Who has time to exercise when they are taking care of a baby? Not me! Instead, I have come up with some alternative ways to get moving with my baby. He thinks we are just playing, but I know that it’s benefiting my health as well. These moves are perfect for indoors so you can do them all year round, rain or shine!
Side-to-Side Twists
This one always makes my son giggle. Lay on your back and bring your knees up, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Hold your baby above your under his arms. Twist to your right and touch your babies feet to the floor, then twist to the left and do the same. It should look like your infant is hopping from one side to the other, back and forth. Do as many reps as you can handle (or until your baby gets bored.)
Rock the Boat
This one is really fun. You’ll need a mat if you have a hard floor. Sit on the floor and bring your knees to your chest, keeping your feet together. Hold your baby facing you and against your shins, supporting him with your fingers under his arms and your thumbs on his shoulders. Curve your spine and roll back, tighten your abs and roll back up. Maintain eye contact with your baby and say “wweeee” as you roll.
Baby Lifts
Have your baby “stand” in front of you and lift her up above your head slowly. Hold her up for a second and lower her slowly back down.
Boogie
Turn on some fun music and dance with your baby. At my house, we spin, dip, and wiggle. If your spouse is around, have them dance, too. Your baby will laugh hysterically!
Kiss-Ups
It’s a smooch and a push up all in one. Lay your baby on the floor in front of you while you do push ups. Lower yourself slowly, give your baby a big kiss on the cheek, then pop back up. The smiles are a great motivation to keep going when your arms start to get tired!