First of all, you certainly can go hiking with a baby. Some people think they are too young, but that is not the case. The main issue is that you need to consider several factors you don't even think about when hiking solo. You also need to be much more prepared for any situation.
Here are tips for making your hiking outing with baby an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Plan Ahead When Hiking with Babies
It is so much more crucial to plan ahead when hiking with babies, from deciding which trail is appropriate to getting the right gear. Before you hike with a baby, you must:
- Get the right gear. Babies can't do their own hiking, and you probably don't want to try to hike and carry a baby. You should find a good baby carrier or backpack, and you should also wear your baby in it for shorter stints to be sure he or she is comfortable.
- Check the weather. While this isn't a guarantee, you don't want to even attempt a hike with a baby of extreme weather is expected. Also allow for bigger variations (such as lower temperatures and even snow) when you're hiking higher elevations.
- Consider the trail carefully. Just because you've hiked a trail 20 times easily doesn't mean it will be as easy when you're carrying a 20-pound baby on your back, plus all the necessities for a baby. You will probably be surprised how much harder it is.
- Consider the safety and accessability of a trail. If you're with a baby, you probably don't want to venure so far into the wilderness you might get lost. You also could need assistance. That could be pretty terrifying. Instead, look for well-marked, well-traveled and popular, busy trails that are close to help.
Be Prepared When Hiking with Babies
Just as you should do your homework before hiking with a baby, you should also be far more prepared than you might normally hiking alone.
- You should pack, within reason, anything you might need to change, feed, clothe and assist your baby. It's easy to take little things for granted when going on the trail, but remember that you will not have access to typical amenities. You'll need something to lay on the ground for a diaper change, for instance, and your own water to mix with formula, if needed. Try to think through ever need your baby might have and be ready. Wipes are a must, and easy to forget.
- Be prepared to deal with any emergency or sudden situation. Even a sunny day can burst into a storm, so be sure you have a small umbrella. Be ready in case you or baby gets hurt. If you are in an area in which there are venomous creatures, be sure you have an anti-venom on hand. In fact, remember that babies are much more susceptible to even mildly dangerous insects like Black Widows. If possible, also have a cell phone (but remember you may not have a signal!) and a GPS handheld unit.
- Take baby on the trail as if you will be gone for a very long time. That means before you hike, be sure your baby is changed, fed, clean and happy. That should reduce the number of times you have to stop along the trail, and should result in a happier experience for everyone.
Most of all, enjoy your hike with your baby and be safe. Babies love to hike, and it's a wonderful bonding experience for parents and baby. It's also a great chance to expose your baby to the great outdoors.
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