Have Baby, Still Exercise

5 Fitness Solutions
for the First Year of Life

By Aneema Van Groenou, M.D.

Having a baby in the house disrupts all your routines including when you sleep, eat, think – even when and if you exercise. But the first year after delivery is also a great time to get back in shape and spend precious time with your baby.

Taking care of an infant is tiring and you may not feel like you can make space for yourself to work out. And you may be concerned about being out of shape, overweight and how exercise will affect breastfeeding. But getting out there is as good for you as it is for the baby. Exercising helps your baby get exercise and fresh air, nurtures your parent-child bond, encourages early learning and exploration and helps establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. When you see how much your baby enjoys exercising with you, you'll get in the groove.

The last 10 years have revolutionized strollers. Even the most basic stroller has durable rubber wheels that can handle long urban walks. If you've invested in a "runner" or a "sport utility" stroller, you can take your baby jogging, go hiking off pavement onto park roads (like unpaved fire roads) or even try inline skating along a scenic path. These weight-bearing exercises also help you build bone strength and improve posture. Aim to run, walk or skate for a half-hour at a time, at least three times a week.

If you're in the market for a stroller, choose one that will protect your infant from the elements. Warmth, shade, rain shelter and a smooth ride are essential components if you will be exercising together regularly.

Want to see more?

• Stress-busting!: Using Exercise to Manage Stress
• Strolling Your Way to Fitness: Make Baby Your Exercise Partner
• Get Your Body Back!: Postpartum Exercises for Mom
• Talk about it!