How to hike with a newborn and a toddler
Being pregnant with my second baby, I was definitely anxious about how life would change and how I would cope looking after two children.
Hiking and being outdoors is my happy place, and probably yours too, so I didn't want to wait too long after having my baby to go out again.
I went on my first hike alone with them when my newborn was 8 weeks old.
We went to a place I was very familiar and comfortable with, fairly local and I had no expectations of finishing a route. Just to go and walk and see how far we could go.
It was a mixed bag!
Yes there were a few tantrums from my toddler, yes there were moments of me thinking what is happening here, lots of stopping, lots of patience, but also lots of memories and enjoyable moments.
We didn't get very far, but we spent time outside together and that helped me more than staying inside at home with them.
8 tips for hiking with a newborn and toddler
From that first hike, we've been on many more since, and they do get easier, or you become more prepared and more flexible with what happens! So here are my top tips for hiking with a newborn and a toddler:
This will be hard at first, but you've got this!
Only do it when you feel ready, mentally and physically, especially if you will be carrying both of them
Start small and local - go to a place you and your toddler are familiar and comfortable with. As you all get more confident together you can then go further and try new places
Be extremely patient, with your toddler, wth your newborn and with yourself. The hardest part is the first step, so slow and steady is the aim here!
Allow time for play. Chances are your toddler still really wants your time and attention, so give it to them when you can. Even a few minutes of playing and eye contact can really help your toddler feel included and involved, plus it help you see how awesome your toddler is and how they are handling new challenges like a pro (that really helped me!)
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back
Take lots of snacks, milk and fluids for all of you and have plenty of breaks
Start with buggy walks if that suits you (try a buggy board for your toddler, that really helped me get us all out of the house and let me be in control of the pace)
Many months down the line, we are now tackling 4-6 mile hikes, using a mixture of buggies, carriers (soft and structured) and bikes, and yes, there are still hard, challenging moments, but they don't last forever.
Most of the time, we do complete the routes, (or do our own version of!) and we have fun doing it, but I do still think about that first hike and it feels like a million miles away now.
Hiking gear for you, newborn and toddler
Wearing, and taking the right gear for you and your kids can help you all feel more comfortable and prepared for the adventure.The spring and summer months do make it easier to get outside, but you still need to be prepared with the right summer gear.
The best gear, is what you already have! What you are used to wearing and taking is ideal right now. This isn’t the season to buy brand new, expensive hiking boots, get five minutes into the trail, and then your baby wants a feed, your toddler wants to go play and you now have blisters on both feet, wondering how you are going to carry them back to the car.
Those new hiking boots can wait.
Have your toddler use and wear the gear they are familiar with, and can put on themselves. They know what to expect and can help build their self-esteem before going out for a hike.
Be prepared for all seasons with winter hiking gear guide.
Interested in learning how to hike with a toddler? Read here.