I have two children, 18 months apart. They are 6 and 7 now, but I was always able to work out 5 days a week in the morning when they were babies. They were both usually up by 7:00, but I did not work out before they woke up since I was nursing and tired, so I slept when they slept! It helped to have a goal to be exercising by 8:00, so I had an hour to feed them and get them dressed and settled. Then the next hour was MINE. I will now let you in on my secret method. Are you excited?
Don't wait for the naps since they rarely come at convenient times, or, let's face it, EVER. Make sure they are both fed, dry and clothed. Get the toddler busy, put the baby in the swing or the playpen where you can see him and he can see you. Remember how you just fed, clothed and made them happy, and how this is only one hour for just you? Okay, that's important because here's the clincher:
UNLESS SOMEONE NEEDS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL, OR IS BLEEDING, OR HAS THROWN UP, OR HAS DEVELOPED EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA, DO NOT STOP YOUR WORKOUT!!!
Yes, the baby may cry and your toddler will want your attention when you first start this little routine, but don't stop! You can calmly explain to the toddler that you will be done in a little while (don't stop, keep exercising), and with your baby in view, you can calm him by just talking and reassuring him you're still there. He may still scream his head off, and your toddler will undoubtedly pitch a huge fit now and again, but BELIEVE ME, in a week or two this will be the morning routine to them, and they will expect it and be okay with it. Let the crying and fit-throwing just roll off your back unil then.
Again, remember how you took care of all their immediate needs right before you started. They will be fine, crying and all, until they become accustomed to it. I should add here that I am not a mother that believes in letting her children "cry it out" and not responding to their cries of distress. There will be a time or two when the baby needs a little sweaty snuggle during workout time to get him feeling okay about things. However, again, their needs were met before I began my personal time, and it made me a better mother to have that hour for just me. Plus getting it done in the morning gave me my whole day to get other work and errands done.
It's absolutely doable, but you've got to commit to a schedule so your children become used to it and you can plan your day around it, or you will probably struggle with finding the time. I also think it's really important for children to know from a very early age that mom needs time for herself. Best of luck!
