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6 Helpful Tips for Expecting Toddler Moms

*This article from our archives was written by The Stork Bag Founder, Ericka Perry.*

And then there were two…

Oh my, I have decided there are different stages of motherhood and each has its own challenges and solutions.

As a mother of a toddler and infant, I am constantly looking for ways to cheat time. I always want to squeeze out another hour from the 24hours in a day. It’s impossible!

I have learned that nothing is easy, you only get better at it with time. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids plus the laughter in my home has doubled, the joy has increased and with two kids there is never a dull moment. But it isn’t easy, so we’ve put together a few tips for you.

Are you a mom of a toddler and expecting another baby? Well, here are 6 tips to help you:

Don’t forget that you already have a child. Anytime your toddler calls for your attention, make sure you give him/her your attention.

Kids act out sometimes. Refrain from blaming the toddler for anything that happens to the baby.

Have special activities for your toddler. Know what your toddler loves that can keep him/her busy for 20-30 minutes and use it whenever baby needs your undivided attention.

Routine and stability are important to toddlers. Ensure your baby’s arrival does not upset your toddler’s routine.

Give each child one on one time when possible. You and your spouse should exchange one on one bonding time with each kid. Daddy and toddler time, mommy and baby time; daddy and baby, mommy and toddler.

Help your toddler to feel important. When family and friends come to visit, let your toddler introduce the baby, and let them know that they have been a good big brother or sister.

This whole situation must sound difficult and stressful, but don’t worry – parenting two young children at the same time can be done. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, don’t be hard on yourself – being a mom isn’t always easy! Be sure to reach out to family and friends for help, and to access parenting and community resources.

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What Every First Time Pregnant Mom Should Know

What Every First Time Pregnant Mom Should Know

*This article from our archives was written by The Stork Bag Founder, Ericka Perry*

I am so excited to be doing another post for The Stork Bag and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and make some mommas out there happy. Hope you guys are doing good out there, this one is for all the first time mamas. Being pregnant is a beautiful thing, so enjoy it while it lasts! However, here is what I feel you should know from the time you see that double line on the test kit and you call out to your hubby “Honey! We’re having a baby!” Oops! Don’t get it wrong girl: you and your partner are having a baby alright, but it’s you who’s going to carry the baby to term.

1. I can’t stress this enough: you are pregnant and not your partner – just you hun (you will understand once the nausea starts to kick in and most especially when labor cramps sets in.)

2. This is sad, but you can kiss your wine and cigarettes good bye for at least 9 months.

3. Get ready to know the types of pillows and their uses. Trust me when I say that one size does not fit all. You will need different types of pillows for every stage of your pregnancy, including special ones that you will need after delivery.

4. You get to develop a superhuman sense of smell. Suddenly, it will seem like every smell is twice as strong – especially the sharp or repulsive ones!

5. Do yourself a favour get a new bra now (preferably a sports bra; thank me later). You might have to go up to two sizes bigger during your pregnancy, and no I am not joking.

6.Get a good massage oil (personally I love argon) and have your partner help you out, or if you can budget for it, I highly recommend a visit to a good masseuse or the spa.

7. Squeeze half a lemon into cool water and be sure to take it everywhere with you. This refreshing drink will come in handy throughout your pregnancy.

8. During my pregnancy, I couldn’t get enough natural lemon scent – I loved having them around the house. Find a scent that works for your and indulge in it.

9. Don’t ask any moms too many questions or specifics about their birthing experience – trust me when I say that you don’t want to know all of the details.

10. There are lots of helpful apps to help you manager your pregnancy, so be sure to try a few and find one that works for you

The good news is that for 9 months you don’t have to worry about period cramps – but you will have more serious stuff to worry about. Sorry!

It’s an experience that can be explained but is best experienced. It’s a life changing journey, and one that comes with inexplicable joy at the end.


Congratulations to all first time moms out there – your joy is right around the corner!