Picture this. You reach the summit of a beautiful hiking trail and take in the long-awaited views after your trek. After pausing to soak in the moment, you look back and see your favorite little human behind you tucked away in their carrier, equally delighted by the vistas and hiking experience. Your heart swells as you remove them from the carrier, give them a snuggle, and enjoy this endearing moment as a family surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.
In reality, the idyllic scene I painted above won’t always be the case if you decide to embark on a hike with your baby at any age. If you’re a parent, you already know that flexibility is the name of the game when approaching anything with your kids, and especially babies under the age of one. However, with a bit of preparation, you can aim to experience some level of hiking bliss with your little one in tow. This nine tips for hiking with a baby blog post outlines the key guidance you’ll need to have an enjoyable and safe outdoor excursion with your mini adventure buddy.
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Choose The Right Trial
The first crucial step is selecting the perfect trail for you and your family to explore. If this is your first time hiking with a baby, consider starting with shorter, easy-to-moderate trails. The ideal distance may vary for each person, but a trail between one and three miles is a good starting point.
Other considerations for the trail you select, in addition to distance, include shade, elevation, and access to rest areas. The terrain of the trek should also be a factor in your trail selection, as you’ll want to ensure you have somewhat stable footing while carrying precious cargo. Depending on the region, it’s important to consider wildlife factors and prepare for potential encounters with animals on the trail.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a trail where you can carry an additional 30-40 lbs on your body without fear of running out of energy at the end of the trek.
Pick the Best Carrier for Your Baby
The next step is to ensure you have the right gear for your adventure. Namely, a hiking carrier that not only supports your baby, but is also comfortable for the person wearing it. This is a personal preference, so it’s always a good idea to try out a few options to see what works for you. For babies under 6 months, a soft-structured front carrier or wrap is ideal, as it keeps your baby close to your body and provides support.
For babies over six months, consider selecting a framed hiking backpack. This carrier style offers improved airflow and increased comfort as your baby grows. Hiking backpacks let your baby explore the world from a new vantage point, soaking in all the sights that surround them.
When selecting a carrier at any age, ensure it offers good head/neck support and fits your body comfortably. A pro tip is to get your child accustomed to a new child carrier by testing it out at home before heading out on the trail.
Dress for the Conditions
Next, select a cute and weather-appropriate outfit for your baby. Dressing your baby in the right gear is extremely important to ensure they’re comfortable and safe on the trail. This means layer, layer, layer, as babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults. Even if it’s mild outside, be sure to have gloves and hats, as those parts of their body tend to get cold first, and it’s essential for them to retain heat.
For trails with any amount of sun exposure, you’ll need to protect them from the sun with a wide-brim hat, lightweight long sleeves, and baby-safe sunscreen for babies over 6 months old. You definitely don’t want to mess with the sun when hiking with a baby.
For cold or windy conditions, bring a windproof/waterproof cover for your hiking pack and consider dressing your baby in a bunting. Don’t skimp on the extra layers for cold or windy conditions!
No matter the conditions, consider packing an extra set of clothes in case of blowouts, messes, or to swap out damp pieces for dry items.
Time Your Hike Wisely
Ah, the age-old parenting struggle of scheduling daily activities. Selecting your hiking start time is no different. This is another aspect that is a matter of personal preference for you and your baby. Many parents find it easiest to hike during nap time so the motion soothes the baby to sleep. Plus, when your older baby wakes up from a nap, they might not be as inclined to be strapped into a carrier and would prefer to explore on their own.
Depending on the trail, I encourage avoiding the hottest part of the day. It can be a risky time to start your trek due to increased sun exposure and dehydration risks, and the trails are usually pretty crowded. I recommend opting for early morning or late afternoon hikes with your mini-me.
Be sure to fuel up and change diapers before hitting the trail so everyone is ready for their adventure.
Pack Smart (but Light)
The next tip for hiking with a baby is to pack your hiking carrier or daypack with everything you and your baby need to stay comfortable. Before getting into the items to pack, let’s talk about when to pack. I recommend packing everything the night before while your little one is asleep. That way, you have some peace and quiet, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and be prepared for the next day.
Now, let’s dive into what you should include in your hiking pack – starting with the essentials: diapers, wipes, a changing pad, burp cloths, extra outfit(s), snacks (if eating solids), water for you, extra layers, gloves, and hats. Next up are comfort items: pacifier(s) (and paci clip), small toy, or teether. If you decide to bring a toy, try to find one that can be attached to your hiking pack using these silicone toy straps. This was a lifesaver for avoiding toys and teethers from dropping on the trail.
Moving on to a very important item that should always be included in your hiking pack: first aid. Aside from the standard items you typically bring with you, include baby-specific items like infant acetaminophen, a baby thermometer, and baby-safe sunscreen and bug spray, if you’re hiking with a baby who is 6 months or older.
