Baby and Child Movement: Exercise for Everyone

"Exercise for babies, especially in the newborn period, consists solely of feeding. A baby with heart or lung problems will have more difficulty feeding because of the extra 'work' required of his/her heart and lungs," says Dr. Kimberly G. Lee, Associate Director of the Infant Follow-up Program at Boston Children's Hospital. "Breathing, sucking, and swallowing all at once is exercise," she adds.

During those first few weeks when your baby is too young for rigorous exercise, you can still begin demonstrating healthy habits by participating in the following activities together:

• Take your baby for a walk in the stroller.
• Put your baby on the floor beside you and practice stretching.
• Play, talk, and cuddle with your baby regularly.
• Carry baby in a sling or carrier while exercising.