6 Tips On Hiking With a Baby | Awesome Tips for Hiking With Infants

There are countless studies out there confirming that hiking plays a vital role in improving overall health and fitness. From decreased blood pressure to stabilized cholesterol levels, the benefits are endless. But can you still enjoy Mother Nature and all her spoils when you have little ones?

Older kids who can walk and talk are a no-brainer, but hiking enthusiasts often wonder when and how to hike with a baby. The great news is that you can and should make hiking with a baby part of your outdoor hobbies and activities.

Family hikes are a marvelous way to get much-needed fresh air, spend some quality time together, and see a new location while making memories. But remember – when babies are in the picture, it requires proper planning, a slower pace, and a relaxed, soft hiking approach.

Read on for the scoop on hiking with a baby.

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Tips for Hiking With an Infant | All You Need to Know

Hiking with an infant is a multifaceted activity you can enjoy almost anywhere and at any time. Whether your treks take you to Grand Teton National Park or down the road to your local park, you’ll need a clear plan when hiking with baby.

Use these great tips to ensure you have everything you need to make your nature outing as fun and as memorable as possible.

Tip 1: Three Is Not a Crowd

Three is never a crowd when hiking. It’s not safe or wise to go trekking alone when hiking with a baby for the first time. You might need extra hands for things like feeding, resting, and diaper changing.

There’s also the possibility of injury or going off course. It’ll be overwhelming if you don’t have a hiking partner there with you to help manage unexpected situations.

The experience is more enriching when you can share the moment with others. Try taking it one step further and make it a hiking adventure with other parents and your baby friends.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Hiking Trails

When you’re hiking with a baby, the trail will define your overall experience. The rule of thumb is to stick to short hikes, particularly for that first hike.

You have to be mindful of distance, altitude (1,000 feet elevation is the recommended maximum), and trail difficulty. Carve out enough breaks throughout the trek, especially for those long walks. 

With shorter trails, you can take your time and really admire your surroundings, the scenery, and the views. If you can find unique baby-friendly trials, that’s even better.

Besides trusted advice from other parents who hike, the AllTrails platform is your go-to. You’ll get the hiking 411 you need to make an informed choice so you avoid hiking trails with rough terrain.

If you don’t make it to the summit, don’t despair. Hiking with a newborn baby and even older children can feature surprises and occurrences outside your perfect plan. Stay flexible and open to changes and slight deviations.

Tip 3: Hiking Time Is Imperative

Experienced hiking parents suggest planning your excursion for earlier in the day when it’s still cool, and everyone has enough energy. Family hikes early in the morning make it possible to take your time exploring the great outdoors and be done by the time it’s sweltering.

Beyond the time of day, one of the niftiest tips is to try to time your hike so that your baby is napping during those long hikes with challenging stretches. When hiking with a young baby, you’ll enjoy the walk more when you can balance the baby’s sleep and exploration time.

Tip 4: Pack Appropriate Rain and Sun Protection

Chances are you’ll save your baby hiking exploits for ideal weather conditions when the sun is out and the skies are clear. Make sure to pack enough sun protection and a sun hat for each of you so both you and your baby aren’t exposed to direct sunlight.

If you’re a sucker for hiking in the rain, then a good quality rain cover will be a necessary extra to pack along with your essentials – just in case there are light showers. You won’t have an upset baby if you can keep your infant covered and dry.

Tip 5: Do All the Packing and Arranging Yourself

Similar to what you’d do with a hiking backpack for a solo trip, expert packing is required when hiking with a baby. It’s best to do all the packing yourself so you know exactly where everything is. Aim to arrange the items strategically.

Tip 6: Enjoy Every Moment When Hiking With Newborns

Hiking with a baby really tests the adage, “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey”. That’s why it’s advised not to stress about executing the perfect hike. Rather, focus on making it fun and getting a well-rounded experience.

Don’t put too much pressure on the hike or panic if you experience your baby crying or being crabby at certain points. Embrace unplanned events and soak up every moment of the journey – the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

After all, you’re making timeless memories money can’t buy with the people who make it all worth it. So, pack your camera and prepare to snap superb pictures of your little family along the way.

Next Read: Channel the nature photographer in you with these hiking photography tips and tricks.

How to Feed Infants While Hiking | Tips and Tricks

Whether you’re hiking in a quiet area just outside your hometown or embarking on a grand Yellowstone National Park hike, how and when to feed your infant will be a top priority.

Good preparation includes having your powder and formula mixtures prepped beforehand if you can’t or prefer not to breastfeed. You’ll also have to plan accordingly for your milk dosages. Feeding baby on the trail will be comfortable and easier on all fronts if you scout a decent shaded spot where it’s cool.

For breastfeeding mamas, don’t forget to bring a light cover to afford you and your baby some privacy. You might want to consider a manual pump for bottles. The Medela Harmony breast pump comes highly recommended. It’s lightweight and sleek and has a convenient design.

