Starting from the day they were born and become the newest addition to your family, every milestone your bundle of joy makes should be celebrated – from their first word, first smile, first cry, and many more. And if you are a nature lover and constantly seek outdoor adventure, your baby’s first hike should be their monument step towards their journey.
There are no guarantees for their first hike. However, you must safeguard your baby when going on an outdoor adventure. Besides, parenting an infant is stressful, and a breath of fresh air with new parents can work wonders for the rest of the family. So, if you want to know the safe ways to take your baby while hiking, read further along.
Fresh air from a hike can be good for you and your baby. Photo: FamVeld via Shutterstock
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Considerations When Hiking With Babies
You’re excited to bring your baby with you when hiking. However, there are just some important things to consider when you bring them. This is not only for your safety but also for your baby’s. So here are some things to consider before you decide to go.
Know Your Stamina
When first beginning, try starting small. Since you will be carrying your baby and the essentials, it is important to know your strength to determine how long you can carry your baby.
How To Carry
The choice here is not whether you must carry your bundle of joy when hiking. Instead, it is a matter of how you take your baby around. There are only two options: front-sling carrying or backpacking, and it only depends on your preference for which carrying position you will choose.
If your baby is around six months old or younger, babies of this age need to be swaddled to provide maximum comfort and avoid irritation. But if your baby is six months old and up, they can adapt highly to backpacking positions.
Check the Weather
Unpleasant weather conditions can make hiking uncomfortable. You must layer up and always be ready to head home if you notice the skies turn stormy and dark.
Stay Alert
The motion of hiking gets babies fast asleep. So, hit the ground running once your baby sleeps to avoid messing with their sleep cycle.
Read More: Tips for Choosing Snowshoes With Toddlers and Kids
It’s important to consider how you want to carry your baby and the baby carrier you’ll use. Photo: Maria_Petrishina via Shutterstock
What To Bring When Hiking with Infants
To ensure your baby is safe when you bring them hiking, here are a few items you’ll want to bring.
Baby Carrier
As mentioned before, there are two options for baby carrying. So, before you set yourself and your family up for an outdoor adventure, ensure your baby is used to baby carriers. They will most likely spend their time in these carriers for most of the journey. So, getting your baby accustomed to your carriers will give you an easier time when trekking through mountains or other slopes.
Feeding Options
If your baby is fed formula, go for the powdered form instead of the canned one to save weight when hiking. Also, ensure you have an extra bottle of water for your baby.
Waste Bags
Pack plenty of wipes, waste bags, and diapers if your family goes for an outdoor overnight trip. In addition, do not throw diapers anywhere when hiking. Instead, practice Leave No Trace principles and pack another waste bag for used diapers.
Hiking Gear
Ensure your baby has everything they need for cold, hot, or humid climates.
Winter hiking with babies is truly wonderful. However, you must be careful, especially when dressing your little one when taking the trails. Babies easily lose circulation in their fingers and toes, so you need to prepare.
Below is the list of must-have hiking gear for your little one.
- 2-3 pairs of socks and a layer (like a onesie over socks)
- Boots that are fleece
- Leg warmers or tubes
- Wool base layers
- Second layer fleece in the form of full-body zip-up or pants
- Fleece vest
- Jackets or sweaters
- Rain pants or rain suit
- A hat that stays on and is gentle on the skin
- Sunscreen
- Gloves
- Handwarmers
- Rain cover for baby carrier
Read More: What to Bring When Snowshoeing: Top Accessories for the Day Hiker
You’ll want to bring the essentials with you for your baby: water, food, and waste bags. Photo: Blazej Lyjak via Shutterstock
Conclusion
Every baby’s milestone should be celebrated by all means. And for their first hike, you should provide them with utmost care and comfort. It is best to have everything for you and your baby’s needs. It’s better to be prepared and attend to all your baby’s needs wherever you go, especially when hiking.
For more information, check out My Miracle Baby for the best parenting guides and tips.
This article was first published on April 20, 2021, and most recently updated on May 23, 2023.
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