Baby Exercise

Some babies are spending so much time on their backs because of the fear of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, some experts say their muscles aren't getting enough exercise. Here's how parents can help.

By Jennifer Coburn

No one has produced a "Tummies of Steel" work-out video just yet, but some pediatricians are now advising parents to regularly exercise their babies. They claim that daily exercise can build strength and enhance physical development in infants.

"Our doctor told us to help our baby do push-ups for upper body strength, the bicycle for her legs, and a few others," says Mia Oleglum, of Boca Raton, Florida, the mother of six-month-old Celeste. "We have a 10-minute routine."

Exercise classes or taped programs are not necessary for good physical development, say Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff, and Sandee E. Hathaway, the authors of "What to Expect in the First Year." In fact, unless they are strapped into a car seat all day, babies will get all the exercise they need simply by exploring their world. Even pre-crawlers will stretch out on the floor and move their arms and legs.

Skeptics

Some pediatricians are skeptical of the benefits parent-initiated infant exercise offers, though. Dr. Thomas Rowland, a pediatric cardiologist at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, says establishing a daily exercise routine may help parents bond with their babies, but doubts it offers physical benefits. "It's enjoyable...but claims that you'll improve strength or help (babies) walk earlier are ill-founded," says Rowland. He says that moderate exercise cannot hurt an infant, so if parents are inclined to do so, he'd give them the green light.

Have Fun

If you decide to exercise your baby, Marguerite Kelley, author of the Mother's Almanac says diaper changing time is ideal for work-outs.

Most everyone agrees that exercise should be fun for both parents and babies, and should stimulate the mind as well as the body. "Talk or sing to her and tell her what you're doing, " write the authors of What to Expect. "She'll come to identify those little rhythmic ditties (such as 'exercise, exercise, how I love my exercise') with the fun of physical activity."

"It's never too early to start stressing the importance of physical activity, I guess, " says Rowland. Most experts agree that the greatest benefit to infant exercise is increased bonding and fun. And that ain't bad.