How to get out the house with toddler when 9 months pregnant?!

[TwinklyGoldReader]

Just as the title says- where do we go?! How do I manage?!

I feel absolutely pathetic writing this, but I honestly can’t manage with DS out the house on my own lately. I don’t know how other people do it whilst heavily pregnant. DS is not quite 2 and a half and generally well behaved- but he’s a toddler and unpredictable.

We have two days per week together just us. We’re used to being very active and out of the house at least all morning/afternoon. We do have a garden and I set up activities there or just leave him to it but he’s fed up after half an hour or so. He’s also getting upset because I can’t run/climb/lift him as I used to. I don’t want to ‘blame’ it on the baby and cause resentment.

Are there any activities/suggestions at all to get me through the next couple of weeks?! I can’t safely watch him at soft play or the park, nor can I drive too far due to my back.

Not sure what type of area you live I used to take my DD when heavily pregnant to the woods for a little walk and she would jump in the puddles, make mud pies, collect stones and leaves and we didn't have to walk very far. I used to take a lightweight camping chair that had a shoulder strap and just sit on that for a bit, we'd walk a little more. Used to keep her occupied for ages.

Are there any church type playgroups near you? They are often ok as enclosed and you can see them all the time from wherever you are sat.

It is a difficult time though and have full sympathy for the back pain, it's brutal!

Do you have to go out. Lots of things to do in doors. Does he like puzzles, pairs, games, looking at books, painting, Nothing wrong with watching a film together while you rest.

Is there a local cafe or coffee shop that you can slowly walk or scoot (him, not you 😂) to and have a babyccino date? Soak up some 1:1 time before baby arrives!

What about a park that’s contained by a fence so no danger of him doing a runner?

Failing that, just carry on what you’d normally do. I spent quite a lot of my due date with second baby carrying my 2yo on my shoulders as I thought it might help. Waters went that evening, so it could be a good idea if you’re getting v fed up of being pregnant!

You're 9 months pregnant, the weather's shit and it's only 2 days a week. Honestly I would just stay home for a few weeks until the baby is born and you feel better able to do more stuff.

I get the cooped up feeling. But you are NOT pathetic!!! Please be nicer to yourself. I would try and go with a friend/relative to give you a hand. It’s bloody knackering at the stage you’re at. If it’s any consolation , having a newborn and a toddler is way easier than being heavily pregnant with a toddler!

Are there any organised groups in your area? Playgroups, sensory sessions, messy play etc? Singing sessions at the library? Keep it low key and don’t feel guilty, this is just a very short period of time and in a few months you’ll all be out adventuring again.

Is there anyone you could get round for a play date? Or go to theirs? Sometimes it helped me having another child and responsible adult around to keep my DS occupied for a while! And it was minimum effort but felt like it was still a nice event for DS. Also church hall type stay and play sessions, you'll probs get a seat and a cup of tea.
I feel for you, and agree with PP, toddler and heavily pregnant is so exhausting and harder in many ways compared to newborn and toddler!

I really feel for you Op. this pressure is just so shit.

The problem is, everyone is different. So you will get everything from I gave birth at work and went back next day, to I employed a nanny, to I lost my mind.

mine were lockdown, so we couldn’t go anywhere. I instigated a siesta. We were up, off and walking on farm asap. Then whatever activities. Messy play. Lunch, nap. They did not wish to nap, there was three of them. But it’s amazing what a quiet, rest, sleep or don’t hour does.

then snack, walk, play, TV. Then dinner, play. Bath, play. Bed.

my four still to this day ask for a siesta on a Friday or Saturday.

activity wise focus on easy energy stuff. Chalk the garden, it will wash. Paint the fence. It will wash. Clean cupboards out, give them a pack of baby wipes to help.

it’s frog season, go somewhere wet and catch some. Scoot.

give yourself a break. It’s only two days, it’s a really short time. Just follow your instincts and make a mess.

Thank you! I’ve discovered the local library have a session on a Friday morning so that’s next week sorted at least.

My lovely Mum comes round one of the afternoons for a couple of hours after work. It feels like she’s a hero stepping out her car at this point 😂

Lots of people keep telling me that- I hope it’s true!