over my belly from the hospital physio and it is my best friend, I even sleep with it on - best $10 ever.

Try to keep the day sleeps and take them together if you can.

Toilet training is a great plan, but it's worth remembering that stressed toddlers regress so there may be a need for nappies again when the baby arrives.I found that taking her shopping for a potty and stickers to decorate it and a fancy hand towel and soap increased her enthusiasm. Peppa pig undies are a big hit in our house.

An enormous supply of toddler sized portions of lunch in the freezer, little carrot muffins that defrost in a minute in the microwave and a back up supply of sticker books are all part of my emergency plan!