Author Topic: Hiking with baby?  (Read 10966 times)

TheSecondLaw

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Hiking with baby?
« on: August 21, 2015, 05:48:01 AM »
Did/do you hike with your baby?

My husband and I have done at least one destination hiking trip a year and several local hikes. It is one of my favorite activities. Now that we have a baby (3 months) and we are starting to get back to a semi normal life style I wonder if our hiking trips are going to be put off until he is older. Any tips for hiking with babies, toddlers, and small kids?

We have a Moby wrap that I use several times a week for walks around the neighborhood. He can take it for about 2 miles but then he gets fussy. We also have an Ergo with an infant insert but haven't used that as much.

kimmarg

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2015, 07:40:43 AM »
There is a great book called "Babes in the woods" that covers anything you d ever want to do outdoors with baby.  Supposedly babies are easy to hike with.

FLBiker

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2015, 08:30:17 AM »
We've got a 4 month old, and are planning to try some longer hikes in a month or two.  For that, we might use the ergo, or we might get a back carrier w/ a frame.  My brother did a bunch of hiking with one of those.  The baby needs to be able to sit unassisted with those, though (I think).

JJNL

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2015, 08:36:55 AM »
I've hiked with people with babies and young children. It's eminently doable while they can sit in a back-carrier thingy / sleep in a sling. You and your kid will be needing more breaks though, b/c the child will get fussy and want out for a bit / need food / need diaper etc., so no huge distances, but definitely doable. The bit where they really cramp your hiking style is when they become too heavy / fussy to carry that way, but aren't yet strong enough to do the walking themselves. When they're ready to start walking longer distances on their own two feet, you can start again (carrying all their gear) and build up from there.

KCM5

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2015, 10:43:43 AM »
Do it now!

Just plan on not going as far. And taking way more breaks than you normally would. Bring a picnic and blanket, spend some time lounging around every couple of miles.

We used an ergo when our child was your child's age and stopped using the infant insert. But just find something that's comfortable for the both of you. Or if the baby's getting fussy, just carry him rather than using the sling.

It just feels so good to get out back to something resembling the life you had before baby.

Thegoblinchief

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2015, 10:50:31 AM »
Find a carrier that works and get the hiking in NOW. The dark days are (depending on child weight and your strength) between, say, 3-10. My kids (5,7,9) can do 3-4 miles max. When the youngest gets to about 8-9 we'll probably be able to finally get back to longer day hikes.

bognish

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2015, 01:47:34 PM »
My daughter loved the backpack and we did some good hikes with her when she was young. Having a sun shade was very important for our climate. Also lots of snacks that you can reach without taking off the pack to pass to the passenger. My son did not do the back pack. Apparently the rubbing of the backpack saddle stimulated him and then the pressure would hurt his penis. Kind of strange to have a 2 year old complaining about that on a hike.

When they out grew the back pack we got a "Piggy back Rider". This is great for carrying a kid aged 3-6 depending on weight for a short distance. I used this if the trail got steep or narrow for a short distance. Or the kids hike one way and I can carry them back. Its light and packs up small when not being used. Also good for places that are not condusive to wandering kid pace places (running through and airport or busy city sidewalks).

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2015, 02:07:03 PM »
Our biggest achievement was a 9 mile hike with TWO babies. Little Brother was on my back, so maybe five months? Big Brother would then have been 21 months.

With two babies, the big problem is what to do with the diaper bag. Mr. FP carried it on his front (his back being occupied with a toddler).

We had an Action Baby Carrier for the little one and a Boba 3G for the big one. I would say start with short hikes to get baby used to the idea, but seriously--two parents and one baby? You're golden :-).

bogart

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2015, 02:13:34 PM »
Did/do you hike with your baby?

My husband and I have done at least one destination hiking trip a year and several local hikes.

So, um, yes.  But when I say, "I am going for a hike," usually I mean I am heading into our (local) woods to tromp about 3-4 miles over an interval of an hour or so, by myself or with one or two other people (or a dog).  And I typically say that several times a week.  So your reference to doing several local hikes over a year makes me wonder if what you are talking about and what I call a hike bear much resemblance to one another.

That said, I struggled with finding appropriate soft carriers to cart my LO in.  I tried a bunch and ended up being most happy with a simple not-ring sling, something like this one -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peanut-Shell-Baby-Sling-Squirt-Soft-Green-Microfleece-/111690081043?hash=item1a013f6313, and him on my hip.  But I mostly did that (partly because of how long it took me finally to catch on to those being available and working well for us) by the time he was about 3, so a bit heavy to cart long distances in that manner.   So I didn't so much use them for hiking but instead went as soon as I could to a Kelty frame pack -- expensive (though shop for used), but worth it IMO (but not appropriate for a LO of only 3 months -- maybe 9 would be a reasonable age to introduce this?  Months, not years!).  I can really highly recommend the Kelty, not only because it is easy to put the kid in (stands up by itself and is fairly stable) and get him or her secure, but also because if, hypothetically speaking, you were walking along and tripped over a hypothetical stump and fell flat on your face fully sprawled out (hypothetically speaking), your kid would, speaking from my (hypothetical) experience stay securely in the carrier, nicely secure and entirely (hypothetically) unfazed by the misadventure.  Just sayin'.  So if when you hike you are going up and down mountains, I'd recommend it (or similar, I think there are other and perhaps less expensive such products available now).

Once they're old enough to walk, my experience has been that it's best if the route has a destination, usually a body of water at the "end" of it (somewhere near the midpoint, if it's a loop trail), as my kid is largely unmotivated by the thought that "we are going for a walk in the woods!" but pretty highly motivated by things like water, mud, and throwing rocks into rivers/ponds/streams. 

blueridge

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2015, 02:49:08 PM »
We started hiking with our little one at about 3 weeks.  At first we tried a Moby wrap, but ended up just using a front carrier with neck support that a friend gave us.  Little guy loves it . . . at first, he would usually fall asleep instantly!

Now he's about 5 months old and likes to look around some at first, then falls asleep.  We average 2 or 3 hikes a week, usually between 3 to 5 miles. 

If you start early, your legs get stronger as they get heavier, and you don't notice the extra weight as much!

Helvegen

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2015, 03:40:59 PM »
Hiking with a baby is easy. Just strap it on with a BB or sling or frame carrier. Hiking with a 2-4 year old is a PITA - they can't go very far and they are too heavy to carry over long distances.  Hiking with a 5+ is fine because they finally have some endurance, but be prepared to put up with a lot of whining about how you are literally the worst parent in the world when the trail goes uphill, at any rate. At 9 yo, we've done up to 12 miles RT and 2700ft of gain. We are doing Elfin Lakes in BC in a few weeks. I imagine it will be another whinefest until we get to goal and then all will be forgotten. Happens every hike.

RidinTheAsama

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2015, 04:32:47 PM »
We have a backpack like this:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/segmentation/child_carriers
Expensive but it was a gift... we (me, wife, kid#1, and kid #2) love it.

Haven't put it to use on any overnight hiking trips yet (and not sure we ever will... have just been sticking with car-camping or canoe trips for now) but have had plenty of nice long day hikes and it has always gone very well.

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2015, 06:29:59 PM »
We took our 3 and 4 year old hiking this weekend. Much whining from the four-year-old even though we brought a totally unreasonable number of snacks, but he did eventually rally.

Distance covered: 2.8 miles (up the mountain, down the mountain).

Elapsed time: 4.5 hours.

It was definitely faster when we could tote them around!

MrsPotts

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #13 on: August 24, 2015, 06:47:33 PM »
I hiked with baby on my back until she had enough fine motor control to pull my hair.

max924

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #14 on: August 27, 2015, 06:46:41 PM »
My wife and I backpacked through europe for 6 weeks with an osprey poco premium child carrier, best investment we ever made.  our daughter was 1 year old. Comfort wise ( for the parent especially) it is not worth cheaping out. It performed amazingly both on mountain hikes (bavarian alps) and also just touring through cities. It provided so much extra storage that we only required 1 other hiking pack for those 6 weeks. I live in the Great White North and also took her x-country skiing in it every day last winter when she was 8-10 months.

