Winter Hiking with a Baby: 5 Tips to Make it FUN!
Just embarking on any adventure with your baby can be intimidating, but in the winter? This is a joke, right?! Winter hiking with a baby can be so much fun, but it does take some planning and an intentional mindset.
I’ll admit that I was nervous to try at first, but once I finally got out there with my little one, the world seemed to open in a whole new way. Winter hiking with a baby is no easy feat as there are a lot of things to consider. This post is designed to encourage you to give it a shot with a few helpful tips for preparation.
Why should you go winter hiking with a baby?
Maybe as a new (or seasoned) mother, you’ve felt what many refer to as the “baby blues.” If you live in a place that gets darker with significant season changes in the winter, you may have also felt the “winter blues.” Both of those have been a battle throughout my life, but one thing that always helps is getting outside and moving my body.
There are SO many benefits to getting outside with your children. Besides bonding, health, and stimulation, my greatest motivator is the opportunity to connect with them in the very raw and real world given to us by our Creator.
Hebrews 11:3 says “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (ESV).
I love that this verse goes beyond the physical majesty of the universe: it declares that there’s even more! Spending time in nature can communicate the vastness, preeminence, and supernaturalness of our Creator. What a better way to show our children the wonder of our God?
Tip# 1: Accept the Process
Packing and preparing for a winter adventure with kiddos is no walk in the park. It takes fortitude to make it through most normal days without snow or chilly weather in the forecast.
But you can do it!
The toughest part is staying mentally strong. As the parent or leader, if you don’t think it’s possible, no one will. If you can’t have a solid attitude to keep the stoke up, meltdowns are bound to happen.
Not every day is meant for adventure, so have some grace if you cannot emotionally hang. Trust me, waiting until you can will be worth it.
Again: have some grace!
The process of planning, packing, traveling, gearing up, and getting out all take a lot of grace. You can plan and visualize exactly how you want the adventure to go, but you may make it to Plan Z before anything happens. Just like raising a baby, outdoor adventure can be unpredictable.
My biggest advice is this: accept what comes with a positive perspective and the adventure will be nothing but a success.
(even if you don’t make it out of the driveway 😉 )
Everyone handles adventure differently and there’s no right answer for every single person — you need to find what works best for you and your family. Take my Adventure Type quiz here to help you understand what style of adventure is best for you!
Tip# 2: Pick the Proper Trail
As I’ve mentioned in a prior post, don’t pick a highly technical trail at first. Sometimes the best adventures I’ve had with my baby have been on 1/2 mile trails that are close to home. You don’t have to impress anybody!
As time goes on and you’re more comfortable hiking with your baby, try to find new places to explore and enjoy together. Your baby will grow fast and with changing needs throughout their short infancy, so your trail needs may change from week-to-week.
Bonus Tip: Apps like AllTrails or even Google Maps often have recent reviews that can have golden nuggets of helpful information.
Tip# 3: Plan Appropriately
When venturing out anywhere with a baby, there’s a lot to plan. From packing diapers, extra clothes, snacks, and toys to being aware of nap time needs and activity exhaustion. As the parent, you know what’s best for your child and yourself, so I’m going to offer some generic things to keep in mind when planning a hike with your baby:
Pack Essentials
This one might be obvious, but besides a typical hiking gear list, having extra diapers, wipes, and baby food is good to have on hand even if you plan to be out for a short amount of time. You may want to throw in an extra lightweight blanket in case anybody feels extra chilly.
I also like to bring a hat and sunglasses for both me and my baby as the snow can cause an extra bright reflection and sometimes sunburned eyes.
If your trail is heavily trafficked in the winter, you may only need a little extra traction or microspikes. But if you’ve chosen the path less traveled by, you’ll need snowshoes or skis to get through deep snow.
Timing is Everything
My first baby never had a “proper” nap schedule (she’s an adventurer like her momma, what can I say?). When she was an infant, we would often head out to hike right after she woke up or right before I thought she needed a snooze. Be sure to take into consideration baby’s nap and feeding times — a well-rested kiddo can make the experience that much better.
Again, you know your child the best!
Be Safe
Just as you would on any other hike, prioritize safety. Be aware if you’ll have cell service and inform a nearby friend of your plans with estimated return time. Know the location you’re heading and keep a map on hand.
Before you go, check with local avalanche resources to help you identify if there is any dangerous terrain on your trail of choice. A place that’s mellow in the summer may be extra dangerous in the winter. Also educate yourself on other winter dangers like tree wells and identifying hypothermia.
Keep it Short
As you may have already figured out, going anywhere with a baby is going to take some time. Don’t plan a full day out in the wild winter. Start small, get to know how you and your baby handle winter weather, and look forward to longer adventures as you both grow comfortable with adventure together.
Stay Fueled & Hydrated
Besides keeping your baby happy with rest, food, and warmth, don’t forget yourself! A delirious parent is no help for your child’s first adventures. It’s not always easy to regularly drink water in cold weather, but it’s extremely important to do so because dehydration can still happen. You’ll also lose more calories while hiking in the cold, so keep yourself fueled with hearty snacks.
Bonus Tip: I like to keep a warm thermos or way to boil water in the car for hot drinks. It’s always a nice treat after a winter hiking excursion!
Tip #4: Dress for the Weather
This could be a post in and of itself, so I’ll try to keep it short here and work on another, more detailed one in the future:)
Even though mountain weather can change in a moment, be sure to check the forecast before gearing up. Avoid hiking with your baby in extreme conditions like heavy snowfall, high winds, and extra cold temperatures.
Layer, layer, layer!
Sometimes a cold, winter hike can turn into a sweaty one! Wearing appropriate base layers that keep the skin warm and dry is super helpful. Don’t forget insulation for while you’re stagnant during snacking pit stops, and be sure to throw in other winter essentials like warm hats, gloves, and gaiters.
Tip #5: Stay Connected
Sometimes the best way to stay connected is to disconnect; and that’s why getting on an outdoor adventure with your family is such a great way to build strong relationships. Try to keep your mind in the moment and listen to your baby. Keeping them comfy will ensure they’ll want to join you again. If they just can’t seem to roll with the adventure of the day, be prepared to cut the hike short and return another day.
Even if you’re baby is very young, communicate what you’re doing and thinking aloud so they can learn. Point out interesting things you see like animal tracks, snowflakes, and foliage. Getting into the habit of sharing your enthusiasm for nature will be infectious and your baby will grow in curiosity.
Winter hiking with a baby can be fun after all!
Sharing our joys with children can be a beautiful experience. It doesn’t come without challenge, and we must be open to their preferences and needs (which may not match ours!).
Winter hiking came naturally for me and my baby as I have been a lifelong skier and snow enthusiast. Even though it felt right, there were still big adjustments we had to make.
Don’t forget to give yourself space and grace in exploring together!
Winter hiking with a baby is not only possibly, but rewarding. Remember that you’re setting a foundation for fun, adventurous quality time together. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make winter adventures with your baby an enriching journey for both of you. So get ready to gear up and cherish those moments you’ll create amid the beauty of winter wilderness.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." - Psalm 19:1 -
Winter hiking with a baby is not only possible but also highly rewarding. By following these 11 essential tips and drawing inspiration from Bible verses that celebrate the natural world, you can create meaningful outdoor experiences for both you and your baby. Embrace the call of nature, enjoy the benefits of hiking, and remember the strength and dignity that Proverbs 31:25 reminds us of. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make winter hiking with your baby a fun and enriching journey. So, gear up, head out, and cherish the moments you’ll create amidst the beauty of the winter wilderness.
Have you gone winter hiking with your baby? Is something holding you back from taking that little one outside? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
