Buggy walk calories

See roughly how much energy your walks with a buggy use, with advice on getting active again after a birth.

Your details

Your buggy walk

186

kcal in 40 minutes

Extra over resting140 kcal
Extra over a week699 kcal
Effort (METs)4.0

Pushing a buggy takes a bit more effort than walking alone. After a birth, build up gently and listen to your body; your GP or health visitor can advise on getting back to exercise.

The working

Pushing a pushchair

The Compendium of Physical Activities puts walking while pushing a stroller at about 4.0 METs. At 11 st (69.9 kg), 40 minutes is 4.0 × 69.9 × 0.667 = 186 kcal, with 140 over resting.

After a birth

Build up gently

The NHS suggests starting with gentle walks as soon as you feel ready after a straightforward birth, and waiting for your 6 to 8 week check before anything more. After a caesarean, take longer. Pelvic floor exercises can start straight away.

Good habits

For you and baby

Keep your elbows soft and the handle at waist height
Avoid hanging heavy bags on the handle
Stay off busy roads at rush hour
Join a local buggy walk group for company

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Weight loss pressureThere is no rush to lose weight after a baby.
Pain or bleedingStop and speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Your recoveryEveryone heals at their own pace.

Questions

Common questions

How many calories does pushing a pram burn?

Roughly 200 to 300 kcal an hour for most adults.

When can I start walking after giving birth?

Gentle walks as soon as you feel ready; ask your midwife if unsure.

Does pushing a buggy count as exercise?

Yes. A brisk buggy walk is moderate activity.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Before you push on

New to exercise, or got a heart, lung or joint condition? Have a word with your GP or practice nurse first. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness, and call 999 if it is severe.