Self-isolating with a baby can be hard. Most of us rely on that weekly coffee date with our mum friends and the baby groups that are now closed down to keep us sane. Some of us have even started pining for soft play, and we never thought that would happen.
But it’s not just our social lives that have been curtailed by coronavirus. With no exercise-with-baby classes running, swimming pools now a no-go zone and postnatal yoga classes not currently an option, a lot of the ways we exercise as a new mum have fallen away.
But we can’t give up. Especially with all of that comfort chocolate we’re eating to get us through what’s going on. Instead, we need to keep healthy right now more than ever, for our mind as well as our body. Here are some ways you can keep fit even if you’re self-isolating with a baby.
Use apps
The good news about self-isolating in 2020 is that you're well covered for accessing all of your normal life (well, most of it) via a screen. There are myriad apps available to help you exercise like you did before. It may be a habit you keep up long after we come out of the other side of the coronavirus, in fact.
Running or cycling
If you have a partner that is currently working from home, make the most of their presence when your baby’s napping and head out for a solo run or a bike ride. The fresh air will feel incredible when you’ve been trapped inside and we all need a sense of freedom at the moment. Just remember to stay at a distance from other people.
Walks with your baby
Bundle your baby up in the pram, pull your trainers on and get a brisk walk around the block in. The government advice around self-isolating is that exercise is still fine so as long as you stay a safe distance away (six feet) from other people. You might have to swerve the coffee shop you normally grab a latté in en route...
Online classes
YouTube has a plethora of options so whether you’re a yoga girl, love your pilates or want a hardcore aerobic session, you'll find an option that suits. You could include your little one(s) or wait until they sleep and log on for an adult session instead.
Housework and gardening
Yep, there is definitely no getting out of that at the moment. But seriously, a bit of weeding or a vacuum of the stairs will get you moving, achieve some mindfulness in a difficult time and tick something off the to-do list. If you have a FitBit, keep track of what you do too for extra motivation.
Take a hike
Find your nearest big hill, put the baby in a rucksack or sling, get your walking shoes on and clear your head in the most effective way there is, by getting your body moving. It should be sparsely populated enough to tick the self-isolating box but if you do see anyone else, stay at least six feet away from them.
Home gyms
That exercise bike that’s been left untouched in the loft for years? Now’s probably the time to dig it out. If not, use what else you have: those extra tins in the cupboard would be perfect as handheld weights (and baby meals from the cupboard). And if you’re serious about getting fit indoors, you can pick up some new equipment like skipping ropes and yoga mats pretty cheaply and have it delivered to the door too.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
Interactive, engaging and social, our live online antenatal course is a great way for you to meet other local parents, and get essential unbiased information and knowledge about pregnancy, birth and early days with your baby.
Read the the NHS advice on what you should do when you’re self isolating to try and prevent passing on the virus to other people at home.Take a look at the latest public health guidance for pregnant women and parents.
Click on the following links for guidance on self-isolation and social distancing in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, Gujarati, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh.
For more information about coronavirus in various languages see here.
Information you can trust from NCT
When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.
All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.
If you are interested in our live-online courses:
- Before baby (antenatal): https://www.nct.org.uk/courses-workshops/nct-live-online-antenatal-course
- Once baby is here (postnatal): https://www.nct.org.uk/courses-workshops/nct-early-days-course
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