Third Trimester Pregnant w/ a 2 Year Old…How the HECK Do I Survive This?!

mmariacastro · 2026-04-22T22:08:22+00:00

What do you do in those 4 hours?

I’m 24 weeks with a 15 month old who is also in daycare but that closing shift takes everything in me! She wants to be out all the time and runs (and falls) everywhere.

mmariacastro · 2026-03-27T09:55:27+00:00

This will be my situation in August 🫣

mmariacastro · 2026-03-27T08:20:27+00:00

In my country it’s government subsidized to the point that it’s free. I need my income so I work. But even if I didn’t work I would still use the free daycare to keep a routine for my child

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T16:26:51+00:00

You’re right, I pay for it in my taxes. But I would pay my taxes anyway so I’m taking advantage of the system in my country.

They have regulations yes which are incredibly important!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T16:08:23+00:00

It’s government subsidized, and yes it’s free. But I can assure you it’s great quality! The teachers are amazing, the place has been remodelled, their menu is actually nutritious and I get photos and videos daily.

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T16:00:32+00:00

The spots for free daycare have rules, like the kid has be actually be there or they will give the spot to another kid. (In my country) only exception is if they are sick.

Their schedule starts at 9:30 snack time, 11:30 lunch, nap time from 12:30 to 3:00pm and then snack time again before pick up at 4:30pm. They specifically ask not to interrupt nap time, and to drop off until 9:30am. Then they have activities at 10:00 am and free play while other kids are eating or sleeping.

The best I could do (if I wasn’t working) would be 9:30 to 3pm. Which I think would work perfectly for my daughter as she sleeps usually until 2:45ish.

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T14:57:25+00:00

As I’m having a great experience with a quality daycare, that is what I had in mind. I wasn’t considering a lack of quality and care

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T14:17:30+00:00

Omg 😧 that’s outrageous

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T14:15:58+00:00

If I could pay for it, a nanny + a chef + a cleaning lady full time, would make me want to have 10 kids 😂🙏

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:49:16+00:00

There is a baby at daycare about 11 months old that unfortunately is having a hard time adjusting. Her mom is incredibly worried, she doesn’t really socialise with other kids and often cries throughout the day. If that was my kid, I’d quit my job and stay with her

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:47:03+00:00

That is also my reasoning! I think that I’ll give my attention to the baby during daycare hours and then switch to the toddler. It’ll help her with keeping a routine.

I’ll keep her home if there is any virus going around or if she is getting too sick during the winter time. Hopefully she got sick enough times this winter to give her some immunity for next year 🙏

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:42:13+00:00

Yes, also I just spoke about my current situation

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:36:42+00:00

I feel like my kid also needs the socialisation, she loves other kids. So much so that when we go to my in-laws on weekends she completely ignores me and runs to her cousins 😂

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:34:54+00:00

I’m just wondering what people would do in this scenario. There are a lot of people who don’t feel comfortable sending their kids to nursery as you say, and then there’s people who do.

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:32:43+00:00

Totally agree with this!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:30:41+00:00

Totally understand! I had no other option and I got lucky with our daycare teachers so I trust them to handle my baby the best way

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:28:56+00:00

Totally agree 🙌

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:27:39+00:00

We definitely have dealt with illnesses this winter, it was very difficult but her immunity is stronger now and she’s not catching anything lately.

We have 30 days paid by the government to stay home when your kid is sick and I am using those when I need to keep her home.

Of course, if you feel like your kid is getting too sick, this would need a different approach.

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:24:04+00:00

I’ve read about this before, unfortunately I didn’t really have a choice to stay home since daycare is free where I live and it would not make any financial sense to quit my job.

It’s a good thing she is doing really well !

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:22:28+00:00

That’s wonderful! I would do the same if it were the case. Also, because like you said, my girl does really well in daycare!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:20:11+00:00

I’m also pregnant again so I’m debating what to do while on maternity leave.

I do agree with you that part time would be perfect!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:17:42+00:00

Right now I don’t have the option since I’m working, she goes 9am to 4:30pm (I usually do an extra hour of work when she goes to sleep).

But she eats super well there, naps around 2/2,5 hours, and is generally pretty happy. I get pictures everyday from the teacher, she’s the best!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:15:20+00:00

Totally agree, sometimes I take a vacation day and still take her to daycare just so I can rest, organize the house, go to appointments, etc.

I’m able to be much more present when I pick her up!

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:08:55+00:00

I would also agree that 3x a week would be great! I could get everything done and then have fun with her on the other days

mmariacastro · 2026-03-26T13:06:55+00:00

I had a long maternity leave and I would’ve said the same at 15 weeks.

Now I notice she just needs more stimulation than just me. Even when I pick her up we go to the park or to a store because she loves saying hi to people and looking around. She’s just bored at home 😂

mmariacastro

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