Does Babywearing Really Help Me Lose Weight?
Many new parents often express a common concern: finding the time to incorporate exercise into their busy lives. However, if you’re utilizing a baby carrier, you might be surprised to learn that you’re already engaging in a form of physical activity. Even a newborn can weigh over 10 pounds shortly after birth, and carrying them in a baby carrier not only provides closeness but also increases your caloric expenditure. In this article, we will explore how babywearing contributes to weight loss and the number of calories you can burn while doing it.
Babywearing can indeed aid in weight loss due to the additional calories burned from carrying the weight of your child during any physical activity. However, the impact on weight loss will depend on several key factors:
- Your overall diet
- Your level of physical activity
- Whether you are breastfeeding, as milk production requires substantial energy
While you cannot guarantee weight loss simply from babywearing, incorporating it into your routine will certainly help you burn more calories and engage different muscle groups that might not have been activated otherwise.
How Many Calories Will I Burn Wearing a Baby Carrier?
When using a baby carrier, you can expect to burn approximately 5% to 15% more calories compared to performing the same physical activities without the added weight. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve drawn comparisons to carrying a hiking pack of various weights:
- Regular walking: 112 calories
- With a 15-pound baby carrier: 119 calories (+6.25%) – based on data from My Fitness Pal
- With a 30-pound baby carrier: 125 calories (+11.6%) – calculated as equivalent to carrying a hiking backpack
The more weight you carry in your baby carrier, the more calories you will burn, provided that you maintain a consistent walking speed.
How to Increase the Calories Burned
To maximize the calories burned while babywearing, the key is to enhance the intensity or duration of your physical activities. Many moms find that they can complete a full workout while wearing a baby carrier. It’s essential to maintain proper posture by keeping your back straight and avoiding twisting motions. This can be a delightful experience for both you and your baby, allowing you to blend fitness with bonding time.
For inspiration, check out the video below that demonstrates a manageable workout you can perform with your baby securely strapped in. Just imagine the extra challenge of having an additional 10 to 20 pounds of baby weight while exercising!
Note: When working out, it’s crucial to use a soft-structured baby carrier. Wraps may not provide adequate support, and ring slings may not offer the comfort needed for physical activity.
Final Word
If you’re regularly babywearing, you might need to adjust your diet to ensure you’re consuming enough calories to meet your increased energy demands, especially if you are breastfeeding. As a new parent, your body requires a lot of energy, and while babywearing can be a fantastic way to stay active, it’s equally important to fuel your body with nutritious foods and stay well-hydrated.
Remember that babywearing can be a wonderfully enjoyable experience and may serve as the ultimate fitness hack for busy moms and dads. So, strap your little one in and start burning those calories!
Read more:
- Best baby carriers for breastfeeding moms