Working Out with Baby In-arms
Walking and jogging can be done easily enough with baby in a stroller, but bad weather and older kids at home can make it difficult to get out for a walk or run. Many new moms are stumped when it comes to how to exercise at home with a baby. Not all infants are content to lie next to you or lounge in a bouncy seat while you're exercising, and baby's naptime should be your resting time, too.
Exercising with your baby in a sling or front-pack carrier can be a lifesaver for moms of babies who are happiest when snuggled close. You can exercise with your baby in-arms as long as you follow these safety guidelines:
Any fluid, nonjouncing exercise that you can do with a baby on your chest can be safe as long as you make sure to support your baby's head and neck and stay upright.
You shouldn't do any kind of jiggling or bouncing motion, like running, with your baby in a sling or front-pack carrier. Carriers and slings don't provide the support and shock absorption that a jogging stroller would, and it's easy to injure a baby's spinal cord from too much jouncing.
Choose slow, steady movements like plies and lunges when you have your baby in-arms. To do these safely, you should make sure your back stays straight (don't bend forward with your baby in a sling or carrier). Keep one hand on your baby, and use the wall or the back of a chair or sofa for support.
For arm and ab exercises, you can actually use your baby for resistance — if he or she is willing and not too heavy. You can do bicep curls with your baby being the “dumbbell,” or do crunches with your baby reclining against your lap at a 45-degree angle.
If you're unsure how a particular exercise will affect your baby, always ask your care practitioner for guidance before giving it a try. You'll get more out of your workout if you go into it with all the information you need.
