Moms: Bond With Baby while Keeping Healthy in the Great Outdoors

Moms can bond with their babies outdoors and get some exercise to boot.

Fresh air, open space and a natural atmosphere provide an ideal setting for moms to bond with their babies and also to stay active. After all, who knows how to multi-task better than moms?

Super mom and fitness expert Mary Beth Knight from StrollerFit encourages moms to take a trip to the local park and use benches, curbs and picnic tables to get fit while engaging their baby with songs or counting games. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Exercise together.

Shape up your lower body by standing in front of your stroller, facing your little one, with feet shoulder-distance apart. Slowly squat and hold while singing a verse from your child's favorite song. Repeat three to five more times.

For those arms, have a seat on the edge of a park bench, and face your stroller. Place your palms next to your legs with your fingers facing forward, and wrap them under the front edge of the bench. Lift your hips up and then bend your elbows to lower yourself down closer to the ground. Press into your palms, and return to the bench five to 10 more times.

Banish that baby belly by sitting with your knees bent and your feet on the ground. Hold your baby on your stomach, and lean your upper body back until you feel the burn. Repeat while singing another verse for your child. Repeat through three verses.

While exercising outdoors is great, it's important to remember a few things to keep you and your baby healthy.

Prepare for the outdoors.

The effects of the sun can be severe year-round. Therefore, it is important to protect both yourself and your baby with daily use of sunblock. Choose a sunblock with at least an SPF of 45 and one with natural ingredients that won't irritate your baby's sensitive and delicate skin. If your baby is less than six months old, ask your doctor before using a sunscreen on him. Remember to dress them in protective clothing, including a hat, and don't forget extra milk, formula and water to keep you and your baby hydrated.

When your baby becomes hot and sticky outdoors, so does his diaper, which can result in diaper rash.

Take some precaution to ensure that your baby is comfortable during your trip to the park. Minimize irritation with frequent diaper changes and treatment options with natural ingredients, such as Aveeno Soothing Relief Diaper Rash Cream, which contains Oatmeal, Willowherb and Zinc Oxide to alleviate redness and irritation.

For more outdoor tips for you and your baby, visit www.strollerfit.com.

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