Third Trimester + Toddler = Send Help (And Snacks) A Real Guide

So, like me, you’ve hit the third trimester. You’re knackered, your bladder is about as reliable as a toddler’s mood, and you’re growing a tiny human whilst raising a slightly larger (louder, messier) one. Glamorous? Not quite. Badass? Absolutely.

Honestly, surviving the third trimester when you’ve got a toddler tearing through the house like they’re auditioning for Ninja Warrior: CBeebies Edition is less “peaceful baby bonding” and more “pass the chocolate and don’t speak to me unless it’s about Bluey.”

Let’s dive into the real-deal, no-fluff survival guide for doing pregnancy round two (or three, you magical unicorn) with a toddler hanging off your ankle.

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1. Lower The Bar… Then Lower It Again

You had dreams of crafting Pinterest-worthy nursery decor and doing daily prenatal yoga. But guess what? Your toddler has just poured yoghurt in your shoes, and your hips feel like they’re made of crisps. Let it goooooo.

✅ CBeebies is educational.
✅ Fish fingers are a food group.
✅ You’re not lazy – you’re growing bones.

Aim for “everyone is fed and vaguely clean” – and anything beyond that is a bonus.

2. Nap When the Toddler Naps? HAHAHAHA.

Oh, sweet summer child, remember when people told you to nap during pregnancy? Yeah, that was cute. Now you’ve got a toddler who thinks naps are a government conspiracy.

Instead, do this:

• Let them “nap” in the pushchair while you stroll to your nearest coffee shop (code for: bribe them with snacks while you sit down and pretend you’re not weeping).

• Institute quiet time with books, toys, or an iPad and lie horizontally on the floor like a pregnant sea lion. This has actually been a game-changer for me – we like to climb into my big bed together, get under the covers, and read his stories or put on The Gruffalo. Jack is less wild and then exhausted by bedtime, I’ve had some rest for half and hour and we’ve snuggled and had bonding time. 

• Embrace the 8pm crash. Put the toddler to bed, get into your PJs, and do not move until morning (or until your next bladder emergency, whichever comes first). Newborns don’t have bedtimes for a long while so you’ll be going up to bed with your toddler to get a quick nap before the first feed of the night – may as well start now!

3. Create a ‘YES’ Zone

Make one room or one box completely toddler-proof, throw in snacks, toys, and cushions – and let them go wild. You can lie there like a horizontal queen while they build a tower out of snacks and socks. Everyone wins.

Bonus tip: Rotate toys like a playroom magician to make old stuff seem new. They’ll be distracted for at least 6–9 minutes. Maybe.

4. The Toddler Doesn’t Care You’re Pregnant – So Outsource, Babe

You may be 8 months pregnant and waddling like a penguin after leg day, but your toddler still expects you to chase them around the house like you’re in a Marvel film. Time to tag in your partner, grandparents, neighbour, Postman Pat – anyone.

If someone offers help, the answer is YES. If no one offers, ask. Nicely at first. Then not-so-nicely. Survival mode, baby.

5. You’re Allowed to Be Over It

If you’re feeling a bit done, you’re not alone. You’re tired, sore, and living on toddler snacks. It’s okay to dream about hotel stays where no one touches you or climbs on your belly yelling, “MUMMY LOOK AT ME!”

So far, for me, I’ve only been over it after a long stint of solo-parenting. My husband reads the room perfectly and is as active as my wild three-year-old. Their energies mostly match, so he’s great at going on random bike rides, longer than needed trips to the supermarkets and cinema mornings. Thank goodness for that beautiful man!

6. Hydrate and Hide Snacks

Your toddler will steal whatever you’re eating. It doesn’t matter if it’s spicy curry or kale chips; if it’s in your hand, they want it. Solution: stash snacks in places they can’t reach. Bedroom drawer? Yes. Behind the sanitary towels? Absolutely. Your bra? Desperate times…

Water bottle with a straw is a game changer too – hydration without moving = bliss.

7. Prepare for Labour… Sort Of

You probably had a beautiful birth plan the first time. Candles. Playlist. Calm. Ha!

This time? You’ll be googling “what to pack in a hospital bag” while sitting on a potty training step stool and explaining why we don’t lick the windows. Your midwife can send you lists for what to pack so don’t worry!

Just throw snacks, massive knickers, and a phone charger in a bag. Job done.

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The Bottom Line: You Are Doing BLOODY AMAZING

Yes, your house is a tip. Yes, you’ve got a toddler swinging from the curtain pole and another human doing kickboxing in your uterus. But you? You are a multi-tasking goddess. A snack-fetching, nap-dodging, belly-rubbing force of nature.

So here’s your permission slip to:

• Ignore the laundry.

• Use The Gruffalo as a babysitter.

• Eat the snacks you hid from your toddler in peace.

You’ve got this, mama. You’re almost at the finish line. And soon? There’ll be double the cuddles, double the chaos – and double the love.

Just don’t forget to pack extra wipes.

LoveRosiee
xxx

You May Also Enjoy…

Emma’s Diary Feature – I Like My Baby Better Now He’s No Longer A Newborn

Welcome To The Third Trimester: Your Guide

Understanding Your Rights During Labour

How to prepare for a second baby with a toddler