Another critical item is hydration for you and your baby. For you, ensure you have a water bottle with the recommended amount of water for the trail length (0.5 to 1 liter of water per hour in moderate temperatures and conditions). For your baby, pack any necessary formula or breast milk supplies.
A few additional items to include in your hiking pack include a Z-seat for you or the older babies to have a comfortable place to sit on the trail. Don’t forget a garbage bag to pack out trash, ensuring you leave no trace. Lastly, trekking poles are a fantastic addition to use when hiking with a baby for extra support on the trail.
Planning to hit the trails? If so, check out this hiking ten essentials blog post, so you’ll know exactly what to pack for a safe, fun, and worry-free outdoor adventure.
Plan for On-Trail Feeding
Next, we prepare for the on-trail feeding. All babies under the age of one are still drinking either breast milk or formula as their primary source of nutrients. For breastfeeding mamas, consider a carrier that allows easy nursing access, such as a soft-structured carrier. This can make it possible to feed without fully stopping, though many parents prefer to find a safe, shaded spot to sit. A lightweight muslin blanket or nursing cover can provide sun protection and privacy if desired. You’ll want to wear nursing-friendly clothing to avoid any awkward mid-hiking outfit changes. Be sure to wear a nursing sports bra, and if it’s winter, a nursing hiking top so your stomach won’t get cold.
If you’re pumping, consider pumping in your car before the hike so you have a bottle ready to go on the trail. Plus, you’ll generally feel more comfortable on the trail after pumping. If you’re going on a longer trek, consider bringing a manual pump to express milk when needed. If you’re bringing pumped breast milk with you on the trail, store it in a small insulated cooler bag with an ice pack in your hiking pack.
If your baby is formula-fed, bring pre-measured formula in a small container and a separate bottle of water, or use ready-to-feed formula bottles for convenience.
If you’re baby is eating solid foods, be sure to pack easy, no-mess snacks like pouches, small cut fruit, or soft finger foods in a snack cup. No-mess snacks are key to avoiding crumbs dropping on the trail and unintentionally feeding the animals. Bananas are always a big hit with both babies and grown adults alike!
Plan to feed the baby during scheduled rest breaks around their usual feeding times. This way, the baby stays comfortable, and you can also enjoy the break.
Traveling with your mini travel buddy? If so, check out my Baby Travel Essentials blog post that outlines everything you need for an adventure with your little one.
Safety First
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention safety in this tips for hiking with a baby blog post. Being safe on the trail is always essential, but it’s even more critical when embarking on a trek with your mini adventure buddy. A few things to keep in mind outside of the usual tips you adhere to on the trail. First, watch your footing; a stumble is far more risky when carrying a baby. Second, be mindful of the baby’s temperature (check hands, feet, and the back of the neck regularly). As you read earlier, babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so this is necessary. Before starting your trek, ensure the carrier straps are securely fastened and adjusted to fit your body properly. Additionally, ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable in the carrier.
A few other considerations: Let someone else know about your plans and the timing of your hike. This is especially vital if you’re hiking with just you and your baby. Lastly, some parents prefer to pack a whistle and bear spray for additional safety precautions on the trail.
Watch the Weather
Mother Nature sometimes likes to throw a curveball at you when it comes to the weather, even on a previously beautiful sunny day. It’s always best to check the weather forecast the morning of your hike so you know what to expect when you finally hit the trail. Don’t be afraid to skip the hike in extreme heat, cold, or storms. This is true of any hike, but it’s equally, if not more, important when hiking with a baby.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Keep Your Expectations Flexible
The final tip for hiking with a baby is to keep your expectations flexible. It’s also a good tip for parenting in general. Your “epic” hike might turn into a 30-minute stroll, and that’s totally fine. Your baby might sleep through the entire trek and not see any of the trail; that’s cool, too. Your little bundle of joy might throw a fit and whine for the latter half of the journey until you reach the car, which tests your patience in ways you didn’t know possible – relatable. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, you won’t always have a picture-perfect hike every time.
In the name of flexibility, you’ll want to build in extra time for feeding, changing, soothing, and rest breaks for both you and the baby. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 30 minutes to an hour for stops, depending on the length of the trail. The goal is to enjoy a positive experience in the great outdoors for both you and the baby, not mileage bragging rights.
Final Thoughts
If you were an outdoorsy person prior to having a baby, you likely imagined taking your future baby with you on hiking adventures. I know I certainly did! Babies are remarkably adaptable, and if you make the experience engaging and safe for them, they can quickly develop a love for the outdoors as well. It can be overwhelming to get started, but my hope is that this nine tips for hiking with a baby post has prepared you to hit the trail with confidence, creating new memories with your family.
Ready to explore the incredible beauty of the U.S. National Parks? Discover my collection of in-depth travel guides packed with insider tips, must-see hikes, and hidden gems to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure.
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