If you are a mom or dad who loves the outdoors, you have probably considered the idea of hiking with your baby. Not only is it a good exercise on your part, but it can also make your child love nature and be comfortable with the outdoors. Babies are curious about their surroundings and bring them when you are hiking is going to help a lot in the development of their curiosity. Plus, hiking with your baby is not as challenging as you think it is. You do need to take some things into consideration to ensure you and your baby’s safety.
Here are five tips for hiking with your new baby.
1. Invest in a high-quality hiking baby carrier.
You don’t want to find yourself hiking on a terrain or while climbing a steep hill with your baby in your arms. Instead, you will want to use a baby carrier that is specially intended for hiking. You need a baby carrier that can be strapped around your body nicely so both your hands are free in case you need to grab hold of something. Make sure to get something that has great head support for your baby.
2. Don’t hike alone.
Make sure to bring a hiking partner with you so in case you need help, there’s someone who can help you. Also, you have someone who can take turns into carrying your baby as it can get a little tiring to have a baby strapped in your body while hiking. If something were to happen in the trails, the other person can ask for help while you stay with your baby. Moreover, you will also have help in bringing the supplies that you need if you have a hiking partner.
3. Bring enough baby supplies.
There are several things that you need to bring to ensure the comfort of your baby. Make sure to bring enough baby supplies such as water bottles, milk bottles, wipes, diapers, and other things that you think your baby needs. Not bringing the right baby supplies can be very problematic in case your baby needs something since you will less likely find something when you are on the trails.
4. Find baby-friendly trails.
Just because you are into hiking doesn’t mean you will choose difficult trails when hiking with your baby. Choose a baby-friendly trail – mostly open spaces and marked trails. Ask for recommendations from friends and family for these family-friendly trails. If you can, check it out first before going with your baby so you will know exactly how child-friendly the trail is.
5. Make sure to carefully plan rest stops.
Babies tire easily especially if they are not used to the outdoors yet. So before you hike with your baby, make sure to plan all the rest stops so both you and your baby can refuel with water or snacks. Having planned stops will help you keep your energy so you will become more energized as you continue to your destination. Moreover, you have a chance to enjoy the surroundings if you stop for a while and admire nature.