Exercising with a baby and toddler: The buggy board secret
Finding time to exercise when you have a baby and a toddler feels like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. You know you need to move your body, but you also have two tiny humans demanding your attention every second of the day.
Going to a gym is often out of the question. Working out at home usually ends with a toddler climbing on your back while the baby cries for a feed. But getting outside for a walk can be the perfect solution for the whole family. It gives you fresh air, tires out the kids, and gets your heart rate up.
However, getting a toddler to walk long distances is a challenge of its own without a buggy board. They get tired, they refuse to move, and suddenly your brisk walk turns into a frustrating standstill. This is exactly why finding the right equipment can make all the difference to your daily routine.
With a few simple adjustments and the right attachments for your pushchair, you can turn a stressful outing into a fun, active adventure. Here is how you can stay active, hit your fitness targets, and keep your toddler smiling on the go.
The physical and mental benefits of getting outside
Taking a daily walk is one of the easiest ways to improve your health as a busy parent. You do not need expensive memberships or fancy workout clothes. You just need a comfortable pair of shoes and a route around your local park or neighbourhood.
What the official guidelines say
The NHS physical activity guidelines for adults suggest we should all aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. Brisk walking counts perfectly towards this goal. Breaking it down into 30 minutes a day makes it much more manageable, even with two little ones in tow.
Why walking matters for new parents
Walking is fantastic for your mental health. Being outdoors helps lower stress and gives you a much-needed break from the chaos of the house. From a physical perspective, regular walking helps build stamina. If you are working on your post-baby recovery, it is a gentle way to ease back into movement.
For parents focusing on their health journey, regular walking brings great weight loss benefits and body transformations. It burns calories and boosts your energy levels. If you are also focusing on your core, walking with a pushchair can naturally engage your stomach muscles. You can also pair your daily walks with gentle at-home exercises, like these pelvic floor exercises made easy for new mums.
The struggle of walking with two young children
While the benefits of walking are clear, the reality of leaving the house with a baby and a toddler is another story. You load the baby into the pushchair, pack the snack bag, and encourage your toddler to walk alongside you. For the first ten minutes, everything is great.
Then, the inevitable happens. Your toddler gets tired legs. They want to be carried. You cannot carry a heavy toddler while pushing a pram, and you certainly cannot leave them sitting on the pavement. Your brisk, heart-pumping walk suddenly becomes a very slow shuffle back home.
Many parents end up buying a massive double pushchair to solve this problem. While double buggies have their uses, they are often heavy, wide, and difficult to steer around tight shop aisles or narrow pavements. This extra bulk can put you off going out entirely.
How a buggy board changes your daily walks
This is where a simple pushchair attachment steps in to save the day. A buggy board is a small wheeled platform that clips onto the back of your pushchair. Your toddler stands on it safely between your arms while you push the baby.
What makes it so helpful?
When your toddler wants to walk and explore, they can hop off and walk beside you. When they get tired or you need to cross a busy road quickly, they simply hop back on. It gives you the freedom to walk at a faster pace, which is essential if you want your walk to count as actual exercise.
The Lascal BuggyBoard Mini Designer Animal Farm
If you want something reliable, compact, and fun for your toddler, the Lascal BuggyBoard Mini Designer Animal Farm is a brilliant choice. Lascal is known for making sturdy boards, and this specific model is designed to fit lightweight pushchairs perfectly.
- Fits 99% of buggies.
- Two sizes mini and maxi. (Maxi plus comes with a saddle that won’t fit on mini)
- Long-lasting and durable – the designs don’t fade.
- For children aged 2-6 years
The Mini version is compact, meaning it will not get in the way of your feet while you stride out on your walk. It provides a stable, safe ride-on experience for your toddler. What really makes this model special is the lovely farmyard design. The bright animal pattern gives your toddler something fun to look at, making them much more eager to jump on and ride. Because it is lightweight yet tough, it handles city strolls and quick trips to the park with ease.
