
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Here are some easy ways to incorporate exercise with toddlers into your daily routine, from mom and toddler workout ideas to trying out toddler exercise videos online.
- Break exercise up into small chunks of time. Even ten minutes a day is a great start.
- Check out apps and online videos for short exercise routines you can squeeze in at convenient times for you.
- Check if there is a Mom & Baby or Mom & Toddler exercise group in your community.
- Walk or cycle whenever you can to build exercise into your daily routine.
- Talk to your partner about how to split up other responsibilities so that you both have time to exercise or relax.
- Do squats while you’re picking up toys.
- Do calf raises while you’re chopping fruits and veggies.
- Take the stairs when you don’t have your child with you.
- Join in during playtime, there’s nothing like a game of tag to get your heartrate going.
- Check if your local gym offers childcare—many do.
- Go for stroller walks with other parents and catch up while you get your steps up. Choose hilly areas for a more intense work-out.
- Participate in a mom and toddler workout by incorporating your baby into your exercises.
- Find toddler exercise videos on YouTube for you to try together.
Related articles

Toddler meals ideas | Nutrition and Feeding for Your Growing Toddler
By one year of age, your little one should be eating a variety of foods from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. He’s likely discovering new tastes, textures and skills.
9 mins to read

Potty training : When to start
No matter how eager you may be there is no "right" age to start potty training your little one.
4 mins to read

What should my 12-24 Month Old Toddler be Eating?
As you probably already know, toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
4 mins to read

Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read

How to help your toddler sleep well
Even with a well-established regular bedtime routine, there may be times when your toddler’s sleep is disrupted.
5 mins to read

10 steps to successful family mealtimes
Mealtimes are a great opportunity for the family to come together to share food and enjoy each other’s company.
3 mins to read

Did you know?
Many children are afraid to try new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to!
1 min to read

Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after a baby
If you’ve decided to go back to work and are preparing to become a working mom, you’re more than likely navigating a rollercoaster of emotions.
3 mins to read

Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read

How to help a picky eater
Wondering how to help a picky eater? Developing a palate takes time. So we’ve prepared a menu of useful tips to help turn your picky eater into a food lover.
2 mins to read

Lunch ideas for babies
It’s difficult to find well-balanced meal ideas every day for your toddler.
1 min to read

How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
2 mins to read

Leaving babyhood behind
His ability to grasp now means your child will be easily picking up his food with two to three fingers instead of his entire hand.
3 mins to read

Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read

How to help toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike.
2 mins to read

How sleep can affect your toddler’s health
Did you know? Not getting enough sleep may lead to your toddler consuming extra calories.
2 mins to read

Did you know?
Healthy eating habits are set early in life
1 min to read

What to consider when choosing a daycare
Wondering how to pick a daycare to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a daycare, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read

Could screen time increase the chances of my toddler becoming overweight?
Did you know? Young children risk missing out on important outdoor play and activity when their time is spent watching television and in front of screens.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey