Protecting the bump from a thrashing toddler

[Minty82]

I'm 12w pregnant, and DD is nearly 19 months. She likes to use me as a climbing frame; get into our bed and scramble all over me etc, and inevitably I get feet, elbows, knees etc thrust fairly forcefully at the (invisible, as yet!) bump. I know the baby's pretty well cocooned in there but it worries me a bit - reassurance that a marauding big sister isn't going to do it any damage please!

I'm nearly 39 weeks and DS is nearly 2. I am a human climbing frame and have been all the way through this pregnancy. Bump seems to be absolutely fine and has even started punching back which is no fun for me, getting it from both sides!!

Other than tripping you up and causing you to fall down a full flight of stairs there is nothing a toddler can do to the bump. Even then your body will do the best it can. It's designed to protect the baby from woolly mammoths and marauding neighbours. It can handle a toddler. Enjoy playing with your little girl. I know you feel protective of the new baby but tbh it's really important that your existing child doesn't feel told off or in any way in trouble for being a normal, affectionate and active child.

Also the new baby will get to hear dd's voice and recognise it just like yours and your partners. That's very cute don't you think?

Good post. Most useful! I'm 10 weeks Friday & DD is 19 months... Reassuring I don't have to wear extra padding

Thanks all. Don't worry Northern, I'm loving every second of this stage with DDI, she's fabulous. Just making sure I don't need to fret about over-exuberant feet! I do logically realise babies must be a bit more robust than to be squashed by a toddler; it just takes a bit of getting used to when your body's in hyper-protect mode... I love the thought of the baby recognising her voice.

Good luck Noodie! Getting it from both sides sounds very unfair... And congratulations MrsRV, hope all goes well.

DD, not DDI!

how about dogs? I have a 22kg staffy that always wants to curl up and climbs all over me to get to the right place. I am bruised all over my legs and working hard to keep him away from my 13wk belly...