We traversed several local trails before she made her choice.
I have always seen runners pushing their babies in their strollers and I never thought much of that. That was until last year when I was told I was going to be a granny. Each time I attended a marathon, I pictured myself with that stroller (I'm a walker). And now that he is here, I can’t wait to take him on his first hike! Yes, we'll do marathons, but after spending some time in nature.
Benefits
Hiking is exercise and exercise is always beneficial. So,
who said just because you have a baby you cannot hike? Let both of you get some
fresh air and bond in a different environment. Introduce the baby to nature so the love and appreciation of the outdoors can be ingrained. Our planet can do
with more people who love and appreciate it. I know that having a newborn baby
can be both physically and emotionally draining, but if you’re up to it, taking
a stroll at a park or next to a body of water with your little one may be therapeutic.
And I know that as Africans, we have a period where the baby should not be
moving around to protect them from energies. So, I’m not suggesting you take
your baby on a hike in the first month.
Safety first
Having had one too many falling episodes at hikes, I never
thought I would one day wish to hike with a baby. Thankfully, while I still experience
knee pain occasionally, my legs are strong enough to carry me; now they must carry
me with my precious cargo. So yes, I’m preparing my body and mind for a little
adventure with my new love. I also know that I will need to identify a very
short and gentle trail so that both of us can fully enjoy the experience; no rugged terrains yet! A
botanical garden will be a great start. If you have access to a botanical
garden or a nearby park, that may be your option to introduce the little one to
nature. I will share what I found as we continue exploring.
Baby carrier
Unlike running or walking, I don’t have the option of taking
a stroller with me. I'm not even sure if they make them for rugged terrain, so for now, I'll stick with carrying the baby. I have carried a 65 kg bag on my back, but carrying a baby is a
completely different kettle of fish. I know I am going to need a comfortable
baby carrier. Fortunately, I have carried many babies on my back and
dare I say, I carry a structure that makes the task very easy! And I do not
believe in carrying a baby in front. I need my view and the use of my hands and, I have been taught that carrying a baby on the back shields them from bad energies. And I’m not going into the how!
I generally use a cloth to carry a baby on my back, but I
know it will not be an option when I hike. Just as I need a balanced backpack,
I need a balanced carrier. I need something comfortable for both
of us so the little one can be snuggled in comfortably. It must have proper
back support, padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt. For the
little one, I need something that will support the neck and head. My search
revealed some carriers with hoodies, which is a plus, as the baby will need to
be shielded from the sun. Not that you should skip getting a hat for them. I
will be going shopping, and I will test the different carriers, including the
backpack carrier. Watch the space!
This
you can only use once the child can sit on their own and with a good neck
control. (Photo from Outdoor warehouse
page)
Be prepared
Just like you must prepare for your hike, you must be extra prepared
when taking a baby to a hike. There are things you may be able to survive
without, but the last thing you need is an uncomfortable baby crying throughout
your trip. Of course, the first thing is to know the trail and how easy it will
be for you to navigate it with your precious cargo. As indicated, shorter and
easier trails will be your best bet until both of you are more comfortable with
being on a trail together. Please check the weather and if there is a chance of
rain, take that rain check!
Slow down and take breaks
I still enjoy hiking slowly to connect with nature so I don’t
have to make special time for tree-hugging. When walking with other people, this
is often impossible as some people want to finish quickly, or are keen to get
to that waterfall or whatever awaits along the trail. I’m looking forward to
enjoying the journey with my new love. And while nature is always king, I know
he will be king too. He will determine how many breaks we take, and I will be
ready to listen to his cues. I guess the parents, aunt, and uncle must be prepared to be part of the hike because I will need someone to carry his other
essentials. And I promise you, they are going to have fun!
One day, we'll hold hands on a trail...
Enjoy!
This piece is for all moms, dads, and grannies who may be
new to hiking or are seasoned hikers who thought the arrival of a new one meant
a total break from hiking. Hiking is still possible, albeit not without challenges. While you don’t need to conquer the Drakensberg with your baby, you can still enjoy nature with
your little one. Just make sure you protect them from the sun and bugs and that
you are fit to carry them on a hike. And remember that you will need extra
clothing and a changing mat. Since I still have to explore this, I will share
more as the journey continues. In the meantime, just take it one step at a time and make beautiful memories.
Don’t forget:
Camera!
A first-aid kit
Sunscreen, hat and bug spray
Baby food/milk etc.
Water and snacks
Nappies and wipes
Small blanket – for those breaks and picnicking
We can do this! One step at a time...!
Td
