Returning to regular fitness after childbirth is not the same for every mom. Whether you’re looking to break into a sweat as soon as things get clear, or you’re struggling to find motivation after giving birth, it’s never as easy as just lacing up your favorite sneakers and doing the same pre-baby workout. The top priority for every woman after pregnancy is to rebuild her core, pelvic floor, breathing, and posture before diving back into more strenuous exercise.

You’ll want to restore that foundation properly so you can safely return to the workouts you love without causing any harm. When you’re just starting to come back to life, exercising with your baby can help you bring physical fitness into your day more easily—you don’t have to babysit! It also brings the two of you incredibly close. Your child can make eye contact with you and exchange positive energy while you make time for yourself.

By exercising with or near your child, you reinforce positive healthy habits for the whole family. Experts say that when children see their parents focus on healthy lifestyles, they are more likely to grow up focusing on them. Get started with a few mom and baby exercises from Nancy Anderson, kinesiologist and prenatal and postnatal fitness expert. You’ll feel good knowing these kids workouts are safe, fun and effective.