8 Tips for Hiking with a Toddler
It was amazing! I bet you're all on the edge of your seat to find out how it went. The 3 year-old had a ski lesson but bailed after 1 hour. However, he was then towed by Daddy on one of those ski leashes. He LOVED it. I went cross-country skiing with my extremely fit friend, who towed Fuzz in a Chariot on skis. It was pretty impressive.
The next day we decided to do a hike instead of ski, so we could all be together. I'm a novice hiker, and I made several rookie mistakes yesterday, but learned a lot of great tips from my mountain friends.
This trip also inspired me to step up my exercise. Spring is almost here! There are so many beautiful views in this country, we need to get out and see them!!
Related: 10 reasons why kids should be doing yoga
Below check out some fabulous tips for hiking with a toddler and some beautiful photos from our hike in the Sierra Nevada region of California.
1. Start small
Okay, so it might seem that this gigantic hill would not be starting small. However, it was actually pretty short and the rest of it was straight or downhill. (Except the rock scaling part). With a little huffing and puffing, (mostly by me) we made it.
2. Make sure you have the right gear
You should bring hats, sunscreen, good shoes, and layered clothing. That was Rookie mistake #1. No hats for the boys. Luckily we did have sunscreen and everyone had long sleeves.
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3. Prepare to carry your toddler
Even if your kids are able to walk a lot of the way, be prepared that they may tire out quickly, or you may tire of hearing them whining that they're tired. This kid backpack was perfect for Fuzz. Our friend put Shnook on his shoulders part of the way up.
4. Take lots of breaks
It's good not to tire out your little people too quickly. Make sure to check in with them to see if they are tired and need a break and a drink. Or maybe, just to dump the sand out of their shoes.
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5. Water and snacks
Bring lots of them. Did I mention I brought water for the kids, but forgot water for us? Rookie mistake #2.
6. Stop to admire the view
I mean....WOW!!
Related: 11 homemade travel snacks your kids will LOVE
7. Reward them
It's great if you set them up for a goal at the top. We were aiming to see these amazing Petroglyphs. The kids were super excited when they climbed on top of this huge rock slab to see them.
8. Push a little farther each time
Even if they're whining and complaining, try to get them to go just a little farther each time and reward them when they get there. I learned this from our super-fit mountain friends.
- By Naomi Odes Aytur
Follow Naomi on Babble
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