It’s frustrating to have a flabby belly right after giving birth. And with a new baby, it’s hard to find time to exercise. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help get back in your pre-pregnancy shape faster than you think.

Exercising with baby.

Spend some quality bonding time with your baby and go for a walk with the stroller. If you can fit in at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week, you’re doing awesome. If your neighborhood has hilly streets, even better. Plenty of cardiovascular exercise will ensure you burn calories and keep your metabolism up to speed.

If you don’t like walking by yourself, there are probably plenty of moms just like you who would be glad to walk with you. If you’re bold enough, you can approach other moms in the park or walking down the street and ask if they’d like to make walking dates with you. You can also look into community groups and walking clubs specifically for new moms.

Another thing you can do is join a fitness class that involves both you and your baby. Most cities and towns have them, and it’s a great reason to get out of the house and meet new people who are in the same situation you are.

When should I start exercising?

Your body will let you know when it’s ready for some regular physical exercise, but it’s still better to be safe and check with your doctor first. If you feel any pain while you’re working out, stop right away. Your body probably still needs some time to heal before getting too physical.

What else can I do to get rid of my “pooch”?

Cut down on fats and sugars in your diet. Make sure you eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and low-fat meats like lean ground beef, chicken and turkey. Also very important is getting at least 8 glasses of water each day.

I’m kicking myself for not discovering this with my first child, but I’m sure glad my eye caught it on the bottom shelf at the store the other week.

I’ve since told my husband that I cannot live without this. It saves so much time putting it in the dishwasher than washing every bottle and nipple separately in the sink. It even holds sippy cup straws in the side.