Is It Safe to Carry My Toddler While Pregnant?
12 Apr 2025
If you're pregnant and have a toddler who still loves to be carried, you might be wondering: Is it safe to lift and carry my child while expecting?
In most cases, it's safe to carry your toddler during pregnancy—if done correctly.
However, as your belly grows, lifting can strain your back, pelvic floor, and core muscles. Let’s explore when it’s safe, when to be cautious, and tips to protect both you and your baby while lifting your toddler.
Second trimester: Be mindful of back pain, balance changes, and belly strain.
Third trimester: Lifting gets harder as your belly grows, so reduce or modify how you carry your toddler. If you have pregnancy complications (like placenta previa, a history of preterm labor, or severe back pain), talk to your doctor before lifting your toddler.
A high-risk pregnancy (preterm labor risk, placenta previa, or preeclampsia).
Dizziness, weakness, or balance issues.
History of pregnancy complications. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice on safe lifting techniques.
Keep your back straight and engage your core.
Push up with your legs while lifting. Avoid bending at the waist—this strains your lower back!
Support their weight with one arm while keeping your posture upright. Avoid carrying in front of your belly—this can strain your back.
This reduces the need for heavy lifting.
Use hugs, cuddles, and lap time instead of picking them up when possible. It’s okay to set new boundaries—your toddler will adjust!
Try sitting down and letting your toddler climb onto your lap instead of lifting.
Contractions or cramping.
Severe back pain or pelvic pressure.
Dizziness or feeling faint. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop lifting immediately and call your doctor.
However, as your belly grows, lifting can strain your back, pelvic floor, and core muscles. Let’s explore when it’s safe, when to be cautious, and tips to protect both you and your baby while lifting your toddler.
When Is It Safe to Carry a Toddler While Pregnant?
Early pregnancy (first trimester): Generally safe if you have no complications.Second trimester: Be mindful of back pain, balance changes, and belly strain.
Third trimester: Lifting gets harder as your belly grows, so reduce or modify how you carry your toddler. If you have pregnancy complications (like placenta previa, a history of preterm labor, or severe back pain), talk to your doctor before lifting your toddler.
When to Avoid Carrying Your Toddler
Call your doctor before lifting if you have: Severe back, pelvic, or round ligament pain.A high-risk pregnancy (preterm labor risk, placenta previa, or preeclampsia).
Dizziness, weakness, or balance issues.
History of pregnancy complications. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice on safe lifting techniques.
How to Safely Carry Your Toddler While Pregnant
If you must carry your toddler, follow these pregnancy-safe lifting techniques to protect your body:1. Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back
Squat down (instead of bending over).Keep your back straight and engage your core.
Push up with your legs while lifting. Avoid bending at the waist—this strains your lower back!
2. Carry Your Toddler on Your Hip (Not in Front)
Carry on your hip or side to avoid pressure on your belly.Support their weight with one arm while keeping your posture upright. Avoid carrying in front of your belly—this can strain your back.
3. Use a Toddler Step Stool
Encourage your toddler to climb into your lap, high chair, or car seat instead of lifting them.This reduces the need for heavy lifting.
4. Teach Independence & Adjust Expectations
Encourage your toddler to walk more on their own.Use hugs, cuddles, and lap time instead of picking them up when possible. It’s okay to set new boundaries—your toddler will adjust!
5. Use a Supportive Belly Band
A pregnancy belly band can provide extra back and belly support when carrying a toddler.6. Listen to Your Body & Take Breaks
If you feel pain or discomfort, stop and rest.Try sitting down and letting your toddler climb onto your lap instead of lifting.
Warning Signs to Stop Carrying Your Toddler Immediately
Sharp or sudden abdominal pain.Contractions or cramping.
Severe back pain or pelvic pressure.
Dizziness or feeling faint. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop lifting immediately and call your doctor.
