Tips: Infant Hiking Must Haves

I hiked quite a bit with Miles when he was an infant and I learned you can over pack and you can certainly under pack. Below I will share some must haves for hiking with a baby LESS than 6 months old.

• Baby Carrier – I used my Tula with Miles. Do your research and find the best carrier that is right for you and your body. It is easy to get overwhelmed, but my mindset was if it is safe and comfortable then go with that one. When I picked the Tula I wanted something that was breathable to keep myself and Miles from over heating. One downfall we found with the Tula is that after hiking a mile or two the Tula would get looser and I would need to stop and re-adjust to ensure he was sitting high enough of my hips. However, this wasn’t ever an issue as we normally needed a break around this time anyway.
• Changing Pad – Changing a baby’s diaper on the trail is NOT glamorous. Make sure you pack your changing pad so you can at least keep mud and leaves off your child.
• Trash Bags – The golden rule always applies regardless of who you are hiking with; leave no trace. Make sure you pack out dirty wipes and diapers. I hiked once and did not have a baggie to put it in. I will never forget trash bags again.
• Sun Protection – I keep a small thing of sunscreen in my hiking bag at all times. When he was very small I primarily used a hat and sleeves for protection, but his hands and ankles would get exposed so I made sure to keep checking to see if I needed to apply sunscreen.
• Layers – Dressing for the winter/summer are easy for hiking with a child, but fall/spring are tricky. I always start with Miles being bundled up and would routinely check his chest to see if he was hot. I’d remove one layer at a time and repeat the process routinely. With the baby being close to your chest, chances are they, and you, will stay warm. Remember: even if it is an easy trail, having a baby strapped to you leads to a lot of heat.
• Light Weight Folding Chair – This sounds lavish but in reality if you have a backpack, this 1 lb chair is worth taking with you. When you need to nurse or bottle feed your baby, you want to sit on something other than on a rock or leaned against a tree. I took my chair out on every hike but one and learned my lesson.

Just as important as the above items, these three non tangible attributes are what you must have when hiking with a baby:

• Patience – Your baby will get fussy and will cry if they get over heated. Make sure you let them rest when you rest by laying them out on a blanket or the changing pad. Remember if they fuss at home, they will fuss over the same things on the trail. Be patient with them, this is a new experience for everyone.
• Endurance – Carrying Miles taught me how important cardio and squats are. If the trail is marked easy, chances are it will feel like moderate. Until you get into a full fledged child carrier backpack, at 6 months, hiking significant length with the baby carrier can strain your shoulders, back and hips. Make sure you start by picking an easy trail such as the one I did at Seven Islands State Birding Park.
• Low Expectations – You will turn around earlier than the waterfall or the peak with the view. Accept this ahead of time and you will not be upset should you actually make it to the waterfall.
• Drive – Someone told me early in parenthood “you can either be tired on the couch or you can be tired at the beach.” This is what helps get me outside. I know that we can stay inside and lay around on the house, but regardless I will be tired. I choose to get up and out so I can do good for my mind and create memories with Miles.