It’s not easy to stay in shape with a new baby, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stick to your New Year’s resolution to exercise more regularly. Staying in shape while caring for an infant can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to make it work, even if you’re on maternity leave or only have time to get in quick workouts during the day. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your New Year’s resolution to exercise with a baby.
Tips for Exercising with Baby
Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you can’t get back in shape. It does mean that, for practical reasons and safety, your workout has to change. Staying fit with a baby around means being realistic about what you can do and find solutions when needed. The first step is to figure out a break in your schedule where you can both work out consistently on those times and days. If you don’t plan for a workout in your schedule you will fail your New Year’s resolution almost right away. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
If you enjoy working out alone, plan a time where baby is napping, or early in the morning when you know baby is still sleeping. If your spouse is okay with taking baby for 30 minutes after dinner, then that may be your time to go for a run or jump on your elliptical.
Low-Impact Workouts with Baby
These workouts are ideal for new moms because they keep you moving, but also give your body time to recover from labor and delivery. These include walking and swimming. Low-impact workouts don’t put too much stress on your joints or muscles, which makes them perfect for those new postpartum bodies. They’re also great if you’ve got a baby who loves water (because let’s be honest—most do). The best part is that these exercises can help take care of both your physical health as well as your mental health. So grab that swimsuit, some water wings for your little one, and head out to sea!
No pool? No problem! Check out low-impact activities like dancing, gardening, housework, and yoga. Remember: less impact means less risk of injury. That’s important when your goal is to stay fit AND heal from childbirth! It’s never too late (or early) to start getting back into shape after having a baby.
Jogging stroller workouts
If you plan on working out with your baby in tow, keep in mind that you will have fewer options than when you don’t have a baby with you. This is especially true if your workout needs to be a cardio-focused one (running or biking, for example). While it may not seem like an ideal workout environment, jogging with your stroller can be effective as long as it’s safe. By following these tips and tricks, you can jog more safely while pushing your infant along too.
Start slow and build up. Since babies are so tiny, taking them for a run with you may make some people nervous—even though exercise is good for babies! That said, it’s best to start slow and work your way up from there by gradually increasing speed until you feel comfortable going faster—or even sprinting!
Start small. You might think walking around outside with baby takes no energy at all but that couldn’t be further from the truth; even light exercise—like walking around town with your toddler strapped into his or her stroller—can help improve your fitness level by strengthening your heart, muscles, and bones. If it’s too cold, try going for a walk inside a mall or shopping center. It will give you the motivation to go if you love shopping as well as an excuse to dress baby in one of these 10 cute outfits for newborns.
Housework
If you’re not working from home, chances are your day doesn’t start with emptying your dishwasher or taking out the trash. If that is the case, don’t bother looking for time later in your day—you just won’t find it. But if housework is part of your typical morning routine, start incorporating exercise right into those tasks. If you typically tidy up after breakfast and make lunch while eating breakfast, do jumping jacks in place while you chop vegetables, or try lifting some light weights while folding laundry. You can keep baby close by wearing a baby carrier wrap so that she goes wherever you go. Carrying your baby also allows you to get more done since she’ll get all the snuggles without you having to stop.
Whether you’re adding an extra workout during your day or trying to squeeze in time before your baby wakes up, these tips will help you achieve your health and fitness goals without sacrificing time with your little one. Hopefully, 2022 will be a year of healthy resolutions for you! Happy New Year!