13 Lessons Learned from Navigating College Life with a Baby

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I welcomed my little one during my junior year of college, taking a break from classes in the winter and returning the following August when my baby was six months old. I anticipated that balancing school, a part-time job, and my craft business with motherhood would be challenging, but I had no idea just how tough it could be.

As I immersed myself in research papers while managing diaper changes and bottles, the struggle became real. I faced countless sleepless nights and days filled with baby food messes. Juggling assignments while my baby cried for me as I left for class was heart-wrenching, but the precious moments spent with my little one during her early milestones made the effort worthwhile.

Now, as I approach graduation, I find myself reflecting on the wild ride of completing my education with a toddler in tow. Humor became my coping mechanism, and this list captures the amusing insights I gained along the way.

1. College students and toddlers have a lot in common—they both constantly whine about being hungry, bored, or in need of a nap.
2. Believe it or not, you can type a paper on your laptop while breastfeeding. It takes patience, some creative balancing, and the ability to ignore the rhythmic sucking sounds. Just be ready for the moment your baby decides to unlatch unexpectedly—trust me, you don’t want breast milk spilling on your MacBook.
3. Those 8 a.m. classes? A breeze when you’re trying to escape a cranky toddler! Major props to daycare teachers, grandparents, and anyone who lends a hand.
4. Once classmates discover you have a child, you become the go-to expert on parenting topics. Discussions about whether boys should play with dolls will suddenly revolve around your views.
5. Your purse will transform into a snack and Advil haven, and you may find yourself affectionately dubbed “Mom” by friends.
6. Expect your pens to be swapped out for pacifiers, courtesy of your little one who’s decided to scribble in your math book. Good luck finding that book!
7. Those sleepless nights spent caring for a newborn prepare you well for late-night paper-writing sessions while your toddler snoozes on your lap, even if that means switching to good old pencil and paper.
8. Using up all your patience with your adorable toddler means you’ll have zero tolerance for the excuses of fellow students. “I didn’t have time because I worked at Starbucks” pales in comparison to your daily chaos.
9. You’ll discover unique spots to study, like perching on the toilet lid while keeping an eye on your child making a soap-bubble beard in the tub.
10. Swapping roles with your partner, who works long hours, feels like a vacation—his job doesn’t involve homework or tantrums over peas!
11. Mastering time management is crucial. A planner is your best friend—note every assignment, deadline, and even social engagements. You won’t remember it all otherwise!
12. Most professors are quite understanding of non-traditional students. Instead of asking for extensions, see if you can get assignments early. They’ll often be willing to help you succeed. Trust me, saying “My kid deleted my paper while I was chasing the dog” is a valid excuse for late submissions.
13. Despite the chaos, sleepless nights, and busy days, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every moment is for my daughter, and I cherish it all.

If you’re navigating similar waters, you may find valuable insights in this post about privacy and for anyone considering starting a family, check out Make a Mom’s resource on home insemination. For more information on fertility topics, Medical News Today is an excellent source.

In summary, having a baby while in college is a unique challenge filled with valuable lessons that blend humor, patience, and resilience. The experience may be hectic, but the rewards are immeasurable.