Carrying Your Toddler While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

Being pregnant and caring for a young child, especially a toddler, can be challenging. It will almost certainly be a different experience from your first pregnancy. When your child is still a toddler, they may need a bit more help and care compared to older children. One such need is carrying your toddler.

Many pregnant mothers wonder, “Is it safe to carry my toddler while pregnant?” The answer depends on the individual’s health, the stage of pregnancy, and the toddler’s weight. While it can be safe in many cases, there are precautions to keep in mind.

Carrying a toddler can put additional strain on a pregnant woman’s body, particularly her back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. As the pregnancy progresses, the growing belly can shift your center of gravity, increasing the risk of losing balance, falling, and experiencing back pain. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid carrying them for long distances, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

We understand this can be an adjustment, especially when your child really wants to be picked up. Instead, we recommend suggesting cuddle time with your little one on the bed or sofa. You can also encourage independence by teaching them to climb onto the bed, sofa, or into the car seat on their own whenever possible.

However, there may be times when you need to carry your toddler and there’s no way around it. If so, be sure to use proper lifting techniques—bend at the knees, keep your toddler close to your body, and try to keep your back as straight as possible to reduce strain.

Carrying your toddler while pregnant can be manageable with precautions, but it’s crucial to always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

There are however some exceptions. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or conditions like placenta previa, you should avoid carrying your toddler. Additionally, even if you don’t have any specific conditions, if lifting your toddler causes pain or discomfort, or if you’re generally unsure or have some nerves surrounding this, consult with your healthcare provider.