Another good quality one-piece option is the haakaa manual breast pump. It’s super affordable and easy to pack. Then, you’ll want to remember to carry enough clean bottles and some extra water at room temperature. If need be, make room for a thermos of hot water.

Clothes for Breastfeeding

Baby hiking clothing essentials cover three main areas: baby clothes (comfortable layering for your little one), extra clothes (for changing), and appropriate breastfeeding clothes for mom.

Think about items like a no-fuss nursing bra, nursing tank top, or even specialized activewear designed to make feeding easier. Consider button-down or easy-access hiking shirts so you aren’t fumbling about when feeding your baby.

Kindred Bravely is one of the top shops for comfortable and trendy baby-centered clothing. You can also check REI’s activewear and compare prices with the stylish options on Amazon, like multi-purpose nursing bras.Also, think about bringing a baby cover.

Hiking Essentials | What to Bring With You

When planning what to include on your packing list, you’ll have to make space for the basics (i.e., items specific to hiking with babies). Here are the essentials:

• Water – Staying refreshed and hydrated throughout your hike will give you all the energy you need to keep going.
• Snacks, small toys, and baby soothers – Make sure you have the snacks, toys, and soothers your baby prefers to keep them happy during nibble, play, and nap time.
• Changing clothes – Throw in a few extra tops, tights, and leggings for both you and baby for a quick change if the weather switches up or there are food spills.
• Wet wipes, changing mat, and diapers – Diaper changes are unavoidable, so ensure you have enough diapers to cover the duration of your hike.
• First aid kit – Accidents do happen sometimes, so it’s important to stay prepared. You’ll be covered if you carry a small first aid kit in case of minor injuries. REI has neat day hike kits.
• Bug repellent – The last thing you want is pesky bugs causing you or your baby havoc as you trek.
• Picnic blanket – This will come in handy during your walking breaks.
• Plastic bags – When you have a plastic bag at the ready, you can safely dispose of every unwanted dirty diaper and snack packet along the way. Proper waste disposal is one of the seven leave-no-trace principles. These are essential for trail preservation, responsible hiking, and eliminating inconvenience for fellow hikers.
• Trekking poles (optional) – Consider trekking poles if you’d like the extra support, stability, balance, and assistance to navigate your walking path.

Essential Baby Hiking Gear | The Must-Haves

Avid hikers know all too well that hiking gear makes all the difference when planning a nature-inspired expedition. This is even more important for novices, especially when tackling your first hike.

Catering for essential baby hiking gear takes things up a level, making preparation one of the planning stages that need extra care and attention. If you look through this comprehensive day hiking gear list, you’ll get top-notch ideas and suggestions.

Besides the actual hiking gear, you’ll also have to think about things like hygiene, personal items, emergency tools, and navigation. In regards to baby hiking gear, in particular, remember these must-haves:

• A baby carrier (read more below)
• Comfort and soothing items for the baby
• Sun (and rain) protection, an emergency first aid kit, and any essential medicines your baby needs
• Feeding supplies and a plastic bag
• Extra clothing, including suitable hiking/walking shoes

You can also download some of the best hiking apps before you go. The most popular ones help you plan and provide useful trail information and updates.

The Benefits of Hiking With a Baby

Admit it: it’s pretty cool and something really special to say you’re the proud parent of a hiking baby. Besides the bragging rights, there are a few other wonderful benefits to hiking with a baby.

The good news is there’s no definitive baby hiking age, although it’s generally believed that your baby must be at least a month old. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Spending time with your precious little human out in nature is a unique bonding experience. It’s an all-inclusive activity that can and should involve the whole family – grandparents, too.

2. The most obvious take-home when hiking with a baby is that all parties get the chance to breathe in some fresh air. Leisure walking is a vital part of mental and physical well-being.

3. New parents spend a lot of time cooped up inside, so a day hike comes as a welcome change of environment. Another great advantage is getting low-intensity exercise by moving the body and putting your muscles to work.

4. Getting your baby to fall in love with nature from an early age is a priceless gift to give them. When you spend time hiking together, babies get to be out in the open, savoring all sorts of new sights, smells, and sensory stimulations.

5. Hiking can also be an effective stress reliever for both you and the baby and is often free. Uplift your mood and spirits while spending quality time with your favorite people. It’s a win-win all around.

Next Read: Keen to explore hiking abroad? Read up on the best hikes in the Dolomites for when your adventures take you to Italy.

What to Wear When Hiking With a Baby

A successful hike for both you and your baby will depend largely on how comfortable you are. One of the keys to nailing the appropriate garb is to get layering right. Keeping your baby warm and snug is a no-brainer, but your own wardrobe is just as imperative.

Weather conditions will dictate the best outfit for you and your baby to sport on your hike. Make sure to carry enough items to throw on so you’re well-prepared for sudden temperature changes. The great thing about layering is you can take off the items you no longer need when it’s time to cool off.

