{"id":608,"date":"2021-01-23T04:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-23T04:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publiclandsjournal.com\/?p=608"},"modified":"2021-02-15T18:08:08","modified_gmt":"2021-02-15T18:08:08","slug":"how-to-carry-a-baby-on-a-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publiclandsjournal.com\/how-to-carry-a-baby-on-a-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Carry a Baby on a Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Once you have a baby it can really put a damper on your hiking life. With a new little person, you have many new responsibilities and limitations that tend to hinder your ability to do outdoor activities. The good news is that hiking is something you can still do. Of course, you’ll have limitations (though not as many as you might think) and it’s a great way to introduce your new one(s) to the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good child carrier will help you and your child be comfortable while hiking. There are two types of child carriers for hiking: front carriers and backpack carriers. Front carriers are the best option for hiking with children less than 6 months old. Babys can generally use backpack carriers once they are about 6 months old (once they can support their head and neck).<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Child carriers have made it possible for us to hike with our kids. It’s not always easy, but it is possible and we’ve had a lot of good hiking adventures even with young children. The best part is that our children get to experience the outdoors and adventures with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different carrier options depending on your baby’s age. We’ve started both of our kids out in a front (or chest) carrier. Front carriers are designed for children ad young as newborns and can be used until your child gets big enough that it’s uncomfortable to carry them in front. By the time the child’s mother has recovered enough from birth to walk for a mile or so, your new baby will probably be developed enough to come along in the front carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many different front carrier designs exist. We have one that was given to us by a friend. It’s basically a reverse backpack with a pouch in the front that unlatches to fit the baby into. It’s not the most comfortable thing to wear, but it’s manageable for a three-mile hike, which is fine because that’s about all our babies have been able to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are other front carrier options. I’ve seen several designs similar to the one we own plus others that wrap around and swaddle. If you’re not sure what will work best for you try a few out and see which one you find most comfortable and easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once our babies get zipped in, it’s only a matter of a few minutes before they fall asleep. They usually remain asleep for the entire hike (or until they get hungry). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the sun’s out we use a nursing cover to keep them shaded. The nursing cover attaches around your neck and covers the entire front of your body. They’re lightweight and almost unnoticeable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it’s cold out, we wear a coat or jacket that has a little extra room and zip it up over the carrier. With your baby next to your chest and a layer covering them, they will stay plenty warm in almost all conditions. If your core starts to get cold, then it’s probably time to head back.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStart with a Front Carrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n