Recently, my cousin Clara welcomed her second child into the world, and as I cradled that hefty little one—tipping the scales at 10 pounds 12 ounces—I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for those early baby days. I may have even teared up a bit while rocking that adorable bundle of rolls. But it wasn’t a longing for another baby that made my eyes misty; that chapter has closed for me, thanks to some strategic snips on my partner’s end. No, it was the memory of just how much simpler babies are compared to the whirlwind of toddlers.
The Allure of Newborns
As the mother of a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old, I sometimes find myself wishing I could trade them in for a newborn—yes, even one that cries incessantly. When a baby cries, it’s usually for a very understandable reason: they might be hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. I can relate to those feelings; after all, who hasn’t shed a tear over something as trivial as a tough workout gone wrong? (You know that moment when you attempt jumping jacks during your period and, well, let’s just say it’s a valid reason to cry.)
The Chaos of Toddlers
Toddlers, on the other hand, are a whole different story. Their tears often stem from the most nonsensical situations. Just the other day, my daughter was in tears because my son took her imaginary rocket ship. That’s right—she cried over something that doesn’t even exist! No parenting book prepares you for these moments, and no one tells you that they’ll wail over spilled milk, cereal in the wrong bowl, or even when you help them put on their shoes. The sheer horror of you following their request can trigger a meltdown of epic proportions.
Entertainment for Babies vs. Toddlers
And let’s talk about how babies entertain themselves. They can lie peacefully on the floor or in your arms, gazing around quietly. Maybe they’ll drool a little if they get excited, but that’s about it. Just give them a wall, a ceiling, or even a colorful dinosaur, and they’re completely content. They are by far the easiest beings to keep entertained. You don’t even need to engage with them all the time; they’re just soaking in their surroundings.
But toddlers? They seem to have an aversion to stillness. It’s as if they fear their muscles will seize up if they don’t remain in constant motion. Even when they’re sitting, they manage to make a racket. Who knew you could be so loud while simply sitting in a chair? And forget about the days when you could zone out while your baby played; every few seconds, one or both of my little ones will demand, “Mom! Watch this!” Their expectation for your undivided attention is relentless and utterly exhausting.
The Joy of Feeding
Feeding babies is another delightful aspect of their simplicity. You can give them your breast, a bottle of breastmilk, or formula, and they’re good to go. They never complain about the taste or throw tantrums over their meals. Instead, they just gulp it down and follow it up with a satisfying burp, moving on with their day.
Embracing the Journey
I adore my children, and I appreciate the fun of watching them grow, play, and communicate. There are certainly upsides to these stages, but some days, I’d trade my left arm just to hold a baby in my right. They don’t argue, they don’t bicker over the last strawberry yogurt, and they definitely don’t engage in sibling rivalry. They just lay there and drool—much like I do after listening to my toddlers shout “Watch this!” for the 26th time before I’ve even had my first cup of coffee.
For those interested in the journey of becoming a parent, this blog post over at Home Insemination Kit offers some insightful information, as does Make a Mom for all things related to home insemination. And for a great resource on pregnancy, check out the CDC.
In Summary
While the joys of toddlers are numerous, there are moments when I fondly reminisce about the simplicity of babyhood. The ease of caring for a newborn can make the challenges of toddlerhood seem overwhelming.