Recently, my sister-in-law welcomed her second child into the world. Holding that adorable little bundle—10 pounds 12 ounces—brought back a flood of cherished memories from my own baby days. I might have even got a bit misty-eyed while cradling that chubby cherub. But it wasn’t because I long for another baby; that chapter has closed for me, thanks to some well-timed snips on my husband’s end. No, my emotional moment stemmed from a stark realization: babies are a breeze compared to toddlers.
I have a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old, and honestly, I would trade them in for a newborn most days—even one that cries non-stop. When a baby cries, there’s usually a clear reason: they’re hungry, tired, or, well, in need of a diaper change. These are understandable grievances, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear over the same issues now and then (like when you try to work out during your period and end up regretting it!). But toddlers? Their meltdowns make no sense at all.
Just today, my daughter wailed because my son took away her imaginary rocket ship. Yes, you heard that right—she cried over something that doesn’t even exist! The parenting books never prepare you for this kind of chaos. No one warns you that they might sob over spilled milk, spilled cereal, or even because their cereal is in the “wrong” bowl. Or that they will scream because you helped them with their shoes—how dare you do what they asked!
And babies? They find joy in the simplest things. They can lie quietly in a crib or on the floor, staring at the ceiling or a brightly colored toy, and that’s all they need. They’re the easiest beings to entertain; you don’t even have to engage them most of the time. They’re just soaking in their surroundings in blissful silence.
In stark contrast, toddlers seem incapable of staying still for more than two seconds. It’s as if they fear their muscles might burst if they aren’t in constant motion. Even when they are sitting, they can’t manage to do it quietly. It’s astonishing—you can be in a room alone and still hear them making noise! And forget about having a peaceful moment; every few seconds, one or both of my kids are shouting, “Mom! Watch this!” They expect your undivided attention all day long, and it can be utterly exhausting.
I also miss how simple feeding babies is. Just give them your breast or a bottle, and they’re happy. No complaints about what’s in their bottle, no tantrums over not liking it anymore. They drink, burp, and move on with their day. It’s a far cry from the daily battles I face with my toddlers over food, including endless debates over who gets the last yogurt.
I adore my kids, and I appreciate that they can communicate, play, and explore. There are upsides to every stage of parenting. But, I won’t lie—some days, I would gladly give my left arm for a chance to hold a baby again. They don’t argue back, they don’t fight with their siblings, and they don’t have daily disagreements about snacks. They just lay there, wide-eyed and drooling—much like me before my first cup of coffee after being bombarded with “Mom! Watch this!” for the umpteenth time.
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In summary, while I cherish the laughter and joy my children bring, there are days when I reminisce about the simplicity of babyhood. Babies are easy, quiet, and uncomplicated, whereas toddlers come with a whirlwind of emotions and demands that can leave any parent feeling a bit overwhelmed.