MayDay

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #15 on: August 28, 2015, 08:25:40 AM »
I will agree with TGC to enjoy it now.  For us age 5-8+ (we'll see, our oldest is almost 8 and still plenty whiny) has been toughest. 

When they are under about 6 months, a wrap worked best for us.  Even distribution of weight, holds tiny baby securely.  From ~6 months to about 5 year an Ergo (or any other soft structured carrier) was the winner.  We tried a frame backpack and it had a more challenging center of gravity (baby kind of dangles out away from your body) and the baby does a crotch dangle, which is uncomfortable and not healthy for their crotch, for the same reason Baby Bjorn style carriers are a bad idea.  Now this was 7 years ago- maybe the backpack frame carriers are better designed for baby comfort now. 

Advantages of frame style carriers:
1.  Possibly more comfortable for super long hikes?  (for the parent, idk about baby, I found the Ergo dang comfortable though)
2. Cooler
3. Some have sun shades

Advantages of Ergo style carrier:
1.  Tiny folded up so you can throw it in a backpack and keep it in the trunk of the car.
2.  Holds baby right up next to you so your COG is better.
3.  Has sleeping hood to shade sun while baby sleeps
4.  More comfortable for most babies in my experience
5.  Can easily handle an average-sized 3-4-5 year old so when they melt down in the middle of the hike you can give them a break.
6.  Usable not just for hiking
7.  Easier IMO to get baby in and out (your experience may vary wildly on this one, my H could never manage to get a kid on his back himself, I just toss them back there no problem). 

You can tell which I prefer :)

KirstyB

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #16 on: August 28, 2015, 08:42:34 AM »
I have a 9 and 11 year old and we have hiked with them since they were tiny - every vacation with them has been a destination hiking trip (can't abide a beach) and right now we're in glacier national park. We're back up to 12 miles now with them.
We had a macpac carrier (from new Zealand) that was fantastic when they were little (up to 2 1/2), but after that they walked. Our first few years with both hiking (ages 3 and 5) we tried to do some hiking in ski resorts where we could use gondolas and chair lifts to get them up high and then would either walk down or walk at elevation. It gave them the feeling that being up in the mountains was something special - with the views etc.
Best thing to do is just make it a part of your regular day to day life - walk as much as possible in your neighbourhood too, so that when you go on vacation, it's just what is expected. We have a dog too, so daily walks with him have always been a part of their lives.

TheSecondLaw

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #17 on: August 28, 2015, 10:28:55 AM »
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and recommendations.  It looks like I have some more research to do when he gets a bit bigger.

It is interesting to see everyone has a different definition of a "hike". I guess personally it graduates from a walk in the woods to a hike when I have to take a meal on the trail. At a destination we're usually out all day. I guess I'll have to lower that bar for awhile with the LO.

Jesstache

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #18 on: August 29, 2015, 10:00:58 AM »
Our progression has been, ergo when a baby.  When can sit up/good head control around 6-9 months, framed backpack carrier.  Around 2-2.5 years old we'll carry kid on the way out and let them walk on the way back.  We always plan hikes that are uphill the first half and downhill on the way back.  Around 3 they can start walking more and more of the total trip and by 4, our daughter has done up to 5 miles on her own two feet.  There is generally much complaining if it's very steep though.  We once did a hike that was downhill put and uphill back.  HUGE mistake and resulted in much whining and carrying by 4yo.  We also have a 2 yo that was being carried. 

startingsmall

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2015, 07:49:25 PM »
We've done plenty of dayhikes in the mountains with our kiddo, starting with our first (a short, easy hike - 3 miles of flat trail around a lake) at just shy of 3 months old.

