Hiking With A Baby: Tips to Feel Confident on Trail

Leaving the house with your baby can feel daunting, stressful, overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re a new mom, have multiple kids already, are an avid hiker prior to baby or have never hiked in your life, I hope to help you feel confident getting outside with your baby. Hiking with a baby doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you have the right tools and knowledge.

Between extensive hiking and backpacking experience prior to having my son, preceded by over 8 years of experience as a birth to three teacher, I have learned a few things to help me personally feel successful hiking with a baby. Despite all my experience, I still felt nervous the first time we went hiking. I barely slept the first night camping. I worried if he was warm enough snowshoeing. That’s called being a parent and it’s okay to feel worry about doing something new.

Although it takes some extra thought and gear to get on the trails with a baby, it doesn’t have to be more difficult. Going prepared will help you feel successful and hopefully less stressed so you can enjoy your time together outdoors. I hope this guide will help you learn some tips and tricks so you can get outdoors with confidence and take your baby hiking!

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Things to Know About Hiking With A Baby

• Start small! There is no need to go on an extremely long or difficult hike to start. A simple nature walk in town or a few miles on an easy trail is the perfect way to start. This allows you to get a feel for things, if you like what you have and brought or if you want to make any changes before going farther out of town.

• Hiking with a baby requires extra gear you don’t normally take hiking. This means extra time to pack and get out the door but also extra weight in your backpack. Also, your baby will constantly be growing and gaining weight so your pack will constantly be increasing.

• Not every outing will be a success. There will come a day when something is forgotten and left at home. There will be a day when your baby isn’t happy and you need to cut the outing short. It’s okay. Don’t put too high of expectations on you or your baby and be flexible!

• Hiking with a baby is one of the most rewarding and magical moments you can spend together. Watching your baby learn and take in the world as you explore is beautiful and worth any challenges and effort it takes to get outdoors.

The Best Carriers for Hiking With a Baby

There are so many options for baby carriers, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide which one to get. But you have to have a carrier, no matter your baby’s age, to go hiking with a baby. I did a lot of research to decide which ones would work best for my needs before making the jump into purchasing them. I’ll share some of my top picks to help you decide which carriers will work best for you.

Two important features I wanted in a soft carrier for hiking with a baby were breathability and a sun shade. I knew between my body heat, especially while exerting myself on trail, and my sons, I needed a carrier that was made of a material that would let in air so my son wouldn’t over heat.

Soft Carrier:

A soft carrier is just that, a baby carrier made of a lightweight, pliable fabric. They do not have a frame and are designed for younger babies. Below is a guide to picking the best carrier for hiking.

Solly Baby

Solly Baby is a great option for the newborn stage. The carriers are butter soft and so comfortable for parents and baby in those beginning months. This is a great option if your baby is smaller than 6lbs or the recommended weight for your carrier, or if you just want those extra cozy snuggles. You can shop their wraps, here, for a 10% discount!

Ergobaby

Ergobaby is great because it has various wraps and accessories for all your trail needs. This is my favourite carrier brand for a few reasons and such a great option for hiking with a baby! First, I love how many styles of carriers they offer. Two, I love that many of the carriers are able to grow with baby and be used through all stages. Three, the carriers have wet and cold weather accessories so you can still hit the trails in all weather conditions. Below are my top two Ergobaby carriers and the accessories I use.

Omni Breeze

This is the carrier I use for hiking and travel and I absolutely love it! It is an all-position carrier made of lightweight mesh, so it’s breathable for you and baby on the trails. The carrier can be used up to 45lbs, has a built in sun shade and fit all the Ergobaby carrier accessories below. You can shop the Omni Breeze carrier, here.

Ergobaby accessories

• All-Weather Cover: this cover is water resistant and insulated for colder days. It’s perfect for snowy weather or cold winter days to add an extra layer of warmth and help keep baby dry. You can shop the all weather cover, here.

• Wind and Rain Cover: this is a lightweight cover that is water resistant. It will help keep baby dry and warm on cold, windy days. You can shop the wind and rain cover, here.

• Drool pad: babies drool. This drool pad helps soak up the drool and keep the carrier cleaner. You can shop the drool pad, here.

