I'm hoping you busy folks might have some ideas on how I can get in some exercise these days. I used to love to run but now I have a crazy 6 month old and it's kinda out of the question.

I work 50 hours a week so my time at home is limited and my baby makes it difficult only because she's SUPER CLINGY. God bless her she's not the type that will stand for hanging out in a swing, walker, highchair, jenny jump up, (I have them all) or on the couch or floor with toys. She want's to be held pretty much all the time -or- sitting in her baby pool.

I'd love to take her for walks in the stroller but living where I do it's out of the question. It's over 100 pretty much every day and there's no shade to be found. I tried to take her to the mall to walk around but she won't stand to be in the stroller for more than 7 minutes or so before she starts to get pissed!

There aren't any baby w/ mama exercise classes here in Mexico or clubs for that sort of thing so I downloaded some youtube videos for baby-mama exercise but lol she's not having it. She despises being on her tummy and using her as a barbell gets to be too much of a squeeze on her little body.

(Btw don't take me for complaining about my little girl, she's sweet and I wouldn't trade her, I'm just looking for ways to work with her.)

She only takes two maybe 20 minute naps a day and one of those is while I'm sleeping. I work at night 10pm-8am and sleep in the morning till around 3pm. The nap time is sacred to me because it's the only time I can cook/clean/feed the dog/give my husband some lovin' ect.

ANYHOO, you've got the picture - anybody else out there ever have a baby like mine and have ideas? I'd appreciate anything!

Awwwww, congrats on your new baby!

In your situation I think I would try to carry her while walking in the mall or some other protected place. Is she content in a sling or other baby carrier?

Here's what I did tho...With my first daughter I tried to do it all - home, school, work. I was exhausted. With my second little one I PLANNED to USE my rocking chair. I sat and held my baby. It seemed like a very long time, but it was only 5 months. At some point your little one will need you less and a stroller or babysitter might work well.

Have fun!

She does like a sling - I just have to go slow so her head won't be bounding all over the place and that makes me feel like I'm not getting any exercise you know? I can't sweat while meandering through the mall... but I guess it's better than sitting on my butt right? A babysitter... I wonder, the neighbors always say they'd love to have her over, maybe they could take her like, 3 times a week for a couple of hours so that I could really run, that would be awesome! Thanx for putting that bug in my ear, I TRULY appreciate it!

I have a 9 month old and I bought a treadmill just before she was born off Craigslist - it was the best thing I've ever done. She likes to watch me run for some reason. I also do workout DVDs with her in the room and act like it is a game we are both playing.
I also do "baby pushups" where I put her on the floor under my chest while I count them in baby talk - it makes her laugh.

I work 50 + too and I don't like to put her in more daycare which is why I try to do this stuff at home, with her.

This may not be what you are looking for, but just because she wakes after 20 minutes doesn't mean you need to go get her from her crib.... She can't possibly be getting all the sleep she needs with such short naps.

Now I know some people don't care for letting a baby cry and that is fine. However, I read Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and it changed my life. First of all, all three of my kids only cried one or two nights and then it was lights out. With my first, I hadn't read the book until he was about 9 months old and had spent those months totally exhausted. My second I used the method by 6 months. My third is now 14 months and is the best sleeper. She goes down without a peep and her morning nap is 3 to 4 hours most of the time. Often times she is squirming out of my arms to get into her crib if I try holding her too long. lol.

One of the most important things we can teach our children is how to fall asleep and get back to sleep if they waken before they are adequately rested. She will find her way if you let her. Even if you disagree with letting her cry a little, the book has great information about sleep habits all through to the toddler years and was right about each stage for all 3 of my kids. HTH

Groovegirl - She likes to watch you run!!?? LOL that's awwweeesome! I would love LOVE a treadmil but we don't have space for it. Perhaps I'll try the video's again though, you never know, she's a month older now and maybe I can make it fun for her like you say that you do - it's worth a try! Thank you for the ideas

Rainboz - Well, every baby is different and mine is one that thrives quite well on the lower end of the sleep scale. I can't BELIEVE your's sleeps for 4 hours! You've def. got a kid at the higher end! That's wonderful for you! But mine, nope, she's dandy with her wee sleep. Lol maybe the next baby