 At first, we used the Moby and stuck to very easy terrain.  I was afraid of falling forward and squishing her, since I'm not the most graceful person even without an awkward weight on my front :)  When she reached about six months old, I switched her to the Ergo using a front carry... we still stuck with short hikes and easy terrain, but I felt a little more comfortable on slightly more challenging trails as I had more practice with carrying her.  Once she reached about one year old, we switched her to a back carry with the Ergo and at that point I finally felt comfortable with moderate-rated trails (I never did develop the confidence do strenuous/technical trails with her on my back, but YMMV).  Now, at 3 years old, she'll still ride in the Ergo from time to time.  She mostly wants to walk on hikes, but I still wear the Ergo and she'll ride up there if she starts to get tired. 

Having a kiddo has definitely shortened our hikes from our pre-kiddo days, but it's definitely not something you need to give up!  As a man once said when he saw me wearing her on the trail "raise 'em right!"

CanuckExpat

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #20 on: August 30, 2015, 10:48:14 PM »
We've hiked with a baby, from about three months to now at eight months.

When I say hike that is including about half and full day hikes of about 4-8 miles with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain. It's good resistance training but you do go a bit slower :)

I usually wear him on me, at first in a Baby Bjorn carrier (he quite enjoyed looking out) and then switched to an Ergo Carrier when he got bigger and we happened to find on one Craigslist (a bit more comfertable for me, but he can't look out.

My wife wears our camelback day pack that doubles as diaper bag and I'd usually just have the carrier and baby. With the baby bjorn or ergo carrier in front carry, I could also take the camel back from my wife when she needed a break and/or a lumbar pack to carry water and snacks.

We were probably lucky, but at this age he mostly just sleeps the whole time. Strangely I've found I can go uphill at about my normal pace, but coming downhill is a bit slower. I don't know if it's because I am wearing the weight differently, or if it's a psychological fear of tripping while wearing the baby that is slowing me down.

PFHC

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #21 on: September 02, 2015, 03:08:58 AM »
Do it now!

Just plan on not going as far. And taking way more breaks than you normally would. Bring a picnic and blanket, spend some time lounging around every couple of miles.

We used an ergo when our child was your child's age and stopped using the infant insert. But just find something that's comfortable for the both of you. Or if the baby's getting fussy, just carry him rather than using the sling.

It just feels so good to get out back to something resembling the life you had before baby.

AGREED! Go out and get some. We used an ergo, and still do when our three year old gets tired. They are tough little buggers and love being close to mom/dad. Just make sure they stay warm (we've gone out cross country skiing in very cold weather with them when the 3 yr was less than 1) and somewhat dry. I would say any age past a few weeks is fine. Don't forget the things you need (diapers, drinks, food, etc.) and you'll have a blast!

RelaxedGal

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #22 on: September 04, 2015, 10:27:22 AM »
We had a frame style (Knock-off Kelty?) when our daughter was 1-2 and she enjoyed it enough that she feel asleep on hikes.  She got too big/heavy around 30 pounds.  We just stopped hiking then :-(  Wish I knew about the Piggy back rider - thanks bognish!  I'll have to seriously consider it because shoulder rides or hip carries are getting hard, she's nearly 45 pounds now.

bognish

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #23 on: September 04, 2015, 12:12:48 PM »
45 lbs on a piggy back rider sucks too, but more stable than a shoulder ride. All of the weight is on your shoulders, so it gets heavy quick. But it works great for short distances, or if there are sketchy parts of the trail, river crossings etc. This mostly happens when Mom stays home. The best part is its quick to set up and packs down small when you aren't using it for the rest of the hike.

Scubanewbie

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #24 on: September 04, 2015, 12:22:52 PM »
It is interesting to see everyone has a different definition of a "hike". I guess personally it graduates from a walk in the woods to a hike when I have to take a meal on the trail. At a destination we're usually out all day. I guess I'll have to lower that bar for awhile with the LO.

