Going on a hike with a 7-year-old is far different than loading up a 7-month-old and hitting the trails. Still, what some would consider a daunting task (and others would call crazy) should not deter you from enjoying the great outdoors with your bundle of joy. The key is preparation. With a little planning and a lot of thought your day in the woods can become a cherished memory.
Be Prepared
You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to know how vital it is to plan ahead and expect the unexpected. When packing for your trip include the must-haves (maps, flashlights, cellphone, emergency gear, etc.) but don’t forget to bring extra baby staples along such as extra clothes, Baby Tylenol and extra water or a water pump to use at streams. (Breast-feeding mothers should keep in mind that you will need to drink more water than usual if you are hiking with a baby strapped to your back.) Also, pack extra food and tell friends and relatives where you plan to hike and when you expect to return in case you don’t.
Never Hike Alone
And your baby doesn’t count as another party. Not only is grabbing a partner a good idea for safety reasons, having another body around will also prove useful when you want to offload food and gear.
Pick a Comfortable Pack
Before you head off on a 12-mile hike make sure you test out your baby carrier. Does your baby fit like a glove in it and what’s more, are you comfortable wearing it? Decide on a front or back carrier or try out the Ergo baby carriers that do double duty. Trekking poles also come in handy to lend stability on uneven terrain.
Lower Your Expectations
Unless you are Hercules then you likely will find yourself traveling slower with a 20-pound tot nestled in your 30-pound backpack. If you need to cover 12 miles try breaking it up into 3 manageable miles per day. Remember the goal is to experience the great outdoors with your baby not to race to the top of Yosemite’s Half Dome in a day.
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