Being outdoors is great, but sometimes it can be rough when you have small children. Not only is it a great way to get sunshine and fresh air, kids will slowly develop a love for nature.
Hiking with children also has a host of other benefits. Hiking with the kids is a great way to spend quality time. You don’t have to wait until they’re older to get back out on the open trail.
You probably won’t
What do You Need?
I don’t care how strong you think you are there’s no carrying a baby through the woods. Strollers tend to get stuck on every branch and root going across the trail.
What you really need is a good baby carrier. On short
Hiking carriers (this is my favorite one) are designed for long distance hikes with infants and toddlers alike. They have plenty of room to store lunch, water and baby gear, but that isn’t the main advantage.
With a built in stand you can get a much needed break on those long walks.
Where Should You Go Hiking?
Small nature parks that you probably forgot about. These little parks are virtually untouched most of the year.
I know sometimes it may be easier said than done. Especially with young toddlers and infants. So, here are some helpful tips that will hopefully help on those times when they are out with you on those nature hikes.
Tips For Hiking With a Baby
1)Napping or in a Carrier
Try and hike when they are naturally sleepy. Those planned naps after a big meal will give you some time for yourself. You know they’ll be comfortable and quiet in the stroller or hiking carrier.
This will help keep things under control while still allowing them to get fresh air and sunshine. While allowing you to enjoy a little peace and quiet.
I don’t know many that enjoy a crying or bored toddler or one that loves to touch everything. Go out in the woods enough a toddler is going to get poison ivy. (Which is something that all kids seem to find faster than anyone else)
2)Some Snacks and Simple Prep
Bring along a few snacks. Things like crackers, juice packs, applesauce. Don’t forget to bring along a few snacks for you. Not only will it give both of you some
It can be a helpful trick to keep everyone quiet until the hike is over. Also simple enough not to weigh you down. Don’t bring anything heavy that will tire you out.
You’d be surprised how much a sucker will distract a grumpy little toddler. Throw a few in your pack as a little surprise when you start to see the mood change. With young
3)Outdoor Strollers are Great in Manicured Parks
Bring along an outdoor jogging stroller, you know the ones with the big wheels and a crazy turn radius
They give you something to hold on to while your child naps or plays in the park. It will be an asset in the long run and helps for longer hikes. You’ll also be able to carry all the diaper bags, snacks
4)Pictures and talking
Take and bring pictures of animals and point out different things of interest
Point out birds and other wild animals that may be seen. Make it interesting to your child to keep their attention but help them learn as well. Try turning it into a game where you give them a small snack every time they spot something new.
Most small children love the different birds and animals and yes even bugs. They are curious about nature, just point it all out and let them explore. Take a lot of pictures they can look at after the hike and show off.
5)Breaks are a Much Needed Distraction
Taking a 10 or
This can also be a fun time to point out different things to your child. Find some ducks they can feed near the lake. Feeding ducks with my parents
6)Remember the Bug Repellent Spray
When out in the great outdoors, remember to bring bug repellent. I’ve found the mosquito wipes work best. I always remember to wipe down my kid and forget to spray myself(don’t make my mistakes).
There is nothing worse than getting eaten alive by bugs. Except for when it’s your child getting eaten up worse than yourself. Just make sure whatever brand bug spray you buy is child safe.
7)Good Weather Planning
Always check the weather before heading out. If it’s
Make sure that they have proper shoes for the terrain. Of course, if it is damp weather then it may be best to plan for another day.
8)Hiking with Infants
Make sure to get the child used to the carrier before you go out. Remember not only should you be comfortable wearing the carrier, but they should be comfortable inside the carrier.
A woman at my gym brings her daughter in
If they aren’t comfortable in it they will make you miserable. Not to mention they will grow to hate going out on hikes.
9)Naps can be so Awesome
Most of the time small children will fall asleep while walking or hiking. I don’t know if it’s that constant rocking, but it’s lights out in no time.
So if possible plan your hike just before nap time. It will make it easier for you and will not mess up their nap time. A grumpy baby is does not make for an enjoyable hike.
10) Formula Fed
If your baby is formula fed you shouldn’t premix the powder. Bring along a few bottles to mix everything and leave everything else in the car. Not only does this save weight but it also helps keep everything from spoiling in warm weather. Don’t forget an extra bottle of water just in case you need extra feeding.
11) Double Bag Soiled Diapers
Make sure you carry extra diapers and disposal bags. With all that jostling around you’ll probably want to double bag the soiled ones. Remember you have to be able to carry everything out when you leave.
It may also help keep smells down for a bit. Nobody wants to finish their walk with a smelly diaper strapped to their back.
12)With Toddlers
When hiking with toddlers, use brightly colored bottles to encourage them to drink and stay hydrated. Bring along some sweet tasting
There’s no need for boots regular sneakers are ok. Boots always seemed to lead to more scrapes and bruises than usual. Just make sure to bring extra socks, because if there’s a puddle they’re sure to find it.
13)Run Free (just a little)
Try and find flat open areas for them to run free for a bit. This helps them wear out all that pent up energy. Feed them a quick snack and
14)Having Their Own Gear
Most toddlers love having something of their own to carry. They feel a sense of responsibility for once in their life. So let them have something small and light to carry. A small bag of cookies for both of you to share is a great idea.
They will feel important and gives them a sense of ownership it helps all the way around. Just remember that there’s a good chance the item will get lost eventually. So nothing that can’t easily be replaced.
15)Dirt, Dirt, and more Dirt
There is a saying, a kid doesn’t grow without getting a little dirty. Kids love to get dirty for some reason.
So, try and only change them into clean clothes when you absolutely have to. Don’t worry about those grass stains and a little mud. Once you get home everything can easily be thrown in the wash.
16)Finally, The Way Back
Remember that the farther you travel out the longer it takes to get to your car. At some point a child will always start to get tired and it’ll be like a switch was flipped.
That happy child that’s been playing for an hour will turn into a little hellraiser. Try to get your timing down so that you’re closing in on the car when the inevitable happens.
I know how frustrating it can be dealing with a screaming child, but don’t let the crying ruin both of your days. When years go by nobody will remember the crying days. It’s the happy memories that last a lifetime.