Hey Mama,
When I found out I was pregnant again, I was standing in the middle of our living room – barefoot, exhausted, and surrounded by legos, Cheerios, and one very enthusiastic toddler who thought my barely there bump was already a trampoline. I laughed and cried at the same time. The kind of cry only a stay-at-home mom with a growing baby inside her and tiny humans tugging on her pajamas can truly understand.
Pregnancy is beautiful, yes, but also hard. And when you’re doing it with a little one already demanding every ounce of your energy, the word “hard” doesn’t even begin to cover it. But here I am, in the thick of it, and somehow…surviving. So grab that reheated coffee, settle in if the kids aren’t climbing something dangerous just yet, and let me share how I’m making it through pregnancy with my toddler in the house.
The Mornings That Start Before the Sun
Mornings during pregnancy hit differently when you’ve got a toddler. You don’t get to slowly stretch in bed and savor those early kicks. Nope. You’re being summoned by a tiny voice shouting, “Moooom! iPad and Yogurt!” at 5:58 a.m.
I learned quickly that trying to be Super Mom while pregnant is a recipe for burnout. What helps me right now is adjusting expectations. I prep easy breakfast options the night before, like fruit cups and toast, and I rely on my Programmable Coffee Maker that has my cup of comfort ready before my feet hit the floor.
Some mornings I just can’t be “on.” When those days hit, I lay on our Soft Play Mat nearby while my toddler plays. I’m present, I’m safe, I’m there – but I’m also honoring the fact that my body is growing a whole new person and needs rest.
Embracing the Nap
The exhaustion in this pregnancy has hit me like a wave. Naps are now sacred. If I get my toddler down, I consider it a small miracle and take full advantage. I used to use nap time to clean, catch up on laundry, or prep dinner. Now? I crash. I close my eyes, elevate my feet, and let the dishes wait.
Having my Pregnancy Wedge Pillow makes these quick rest breaks so much more comfortable. I keep in on the couch or bring it to the floor while my two year old plays close by. It gives my bump support and helps with the back pain that creeps in my midday.
There are still days when rest feels impossible. You know those days when your toddler doesn’t want to cooperate. On those days, I’ve started doing “quiet time” with a few books and cuddles. Even 15 minutes of stillness makes a difference.
Managing All the Snack Requests While Fighting Off Nausea
I feel like I live in the kitchen now – between constant toddler snack requests and my own pregnancy cravings. To make life easier, I organize a Snack Drawer my son can reach on his own. It’s stocked with easy, approved snacks so he can help himself while I sit down and breathe.
For me, I keep protein snacks like these Granola Bars on hand – quick, filling, and a lifesaver when I’m too nauseous to cook or when my stomach turns after chasing a runaway toddler through the yard. And the nausea? That’s been rough. Preggie Pops are my go-to. I stash them in my purse, and even the car for school pick-up runs.
This season has taught me that feeding everyone doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to work.
Letting Go of the Guilt
There are moments I feel like I’m not giving my toddler enough of me, or that I’m not soaking in the joy of this pregnancy like I should. That guilt sneaks in, whispering that I’m falling short. But I’ve been practicing something that’s helped: giving myself grace.
Not everyday is going to be full of magical memories. Sometimes, survival looks like a pile of laundry on the couch and a cartoon marathon while I sip water and rest. And that’s okay. That’s love too!
I journal a little every day. Nothing big – just a few thoughts about how I’m feeling. Writing things down helps me stay grounded, especially when the emotions start piling up. If you’re like me, you might love a Simple, Guided Journal that offers gently prompts and doesn’t feel like one more thing on your to-do list.
Making Small Joys Part of the Day
I had to stop waiting for big, uninterrupted moments to take care of myself. They just don’t exist right now. So instead, I’m finding joy in the small things.
Lighting my Lavender Candle while my toddler naps. Wearing my Comfy Lounge Set that makes me feel good even with bedhead. Listening to an audiobook while cleaning up after lunch. These tiny shifts help me feel like me – not just a pregnant mom surviving the day.
Preparing My Toddler for the New Baby
The closer I get to baby’s arrival, the more I think about how to ease my toddler into this new chapter. We’ve been reading Big Sibling Books together, practicing gentle touches on stuffed animals, and talking a lot about what it might be like to have a new baby in the house.
We’re keeping it light and age-appropriate, with zero pressure. Some days he’s excited. Some days he says “No baby.” And I just roll with it.
On the practical side, I’ve started slowly gathering things that will help us all adjust. A Baby Swing that’ll keep baby content while I tend to toddler tantrums. A Hands-Free Breast Pump so I can feed the baby while being hands-on with my other kids. Just small tools to make the transition a little smoother.
One Day at a time, Mama
I won’t pretend that this season is easy – it’s not. For me at least. There are days I cry before noon, days I question how I’ll manage another minute, and days I’m overwhelmed by how lucky I am. Pregnancy with a toddler is a rollercoaster. But here’s the truth: I’m getting through it. And you are too!
It’s not perfect. It’s often messy. But it’s real. And in the house, that counts for everything.
So if you’re reading this in your week-old pajamas, with toys scattered across every surface and a baby doing summersaults in your belly – know that I’m right there with you. You’re not alone. You’re doing your best. And that’s more than enough.
Until next time, You got this Mama!
