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
Did you know?
Good role models at family meals help your developing independent eater
1 min to read
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
Your toddler’s developing feeding skills
Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!).
8 mins to read
Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Separation anxiety in toddlers is a normal and healthy part of development though it can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read
Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days
Look back at the healthy habits you’ve encouraged, which have helped your toddler grow so far, and look forward to the exciting developments to come.
2 mins to read
Magical milestones and physical play
Looking at your child now, it’s hard to imagine the tiny new born you brought home from the hospital who did little more than feed, sleep, and fill diapers.
5 mins to read
When will my Toddler Stop being a Picky Eater?
Does your little one want plain pasta for dinner every night? Or refuse to eat anything green? Here are some ways to make sure your fussy eater is getting enough variety in their diet.
1 min to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be exciting to watch your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Newborn Sleep Development - What you need to know
You’re half-awake at 4 am with a wide-awake baby in your arms and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t worry, you will.
6 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Family mealtimes matter
Did you know? Being a good role model is the most effective way to get your toddler to try new food.
3 mins to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
2 mins to read
10 healthy habits to carry on
During your baby’s First 1000 Days you have encouraged many healthy habits, so don't let your guard down now! Here are 10 healthy habits to keep practicing.
7 mins to read
Your 12-18-month-old’s activity planner
From crawling to standing and taking their first steps, your baby is now moving quickly into toddlerhood and becoming more active and mobile all the time.
4 mins to read
Hunger signs in newborn| Your toddler’s hunger & fullness cues
Got a hungry toddler? Here are some hunger and fullness cues to watch out for during your toddler's development.
2 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
