Hiking with a baby can be a really great bonding experience between a family. Creating memories in the outdoors is such a great way to get to know your little one and expose them to the great outdoors. It can also be intimidating deciding to take your baby on a hike. Making sure you have want you need for the hike can help make hiking with a baby easier. These are all items specific to hiking with a baby. It does not include things like a First Aid Kit as that is a typical item to bring regardless of whether you are bringing a baby or not.
Here are 10 items to pack when hiking with a baby:
- Diapers and wipes: Here is a rough approximate of how many diapers I would bring for a full day in the outdoors.
- Newborns: 10 diapers
- Babies: 8 diapers.
- Reusable bag that is washable: This is great for any dirty diapers, wipes and clothing you acquire on the hike.
- Blanket or blanket changing mat: This is nice to have for when you need to change your baby. Lie them on the blanket and/or changing mat and wipe away.
- Snacks/food for baby: Bring any necessary food along for the baby. Check out some of our food ideas:
- Carrier: a backpack carrier is easier on the back if they are big enough. They often have a backpack that can attach for extra storage. Some examples are the MEC Happy Trails Backpack Carrier and the Deuter Kid Comfort 3. For a smaller baby, shorter hikes or if you have someone else that is going to carry the baby necessities a smaller carrier will work like the Ergo baby carrier and the Baby Bjorn baby carrier.
- Milk: If the baby is breast fed and the mom is coming along then this part is easy. If the mom is not on the trip or the baby is formula fed make sure to bring at least one bottle extra for the number of hours you expect to be hiking. You will be happy to have extra milk instead of a crying baby demanding more milk on the hike.
- Baby benedryl : In case of an allergic reaction.
- Hat: I like ones that attach under the chin. That way they stay on.
- Baby Clothing: baby should wear a long sleeve and pants to protect from the sun if you are really exposed. Bring along a sweater, toque, warm onesie suit in case the weather changes especially if you are hiking in the mountains. This is especially true if you are hiking in the mountains where the weather can be unpredictable.
- Camera: You are hiking with your baby and you will want to take pictures. Take pictures and enjoy the hike! It will be awesome to look back on these photos and share your adventure with your little one. Often on nights when our girls are asleep my husband and I will go through the pictures and reminisce about the memories we have created outdoors with our family.
