What to Pack When Hiking with a Baby
Embarking on a hiking adventure with your little one can be a rewarding and memorable experience. I have loved getting out and about with Lily - she absolutely loves the great outdoors, just like her mama!
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, careful preparation is key.
In this guide, we'll explore essential items to pack when hiking with a baby, ensuring both you and your little explorer have a safe and comfortable outdoor experience.
These are all things I take on a hike with my baby - I hope you find this list useful!
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The Right Carrier
Investing in a reliable baby carrier is vital when hiking with a baby. Look for carriers that provide proper support for your baby's neck and spine while offering comfort for the parent. Opt for carriers with adjustable straps, padded waist belts, and a sunshade or hood for protection against the elements.
Soft Carriers
If you’re baby is under 6 months, you’ll need a soft carrier for your hikes. Always ensure the carrier offers an ergonomic design that supports the baby's natural hip and spine development, provides proper head and neck support and has breathable fabric to prevent overheating. My favourites are:
Baby Bjorn One Air (Make sure you get the winter cover for those colder days!)
Ergobaby Omni Breeze (You can also find the raincover here to make sure baby stays dry)
Framed Backpack Carriers
If you’re baby is slightly older, you’ll be wanting a more structured backpack carrier. We use the Deuter Kid Comfort Active and absolutely love it. I’d recommend this carrier if you’re on the slightly shorter side and also looking for a lighter carrier. The Osprey Poco Plus is a great alternative if you need to have more storage space and looking to go on longer hikes. My recs:
Deuter Kid Comfort Active (You’ll have to buy the raincover and sunshade separately)
All The Layers!
If there’s one thing I have learnt whilst hiking with my baby - it’s layers, layers, layers!
Dress your baby in layers suitable for the weather conditions. Pack extra clothing in case of unexpected changes in temperature or if your little one gets wet. Don't forget a hat to shield them from the sun and, if necessary, a pair of baby sunglasses for those summer days.
Baselayers
When shopping for baselayers, you’re looking for full-body coverage, to keep baby warm in winter and out of the sun in summer. Merino wool is the ideal fabric for baselayers, keeping your baby the right temperature all year long. Here are some recommendations for base-layers:
Dilling Base Layers (a slightly more affordable option)
Midlayers
The Midlayer is important on those cold winter hikes and will help your baby stay insulated and warm. Fleece is a great option here!
Lily currently has the H&M Fleece Onesie
Other great places to purchase mid-layers:
Waterproofs
If rain is forecast (which is more than likely, living in the UK!) a puddlesuit or rainsuit will be needed.
We currently have this Regatta Puddlesuit that Lily loves
She also has this one - Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Rainsuit
Other options include:
Accessories
You’ll also want to make sure your baby has all the right accessories when hiking.
During the summer months a protective hat is vital and some socks for your little baba. We have these cute little socks from Dilling and this summer hat.
During winter you’ll want a hat, mittens and booties. We use these padded shell mittens from Polarn O’Pyret. Then these cute little booties from H&M and winter hat from Dilling.
Nappy Changing Essentials
Make sure you pack a couple of nappies and some wipes. Don’t go crazy - just consider the duration of your hike and how many nappy changes are likely. A portable changing pad is a must for changes on the go. And don’t forget to bring a small, sealable bag for dirty nappies to practice Leave No Trace principles!
Travel Baby Wipes (to avoid taking a large pack of wipes!)
Nappy Rash Cream - We take a small tube of Sudocrem. But just take whatever your baby is used to.
Top Tips:
Always change your baby in the car before setting off on your hike, to limit nappy changes on route!
If it’s raining pop your nappies in a waterproof bag to keep them dry.
When changing on route, lay a jacket down first, then your changing mat, to provide extra comfort for your little baba!
Feeding Essentials
Bottles (if needed)
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, ensure you have everything you need for feeding during the hike. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you probably won’t need anything extra - maybe just a muslin just in case they spit up. Also - I always like to dress in layers for easy access!
If you bottle feed your little one you’ll need to bring everything in preparation for that. (Sorry that’s a bit vague - but I breastfeed Lily and I’m a bit clueless on bottle feeding!) Just remember that fresh pumped milk lasts 4 hours at room temperature and thawed milk last up to 2 hours at room temperature.
If you’re using formula, don’t mix your powder until you’re ready to feed them as it will only last 2 hours after preparation and 1 hour after you start feeding your baby.
And finally - snacks! Lily is currently 11 months old and snacks are VERY important for us during a hike! I tend to pack a mixture of fruit (she’s currently obsessed with oranges), veggie puffs, rice cakes and granola bars.
First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit is essential for any hiking adventure, and it becomes even more critical when a baby is involved. Include baby-safe items like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, baby-safe insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Make sure you familiarise yourself with basic first aid procedures for infants.
We use this First Aid Kit for Families
Sun Protection
If your baby is over 6 months old, make sure you protect your baby's delicate skin from the sun by packing baby-safe sunscreen with a high SPF. Additionally, consider bringing a lightweight, breathable blanket or a sunshade attachment for the carrier to provide extra shade.
Childs Farm 50+ SPF Sun Lotion Spray is our go-to suncream for Lily.
Entertainment and Comfort Items
Keep your baby content and engaged during the hike by bringing their favorite toys, a dummy, or a comfort item like a small blanket. These familiar items can provide a sense of security and help distract them during breaks.
Hydration
Ensure you have enough water for both you and your baby, especially if you're breastfeeding (I’ve never felt thirst like it in those first 3 months!). A spill-proof bottle for your baby is a must.
We use the TUM TUM Sippy Cup for Lily
Navigation and Communication
Carry a map of the your route and a fully charged mobile phone for navigation and emergencies. Inform someone about your hiking plans and estimated return time. Consider investing in a baby carrier with a phone pocket for easy access.
The OS Map App is also really useful when plotting your route
Embarking on a hiking adventure with your baby can be a rewarding and memorable experience, fostering a love for the great outdoors from an early age. As you prepare for your journey, remember that thoughtful packing is the key to ensuring both comfort and safety for you and your little one. I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide on what to pack when hiking with a baby! For more top tips, follow our adventures at @mymountainsandme.
