The Benefits of Hiking with Your Baby & How to do it Confidently
While you might think I’m a bit crazy for hiking with my baby since she was two months old, I actually think it’s kept me sane. Getting out of the house, breathing in fresh air, strengthening my muscles through inclines, and soaking up as much vitamin D as I can makes me feel renewed and connected to the Earth. It also made me feel like an actual person in those early postpartum days that usually had me covered in milk, spit-up and any other bodily fluid you could think of. I mean, I was still covered in all those things, but I covered while being outside, and not stuck to a couch.
Nora’s first hike at Garden of the Gods in the Solly Baby wrap - Age: 2 months
The benefits for baby are great too! Babies thrive outside and, in my experience, grow calm and content. Being outside allows young brains to soak up an array of external stimulation that aids in cognitive development. Lavish sensory experiences promote language development by giving children more to talk about. Babies are also capable of gathering and storing information regarding motor skills by watching others move their bodies – seeing an older sibling or parent hike, can influence how baby will grow to move their bodies on the trail once they can walk. Beyond the physical and developmental benefits, babies also thrive on consistency and routines. Prioritizing hiking and doing it regularly allows babies to expect it and get better at tolerating longer hikes.
Super windy hike at Mount Falcon in an old Britax carrier - Age: 5 months
So now that you know why you should take your baby hiking, what is the best way to set yourself up for success?
Pick a carrier that is comfortable and fits your needs. Note that most hiking backpacks are not recommended for children under 6 months.
Make sure you feel confident wearing your baby. If you’re not there yet, make it a point to practice at home and around the neighborhood.
If you’re nursing, figure out how to breastfeed while babywearing. This was a gamechanger for me on the trail! Not having to stop and feed baby is so helpful, especially when hiking with older siblings who are itching to run.
Game plan your sun protection. Dress baby in sleeves and pants. Have baby sunblock packed. Cover baby with a hat and sunglasses (bonus: that’s a super cute look). Use your carrier’s sun shield, if you have one. Do whatever you have to do to protect that sweet, fresh baby skin.
Bring a backpack that is full of all the baby necessities including diapers, wipes and a changing pad. Will you have to change a diaper on the trail? Who’s to say, but at least you’ll be prepared if the situation arises.
If baby is eating solid foods, bring snacks. Full bellies make for happy babies!
Ensure that the trail you’ll be exploring is conducive for carrying a little one. A little bit of research on the All Trails app or a quick google search is worth its weight in gold.
Have reasonable expectations! Turning around due to baby’s lack of cooperation does not mean that it was not a successful venture. Just getting out and allowing yourself and your baby to enjoy some time in nature is a win, whether you “complete” you hike or not!
Nora’s first snow hike at Reynolds Park in a Happy Baby carrier - Age: 6 months
I hope you feel encouraged and confident to hit the trails with your baby and allow yourself to thrive. Enjoy that fresh air, beautiful views, and feeling like you’re doing something wonderful for yourself and your baby. Hiking with a baby has reminded me of my resilience and all around badass-ness that I had pre-baby.
Hiding from the sun at South Valley Park in the Happy Baby - Age: 7 months