If you have a toddler and are pregnant...(or have been there)

lilone_06

How on earth do you manage?  I am finding it impossible to keep up with DD, both literally and figuratively.  I don't just want to park her in front of the tv, but can only stand so much time on the floor playing with her.  We do read lots of books, but she really needs physical activity too!  When I do take her out for activities, she either runs off (I nearly lost her today!), or she's throwing tantrums or refusing to follow me, so I end up picking her up to control her.

Both my DH and my doctor have told me not to pick her up, but honesly, how am I supposed to exist like that for the next 8 weeks?!?  We'd be housebound!  DH is out of town starting today for 7 days and I'm just dreading it, since he does a pretty good job wearing her out.  My back has been aching all day from our trip to the mall this morning and the playground this afternoon.  And we haven't even done bathtime yet, which will be just another stress on my lower back.    Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

JARbaby

Strongly suggest 1-2-3Magic. It is a dream come true and we are all a happy, listening, no yelling family now.

My oldest is high energy and it turned our lives around.

akgram

I remember exactly how you are feeling.  And parking her in front of the TV won't hurt or scar her and honestly she'll never remember that she got to watch a ton of tv during this time.  I was never a huge tv fan but when I got to that stage I had no other choice.  Also, I took advantage of family wanting to help out (which was hard) but it's just a few weeks.  GL and hang in there!!!!

mrsain1105

I'm not as far along as you, but I've been having a rough time keeping up with my DD due to first tri nausea and fatigue.  I also think that a little extra TV now and then won't kill them and you just do what you have to to get through the day sometimes.  I am worried about what will happen when I get bigger though.  I hope you get some more responses.

kate081206

One day at a time, mama.  I agree with PP, a little extra down time (tv, etc.) is not going to kill them.

Nanna

TV has been such a big help the past few weeks. ?I try to make myself feel a little better about it by actually sitting and watching it with him and talking to him about what is happening on the show. ?Also, now is a great time to do showers instead of baths. ?When DH isn't around, I just bring DS into the shower with me and clean him up that way. ?So much easier than trying to lean over the tub. ?

Mrs.Reem

Well, I'm not going to suggest TV because that's not going to wear her out. I have a high energy toddler and we keep busy a lot of the time. I don't know how you feel about them but DD doesn't like a stroller and I can't carry her everywhere anymore so I use her monkey backpack which is a child safety harness. It's a win-win. She is safely able to walk and I can keep her from running into danger. We take a lot of walks around the block and I let her play at the park a lot. We also have one room that is completely child proof so I know I can sit in there and let her play without having to get up much. DD should be able to play on her own for at least a half hour at a time. We also set up obstacle courses for her to climb, crawl, and run through. She thinks they're fun and it burns off energy too.

lisad40503

I totally understand.  My third trimester was so, so much harder than I thought it was going to be- trying to keep up with DD1.  She is very high energy climbing everything, into everything, running everywhere.  I was exhausted and ached everywhere.  I swear she put me into labor.  I had to be induced with my first 2 but went into labor on my own with this last one.  I found playgrounds to be the best outlet for her to burn off energy.  We would go to one everyday usually.  Luckily we have several different ones near where we live.  I actually took her to the playground right before I went into labor and had the baby just hours later.  She really liked to go for walks with me too with her doll stroller and amazingly was actually very good about staying on the sidewalk next to me. 

Pesky

Slowly, very slowly.  First, yes, DD has now become addicted to Calliou thanks to my pg.  She still seems okay from it.  Also, I'd pick her up if I needed to, even suffering from PTL contractions.  I did what I had to.  Try to set up some play dates -- friends coming over with their LOs or you going to their houses.  DD would play with our next door neighbor's LO and they'd have a grand old time while I could rest and chat (with one eye on the kids naturally).  It wore her out while keeping me rested.  Also, quieter activities like colorings and stuff.  And walks around the neighborhood in her wagon.  I'd also encourage her to run around.  She'd whine for stuff and there was a lot of "your legs aren't broken -- go get it.  Mush!"  Also, a doll stroller.  Seriously.  DD would (and still does) laps around our kitchen with that thing and I'd encourage her to do so.  Wore her out.  Consider that or a collapsible tunnel you can pull out for her to play with.  Things liek that require little effort on your part except for verbal egging her on.  GL!!

nickyh7

Can you invite another mom to your house for a visit?  I also bought the book called the Toddlers Busy Book. It's great!  The projects are easy and don't cost anything really. 

alaskajamaica

I understand your ENTIRE POST!!!  trust me.  I am constantly picking up DS- poor thing had a fever all week last week, so that was challenging.  My son is soooooo active that I try to do stuff that I know I know will benefit me as well.-  playing music and dancing or lifting weights  to the music while he dances.  Taking walks in the mall with him-  and yes you can use the monkey backpack walker thing the previous post mentioned- if you are in to that kinda thing.  I don' t like it, but after taking him to Downtown Disney and seeing that it worked, it's a good back up plan.  Letting him run around in the park- the only thing about this is that, he is getting very fast for me and I am clumsy- ha ha. Invite others over with toddlers and let them play.  Find new crafts and if you have to just lay down and let him have the run of the house- then so be it.   I had to learn that.  My DH comes homes early when he can and give me a break so I can relax and go to bed early.