I Miss the Baby Days Because Toddlers Are Wild

home insemination Kit

Recently, my sister-in-law welcomed her second child into the world, a hefty little one weighing in at 10 pounds 12 ounces. Holding that adorable bundle of baby rolls whisked me back to the delightful days of infancy, prompting a few misty eyes as I cradled the little one. Now, I wasn’t tearing up because I want another baby—oh no, that ship has sailed, thanks to my husband’s strategic snipping. Rather, I found myself reminiscing about how much simpler life was with a baby compared to a toddler.

I have a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old, and I’d happily trade them for a newborn—yes, even one that cries incessantly. When babies cry, it’s usually for a straightforward reason: they’re hungry, tired, or sitting in their own mess. I can relate to that! I mean, have you ever tried to work out during shark week and then ended up peeing yourself while doing jumping jacks? That’s a solid reason to shed tears!

But toddlers? Their reasons for crying are utterly baffling. Just today, my daughter wailed because my son took her imaginary rocket ship. That’s right, folks—she was sobbing over something that doesn’t even exist! The parenting manuals don’t prepare you for this kind of nonsense. You’re not warned that they’ll cry over spilled milk, a cereal mix-up, or even the fact that you helped them put on their shoes—an act which somehow triggers the most theatrical outbursts.

And let’s talk about how babies entertain themselves. They can lie in a crib, on the floor, or snuggled in someone’s arms, quietly absorbing the world around them. Sometimes they might drool if they’re extra excited, but that’s about it! You don’t even have to actively engage with them most of the time. Just give them a ceiling or a neon dinosaur to gaze at, and they’re as happy as can be.

Toddlers, on the other hand, are a different story. They seem to be in a constant state of motion, as if sitting still could cause them to spontaneously combust. Even when they do manage to sit, they make sure everyone knows it by fidgeting and making noise. I never realized you could be loud while sitting in a chair alone until I had kids. And forget about sneaking in a moment of peace; every few seconds, one or both of my kids demand, “Mom! Watch this!” It’s exhausting to have your eyes glued to them all day long.

Then there’s feeding. With babies, you just offer your breast, a bottle of breastmilk, or formula, and you’re done. They don’t complain about the taste, throw tantrums, or declare they’ll never eat again. Nope, they happily guzzle it down, let out a satisfied burp, and then get back to their baby business.

I adore my kids and appreciate their growing independence and ability to play and talk. But honestly, there are days when I would give an arm and a leg just to hold a baby again. They don’t argue, they don’t bicker over who gets the last strawberry yogurt, and they certainly don’t have daily disputes over imaginary rocket ships. Instead, they simply lie there, drooling—much like I do after hearing “Mom! Watch this!” for the umpteenth time before I’ve even finished my morning coffee.

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In summary, while the joys of parenting toddlers are undeniable, there’s an undeniable charm and ease to the baby stage that many parents long for. The simplicity of a newborn’s needs and the quiet moments of babyhood can seem like a distant memory amidst the chaos of toddlerhood.