Tips for staying active with your little ones
Having the right gear is half the battle. The other half is keeping your energy up and making the walks fun for everyone. Here are a few ways to keep your routine on track:
Fuel your body properly
You cannot push a pram and carry a toddler on an empty stomach. Start your day with a nutritious meal that keeps you full. A great option is this protein-packed veggie quinoa breakfast bowl recipe, which provides slow-release energy for your morning walks.
Make it a game for your toddler
If your toddler is standing on their Lascal BuggyBoard, play ‘I Spy’ as you walk. Ask them to point out red cars, big trees, or friendly dogs. Keeping them entertained means they will happily stand still while you keep up a brisk walking pace.
Set small, realistic goals
Do not try to walk five miles on your first day. Start with a 15-minute loop around the block. Once you and your kids are used to the routine, you can slowly increase the distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get a good workout just by walking?
Yes, absolutely. Brisk walking raises your heart rate and works your leg and core muscles, especially when you are pushing the extra weight of a pushchair and a toddler on a board.
Are buggy boards safe to use?
Yes, as long as they are fitted correctly according to the instructions. Products like the Lascal buggy boards are vigorously tested for stability. Always keep your hands on the pushchair handles when your toddler is standing on the board.
Will a buggy board fit my pushchair?
The Lascal BuggyBoard Mini is designed with universal connectors, meaning it fits most prams and lightweight pushchairs. It is always best to check the manufacturer website to confirm compatibility with your specific model.
At what age can my child use a buggy board?
Most children are ready to use a buggy board from around two years old, provided they can stand steadily without assistance.
Win a Mini Buggy Board
Would you like to win a Rascal Mini BuggyBoard in the Animal Farm design worth £59.99?
Here are a few facts about the prize to help you decide whether you would like to enter.
Key Features of the BuggyBoard® Mini Designer Animal Farm:
- Compact and Lightweight: Designed for smaller strollers and easy manoeuvrability.
- Sturdy and Stable: Provides a safe and comfortable ride for toddlers.
- Universal Fit: Compatible with most strollers, fitting over 99% of buggies, making it versatile for most families.
- Quick Attachment: Easy to attach and remove with a simple click system.
- Anti-Slip Surface: Ensures safety even on bumpy terrain.
- Stylish Design: Features a fun, unique “Animal Farm” pattern that appeals to kids and parents alike.
- Space-Saving: Eliminates the need for a bulky double stroller.
- Durable Build: Engineered for everyday use with high-quality materials.
Who Might Like to Buy It:
- Parents with Toddlers and Babies: Ideal for families with a baby in a stroller and a toddler who occasionally needs a ride.
- Urban Families: Perfect for city strolls, errands, and navigating crowded spaces.
- Parents Seeking Convenience: Great for those who want a quick and easy solution for outings without the hassle of a double stroller.
- Style-Conscious Parents: Appeals to those who value both functionality and a playful, stylish design.
- Families on the Go: Suitable for busy parents managing school runs, park visits, or shopping trips.
- Grandparents or Caregivers: A practical accessory for anyone looking after multiple young children.
How to enter
If you like the idea of winning an amazing buggy board for your youngster, then simply click on the widget below and choose the entry options you would like to complete. Remember, the more you complete, the more entries you have in the draw, so the better chance you have of winning!
Terms and conditions are in the widget, but please note that the winner must be in the UK to receive the prize due to postage. There is no alternative to the prize. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries and contacted by email from jen@justaveragejen.com, and no one else. You will never be asked to pay anything to claim a prize, and anyone else contacting you claiming to be me is a scammer. If the winner does not respond within 28 days, a new winner will be drawn.
Win a Lascal BuggyBoard® Mini Designer – Animal FarmMy Thoughts
Exercising as a parent to a baby and toddler does not have to be stressful. You do not need to leave them at home to get your heart rate up. By planning your route, fueling your body right, and using clever tools like a buggy board, you can turn a basic walk into a great daily workout. Grab your trainers, clip on your board, and enjoy getting active with your family today.
