Hiking with Your Toddler

 Hiking with a toddler has a few obvious obstacles. They are not quite sure-footed enough to take to the trails themselves just yet and you have to take a few extra precautions to keep them safe. But getting out into nature can still be done with young ones in tow with a little planning ahead of time. Today, I want to share some of the things that have worked for us. Please feel free to share your ideas too!

1. Invest in a good carrier.  This is the top of my must-have’s for hiking with a little one. A good carrier is one that is comfortable for everyone, kid and parent included and can hold up to lots of movement. Depending on the type of trail you might feel comfortable with a ringsling or wrap if it is a mostly flat terrain.

I’ve seen some folks use structured carriers like Ergos too but personally the Deuter is the only carrier I will swear by for long strenuous hikes. It has several straps to keep the child secure while it sits high so they can get a clear view of the world around them. It also has a very decent sized compartment under the seat, perfect for storing supplies (we usually carry a gallon jug of water in ours) and you can invest a little extra to get a canopy.  But above all, it is extremely comfortable and I found that it distributes the weight very well.

2. Dress your little one accordingly. This may be a no-brainer but it is important to dress your little one according to the weather and remember that they can get colder in the carrier since they won’t be moving like you to warm up their little bodies.

3. Pack some healthy snacks. I shared this awesome granola bar recipe awhile back that you can make from scratch. Bananas are good for boost of energy too. Of course, don’t forget to bring plenty of water too. I like kleen canteens best but all that matters really is that you and the little one stay hydrated!

4. Take rest stops at least every hour. It’s recommended to take rest stops every hour, letting your toddler stretch their legs and get their diaper changed, reapply sunblock, have a little snack, ect. But if it’s their first time in the carrier they might need more frequent breaks.

5. Other items worth mentioning: Sunscreen, hats, 

wet bags, and a basic first aid. It’s always good to be prepared, regardless of whether you have a toddler on the trail or not, but these are a few things I really think are important to have with you. The wet bag is something I find particularly useful versus just bringing a plastic bag for soiled diapers. 

6. Lastly, plan accordingly and have fun. If it’s your first time out on the trails with your toddler there might be an adjustment period for both of you. Give them some time to get used to being in the carrier but don’t overdo it and pick an easy short path to start with. Involve your little one too! Talk to them about the different wildlife you come across. I’m a bit of a nerd for flora and fauna (Stephen thinks I was destined to be a park ranger haha) and personally enjoy collecting guides for areas so I can tell Rosie little details about the things that we find on our hikes.

Enjoy!