• Teething Pad: these strap onto the shoulder straps so baby had something to chew on rather than the straps themselves. You can shop the teething pad, here.

Tula

Tula is a great option for carriers if you are wanting one with a more unique design. They have carriers with multiple carrying positions and use through toddler age. The Explore and the Free-to-Grow are perfect if you have a baby and want a carrier that will last you years. Tula is a fun choice because of the amount of patterns they have to choose from! They also have some accessories like seat extenders to make the carrier last a little longer, lumbar support and strap pads.

Trail Magik

This carrier is designed for babies one and up. It is an amazing option if you want the ability to easily let your little one explore on their own but also help them along the trail when their legs need a break. The carrier is extremely compact and can fit inside your backpack until you want to use it. The Trail Magik simply attaches directly to you hiking backpack when in use, making it the perfect option for toddlers and older children. Shop for the Trail Magik here. Use code elizabethadventures for 10% off, which can be stacked on sale prices.

Backpack Carriers

A backpack carrier is meant for older babies that can sit independently. Picking a backpack carrier can honestly feel overwhelming because there’s a lot of options, it’s a piece you’ll potentially use a lot and it’s a big investment. I did a lot of research before picking my backpack carrier and I’ll share the two biggest factors that helped me decide which one to get.

Universal Fit

One thing to keep in mind is who all will be wearing the carrier and how it fits. If you are the only person most likely wearing the pack, then get one that best fits your torso length.

If you will be sharing the pack with others, especially between male and female, you’ll want a backpack that had an adjustable shoulder/ torso strap. This will allow for anyone to comfortably use the pack.

Storage capacity

My day hiking backpacks range from 25-28 liters and can often be completely full. While researching carriers I found that most hold 16-21 liters, which isn’t enough for me and my needs.

If you hike a lot you should know what your backpack holds and how full it normally gets. This can help you determine how many liters you think you will need for the carrier. Keep in mind you also need to carry stuff for baby as well now.

If you’re unsure of how many liters you think you’ll need, find a bag where you know the liters amount and fill it with what you would take. You can also go to a store like REI and try the packs on and have a store associate help you further.

Top Backpack Carriers:

Below are the top three backpack carriers you can pick from based off of the categories above. Everyone has different preferences and needs so just because one person wears a specific carrier, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Be sure to know what your wants and needs are and try them on if you can before deciding which one to get.

Osprey Poco Plus

This is the backpack carrier I chose. Although it weighs the most of the carriers I am sharing about, it has the most storage capacity, which was really important to me. The torso length is adjustable, making it a universal fit. It has over 10 storage pockets and a built-in sun shade canopy. It also comes with foot holds for your child to rest their feet, which the other carriers don’t offer. Shop for it here. If you’re using an Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry.

Osprey Poco LT

This is a great option if you do not need as much storage capacity. It’s great for warmer weather hiking or shorter hikes where less clothing and gear may be needed. This backpack has 3+ outer pockets and an adjustable sun shade canopy. Shop for it here. If you’re using a Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry.

Deuter Kid Comfort Active

The Deuter Kid Comfort holds significantly less than the two Opsrey backpacks above, but it is a good option if you want one that costs less and you don’t need to carry a bunch of gear. It is a great backpack for around town, short hikes or trips to the beach. It is also a great option if you will always be hiking with someone else who can carry a separate backpack with more gear and food. Sunshade sold separately. Shop for it here.

How to Dress Your Baby For The Trail

Knowing what to dress your baby in is important to either keep them cool or warm on the trail, but there’s so many opinions and options here too. Every season will bring about different needs. Below I’ll share how I dress my baby on the trail for each season and what extra accessories I use. Remember, every outing may be different and you will learn with experience what works for you and your baby. There is no wrong or right way to get outdoors, as long as your baby is comfortable.

Winter Hiking Attire

Winter usually means cold and wet adventures. Depending on where you live, it could be extremely cold. Dressing your baby can feel tricky because you want them to be warm but also not overheat. Layering is extremely important in winter months. You do not want to dress them in cotton. Stick to synthetic or merino wool fabrics for base layers. These materials will dry quicker, keeping baby warm if they get wet. I use wool base layers from ik’splor. You can use my code ELIZABETHADVENTURES for 10% off your order and shop here.

