3 Simple & Effective Workouts You Can Do With Your New Baby

It’s been a few months since you left the maternity ward with your beautiful new baby, and these days, parenthood is keeping you busy. While you’re getting in a ton of wonderful bonding time with your new baby, what you don’t have is a lot of time to get to the gym and fit in exercise.

That’s OK! It turns out you can enjoy time with your little one and still get a workout in.

Parent and baby exercises have many benefits: You will strengthen and tone your entire body postpartum. At the same time, you’ll be interacting with and entertaining your baby. They’ll enjoy seeing your smiling face and hearing your voice during your workout.

Remember, it’s essential to get clearance from your doctor after giving birth before exercising. Once you get the go-ahead, practice the following exercises several times a week.

Baby Core Brace

Your core needs to be restrengthened postpartum, and your baby can help you get there. 

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2. Brace your core and exhale at the same time. Maintain that position as you hold your baby on your belly.
3. Allow your baby to sit, stand, bounce, or practice tummy time as you are bracing your core.
4. Begin bracing for 30 seconds at a time. Increase incrementally for 10 seconds at a time.
5. If you can’t brace your core any longer, put your baby down and rest before you repeat the exercise.

Baby Torso Twist

In this exercise, you’ll make your baby giggle and work your core at the same time.

1. Sit up at a 45-degree angle with your heels pressed into the floor.
2. Hold your baby underneath their armpits, so that they are facing you.
3. Without rotating your spine, slowly lower baby down to one side of your body. Bring them back to the center, then move them slowly to the other side.

Push-Ups With Baby Kisses

Do your arms and abs need a bit of toning? Nothing could be better motivation than looking down at your baby’s smiling face. Here’s how to do it.

1. Gently lay your baby down on their back on your yoga mat or a blanket.
2. Start on your knees in push up position with your arms on each side of your baby so you are looking down at them.
3. Tuck your pelvis in and embrace your core.
4. Inhale as you lower down into your pushup, give your baby a kiss on the forehead as you reach their level.
5. Exhale as you push yourself upwards.
6. Start with 5-10 pushups at a time. Work your way up to more repetitions as you get stronger. (Funny faces optional.)

Do you have another favorite parent + baby workout? Let us know in the comments below!