10 Tips for Hiking with a Toddler!

We have always been very active people. Hiking, biking, and traveling were a weekly thing for us. Once we had kids we slowed down and didn't really do much. It is hard getting out and about with little ones. To be honest, I was very intimidated by the thought of doing very much with the girls (now ages 3 and 4 months). But, my husband and I decided it was time to get out and get back to our outdoorsy selves.

Here are some tips and tricks that helped us get back outdoors with an infant and toddler.

Some Gear You Might Need.
- Backpack
- Camelbacks
- Baby Carrier
- Proper Clothing
- Sun Protection
- Plenty of H2O
- Snacks
- Proper Foot ware
- First Aid Kit
-Small Trash Bags or Grocery Bags

1. Check the Weather!
When we decide to go outdoors I first check the weather. Knowing the weather will allow you to dress the kids accordingly. If the kids are comfortable they will be calm and happy for longer. If it is windy make sure the kids have windbreakers. If it is hot and sunny make sure everyone has a hat. If it is cold and snowing make sure the child has a beanie and gloves. It is better to have too many layers that you can take off instead of not enough layers and be miserable.

2. Shade from the Sun!
Baby skin burns in the sun quickly. Always, Always, Always apply sunscreen! Taking care of your skin is so important! My kids always have sunbonnets or baseball caps on to protect from the sun.

3. Pack Enough Food and H2O!
Even if you are only planning a quick outdoor excursion make sure to bring plenty of Snacks, Food, Water, and Formula (if you have an infant). Things don't always go as planned and I always like to have more than enough just in case.  Your hike might last longer than expected, you might have car troubles, you might want to stay longer but can't because you were not prepared. Whatever the reason you will be ready for anything. My personal rule of thumb for water and food is to pack twice as much as you think you will need. For our small family of 4 that really is not too much to pack. Good snacks are fruits like apples and oranges, granola bars, a loaf of bread and plastic jars of jelly and peanut butter. I only bring water because sodas and juices don't hydrate your body as well as water. We use water bottle slings and camelbacks so you can carry your water hands-free.

4. Be Over Prepared! 
Packing more than you need can be a lifesaver. Make sure to have more than enough food and water. Extra diapers and wipes. Wipes are useful for everything! I always bring 2 travel packs of wipes with me everywhere. Bring an extra change of clothes for the kids. I normally pack 2-3 extra sets of clothes. One time we went through all of the extra clothes during an outing. The baby pooped out of her diaper several times. A First-Aid Kit. I have a small first aid kit that I keep in my hiking backpack. If you have a bottle fed infant make sure you have enough formula and water. One time, while preparing a bottle I dropped it and spilled the formula everywhere. Thank God we brought extra because we were able to make a new bottle and we didn't have to end our trip abruptly to go to a store and get formula. You never know what could happen, so make sure you are as prepared as possible. Leave the bulk of your extra supplies in the car, and pack the essentials in a backpack to take on the hike with you.

5. Go With the Flow!
Traveling with kids in unpredictable. Keeping to a schedule seems impossible sometimes. Be flexible and just go with the flow. Allow your family to enjoy nature at their own pace. Kids get tired so make sure you plan your outing at an optimal time! We plan all of our trips after breakfast because the kids are fed, happy and have tons of energy. Never try and do stuff during nap time! You are setting yourself up for failure. You know when your kid needs rest, don't get upset with your child if you make the mistake of planning something during their nap time. That was bad judgment on your part. Make sure to praise your child when they do well. If you make hiking a fun experience they will learn from each outing and be excited to go on the next hike. You train them on how to behave during each outing.

6. Choose appropriate hiking trails!
If it is your first hike choose an easy trail that will take 30 minutes to complete. See how well your child does with that hike and increase to longer trails and more difficult trails from there. During the hike, you might need to carry your child on your shoulders. Children get tired so be flexible and prepared.

7. Start with a fresh diaper!
If your child is in diapers start your hike with a fresh diaper. This will help your child feel more comfortable for longer. You will probably have to change a diaper on the trail so make sure you have a portable changing pad or blanket you can lay your child on. Inspect the ground where you are about to change your child. It would be horrible if you accidentally put your child on an ant hill or something like that. Bring several small trash bags or grocery bags so you can wrap the dirty diaper and put it in your backpack. Never leave trash or dirty diapers on a trail!  Wrap them up, put them in your pack and throw them in a trash can once you come across one! Be a good example to your children. They will do as you do, so don't litter!

8. Stay Hydrated!
I have seen parents try to encourage their children to "not drink too much water" because they don't want to take bathroom breaks. This is a HUGE NO-NO! Dehydration for children can happen quickly and be deadly. Just be prepared for potty breaks. Little ones have small bladders and will need to go. This is okay. Make sure you and your kids sip water throughout the hike. A rule of thumb is, if you're thirsty you are already dehydrated.

9. Take tons of photos!
It is so important to document your family adventure with photos! Take tons of pics during your family hike! You might think you will remember those moments but 10 years later you probably won't remember the details very well. Having photos to look back on will warm your heart, and you can show your kids how much fun y'all had.

10. "How did we do" Self Evaluation!
At the end of each outing, it is important to learn from the good and improve from the mistakes. Jake and I always ask ourselves how could we have done better. When you take notes and learn how to improve from your own experience you can grow and truly enjoy your time outdoors. This is how the conversation goes, "That was so much fun! I enjoyed  ______. But we did have ________ happen. How can we improve for next time? " Having the kids in on the conversation makes them feel involved and they are more likely to be mindful of situations next time. Learning from your own successes and failures is important.

Happy Hiking!
-V

P.S. If you have any extra tips and tricks for other parents feel free to add them to the comment section.