Nights become sleepless, string cheese and juice boxes take up space in the refrigerator and time becomes even more precious as mom and dad try to balance work, life and relationships.
It might seem like some things have to be sacrificed with such a big life change, but an active lifestyle doesn't have to be one of those casualties. With the right equipment—and mindset—parents can enjoy the same hobbies they had before babies while raising a child.
Jogging Stroller
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Whether you walk 5Ks or run ultramarathons, a good jogger will help you keep up your training. The Thule Glide is dubbed "a high performance sports stroller" and features a fixed front wheel to help mom or dad keep in control as the miles fly by. It can also be folded with just one hand—and any parent knows how valuable that can be. An infant car seat adapter is also available.
Bonus: Canadian dad Calum Neff just set an unofficial world record while pushing the Thule Glide, running a half marathon in 1:11.
Bike Trailer
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When summer comes, it's hard to beat a summer bike ride as a family. A sturdy bike trailer such as the Burley Bee will ensure everyone has a smooth ride—whether you're headed for a longer ride or a jaunt to the park so the kids can burn energy on the playground equipment.
Bonus: There's a back storage area so you can pack a picnic or the 15 snacks your toddler will need to sit still for five miles.
Convertible Trailer
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Are you more of a recreational or multi-sport athlete? Consider the Burley Honey Bee(left) or Thule Chariot (right), both of which can be used as a bike trailer and stroller.
Bonus: You don't have two large pieces of equipment occupying valuable garage space.
Carrier
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Let's face it: Just because your child can walk doesn't mean they'll always choose to walk. And that decision may be made when you're standing at the trailhead of your favorite path. For stubborn toddlers or infants still finding their footing, a carrier is a must.
Recreational hikers might enjoy the ERGObaby 360 (left), which is a versatile carrier that takes parents from the newborn stage to toddlers weighing up to 33 pounds. More avid hikers might prefer a sturdier backpack like the Deuter Kid Comfort (right). It features a five-point harness for safety and toy loops for entertainment (and sanity).
Tablet Case
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While we'd love to say that all kids are up for adventure when headed out for a workout or active afternoon with mom and dad, it just isn't always the case. Sometimes you just have to keep them entertained to nail a workout. A sturdy case, such as a LifeProof, will keep your tablet safe while your passenger zones out to his favorite show.
Flexibility
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Control can be hard to give up, especially if you have your hopes set on working out or are working toward a big goal. But if you enlist the company of your wee one, you have to be willing to loosen your grip on the reins.
One day, she might be a supportive rider as you push the jogger during a long run. The next day she might not make it to the end of the street. Be willing to change your game plan depending on your child's mood, all the wile making the best of the situation.
After all, the happier they are along the ride, the more likely they'll be to join you again.
Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
Loving It Vegan 7 of 8
4 frozen bananas
1 cup coconut milk
Fresh Mint Leaves
2.5 oz baby spinach
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
2 oz chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs
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