I always dress my son in a base layer, followed by a mid layer if it’s really cold and then a puffy down bunting. If it’s not a cold day or adventure I will opt to skip the mid layer so he doesn’t overheat. Depending on where you live, a down bunting may be too warm and a fleece bunting would be a better option. I love this Patagonia down bunting as well as this Patagonia fleece.

When it’s cold, I always use a thick beanie to keep my sons head and ears warm. I find his hands and feet can get cold easily, despite all the layers mentioned above. When this happens I opt to put a pair of gloves on his under his buntings. I rotate between these fleece gloves and these cold weather gloves. I use thick wool socks and if I need an extra layer over his feet I have these Reima down booties.

If you feel you baby is still having cold hands and feet despite these layers, you can always place a hand warmer inside a bootie or glove. Just make sure there is a layer between their skin and the hand warmer. My son tends to have extra cold hands and feet so this is a great option for me on colder days. I do check him regularly to make sure he’s not overheating or too cold. You can learn more about some of my favorite winter layers, here.

Accessories:

• Gloves
• Beanie
• Warm shoes or fleece/down booties
• Neck gaiter-one that wont cover face
• Sunglasses
• Warm wool or synthetic socks

Spring Hiking Attire

Spring hiking varies drastically based on where you live. It could mean warmer weather, rainy days or snow hikes. You’ll want to dress your baby for the outing you are taking, but be prepared for any kind of weather. Layering is extremely important in the spring months. It could be cold when you start hiking and warm when you end. Dressing and packing layers for your baby will allow you to make sure they are comfortable no matter the weather. Using fleece, like these, and down layers, like these, over your baby’s base layer will help them stay warm.

Spring can also mean rainy weather depending on where you live. Keeping your baby dry can feel like a big obstacle to getting outdoors. A great option is to get a cover for your carrier. I mentioned mine above, but I use the all-weather and the wind & rain covers with my Ergobaby carrier. If you’re using a Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry. Another options I have used it to use a down wash, like this one, to give my baby’s warm layers extra waterproofing. A third option is to use a rain suit, like these.

Spring hiking, especially in the south, can mean warm temperatures and sunny adventures. Be sure to dress you baby in clothing that offers UV50 protection. I choose to dress my son in quick drying rash guards. There are so many rash guard options out there to choose from. Just make sure the brand you pick has full legs, because a lot of brands make shorts with long sleeves. I personally love UV Skins because they have full length legs and offer fun patterns for the outdoors.

Accessories:

• Sun Hat
• Sunglasses
• Breathable socks or shoes for warm days
• Wool socks for cold days
• Gloves
• Beanie

Summer Hiking Attire

Hiking in summer with a baby means being mindful of overheating and harmful UV rays when dressing them. I did a lot of research on how to keep my son safe since he was too young to wear sunscreen still. Six months is the earliest a baby can wear sunscreen, so how can you keep them protected?

First, I wanted to make sure the clothing was UV50, so I knew his skin was being protected. A lot of research recommended merino wool because of it’s breathability and natural UV protection. I love the idea of merino wool for colder months, but that just sounds hot in the summer for a baby.

So I opted to use a rash guard while hiking for a few reasons. First, it offered UV 50 Protection. Secondly, it would fully cover his legs and arms. I opted to get one size up because when sitting in a carrier the legs tent to ride up. Lastly, I like that the material would help keep him cool but also dry fast if wet.

There are so many rash guard options out there to choose from. Just make sure the brand you pick has full legs, because a lot of brands make shorts with long sleeves. I personally love UV Skins because they have full length legs and offer fun patterns for the outdoors.

Just like with clothing, be sure to get a hat that is UV 50 for the best protection. A bucket hat style will allow for more coverage on the side of the face and neck than a baseball hat. I also used sunglasses for my son. As he’s gotten older he likes to take them off regularly, but he kept them on no problem for the first 6 or 7 months! You can learn more about my favorite summer baby products, here.

Accessories:

Fall Hiking Attire

Fall can be a tricky season with a mix of warmer and cooler temperatures. On really warm days, dress for summer conditions with a rash guard, but be sure to pack warmer layers to add on or change into. Another great option for fall hiking is merino wool or synthetic base layers. I use wool base layers from ik’splor. You can use my code ELIZABETHADVENTURES for 10% off your order and shop here. These layers will help keep your baby warm.

Layering is extremely important in the fall. It could be cold when you start hiking and warm when you end. Dressing and packing layers for your baby will allow you to make sure they are comfortable no matter the weather. Using fleece, like these, and down layers, like these, over your baby’s base layer will help them stay warm.

Fall can also be the start of rainy season depending on where you live. Keeping your baby dry can feel like a big obstacle to getting outdoors. A great option is to get a cover for your carrier. I mentioned mine above, but I use the all-weather and the wind & rain covers with my Ergobaby carrier.

If you’re using a Osprey carrier, this cover is a must for keeping them dry. Another options I have used it to use a down wash, like this one, to give my baby’s warm layers extra waterproofing. A third option is to use a rain suit, like these. There can be hard since they are usually sized for toddler and up, but if you have a older baby it is a great option.

Accessories:

Before You Start Your Hike

A successful hike starts before you leave the parking lot! Take time to feed your baby, get a fresh diaper, dress them appropriately for the hike and pack your bag. Making sure your baby has a full belly will prevent having to stop too soon after starting for a feed. Giving baby a fresh diaper will also help them feel comfortable on trail and less likely to leak.

I also wait to change my son until I am at the trailhead to make sure he has a fresh outfit to start in case there are any car accidents. Make sure your baby is dressed in appropriate clothing and layers for the time of year and hike you are doing, as mentioned above.

Take your time packing your gear and double check you have everything you need for you and your baby. I have forgotten items before when I don’t do this and have had to turn around to get them. Taking an extra minute to check your backpack to see if you have what you need will prevent a possible turnaround later. Hiking with a baby doesn’t need to be difficult if you take a few extra minutes to get prepared.

Tips for Feeding Baby on Trail

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there is not much you need to pack to be able to feed them on trail. Below I’ll share some tips to have a successful feeding outdoors and some items you may want to bring.

Items you may want to bring for breastfeeding on trail:

• Burp rags for spit ups
• Packable cushion to sit on
• A lightweight cover if you want added privacy

Breastfeeding on trail can be quick and comfortable if you wear clothes that make it easier to feed your baby. If you don’t want to invest in new clothing, try wearing quick dry or merino wool clothing that you’re comfortable feeding in. Clothing that have give will make it easier to move fabric around to feed your baby. If you’re able to and want to, there are a lot of great brands that make feeding friendly clothing for the trail.

• This long sleeve top by Iksplor is merino wool and the perfect long sleeve layer. Use my code ELIZABETHADVENTURES for 10% off your order and shop here.
• This fleece by Wildelore is perfect for cold weather adventures. Use code ELIZABETH for free shipping!
• Kojo
• Baby in Merino

Formula

I have never had to formula feed my baby on trail, but I’ll share various tips and tricks I’ve read and heard other moms talk about doing. If you are using formula on trail you have a few options on how to make it easy for yourself based on your personal preference. This first option is to bring the bottle(s) with formula already measured out in them. When you baby is ready to eat, simply add your water.

If you baby requires warm water, a great option is to bring an insulated bottle already full of warm water. Simply add the warm water, shake and feed away! Another easy solution is to use a stove, similar to this jetboil to heat up water. This option will add time, but works if you don’t want to bring a water bottle.

If you baby doesn’t require warm water, a great option is to bring the bottles full with the amount of water needed. When baby gets hungry, you can use a formula dispense, like this one here, to add the correct amount of formula. Both of these options work great and will hopefully make feeding your baby formula on trail simple.

Once They Start Eating Solids

Hiking can get tricky once your baby start eating solids. You don’t want to miss the opportunity for them to consume and be exposed to solids just to be out on trail, but it can also be extremely messy when they only eat puréed foods. So how can you balance getting outside and having the opportunity to expose your baby to solids.

