Hiking with a Baby: How I Make It Work (and Why I Keep Going)
Hi Mamas!
I don’t know about you, but I love all four seasons in New England. I try to find outdoor activities that are age-appropriate and affordable for my daughter. One of our favorite go-to activities is hiking. My husband and I have always loved hiking and camping throughout our relationship, and we do our best to go camping several times a year from spring through fall. Every year looks a little different, but we make it a priority. I’ll write another post soon about camping with a soon-to-be walking toddler, but today I wanted to share some of my favorite hiking tips that have worked well for my daughter and I.
A mother and baby hiking with an Osprey carrier
I usually hike once a week with my daughter, often on Fridays when I’m off work. It’s typically just the three of us - me, my daughter, and our dog. On weekends, my husband joins us too. We have a few favorite spots we return to often, but I also enjoy discovering new trails, mountains, state forests, and National Parks. My husband and I have hiked in several National Parks and have tackled some moderate to challenging day hikes, like Angels Landing in Zion, the Highline Trail in Glacier, and the Precipice Trail in Acadia. We even traveled to Norway and hiked to Trolltunga. Hiking has been a special part of our life together, and we’re excited to pass that love of the outdoors on to our daughter.
Hiking with a baby or toddler is a different form of hiking. You’re not moving at a steady, brisk pace anymore. You’re stopping to breathe, drink water, and grab a snack. And that’s just for you. During those breaks, you’re also nursing, changing diapers, swapping out clothes after a blowout, and checking in with yourself. Because even if you’ve done the same trail before, hiking with a baby can leave you feeling exhausted. Paying attention to how you’re doing, both physically and mentally, is really important when hiking with a little one.
I’ve had to shift my expectations when it comes to hiking and camping, or honestly, doing anything with a baby. Sometimes you leave the house two hours late. Sometimes you arrive and realize you’re out of wipes, diapers, or fresh clothes because you forgot to check the bag. Which you were sure you did check it – twice! And sometimes you forget the whole diaper bag and have to drive home to get it. Other times, you barely slept the night before and don’t have the energy for a full hike. Or your baby is having a tough day and won’t stop crying, so even though you just drove 45 minutes to the trailhead with a crying baby in the backseat, you decide to skip the hike altogether.
Ask me how I know all this.
This is just part of motherhood. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with sitting in the parking lot and realizing you’re not up for it today. There’s also nothing wrong with hiking halfway up and turning around. Because getting outside with a baby is hard, Mama. But so is staying inside. So is playing in your yard while exhausted. At times, everything feels hard. It’s up to us to choose which version of “hard” we want to experience.
For me, I choose hiking. The sunshine and fresh air help all three of us! My daughter almost always naps on the way down the mountain in her carrier, and we all sleep soundly at night after a hike. But it took time to build up my confidence to hike alone with both a baby and a dog.
I started with daily walks during my postpartum recovery. Once my husband returned to work, I took our daughter and dog out for a walk every day. I slowly grew more comfortable handling them both. Next, we began family hikes on the weekends. My husband would carry our daughter in the carrier while I handled our dog. This helped me get into a rhythm with prepping and packing.
Eventually, I decided to try hiking on my own with just my daughter. I did it once and felt amazing afterward. From there, we began hiking weekly, often bringing our dog along. Living in New England definitely helps - we’re surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, with a few just five minutes away from our home.
So, how do I set us up for a successful hike? Well, it starts the night before. I do my best to make sure both my daughter and I get a good night’s sleep. I also choose the trail in advance and download the map using the AllTrails app. I love this app and use it all the time. There is a free version, but because we hike so often, I invested in the paid version. I also check the weather the night before and again in the morning to have a clear idea of what to expect on the trail.
On the morning of our hike, I wake up early, moving quietly through the house while my daughter is still sleeping, and start packing our Osprey Poco Plus carrier. Over time, I’ve put together a reliable list that helps me stay organized and prepared. If it would be helpful to you, you can download my full hiking pack list here. Here’s what I always pack:
Osprey carrier rain cover (weather-dependent)
First aid kit
Emergency thermal blanket
Pepper spray
Bear spray (if needed for the area)
Life straw
Collapsible water bottle
Lightweight jacket or fleece (I love my Patagonia technical fleece)
Snacks for me (fruit, nuts, granola, homemade protein balls)
Snacks for baby (fruit pouches, protein pouches, freeze-dried yogurt bites)
Diapers
Wipes
Two onesies
Two full outfit changes
Baby socks
Light jacket or bunting suit, depending on the weather
Bug spray
Hat for myself
Dog food and water container (if bringing our pup)
If you want to see all the gear I love and use regularly, feel free to browse my full Hiking + Camping list on Amazon.
I initially worried the Osprey Poco Plus would be too bulky and heavy for me, but I don’t mind it at all. We’ve been hiking with this carrier for several months, and I’ve noticed that as my daughter gets heavier, I grow stronger. The carrier is incredibly adjustable, making it comfortable for both me at 5'4" and my husband at 6'3". It also includes a built-in sunshade, an emergency whistle, and a small mirror for checking on your baby or signaling to others in an emergency.
For longer or more remote hikes, I also bring our Garmin inReach Mini 2, a satellite communicator. This tool does require a satellite subscription, so be aware of that added cost if you decide to buy one.
I love hiking with my daughter and our dog. It has become an important part of my postpartum healing journey and reconnecting with nature. I truly believe that you can do it too. Some days will be harder than others, but that’s just part of motherhood. Don’t be afraid to hike alone, as long as you take the proper safety precautions. Over time, you’ll build confidence and may even make friends with other mamas you meet on the trail. And if you don’t, that’s okay too.
I’ve found that when I hike alone, other hikers are often kind and supportive. Families or couples hiking at a similar pace often keep an eye out for me during tougher parts of the trail. Not because I need help, but just in case something does go wrong. It gives me peace of mind to know that there are good people out there who would step in to help if needed.
And if the idea of hiking alone still feels overwhelming, bring that to God. He knows your heart, your worries, and your desire to show up well for your family. This world was created by Him, and He delights in you delighting in it. Ask for His peace to fill your spirit, for courage to take that first step, and for protection as you go.
You don’t have to be perfectly prepared or feel completely fearless to begin. Just start. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and remember that you were made for both caring deeply and embracing adventure. Even when the hike feels heavy, you are stronger than you think.
Let go of the pressure to do it all perfectly. Trade it for presence, joy, and wonder. You are showing your child something beautiful each time you choose to get outside. That matters more than you know.
You’ve got this, Mama. One step at a time.