Thanks for the definition.  I consider our 'hikes' anything over a few hours but that's personal definition.  I kept them shorter (2-ish hour max) when kiddo was still breastfeeding which of course was even more convenient for her but didn't want to also pack stuff for me while carrying her.  We go now for about a 6-7 mile hike over uneven but not true CLIMBING terrain as often as I can talk DH into it.  We usually setout mid-morning, hike till lunchtime, eat/play and then hike back followed by ice cream to encourage the little ones along.  My 2 year old (almost 3) usually makes it all the way there but carried almost all the way back (which, to be fair, it should be her naptime by then) and my 6 year old does all the hiking himself but gets a bit whiny by mile 5 (hence why its handy to have ice cream at the end).  That's as ambitious as we get though I'd love to get them on a trail that has about a 22 mile length but no dice on signing DH up for it yet.

nessness

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #25 on: September 07, 2015, 06:16:26 PM »
I've been hiking with my 10-month-old since she was 4 months. I used to have an ergo, but I sold it and bought a lillebaby, which I like better. It is more comfortable, and you have the option of facing the baby forwards (although that's not really comfortable for you or them for more than about 20 minutes). It can also be used with newborns without an insert.

She mostly slept in the carrier until she hit about 8 months, so it was pretty easy. If you (or your spouse) are breastfeeding, you don't need to bring much. A couple things I wanted to point out:

- The ergo insert is really hot, so the baby probably won't be comfortable in that until the weather cools down (depending where you are, of course).

- Babies should not be carried on your back in an SSC (like the ergo) or in a frame carrier until they can sit independently.

If you're interested in meeting other families to hike with, check out the group Hike It Baby; it's free to join and they have lots of branches all over the country.

TheSecondLaw

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #26 on: September 08, 2015, 02:21:05 PM »
We took our son on a 2-3 mile walk in the woods yesterday in the Moby. It was hot and humid and he was fussy at first but eventually fell asleep for the first good nap hes had in a couple of days (he was getting over a cold). Victory!

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good used frame style carrier when he gets bigger :D

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #27 on: September 08, 2015, 04:21:10 PM »
Beco says you can back carry once the baby has full head and neck control, not once they can sit independently.

https://www.becobabycarrier.com/docs/BECO_PRESS_2011_MANUAL_GEMINI.pdf

I started back carrying once my baby had good head control (confirmed by the pediatrician) and she still can't sit up unassisted.

Yep. I was able to carry babies on my back from around 4 months. Little Brother did not sit really well unassisted until past 7 months, I think.

I've heard that with a woven wrap, you can wrap a very small baby onto your back, but I've never seen it in person. Since I can't tie a scarf, I was a strictly a buckle kind of girl!

RidinTheAsama

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #28 on: September 08, 2015, 06:38:18 PM »
We did our first overnight hike with the kids this weekend, just north of Squamish BC.

We were fortunate to be travelling with a couple who have a very non-mustachian X-Terra that took us well up the logging roads leaving a relatively short alpine hike to our lake-side campsite.  Two couples, 3 kids (10 month old, 17 month old, and almost-3 year old), 1 dog.  Each of us adults carried 2 'items' whether that was 2 packs or a kid + a pack, one on the front and one on the back.  I wouldn't want to go much further than we did loaded up like this but it was well worth it to have an entire mountain bowl and glacial lake to ourselves.  The sunrise in the morning was fantastic.

Anyway, yes, hiking with babies is very much do-able. (convincing them to sleep in a tent might be a little harder...)

PFHC

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #29 on: September 08, 2015, 07:04:56 PM »
We did our first overnight hike with the kids this weekend, just north of Squamish BC.

We were fortunate to be travelling with a couple who have a very non-mustachian X-Terra that took us well up the logging roads leaving a relatively short alpine hike to our lake-side campsite.  Two couples, 3 kids (10 month old, 17 month old, and almost-3 year old), 1 dog.  Each of us adults carried 2 'items' whether that was 2 packs or a kid + a pack, one on the front and one on the back.  I wouldn't want to go much further than we did loaded up like this but it was well worth it to have an entire mountain bowl and glacial lake to ourselves.  The sunrise in the morning was fantastic.

Anyway, yes, hiking with babies is very much do-able. (convincing them to sleep in a tent might be a little harder...)
I grew up hiking in Glacier Park, Montana and spent a ton of time in Kananaskis Country in Alberta. So, your picture makes my heart ache! So beautiful!

