Angela Holm, a 29-year-old mother of five from rural Utah, has defended her decision to walk on a treadmill while wearing her five-month-old daughter in a chest carrier during a late-night gym session after the video drew widespread criticism online.
The TikTok creator, who posts under @angela.holm and has nearly two million followers, shared the footage on August 8. In the roughly 90-second clip titled as her “postpartum night gym” routine, Holm arrives at a fitness center shortly after 9 p.m. She first places the infant in a stroller and completes portions of her workout, including some weight training, while the baby rests nearby. When the child begins to cry, Holm straps her into a baby carrier of her own design and resumes activity on the treadmill at a controlled, inclined walking pace. Text on the video states, “She started crying, so she’s gonna join me now.” The baby eventually falls asleep against her chest as Holm continues.
The post quickly surpassed two million views. Many commenters labeled the practice dangerous, citing the risk of a fall that could injure the infant. Others called the late hour and empty gym setting irresponsible or questioned why a parent would bring a young baby into that environment at all. Some pointed to the volume of gym music as potentially harmful to the child’s hearing. A smaller group of viewers praised Holm for prioritizing her physical and mental health while keeping her daughter close during the postpartum period.
Holm, who is married to Scout Holm and lives with their five children in rural Utah, is the owner and designer of Angel Baby Carriers, the brand of carrier visible in the video and sold for $129. She has documented family life, road trips, and realistic motherhood content for more than five years. Her youngest daughter’s birth was announced around March 30. Holm has previously posted other gym sessions involving baby-wearing and received mixed feedback on safety.
In statements to outlets including People and news.com.au, Holm said she “didn’t think walking at a controlled pace on the treadmill while wearing my baby was dangerous.” She added that she felt comfortable and stable and paid attention to the infant the entire time. “Of course someone could worry about tripping on a treadmill, but you could also trip while walking outside or carrying your baby somewhere. There’s always some level of risk in everyday life, and as a parent I just use my best judgment and do what I feel comfortable and safe doing with my baby.”
Holm told news.com.au she was disappointed by the criticism. “As a mum of five, I’m very comfortable wearing my baby, and I’m always mindful of her safety and positioning. It was simply a way for me to fit some movement into my day while keeping my baby close.” She noted that mothers often face harsh judgment for ordinary choices and that what works for one family may differ for another. Her priority, she said, remains the safety and wellbeing of her children.
Supporters in the comments highlighted the challenges of postpartum recovery and the value of exercise for mental health. One wrote that the gym had been the only thing that helped during a difficult postpartum period. Another recalled carrying a child on a treadmill years earlier without issue. Holm has replied to some positive comments with thanks while maintaining that social media offers only a partial view of any parent’s life.
No injuries were reported from the session, and there is no indication of formal complaints or legal action. The debate reflects ongoing online tensions over parenting decisions, especially those involving infants and physical activity in public or commercial spaces. Holm continues to share family and fitness content while emphasizing that she makes choices she considers safe for her children.
