Tips for Surviving Pregnancy with a Toddler

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Did you hear the news? We are having another baby! And it’s been a wild ride! We are excited, a little nervous and trying to get prepared. One of the biggest differences between this pregnancy and my last pregnancy is the fact that we have a toddler! It was so easy to rest and sleep whenever I wanted before. Not so much this time, haha. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been fun and I want to share my tips for surviving pregnancy with a toddler. 

Tips for Surviving Pregnancy with a Toddler

Take Care of Yourself

It is so important to remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your toddler or growing baby. Make sure to eat a good diet (with a couple of treats here and there). You and your toddler both need your rest. It is hard to stop binge watching Netflix, cleaning or just taking some time to yourself, but try to sleep when they sleep. Go to bed early every once in a while. And don’t forget me time and date night! Call a babysitter or have Dad watch your toddler for some me time!

Take your Prenatal Vitamins

Vitamins are so so so important! Try to start taking them before you become pregnant if at all possible. Take them with food and if you are having morning sickness it might be better to take them in the evening rather than the morning. Some of my favorites I have found at Sam’s Club, the Nature Made Prenatal Multi + 200 mg DHA. Here is some info about how awesome these vitamins are:

• Nature Made Prenatal Multi + 200 mg DHA is guaranteed to meet our high quality standards – it is made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes
  • Clinically proven absorption of folic acid and iron
  • One per day dosage
  • Easy-to-swallow softgel
• You should start taking a prenatal 6 months before you start trying to get pregnant
  • Take with food
  • Provides essential vitamins and minerals (before and during pregnancy) including Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3†
  • Provides 200 mg DHA which may help support fetal brain and eye development †
  • “Free from”:
    • No Synthetic Dyes
    • No Yeast or Starch
    • No Artificial Flavors
    • Gluten Free
    • Clinically proven absorption of Folic Acid and Iron
  • Folic Acid is an important B Vitamin for Women of Childbearing Age and Pregnant Women – Plays a critical role in the proper development of the baby’s nervous system.†
  • Adequate folic acid in healthful diets may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a neural tube defect.

You can find Nature Made Prenatal Multi + 200 mg DHA at Sam’s Club in store or online.

Prepare your Toddler

During the first trimester I was FREAKING OUT! I mean my toddler has been crazy (aren’t they all). I just didn’t know if I could handle two kids. After I calmed down a little I started getting to work preparing Miss JJ for her little brother. Some of that was talking about the baby, reading books (we read books about all big changes or behavior issues), and explaining it to her. The second part was more to physically help her be more independent. Depending on the age of your toddler this will vary. The two big ones on my list were, potty training and moving to a big girl bed. If you are working on big changes like these, try to get them down earlier in the pregnancy. This way you can try to avoid regressions. Other ways you can help prepare them are teaching them to clean up after themselves, and work on life skills like teeth brushing. They will still need help with these things but helping them learn to be independent is key.

Exercise Together

Exercise can be hard to get in with a toddler. We try to take walks, explore and play to exercise. You might have to supplement with your own workouts, but it is a great way to spend time with a toddler and get energy out. Try doing a workout video together if it is cold out or get outside for some fresh air!

Enjoy Each Day

There is a lot to do to prepare for a new baby. Don’t let it get in the way of your alone time with your first baby. Have special times together and really enjoy this last bit of one on one time before the new baby comes. Then when the baby comes don’t forget to make time for your toddler too!

What are your tips for surviving pregnancy with a toddler? I can use all the help I can get!

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.