The Early Years
Until about 1 1/2 you really cannot expect your little one to hike much more than
a few hundred yards at a time. They are still learning how to negotiate flat terrain,
nevermind the rough and tumble offerings that our mountain trails offer. That doesn't
mean you can't include them in your own adventure.
Hiking with a Youngling
- Keep them warm
- Keep it short
- Keep them fed
Before the age of 6 months you will have to use a front pouch. The baby's backbones
are not developed enough to be sitting upright for extended amounts of time, and it
may even be painful for him to be in a pack for any amount of time. I have been
very happy with my Kelty Kangaroo, which also included a hood for naptime. It is
a wonderful experience bonding with your newborn face to face hiking through the
woods. The different sights and sounds are very stimulating for the baby, and you
may find that they take naps from time to time as you hike. I made it a practice not
to hike with Colden for more than 1 1/2 hours or so before the age of 6 months. At this
age you have to make sure to be prepared to change a diaper on the trail or
give the baby a warm bottle. The front pouch is nice because you can even feed them
as you hike along if the trail is good.
Prev Next
