Travel with babies is challenging, and camping and hiking with a baby in tow is no exception. Although it takes a lot of work to take a baby or toddler on a camping or hiking trip, many avid outdoor adventurers say the rewards are worth the effort and offer these tips:
Plan your first baby camping trip after sleeping patterns are established and the baby sleeps through the night, usually between three to six months.
Make your first family camping trip with a baby short and simple. Try an overnight trip nearby before embarking on a long weekend far away.
Avoid hiking steep paths or camping in remote locations, in volatile weather and extreme summer heat or winter chill.
Choose a camping or hiking destination that is easy to get to and is an environment that is “kid friendly.”
Buy the right baby camping/hiking gear. A baby carrier is a must. Choose a sturdy carrier that cushions the baby in comfort and is adjustable while wearing it. Look for carriers with sunshade toppers and rain windows. Stirrups for baby’s tiny feet help prevent circulation problems. Some baby carriers also incorporate storage compartments in the carrier. Sherpani and Kelty are leading brands of hiking baby carriers.
Pack your adult hiking backpack with grown-up gear and choose a separate diaper backpack for baby necessities. For instance, it’s easy to pack everything from formula to cold drinks in the sealed and insulated cooler section and all your other necessities in the main easy-access top compartment of an Outside Baby Cooler Backpack.
If not breastfeeding, pack formula and cereal that can be mixed with water. Hydration backpacks come in handy for carrying extra water without the extra weight of water bottles.
