Hiking with Baby

With the birth of your child, everything changes for you. That's true! But don't panic, it doesn't mean you have to sit at home all the time. In this article, you'll find helpful tips for relaxed exploration tours and hikes with your baby.

When our daughter was two weeks old, we took her on a short hike for the first time to our local mountain. In the following ten weeks, she visited twelve mountain huts - carried by Dad in the baby carrier.

Please remember that the safety of your baby should be your top priority at all times! I will share how to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike here.

First of all: Take care of yourself and your health. After giving birth, what you need as a mother is mainly rest and recovery. Now is not the right time for 'false ambition'. I was back to feeling fit very quickly after the birth of our daughter, which was certainly due to the fact that I was very active throughout the pregnancy and could even go on a hike at 38 weeks pregnant. This is certainly not the norm.

Please listen to your body and use the postpartum period for recovery, and only go hiking when you feel 100% ready.

Many flat hiking trails can be managed well with a stroller; perhaps this is just right for you and your baby at the beginning.

If you head to the mountains, choose an ergonomic baby carrier that is comfortable for both you and your baby. The advantage of a carrier is that your baby is close to you, so you can directly see how they are doing. By the way, it's a wonderful way to strengthen the father-child bond when your partner takes over the carrying. This way, you can rest a bit as a mom after giving birth.

I recommend the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier for newborns from birth up to 44 lbs made of SoftFlex mesh.

Ideally, choose a route that you are already familiar with to start. That way, you won't encounter any surprises along the way. Research the conditions in advance, and choose a hiking route that is not too steep or difficult. This minimizes risks, like tripping or falling. Especially after giving birth, your balance may be a bit off.

Make sure to check the weather and only go if conditions are favorable for both you and your baby - you now have someone else's safety to consider too!

Avoid hiking in direct sunlight and protect your baby with enough shade, a sun hat with UV protection, like this one from Sterntaler, and the sun protection of the carrier.

By the way: Especially in the first year of life, sunscreen should be avoided.

The journey is the destination. Now is not the time for setting speed records. Enjoy your time in nature and give yourself and your baby ample time for breaks, during which you can rest and your baby can be taken out of the carrier for a while.

Bring support with you and never go alone. This rule applies in the mountains with or without a baby. And: Experiences are even better when shared!

In the first year of your baby's life, you should not hike above 6,561 feet (2,000 meters). Gradually accustom yourself and your child to the altitude and avoid rapid elevation changes (like taking a cable car). A baby has no place on a mountain peak or a narrow ridge; the safety of your baby is always the top priority.

Good footwear is essential for your hike. Trekking poles can also be helpful. Since you are carrying your baby close to your body, remember to wear breathable fabrics. I recommend Merino wool clothing for you, like this shirt from Odlo, and for your baby, bodysuits made of a wool-silk blend like this one.

Your baby's temperature will self-regulate in the carrier; it's okay if you sweat, just remember to pack a change of clothes for you and your baby so you won't cool down during a break. We always changed our daughter directly and put the wet clothes in a plastic bag when we couldn't hang them in the sun on a hut to dry.

A warmer layer for you and your baby and possibly a blanket is also important. Socks can easily get lost, so always have an extra pair with you or wear baby shoes like these.

Make sure to consider that the weather in the mountains can change quickly and it is often much cooler at the top than in the valley.

Remember to drink enough and regularly while on the way. Especially if you are breastfeeding, it's important to stay hydrated. A thermos bottle (like this one) keeps your drink nice and cool throughout the day.

Your body may also not be accustomed to the effort yet. Therefore, it's important to eat easily digestible food that gives you energy before you start. I also recommend having something to eat with you that provides quick energy. My current favorite is this bar from Naturally Pam.

Lastly: Enjoy the moments with your baby in nature. There is perhaps nothing more beautiful than creating shared experiences and memories. Time doesn't return, cherish it!

I hope I have inspired you to consider a hike with your baby. Remember: Anything is possible, but there's no pressure. Go at your own pace and choose your route to fit your needs. And if it doesn't work out today, it might be better next time. Listen to yourself and your baby. I wish you lots of fun!

Share your personal experiences with me! What tips do you have for other parents? Which hiking routes can you recommend?

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions. If you have more ideas or questions, we look forward to your comment here on the travel blog. For more tips on traveling with a baby, you can find them here.

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