Exercise with your baby in tow: Here’s how

Exercise might not be top of your mind, especially if you’re the busy mom of a baby. But some moms feel trapped by the fact that they can’t take part in sports and activities that they used to enjoy now that you have a baby – and you might feel like you’re missing out. The good news is that things have changed a great deal in the last 15 years, especially in mother and baby exercise. So, assuming you are looking to exercise with your baby to make you feel good, keep up a fitness level, and get out of the house, what can you do? We chat with Parenting Consultant and founder of Kidology, Kate Nicolle, on her top ideas on how moms can fit exercise into their busy days.

First, do no harm

A word of caution, if you had a C-section, check with your doctor before taking part in any exercise as you are recovering from major surgery.

Roll in the exercises

There has been an explosion of mother and baby classes that involve meeting in the park with your baby and pram and getting a sweat on! These classes often involve lunging and strength exercises and fast walking or running. These are great as they give your baby some fresh air and you get a chance to meet other mothers too. What happens in the class is designed to be safe for postnatal moms, so you don’t need to worry about doing anything inappropriate.

Yoga

Another popular mother and baby class is yoga. This can be done together with your baby. No one minds if your baby has a bit of a grizzled, and I have memories of having a little nap in one of the classes I attended, unintentional, of course!

Hit the pool

Water-based classes are another popular choice for moms and babies. Everyone is carrying post-baby weight, so you are all in it together – squeezing your swimsuits on. A word of caution here, though, a swimming pool can be a breeding ground for germs, so take care when taking a small baby to a public pool. If they are showing any signs of feeling unwell, then avoid swimming completely. Chlorine can be harsh on a baby’s skin too, so consider that before you decide to take your baby swimming if they have sensitive skin.

Workouts on a budget

There are lots of things you can do with your baby that cost very little. A brisk walk with your baby in his pram, a cycle with your baby on the back of your bike, and don’t forget the trusty home workout DVD as there are plenty designed for postnatal moms.