How to Keep a Baby Physically Active

Encouraging physical activity is important even for babies.

It may seem ridiculous to be thinking about your baby's physical fitness at such a young age. However, developing healthy habits later in life begins now. It is important to be moderate in your approach to exercising with your baby. Think of it as a great way to bond with your baby. Below are some tips for keeping your baby physically active.

Instructions

1. Spend part of your playtime with your baby engaged in physical activity. Many parents worry exclusively about their baby's intellectual development and ignore the physical. Gently pull your baby into a sitting or standing position, bicycle her legs and raise her arms above her head.

2. Make physical playtime fun and entertaining for your baby. Talk and sing to your baby while you are exercising with her. Narrate and tell her what you are doing as you move her arms and legs. Not only are you making physical activity fun but you are stimulating her hearing and bonding with her at the same time.

3. Avoid keeping your baby confined. If you keep your baby in an infant seat or swing all of the time, he will not have the opportunity to practice movement and is well on his way to becoming sedentary and unfit. Even a baby who cannot crawl yet will be able to kick and wave his arms if he is given the opportunity to.

4. Join a mother and baby exercise class. Although not necessary, these classes can be fun and a great way to spend time with your baby. Check with your baby's doctor before starting a class and check to see what credentials the teacher has.

5. Take your cues from your baby. Don't try to force her into doing any activities that she is not ready for. It is also not a good idea to work on physical activities when your baby is in a fussy mood. This can set up negative association with exercise. Engage in play time only when your baby is receptive and in a good mood.

6. Lead by example. Don't neglect yourself. Be sure that you are physically fit and healthy. You can even exercise with your baby. There are many exercise DVDs that have moms workout with their baby. Again, this is a great way to spend time with your baby and bond with him.

Tips & Warnings

• When your baby begins to fuss during exercise or play time, this is her way of telling you that she has had enough for that session.

• When you begin to give your baby solids make sure you are feeding her healthy and nutritious foods.

• If you are considering a baby exercise class, look for one where music is incorporated into the class.

• Do not do any exercises with your baby that shake or jerk your baby. This can be dangerous for your baby.

• If you are doing exercises with your baby and she seems frightened or upset, stop the activity immediately.