Feeling a little cooped up? Suffering from cabin fever? It’s true: new moms spend a lot of time indoors immediately after the birth of their child.
While a comfy bed and the amenities of home are important when you first bring baby home, don’t be fooled by old-school thinking that would keep you homebound well beyond what’s actually required. If you and baby are both healthy enough to move around freely and both of your docs approve, why not get out and enjoy the fact that spring has finally sprung?
The biggest no-brainer when it comes to early postpartum exercise with baby is to simply take a stroll. It’s a great way to ease back into activity, squeeze in some cardio, and get out of the house. Being outdoors helps battle the baby blues: a little fresh air and sunshine perk you up. Even better, research suggests that exposure to daylight impacts the brain’s production of melatonin, a key factor in regulating sleep.
Babies need all the help they can get distinguishing between day and night, and you need all the help you can get to find some sleep these days, so what are you waiting for? If that’s not enough reason to get you out and get moving, here’s another point to ponder: a slow but early start at exercise may help you to stick with it and get your pre-baby body back faster.
Any age appropriate stroller will do for a light walk, as will any baby carrier that provides appropriate head support, but never try to jog or run with your baby in a carrier or with a standard stroller. For that, you’ll need to invest in the proper type of equipment (a jogging-specific stroller), check the manufacturer’s age recommendation for baby, and be sure to consider your surroundings when making the purchase. Bigger wheels work best for bumpy trails, sand, and other types of rough terrain, and are best saved for when baby is a bit older. Smaller wheels are safe for smooth surfaces like sidewalks, paved roads, and itty-bitty babes.
Make sure to provide proper sun-protection for you and especially for your little one, as baby skin is extra sensitive at this stage. Mom should slather on at least an SPF of 15 (although 30 is much better, who wants wrinkles?), but baby is another story. Most sunblock labels recommend not using their lotions on babies under six months of age, so look for a stroller that provides adequate shade protection and kid clothing with an SPF of its own. Put a hat on baby for added coverage and keep your time in direct sunlight to a minimum.
If you have any questions or doubts about returning to exercise or about bringing baby outside, be sure to contact your doctor or pediatrician. More than likely they’ll encourage you to and your bundle of joy to enjoy the outdoors as long as you take the proper precautions. Stroll safely and have fun!