Depending on your outing, baby’s abilities to sit and comfort level, you can pack a small camp chair with you if you want them to sit up. I have this one we take camping. If we are hiking or backpack, I personally don’t pack a chair with me, but rather hold my son on my lap to feed him. I don’t love having the extra weight of a chair and this works for us. But a chair is a great option if you’d prefer not to hold you baby!

I pack a silicone bib and spoon because they helps keep his clothes clean and are extremely easy to wipe down and clean with wet wipes. I prefer to bring store bought pouches at this stage because they are so easy to store and bring on trail. They don’t need to be refrigerated before consuming, which is perfect for the trail. As your baby eats more solid/hard foods you can continue to adjust the items you bring based on what your baby enjoys. Stick to foods they like so you know they’ll eat it.

Once your baby starts eating hard solids, using silicone bags, snack containers and small tubberware are great options to bring snack on trail. If you’re using a backpack carrier and your child is eating in the carrier, try using a snack cup they can easily reach into but attach it with a silicone strap, like this one, to prevent it from falling to the ground.

Changing Diapers on Trail

No matter how short of a hike you do, at some point you will probably have to change a diaper. You definitely don’t want to get stuck on trail without diapers if your baby poops or has a blowout either. Creating a diaper changing kit makes it easier to quickly change your baby and feel prepared on a hike. Below is a list of items I pack in my diaper changing kit:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Travel wipe container
• Wet/dry bag
• Compostable disposable bags for dirty diapers
• Hand sanitizer
• Lightweight Changing pad

If you have to change your baby’s diaper on trail, try to find a level area with a durable surface so you’re not laying in vegetation. I like to sit on my hiking cushion so I don’t get dirty or uncomfortable and also will use one under my son and his changing mat for added cushion.

If it’s cold out, you can even pack an ultralight foam backpacking pad to keep them off the cold ground and possible snow. When you go to change them, limit how much skin is exposed and change quickly so they don’t get cold.

What If You Forget Something?

It’ll probably happen and know you aren’t alone! When the day comes you’ll have two choices: let it get you down or roll with the punches and laugh at it later. It’s always a bummer if what you forget causes you to have to bail on the planned hike, but there’s always another day. Every instance will be different and you’ll have to decide what you’re comfortable with and how to move forward.

So far I have forgotten the diaper kit in the car and left the carrier at home. Unfortunately the day the diaper kit was left in the car my son had a massive blowout on trail. My husband ran back a mile to the car to get it so we could continue on the hike after we changed him. But we also could have just both turned around. Thankfully I didn’t leave the diapers at home and had some in the car. If I didn’t have any diapers with me I would have ended the hike early.

When I left the carrier at home it wasn’t until being 2 hours into a drive with only 30 minutes left to the trailhead before I realized the mistake. I was super bummed and frustrated, but still wanted to get out and hike despite not having a carrier. I pivoted, found an easier and shorter trail I could just carry him on. At the end of the day, if you forget something it’s okay. You can choose to let it ruin the day or make lemonade out of lemons and enjoy what you can.

Reminders for Hiking With a Baby

• Hiking with a baby requires a lot of extra thought into what you bring. Be sure to always carry the 10 essentials so you and baby are safe on trail, which you can learn more about here. You can learn more about my gear and clothing, here.

• Be patient and forgiving. Hiking with a baby can be difficult and it’s okay if the day doesn’t go as planned. Go out there with the expectation that you will enjoy time outside with your baby and not with the expectation that you will go a certain distance. If you’re able to do what you planned, it’ll be icing on the cake.

• Getting out the door with all the extra gear and clothing needed for a baby can feel daunting. If you plan to go hiking or camping, do yourself a favor and pack whatever you can the day before so you don’t feel rushed the day of. This will also help ensure you don’t forget something. Whenever I’ve forgotten something it’s been because I don’t take a few extra minutes the night before to get prepared.

I hope this guide helps you with you feel confident hiking with a baby! Spending time outdoors with your baby is so rewarding and worth any extra effort. Seeing them learn about the world and enjoy nature is magical. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience hiking with a baby, please leave a comment below!

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