After having a new baby, especially if it is your first, you may be afraid that the old days of being able to head out the door on a walk or a run are a thing of the past.
And now that the summer season is here, that feeling might be especially strong and ominous.
But fear not, Mom. Your life may have turned on its head but some things can be reclaimed. With a little tweaking.
Baby just needs a good stroller to keep up with you on your rounds. A walking stroller will simplify your workout life immeasurably, and will give baby a good airing at the same time.
A good walking stroller will have a seat belt and a reclining seat, perfect for a fussy tired baby who needs to lie down while you walk. A canopy or sunshade will protect baby from strong sun or drizzle.
Be sure your stroller has a sturdy locking brake and a safety wrist strap, so baby and stroller don't end up somewhere you don't want them to be.
A cup holder for your drink is an amazing feature that you'll never take for granted. A holder for baby's cup or snack can make for a happier, and longer, walk.
A storage basket can make it possible for you to get your walk and also run a few errands at the same time.
Depending on the age of your baby you may want to stock up on toys and snacks for your walk.
Tiny infants won't be playing with toys but an older baby can get restless with all that sitting unless you've brought the beloved squeaky toy or scruffy teddy bear to squeeze and chew on.
A walking stroller with rubber wheels will make rougher surfaces more traversable.
But let common sense be your guide. Gravel or stony paths can still be a bad idea, bad for the stroller, for baby and for you.
You may feel impatient about getting back into the walking groove but you should hold back for six to eight weeks after your baby is born. The shorter time applies to a vaginal birth, and the longer one is appropriate for a cesarean section delivery.
Get your doctor's okay before you start hitting the road again.
Keep a good upright posture while you walk. Keeping your elbows down by your waist will help you to maintain good posture. You're less likely to slouch which will prevent your shoulders and necks from accumulating tension.
Before baby, did you do your jogging, running or walking with another woman, or a group?
Scout around for a group of moms who go out regularly with their babies in strollers and join the crowd. Stroller walking groups are becoming more popular, and you may even be able to find one for your area online.
Sources:
Walking with Baby. About.com. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
http://walking.about.com/od/beginners/a/mombaby.htm
Stroller Walking: Fit For You And Fun For Baby. The-fitness-walking-guide.com. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
http://www.the-fitness-walking-guide.com/stroller-walking.html
Walking Strollers -- Features To Consider Before Buying. The-fitness-walking-guide.com. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
http://www.the-fitness-walking-guide.com/walking-strollers.html
How to Choose a Jogging Stroller. Sparkpeople.com. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=63
Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger