Toddlerhood and pregnancy

MrsHurtado

My DD isn't quite 2 yo and is awfully careless (as most toddlers are). While we tell her all the time to be careful with mommy's tummy and show her how to be gentle, I'm regularly getting a knee, hand, elbow, etc. to my belly. I haven't experienced any cramping or bleeding so I'm sure the baby is fine but I really don't know what else I can do to help her understand. Any suggestions?

Atlast111

Can I just ask when this is happening? Is it when you carry her or when she sits down with you on the couch? I know when you sit down this is usually a problem so I would try and encourage her to sit next to you rather than on your knee and get her teddy to sit next to her maybe. I wouldn't worry too much as the baby is very well cushioned in your belly so is unlikely to be affected at all.

nicolesmith0624

I think she's still too young to fully understand. My DD was only 21 months when our DS was born and I got elbowed and kneed all the time. Baby will be fine!

NicknShan

I have a 2 year old at home too.  I just reinforce and tell him he has to be gentle around the baby.  I bet it will be easier as your belly grows :-)

CourtJack

Yep - it's just part of life with a toddler. You can maybe show it hurts you? That might resonate with her but I too think she's just too young to remember to be careful. Good thing is a 25-30lb little human isn't strong enough to do any damage - unless she's comin' at you with a clothesline off the top rope. I wouldn't worry

leasaj

My 2.5 year old is rough.  We keep reminding her to be easy but it's hard for her to remember and honestly, I don't think I'd change those full-blown run to mommy hugs for a second.  I just try to prepare myself when I see her coming.

PressLove

I'm interested to see if I'm more of a target as I get bigger or the belly will remind DD to be gentle.

MrsHurtado

Atlast111 said:

Can I just ask when this is happening? Is it when you carry her or when she sits down with you on the couch? I know when you sit down this is usually a problem so I would try and encourage her to sit next to you rather than on your knee and get her teddy to sit next to her maybe. I wouldn't worry too much as the baby is very well cushioned in your belly so is unlikely to be affected at all.

Mostly during play time but also when we sleep (we cosleep) which I know she has no control over so I am using things like pillows and stuff animals to act as a bumper. It is harder to "bumper" your belly when awake except to be hyper aware!

It is definitely a comfort to know I am not the only one! Although I'm sorry you guys are going through it too!

sorarose

This sounds like my life. DS just stepped on me yesterday and has no concept of Mommy's belly being off limits. Just try to reinforce appropriate behavior and hope that it eventually sticks!