Mothercare
PUSH IT REAL GOOD
The average new mum pushes a baby buggy almost 750 miles a year - the equivalent of trekking from Land's End to John o' Groats, it emerged yesterday (Weds).
Researchers found the typical mum takes her new tot out and about in the pushchair an average of six times a week, and walks at least two miles a time.
That means each week they are clocking up just over 14 miles - or pushing prams over 741 miles in the first year of their baby's life.
Parenting Consultant Liz Day from Mothercare, which carried out the poll of 2,000 mums, said: ''These results will come as a surprise to many mums out there.
''Who would think that a daily walk with a pushchair would add up to so many miles in the first year of a baby's life.
''It's important for new mums to leave the house and enjoy some fresh air whilst having the opportunity to meet new friends and bond with their baby.
''Getting out and about with your baby is a great way of getting back into shape and staying healthy so we were delighted with the results.''
The survey found 71 per cent of new mums take their baby or young child to the local park or take a stroll round the neighbourhood.
More than two thirds head to the shops, with more than half (55 per cent) visiting friends.
It emerged mums in Norwich push the pram the furthest, trekking 21 and a half miles a week - or a whopping 1,113 miles a year.
While those living in Wolverhampton get out of the house the least, managing to walk just eight miles a week, or 428 miles in the first year.
Eight in 10 admit pushing the pram was their main source of exercise after giving birth in a bid to shift their baby weight.
With one in 10 even jogging with their pushchair twice a week for a mile and a half each time.
One in five head out the front door with their husband for company but for three quarters it is a lonely affair.
Half of mums have met new friends whilst out for a wander - gaining three in the last year.
The research also found how much weight the average mum gains during pregnancy, and then manage to lose in their first year of motherhood.
They typically pile on 30 pounds in the nine months before giving birth, putting it down to baby weight (51 per cent) and eating more than normal (34 per cent).
The first month sees them budge nine pounds mainly through pram pushing (52 per cent), breastfeeding (48 per cent) and running around the house trying to cope with a newborn (43 per cent).
After another six months they manage to haul an additional 11 pounds and 12 months down the line drop another half a stone.
Half of mums admit they feel pressurised into losing their weight like high profile Hollywood mums - and it takes them a total of 14 months after bringing a bundle of joy into the world to properly slim down.
