CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

4 Big Benefits of Exercising With Baby

Hint: There are plenty of pros for both you and baby.
save article
profile picture of Micky Marie Morrison, PT, ICPFE
By Micky Marie Morrison, PT, ICPFE, Contributing Writer
Updated November 8, 2019
Hero Image
Image: Getty Images

Even if you were a super-fit mom-to-be and exercised regularly through pregnancy, you may find it difficult to get back into a regular workout routine after having a baby. Combine sleep deprivation with juggling the many tasks of motherhood, and it probably feels impossible to find the right activity to help get your body back. Even if you find the perfect gym class or yoga studio, you may not relish the idea of being apart from your newborn (and then, of course, there’s the issue of childcare while you’re gone). What’s a woman to do? For many moms, the answer can be as simple as working baby into your fitness routine.

Exercising with your baby can have big benefits for you both:

Fitting in fitness
While many new moms find it difficult to set aside an hour a day for a Pilates or a yoga class or a trip to the gym, nearly every new mom spends an hour a day interacting with her baby. It only takes a shift of mentality to use your baby time as workout time, and you won’t be taking anything from your baby if you are exercising with her. Strap her on in a front carrier and go for a walk or try a low impact cardio routine with baby in place. Find a mom-and-baby class or do one online on your own schedule.

Bonding time
Spending those 15 to 45 minutes with your baby while you work out helps solidify your bond. If your baby is on a mat staring up into your eyes as you struggle to hold the plank position, or cooing when you kiss her while doing a modified push-up, she is getting the good energy of you doing something positive for yourself while you focus on her at the same time.

Exercises for baby, too!
You can make your mom-and-baby exercise time beneficial for both of you by helping your baby to develop muscular strength and motor skills. Tummy time is a big help for new babies to develop head and neck control. Give baby tummy time on a blanket beside or in froth of you while you do a series of plank variations. Once your baby has good head control, you can hold her in a supported sitting position on your pelvis while doing leg lifts and abdominal exercises, to help her practice trunk control to help develop sitting balance.

Forming healthy habits for the whole family
When you focus on fitness, unsurprisingly, you are healthier and in better physical condition. When your children see you focusing on fitness and are a part of your daily fitness routine, they also learn the importance of incorporating exercise into daily life.

Plus more from The Bump, Floor Exercises to do with Baby:

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

baby yoga poses
The Benefits of Baby Yoga
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
baby dancing class at flux flow dance center
The Adorable Baby Dance Class Parents Can't Get Enough of
By Wyndi Kappes
Woman laughing and getting ready to exercise while looking at her phone.
5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Core After C-Section
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman workout out at home
How to Find Time to Exercise When There Is No Time
By Jenna McCarthy
woman drinking water after workout outside during sunset
6 Ways to Get (and Stay) Motivated for Your Postnatal Workouts
By Locke Hughes
close up of woman's feet walking while pushing stroller outside on a sunny day
7 Expert-Backed Benefits of Working Out After Baby
By Locke Hughes
Exercise contributor exercising outside with her toddler daughter.
7 Diastasis Recti Exercises to Repair Your Ab Separation
By Joanie Johnson, CPT, PPCES, DCC
ADVERTISEMENT
woman wiping sweat from her brow after a workout
10-Minute Workout Routines You Can Do While Baby Naps
By Lindsay Dolak
mom embracing her toddler on the couch
Want to Lose Weight? Get a Toddler
By Marygrace Taylor
9 Ways to Work Out When You Have a Toddler
9 Ways to Work Out When You Have a Toddler
By Joanne Van Zuidam
ADVERTISEMENT
calm woman sitting in her bedroom and doing a breathing exercise on yoga mat
Exercise After C-Section: Everything You Want to Know
By Rose Walano
woman doing dia method postpartum exercise
How the Dia Method Might Help You Get Your Pre-Baby Belly Back
By Celia Shatzman
happy mom holding and exercising with her baby
Kick-Ass Mom and Baby Workouts You Can Do Together
By Mahri Relin
ADVERTISEMENT
woman exercise running
What ‘Bouncing Back’ After Baby Is Really Like for a Fitness Trainer
By Dasha Anderson
close up of woman tying her running sneakers
Super Mom Breaks Record While Pushing Kids in Triple Stroller During Marathon
By Stephanie Grassullo
mom boss, Akinah Rahmaan who started banana skirt dance studios, pictured with her son
Losing Her Job After Maternity Leave Was the Best Thing to Happen to This Mom
By Stephanie Grassullo
dad runs new york marathon and crosses the finish line with his baby son
Dad Crosses Marathon Finish Line While Cradling His Baby
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
dad getting ready to exercise and run track
Dads Who Exercise Jump Start Their Kids' Health, Study Says
By Stephanie Grassullo
two little boy watching phone screen
Too Much Screen Time Is Hurting Kids’ Brains, Study Says
By Stephanie Grassullo
fit pregnancy club founders in their studio
The Reason Why This Gym Is Only Open to Pregnant and Postpartum Moms
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List