hiking with baby and toddler
Is hiking with a baby or toddler actually fun?
The child can't even walk yet. Constantly lifting the stroller or buggy over uneven forest paths or roots? I'm really not in the mood for that. It's exhausting. You keep hearing about negative experiences or even prejudices.
Hiking brings the family together
A lovely hike with the family is incredibly relaxing and helps ground and connect all family members, especially during stressful times. With your first child, so much changes in a young family's life—hiking routes shift and especially much more time is planned for shorter distances. Daring climbing tours are certainly no longer recommended with a baby and toddler. But you definitely don't have to give up hiking right from your doorstep or vacations in the mountains or other beautiful places.
With a baby in a wrap, like the elastic wrap from cocoome, a hike is no obstacle even on uneven terrain. Held ergonomically correct and snuggled close to mom or dad, your little one can safely and well-protected explore the world around them, watch the leaves fall, and in autumn feel the first cool breezes or mist on their nose. Fresh air and nature's show are naturally tiring too—your baby can safely close their eyes and snuggle up to sleep while you simply keep hiking and enjoy wonderful self-care. You can savor quality time together as a couple and have lovely conversations.
Especially during the bleak November or in times of social distancing, this is all the more important. If you have any questions about using a carrier or wrap, or other concerns, babywearing consultants in your area or online are happy to help. Regular breaks should also be planned even for our little ones—whether for plenty of stretching, feeding, or diaper changes. This time simply must be taken!
We should keep an eye on the weather too – sun protection and cold protection are very important. In autumn and winter, it's especially important to make sure your little one stays warm enough. We want our babies to neither get too cold nor overheat. There are suitable clothing options, cold protection balms, and other helpful tools to make the weather comfortable for our children.
But how do I manage that with a baby in a baby carrier?
Wrap the baby over your thick jacket?
Buy a different carrier jacket for every occasion?
Give up my beloved forest hikes until my child can walk along with me? And Dad will need a carrier jacket too.
You can do it that way, but you don't have to. ☺
The best way is to carry your baby in the wrap sling under your own jacket. You'll keep each other warm and be able to sense your baby and their needs best. With a bit of practice, breastfeeding in the wrap sling is also possible.
Everyone has their favorite jackets for every occasion. But for many parents, buying an extra babywearing jacket isn't really an option.
The cocoome Clip-in jacket extension can be inserted into any jacket with just a few simple movements. Dad can snuggle with his little rascal too, because the Clip-in also works with his jacket.
Experiences in nature are important for toddlers and babies.
But our child wants to walk on their own! They can't really walk yet and constantly want to be picked up and put down—how are we supposed to go hiking?
Yes, you absolutely can! ☺ Experiences in nature are incredibly important for a toddler and baby. As a nature educator, I always advocate spending as much time as possible away from playgrounds and the like, out in open nature. Forests, meadows, and fields offer countless developmental experiences and opportunities for toddlers and babies. Little ones increasingly want to move and walk on their own, explore nature, and go on discovery and exploration adventures. In our case, when our toddler was young, our hikes became shorter but more time-intensive. When little legs got tired, we could reliably pop them into the wrap sling or carrier to snuggle under the jacket and take a break.
After their rest, the little explorers wanted to discover the forest on their own again. This time can be wonderfully spent as a picnic or by mindfully focusing on the small wonders of nature. Honestly... how often do we notice an ant trail in the forest or water striders on a small forest pond in our daily lives? It's also beautiful to watch the leaves fall and have a little leaf fight. The forest with all its natural features and hiking offers your baby and toddler countless opportunities to develop in all areas and at the same time explore their own senses.
What do you need for a hike with your baby or toddler?
Actually, not much ☺
a good baby carrier, such as cocoome's elastic baby wrap
For cooler weather, a carrier cover or a jacket extension – you'll find these at cocoome too
Hiking backpack with food, drinks, spare clothes, cold protection for toddler and baby, and whatever else your family needs (don't forget a bag to collect your waste)
So get out there and enjoy nature. Treasure those priceless family moments and wonderful nature experiences with your toddler and/or baby. Please observe yourselves and your children carefully, and plan your routes accordingly. What do your children and you need to feel comfortable, so that the whole family can have a relaxed hike? In many areas, there are also beautiful hiking trails and circular routes specifically recommended for families. Whether special routes or just heading out into nature, it's worth it for every family member.
Why not give it a try right now!
Written by Laura Eisbein, nature educator and babywearing consultant at Tragewichtel
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