For people who love the outdoors, combining parenting with their passion for hiking, backpacking, or other outdoor activities may be a challenge. But hiking with a baby is possible, and many families find that getting outside together is a great way to spend time together.
Babies love being outside, breathing fresh air, exploring the world around them. Hiking with a baby can be a beautiful and exciting experience. All you need is the right mindset and some planning.
When can you start taking your baby on hikes?
You can start taking your infant on hikes as soon as you feel comfortable. Some parents wait until their baby is a few months old, while others start sooner. Ultimately, it’s up to you and how you feel. Babies are born ready, as long as they are near mommy or daddy, comfortable and well-fed, they can enjoy the family adventure.
A good baby carrier is the essential No.1
A good baby carrier can make all the difference when hiking with a baby. The carrier should be comfortable for both you and your baby. It should also have good back support and straps that distribute the weight evenly. Your hands need to be free to navigate the trail and your baby needs to be close to you, snuggled in tight.
There are many different types of carriers on the market, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Some parents prefer soft-structured carriers, while others find wraps or slings more comfortable.
Types of baby carriers
Wrap Carrier / Ring Sling
These are long pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body and secure with a knot or rings. They are often adjustable, so you can make them tighter or looser as needed. They distribute the weight evenly and can be very comfortable for long hikes. They are suitable for newborns.
Soft-Structured Buckle Carrier
These have straps that go around your shoulders and waist, with a buckle in the middle. They often have a built-in sunshade and some have pockets for storage. They are easy to put on and take off and can be adjusted to fit different body types. These carriers are suitable for infants and toddlers.
Meh Dai (Mei Tai) Carrier
This is a type of soft-structured carrier that has four straps – two that go over your shoulders and two that tie around your waist. They are adjustable and can be made to fit different body types. The straps can be tied in different ways to adjust the fit and position of your baby. These carriers are suitable for infants and toddlers.
Backpack Carriers
This type of baby carriers is designed for wearing like a backpack and it can be used only for children who can sit unassisted and have good neck control.
Usually, backpack carriers have padded shoulder straps and additional straps that you should fasten around your waist and chest. It’s not only more secure for the baby this way, but also helps with proper weight distribution.
Backpack carriers are useful for wearing the baby for longer period. Some of them are designed for hiking, walking in the woods, etc. If you want your toddler or preschooler to keep you company during exploring outdoors, this is the best and most comfortable solution.
Tips for hiking with a baby
Plan your hikes
The first time you go hiking with your baby, it’s best to stick to shorter and easier trails. You can gradually increase the distance and difficulty as you both get more comfortable.
It’s also important to plan your hikes in advance. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for both you and your baby and make sure you have a first-aid kit.
Make sure you’re prepared before you set off and that you know the route well. This will help you relax and enjoy the hike more. Organizations like Hike It Baby offer help for new parents and organize a wide variety of events, including trail hikes and urban strolls.
Take brakes
Hiking with a baby is different from hiking alone or with other adults. You’ll need to take more breaks and go at a slower pace. It’s important to listen to your body and your baby’s cues. If either of you is getting tired, take a break.
Don’t push it
It’s about the journey, not the destination. Babies always throw wrenches into the best-laid plans so lower your expectations and don’t be disappointed when you don’t make it to the top.
Be prepared to embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly
It’s not all cuddles and giggles, things can get tough at times. Here is a video by Danielle, an outdoorsy mom that goes into detail about everything you can expect on a hike with your little one:
How to dress your baby (and yourself) for a hike?
The key to comfortable hiking is layering. This way, you can easily take off or put on layers as the temperature changes.
For babies, it’s best to dress them in one more layer than what you would normally wear. They will probably get hot while hiking, so you can always take off a layer if needed.
For example, if it’s cool outside, you could dress your baby in a base layer, a warm layer, and a wind- or rain-resistant outer layer. If it’s hot, you might only need the base and outer layers.
Protect your baby from the sun and insects
Babies that young need to be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If the sun is unavoidable, sunscreen is safe – in small amounts – for babies under 6 months. Bug repellent isn’t recommended for children younger than 2 months, so it’s best to keep your infant covered with clothes and a hat. A thin muslin cloth is an excellent sun and bug protector.
When it’s raining
Make sure you’re prepared for all kinds of weather conditions before you set off. When it’s raining, a waterproof babywearing jacket is a huge help. While they do come with a price tag, babywearing jackets allow you to take the guesswork out of keeping both you and baby warm. Many have both front and back carrying options, so it can grow with the baby as they get big enough for a back carry. While babywearing, you will inevitably transfer some of your heat to the baby. This can reduce the number of layers needed for both the baby and the adult wearing them.
What to pack for a hike with a baby?
In addition to the items you would normally pack for a hike, such as snacks, water, and a first-aid kit, there are some other things you’ll need to bring when hiking with a baby.
Here is a list of items that might come in handy:
- Extra clothes for both you and your baby – in case of spills, accidents, or changes in the weather
- Diapers and wipes
- A blanket or towel – for sitting on, picnicking, or in case of an emergency
- A carrier or sling – for babywearing
- Sunscreen and hats – to protect you and your baby from the sun
- Bug spray – to keep pesky bugs away
- Water and snacks – to keep you and your baby fueled for the hike
- A first-aid kit – in case of any minor injuries
- A camera – to capture all the memories!
- Extra bags for trash/ dirty diapers
How far can you go with your baby?
In general, it’s best to stick to shorter hikes when hiking with a baby. They can be unpredictable and you never know when you might need to turn around.
If you’re new to hiking with a baby, start with an easy trail that you’re familiar with. As you become more comfortable, you can try longer or more difficult hikes.
Newborns
Provided that you have recovered from giving birth and you feel ready, you can start taking short walks with your baby from a couple of weeks old. It’s best if you schedule a hike during your baby’s nap time, so all of you can get the most out of it.
3-6 months
At this age, your baby is starting to become more aware of their surroundings and can start to participate in activities such as hiking.
Make sure you go at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks. If you’re carrying your baby in a carrier, it’s best to use one that offers support for their head and neck.
6-12 months
By this age, your baby is probably crawling or even starting to walk. They’re also probably eating solid food, which means they can have snacks on the hike.
If your baby is old enough to walk, let them explore a bit, but be sure to keep a close eye on them. You can even let them crawl around in a safe area while you take a break.
1-2 years
At this age, your toddler is probably full of energy and might not want to stay in the carrier for long. If possible, choose a hike that has plenty of stops along the way so they can run around and explore.
Make sure you bring snacks and drinks to keep them fueled and hydrated. And as always, keep a close eye on them.
Can you go on a hike with a stroller?
Babywearing is for most a better option for hiking, but you can go on a hike with a stroller if the path is even and not too rocky.
If you do decide to take a stroller on a trail, make sure it’s one that’s designed for off-road use. And be prepared to carry your baby (and all of your gear) if the going gets tough.
Benefits of hiking with your newborn
There are many benefits to hiking with your newborn, both for you and your baby.
For you, it can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise after giving birth. It can also help you bond with your baby and give you some time to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For your baby, hiking can help them develop their muscles and coordination. It’s also a great way for them to get some fresh air and explore the world around them.
Taking care of a newborn baby can be stressful, and going on a hike will allow you to get some fresh air and maybe also a fresh perspective.
Bonding with nature from an early age will help your baby develop a love and appreciation for the outdoors, which is something that will benefit them throughout their life. Raising a generation that has true love and appreciation for nature would be great for our beautiful planet.
Hiking with a baby can be a great way to get some fresh air and spend time together. With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure both you and your baby have a safe and enjoyable hike.