For tried and tested recommendations on what to wear for hiking, check out these articles that cover everything you need to know. From women’s hiking underwear to the best hiking shoes – it’s all there to guide you.

On the all-important matter of appropriate shoes, remember that good grip and durable shoes that aren’t too heavy or clunky are your safest bet.

You should also pay attention to finer details, like appropriate fabrics, hiking sweaters, cold-weather leggings, and hiking socks. After all, you can never be too prepared. On the whole, a happy, comfortable hiking mama and papa is one sure way to keep your baby happy, too.

Conquering Your Hiking Wardrobe | Understanding the Seasons

When can you hike with a baby, you ask? Well, the weather forecast is a major decider for much of what constitutes a successful hike. Warmer weather is ideal for hiking, as long as it isn’t scorching hot.

You’ll be set if you bring adequate sun protection and appropriate layers (up to three is enough). Although different destinations offer unique climates, bump up your experience by pinning down exactly what to wear when hiking in spring versus the fall months.

Spring and fall are much-loved hiking seasons because temperatures are mild and the scenery is gorgeous.

No matter the weather, REI offers a great range of maternity activewear in their Beyond Yoga series to ensure comfort throughout your hike. 

Best for Baby | Ensuring Your Little One Is Comfortable

When you go on a hike with baby, you’ll probably feel anxious about finding a suitable hiking carrier. Not all slings, stretch scarves, and ring slings are comfortable or secure enough. Sometimes, the tying mechanisms are too complex.

This makes settling on the perfect carrying system for your baby one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make for your hike. You can opt for a hiking backpack carrier or a hiking backpack specially designed for carrying an infant.

When you start hiking with little ones and you’re ready to embrace that first hike, don’t let the nerves get to you. Simply brush up on a few tailor-made tips for hiking for beginners. That way, very little can catch you off guard.

Earlier, you saw a cue for useful information on baby carriers, right? Below is a dedicated section so you can make the choice that’s best for you and your unique preferences.

Best Hiking Baby Carrier

It’s so important to hike with a comfortable baby carrier that this tip deserves its own section to provide a fuller scope. A good baby carrier is one of the best investments you’ll make when sourcing baby hiking gear.

REI’s baby carrier catalogs feature many good quality brands and products. You’ll find all sorts of baby carriers to choose from. Use phrases like “hiking with a baby carrier” when you do your searches and comparisons so you’re guided to the correct pages.

Every infant hiking carrier is different, with its own specifications. Don’t fall into the trap of making an impulse buy. Assess product details, descriptions, ratings, and reviews to purchase the best option for your set budget.

Best Soft Structured Carrier

When it comes to finding and using a good baby carrier, many parents prefer a soft-structured carrier. It reigns supreme as the most comfortable option for babies going on hikes. You’ll have to take into consideration your baby’s age and needs to make the right choice.

Solly Baby wraps are both stylish and cozy. They offer excellent support for a young baby, with special newborn baby options. You’ll have peace of mind when you source the kind of newborn hiking carrier you can trust to deliver comfort and security for your little goober.

For older babies, the Infantino brand is a frontrunner. Their soft structured carriers are also available on Amazon, like this ergonomic 4-in-1 carrier.

As can be expected, REI is another great place to get soft-structured carriers. The Deuter Kid Comfort range is stellar, offering various designs and colors. Just remember to check the hiking carrier specifications.

In some cases, your chosen Deuter Kid Comfort product may require the baby to be able to sit upright and hold up their own head. Or be a certain number of months – even with older babies. Soft-structured carriers make it so your baby can fall asleep peacefully during your hike.

While hiking with a stroller isn’t impossible, it’s best done on flat terrain – provided the stroller is suitable for off-road walking.

Look out for the following baby carrier features:

• Material: Popular fabrics include polyester, cotton, and rip-stop nylon.
• Weight range: Find a carrier that fits your baby’s size, including whether you need an insert for extra support.
• Carry options: Choose between front, hip (not advisable for hiking with a baby), or back carry.
• Storage: If you need extra space, pick a carrier with helpful storage pockets for those must-have bits and bobs.

Hiking With Infants | The Wrap-up

The more you know about hiking with a baby, the easier it’ll be to create enjoyable experiences for both you and your little cutie. Introducing baby hiking from a young age is a brilliant way to strengthen bonds. Plus, you’ll also be exposing your littles to the wonders of the natural world.

As long as you’ve got a secure, comfortable baby carrier and suitable baby hiking gear, you’re set for a pleasant hike. Remember to include the essentials in your packing list, and please lower your expectations. You don’t want to shift the focus away from this amazing experience.

Once you’ve conquered your first hike, you’re likely to get hooked. The more hiking you do with your mini-me’s, the more confident you’ll be in tackling different hiking trails.

When the mood for your next hike hits, don’t hold back. Get ideas and inspiration from this article on the best hikes in the world.

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