Hiking With Children

If you will be hiking with children, you will want to plan carefully and be prepared to be flexible.

Depending on the age of the children, there will probably be additional gear that you will have to pack along with you. Smaller children will not be able to carry much of what will be needed, so be prepared to carry more. Tired young ones often have to be carried, too. And you may have to return early also for a variety of reasons.

If you decide to take the baby, please pack out the dirty diapers. Use a plastic bag. Any solid wastes can be scraped off and covered with dirt. It will be a personal decision on whether you will be using disposable or cloth diapers.

Whether you carry your baby on your back or in front of you, remember that your child will be in an upright position. Because the child will be sitting on its bottom, the chances of getting a diaper rash are increased. Be sure to bring along ointment to treat this and sufficient changes of diapers.

The younger your trooper, the less able they are to communicate to you that they are tired or getting a sunburn (or wind burn)or getting bothered by the mosquitoes. Just remember to keep a close watch over them. A sunhat and proper clothing can solve most of these possible problems. Great memories can be created. Just remember to be flexible. You may not trek as far, but enjoy the adventure. Stop and look at the beetles and watch the birds with your children. This is a great time to teach them about nature and to respect it.

Hiking Gear For Children