I would love to get back up that way, but it such a haul from Maine!

CALL 911

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #30 on: October 24, 2015, 01:18:44 PM »
We used a Kelty Trek when the kids were able to hold their heads up until about 3 years old. The frame backpack is rated to 45lb kids, 60lbs total, but we couldn't go that long. Since it is the very definition of a "live" load, we just weren't strong enough/brave enough to continue.

Having said that, we went on regular hikes of up to about 4 hours (8-12 miles depending on trails/conditions), and everyone loved it. It has a detachable sun/rain cover and smaller removable backpack for kids stuff (diapers, wipes, snacks).

Actually, we still have it, but will never use it again as everyone is too big. If anyone here wants to buy it, PM me and I'll get you some pictures.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2015, 07:39:02 AM by CALL 911 »

Sonnet23

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #31 on: October 31, 2015, 04:53:13 AM »
We have a friend who will be driving a vehicle with all our changes of clothes and our tent, etc. She'll drive ahead of us and set up camp, and we'll walk to it each day, so all we will be carrying is what we need during the day while we are hiking (food, water, diapers...)

Our 2yo will most likely do a lot of walking (she hiked almost 5 miles with us when she was 18 months old and did NOT want to be carried at all...) and when she is tired, DH will carry her. I would like to have the baby in front and we'll both want to have some storage to carry food, etc.

We are thinking about the Kelty TC 3.0 for DH and DD1 and still looking to see what will work best for DD2 and I. We might go with an Ergo.

sunflower_yellow

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #32 on: November 02, 2015, 01:35:46 PM »
We have a friend who will be driving a vehicle with all our changes of clothes and our tent, etc. She'll drive ahead of us and set up camp, and we'll walk to it each day, so all we will be carrying is what we need during the day while we are hiking (food, water, diapers...)

Damn, I need your friends!

I scanned the thread but didn't see details of your trip.  What do you have planned?  Sounds almost like a thru-hike...

Asdfg

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #33 on: November 03, 2015, 02:05:51 AM »
We have done a hike with our baby when she was 8 months old. It was a 4 day trip covering about 50 miles. We slept in huts like these that are free to use:

https://www.google.fi/search?q=autiotupa&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=913&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI9MCik_HzyAIVCpUsCh1qYg5o#

When doing a 4 day trip, we needed to carry our own food, spare clothes, food and other gear. Water we could get from the rivers and creeks. My wife would carry the baby while I would carry all the other stuff. It was quite nice and surprisingly easy. She was a happy baby in the backpack, sleeping and talking. Of course we had to have some extra breaks and change the diapers every now and then (we had biodegradable diapers which we could burn after emptying it's content).

One of our concern was how to handle a situation where other people would sleep in the same hut and if our baby would start crying in the night, but it went really well and she slept the whole night through.

Would definitely do it again!

TomTX

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #34 on: November 03, 2015, 06:52:03 PM »
We had a great time putting the (large 95th+) 6 month old in a frame carrier when we were in Hawaii for almost 2 weeks. No really long hikes, but did go out basically every day. Checking some maps, it looks like we did 8 miles or so one of the days.

The frame carrier is great! Lightweight, not as gadgety as these modern carriers - my Mom got it for the first grandbaby (my niece) 17 years ago. We had to get one of the straps sewn after some heavy use. 4 points/feet for loading the baby on the ground/bench/whatever, back 2 fold in very easily for full clearance while walking around.

asauer

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Re: Hiking with baby?
« Reply #35 on: December 03, 2015, 11:07:21 AM »
Totally doable.  Start early though so you can get used to the weight (they only get heavier!).  We had to stop the backpacks when ours were about 2 b/c they would.  not. sit.  still.  From 2-4 we had "hikes" going about 2 miles per day but taking ALL day- just a different way to travel.  PS- if you're into camping/ backpacking do it with the baby!  It is SUPER easy b/c all the waste mgt is right there!  Once our kids started potty training, we had to take a break from backpacking-it wasn't pretty.

 

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