By Kortney Tilman, with Summit Sisters Adventures
TAKE A HIKE!
Hiking with your littles – be positive, carry lots of snacks!
By Kortney Tilman, with Summit Sisters Adventures
Ever want to go hiking and think it will be a chore with a kiddo? I’m here to tell you it’s not hard when you go with a positive mindset — and lots of snacks!
I have been hiking with my daughter since she was four months old. Yes, it was daunting at first, because as a new mom I didn’t know what to bring or even where to hike. My first hike carrying her in a front carry pack was on the Watson Lake Dam loop trail, but I only did it out and back. It was my first time hiking in a really long time, but I wanted to get out. I found a group of women who were doing that hike and said “Why not?”
Would I recommend that for a first hike or one in a really long time or even with a baby for the first time? Nope, not at all. But I did it. So, what I would first recommend is to find a group of other mamas or other women who like to hike out there. Then go on an easier hike, maybe even a stroller hike or walk to familiarize yourself with the area, especially if you aren’t from here. Also, make sure you have the necessary items for both you and the kiddo: water, snacks, a first aid kit and a favorite stuffy or blanket.
When you are hiking with a kiddo, it’s different from hiking with other adults or even by yourself (which I would never recommend), because you are responsible for that little human. So for me the factors that come into play are:
- How long is the hike?
- What is the weather predicted (keeping in mind how quickly that can change)?
- What is the terrain of the trail?
- And, ultimately, what is my physical fitness level?
Along with your fitness level, another factor to consider is how well does your kiddo do on hikes and walks? Do they or can they hike by themselves? Are they still in a carrier or not walking, so they will be in a hiking carrier?
After a few times of using the front carrier, I switched to using the “MiniMeis,” a shoulder carrier, because it was much more comfortable for my back. But it really is a personal preference how you carry your child and what feels comfortable.
For me, a normal hike is going on a 3-mile round trip hike (out and back usually). This was set the first time I took my daughter on a hike. About 1 1/2 miles in she was getting tired, so we turned around. I was glad I did, because she was done when we got back to the car. I usually stick to little or no elevation gain. This is mostly because I know little legs get tired faster, so it’s easier to not go up hill with littles.
Weather also plays a factor in when and where I go hiking and how much water I bring. Usually, I live by the 9 and 90 rule, meaning either done by 9 or 90 degrees. I will almost always bring my CamelBak full (2 liters), or more, if it’s hotter than 70 degrees. I also bring my pack full of her favorite snacks, usually a fruit bar or two and some cashews.
One of my favorite early memories of hiking with my daughter was when we hiked Watson loop again. We did it as an out and back again, but this time she was walking and had friends with her. We made a game with the dots on the ground. Anytime we saw one, we would “activate” the dot. Not only did it keep the kiddos occupied and busy, but it seemed to make the hike a little shorter and easier on us mommas.
Hiking with a little one is most definitely an experience that can be memorable for both of you, Just be prepared for the unexpected as much as possible — and have fun.