how can i count playing with my infant as exercise?

kidrobot3

I'm not sure how many calories or an exercise equivalent I can track it as. I have a very active 7 month old. I play with him a lot on the floor. Rolling with him, lifting him in the air, doing sit ups with him on my chest, etc... When I'm done I feel like I've been to the gym. He's about 19 lbs. Would you even bother to count it? We spend an hour playing like this almost every day.

cmriverside

Don't count it as exercise. This is part of your daily routine and should be factored into your activity level, not exercise.

kidrobot3

Oooh. Good point honestly I didn't think about that. Thanks!

aippolito1

I wouldn't. Leave it as extra.

iuangina

I think it depends on how you set your daily activity level.

evansproudmama

They have playing with kids as an option in the MFP database but I wouldnt bother, you dont want to over estamate what your burning and end up eating it back

MissFit0101

Don't count it as exercise. This is part of your daily routine and should be factored into your activity level, not exercise.

agreed!

MrsRAW712

I used to want to count time spent playing with my toddler. But now I see its better to just count it as extra, fun, and quality time you spend with your baby! Playing with my baby comes naturally so I don't want to feel like its forced calorie burn/exercise

Ely82010

Agree, if your activity is set to light active then do not count it.

Since taking care of a baby or children for that matter, is by no means part of a sedentary life, may I suggest that you do set your activity to light active?

Enjoy your baby!

kidrobot3

Agree, if your activity is set to light active then do not count it.

Since taking care of a baby or children for that matter, is by no means part of a sedentary life, may I suggest that you do set your activity to light active?

Enjoy your baby!

When I was pregnant I had it set to sedentary (I had to keep track of calories and carbs due to gestational diabetes). I just switched it to light. Thanks :]

MHunte

I won't count it no matter what your activity level is it's a waste of time......