Getting Started - Backpacking
It is absolutely possible and enjoyable to backpack with children, even babies!
Sure, you will have to carry extra gear, plan a shorter route and will have more chores at base camp but the joy of raising a child to embrace the outdoors is more than worth it.
Here are some tips to make your backpacking trip enjoyable and safe:
- Pin a whistle to your child's shirt.
- Always keep children in sight or at a minimum within earshot
- Tell your kids what to do if they lose you. Sit down, don't move, blow whistle a lot.
- Let them know about the hazards of the trail and area such as poison ivy, bears, storms etc.
- Be well trained in first aid so you can handle anything that may occur
- Teach your children to understand, adore and respect wildlife. Teach them not to pet, feed or approach critters and animals
- Have children help with chores such as gathering fire wood, pitching the tent and preparing cold meals
- Toys, cards and games are invaluable for rainy days
- Watching for sunburn, rashes and hypothermia. Babies have no real way to communicate with you until it's too late and they lose body heat quickly, especially through extremities, because they are not generating heat through activity
- Depending on the ages of the kids, you may want to add Baby or junior Tylenol, Teething ointment, Diaper rash treatment and Benedryl to your first aid kit
- A happy child is a well fed child. Keep your child well fed and hydrated.
