Joy on the Trails is a blog series detailing all the incredible hiking trails within an hour of Denver. All the trails featured are accessible to anyone whether you’re new to hiking, or just wanting to get out without driving for hours into the mountains. I hope you uncover your own joy of hiking and I hope you’re inspired to try a few of my favorite trails. And if you’re so inclined, join me sometime… I’m out there a lot!
Hiking with a baby on board!
OK, I’m an old fart and my “baby” is heading off to college this fall. But for 10 years when she was a baby and a toddler, I ran a hiking group called Colorado Mountain Mamas. Myself and a team of about six incredible hike leaders guided moms with babies newborn to four years old on hikes all over the front range outside Denver. Many of them had never been hiking before!
This time on the trails with new mamas taught me so much! Not just about the techniques and details of how to hike while carrying a baby, but also about the important bond that women share in child rearing. Many of the members of our group are still friends and hike together. If you are struggling with postpartum sadness or depression, I promise you are not alone and I encourage you to get outside with other mamas for any kind of exercise you are able to do.
Newborns and Front Carriers
When your baby is newborn (about 4-6 weeks old) they have enough muscle stability to fit into a front carrier. Some brands include BabyBjorn, Happy!, ErgoBaby, and Tula. When hiking, choose a carrier that offers some structure and not a sling or wrap.
Newborns sleep A LOT so plan to give your little one a feeding in the car and a fresh diaper, and then you’ll have a couple hours of peace and quiet while you hike a few miles. At about 3 or 4 months, your baby will be ready to face forward in a carrier. They may like to start facing forward, but turn them around to face you when they get fussy so they can fall asleep.
Six months, Graduation to a Backpack Carrier
When your baby is sitting unassisted, they are ready for a back carrier. Not before. And every baby develops differently so don’t rush this step as it can be unsafe for your baby’s neck.
Plan ahead with snacks, time the hike to your baby’s approximate nap time, and get ready for them to fall asleep! Backpack carriers can be pricey, so you may want to check for used, but get one that has plenty of pockets and a place for your water bladder.
Your pack probably weighs about 10 pounds when it’s loaded with water and your “stuff” so when you have a 15-20 pound child in it, plan for an awesome work out! I hiked with my daughter until she was two and weighed 28 pounds… I had thighs like tree trunks, LOL!
Tips for a great hike
Hike with other people, never alone with your baby
Tell other people where you’re going
Pack water and snacks for both you and the kiddo
Pick a short trail that you are familiar with
Don’t ever shame yourself or others if you have turn back
Put on a freshie in the car - you won’t need a diaper change on a hike three miles or less
Just go with it… any amount of exercise and activity with another mama is so good for your soul!
If you ever have questions about getting out hiking with your little one, please reach out to me! I have a million more things I could say on this topic, and I would love to be a resource for you. You got this, mama… you’re doing great!
Come hiking with me!
If you want more information on this or other trails in the area, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Just like the homes I sell, I can even show it to you in person! And learn more about my Realtor life here.
Related Links
