Finding Strength: A Gentle Guide for Parents of Babies and Toddlers with T1D

There are moments in life that change everything in an instant. Hearing the words, “Your child has Type 1 Diabetes” is one of those moments. If you’re reading this, you might be feeling exhausted, completely overwhelmed or even a little lost. And that’s okay. Take a deep breath. You are not alone.

This is not the road you expected to be on, and right now, it may feel like too much. The sleepless nights, the tiny hands resisting blood tests, the fear of numbers that suddenly seem to rule your world- it’s all so much to process. But here’s something I want you to know: You can do this. And you will.

The Early Days: One Hour at a Time

Right now, thinking about the future might feel impossible. So don’t. Focus on the present- one blood sugar check, one insulin dose, one meal at a time. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet. No one expects you to become an expert overnight.

Your baby or toddler doesn’t know any different yet. They are still the same little person they were before the diagnosis- still full of giggles, curiosity and love. Diabetes does not take away their joy, their spirit or their future.

It’s Okay to Grieve

You might feel sadness, anger or even guilt. Maybe you’re grieving the life you imagined for your child, or you’re blaming yourself (even though you shouldn’t). These feelings are real, valid and completely normal. Let yourself feel them, but don’t let them define you.

And if you find yourself crying in the supermarket aisle because you just realised you have to check every food label forever? That’s okay too. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing something incredibly hard, and you’re doing it with love.

The Learning Curve: You Will Get There

Right now, insulin doses, carb counting and managing highs and lows might feel like an impossible puzzle. However, one day, without even realising it, you’ll be doing it automatically.

You’ll learn little tricks- how to check a blood sugar while your toddler is asleep, how to make injections less scary, how to handle a hypo in the middle of a meltdown. You’ll know when to trust the numbers and when to trust your instincts. And one day, you’ll realise you’re not just surviving this- you’re managing it with confidence.

And guess what? There’s no rush. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to lean on your diabetes team, other parents and the people who love you.

Your Baby is More Than Their Diagnosis

Diabetes is something your child has, not who they are. They will still dance in puddles, cuddle their favourity teddy and will find delight in the simplest things. They will grow, learn, and do incredible things- just with a few extra steps along the way.

One day, you’ll see them run across a playground, laughing without a care in the world, and you’ll realise that diabetes hasn’t stopped them. In that moment, you’ll know that all the hard work, sleepless nights and worry has been worth it.

You are Doing an Amazing Job

If no one has told you this today: You are doing an incredible job.

You are stronger than you feel, braver than you know, and more capable than you think. Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent- they just need you. And the love and care you are giving them? That’s what will get you both through this.

So take a deep breath, wipe away those tears if you need to and know that you are not alone. There is a whole community of parents who have been where you are, who understand and who are ready to support you.

One step at a time, one day at a time- you’ve got this. And we’ve got you.