Woman hiking with baby in hiking carrier looking out at half dome in yosemite.
30 Jun
babies, children, just for fun, outdoor fun, parenting zen, safety first

Hiking with babies and kids

Hiking with kids is a great way to spend time in nature, get some exercise and have fun together. Time outdoors has physical and emotional health benefits and is good for the whole family! You might decide this is the summer to explore your local hiking trails, or perhaps you’re planning a family vacation and want to get the whole crew out on the trails. Great! Hiking with kids might sound daunting, though. What do you need to bring? How far can they go? What if they hate it? Don’t fear! Read on for our best tips and gear list for hiking with kids, whether you’re a hiking pro or brand new! 

What gear do you need?

Fortunately, you don’t need much for hiking, especially when you’re starting out. Still, it is good to have some essentials and consider additional back country supplies if you start to get into bigger adventures.

Dress for the weather and bring layers!

Remember, there is no bad weather – only bad gear! 

  • Invest in quality outdoor clothing and accessories for kiddos, especially when it comes to cold-weather gear – if they’re comfortable, they’ll enjoy it more!
  • In warmer months, lightweight but full-coverage UV clothing is a great way to protect little ones’ from sunburns and bug bites! 
    • There are many options for stretchy, lightweight footy PJs that work great for babies. 
  • Don’t forget hats and sunglasses for added sun protection!
  • Especially for little ones, it’s a good idea to throw a backup outfit in the pack and maybe an extra shirt for you! Spit-ups and blowouts are always only a hiccup away!

Footwear: 

  • Comfortable shoes with good grippy bottoms and protection from stubbing toes on rocks will do the trick! 
  • It is worth looking into hiking-specific shoes if you are doing more rugged hikes.
  • Hiking sandals are a great option if you plan to hike somewhere warm with lots of water. The kids can tromp around in streams and puddles, and you don’t have to worry about shoes getting wet.

Hiking carriers:

  • For babies and toddlers, it is worth looking into a hiking carrier to carry them more comfortably. 
  • When they are very young a soft carrier or regular infant carrier is fine, but as they get more weight and you do longer hikes you’ll want something with more support.
  • Even if your child is an older toddler and walking, it’s not a bad idea to have a carrier in case they get tired, and you need to carry them out.
  • There are tons of good options these days for every price bracket. 
  • We recommend heading to your local outdoor gear shop and trying some out! 
  • Look for packs that are comfortable and will grow with your child. Comfortable back straps, a waist strap, and a chest clip provide extra comfort and support. 
  • Bonus if they have a removable shade cover and a generous storage pocket or two.

First aid kit/safety supplies:

  • Building a simple hiking first aid kit is a smart investment; bandages, ointment, pain medicines (acetaminophen or ibuprofen,) tweezers. 
  • You can add to it if you decide to do more extensive hikes or overnights like backpacking.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!
  • Baby wipes can serve a variety of purposes so also a good thing to have on hand!

Consider these items for longer or more adventurous hikes!

  • Headlamp
  • Extra layers
  • An emergency blanket and/or shelter
  • Compass
  • GPS device (many have satellite capabilities for use out of cell range)
  • Quick shelter
  • Matches
  • Water filter tabs or filter straw

Tips for hiking with kids!

Start small!

  • Whether you’re getting started hiking with a baby in a pack or older child hiking on their own, it is a good idea to start with shorter hikes to keep it positive and build confidence!
  • How far can kids go? 
    • This depends on many factors, but a general rule of thumb is a mile per year of age. That being said, some kids can do more, especially if you work up to it! 
    • Start with shorter hikes and incorporate lots of snack breaks!

Bring lots of snacks and water!

  • Seriously, you can’t have too many snacks and bring plenty of water.
  • It’s best to bring more than you think you’ll need!
  • Pack various healthy options to fuel your little hikers; fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, fruit pouches and maybe some special treats for when they (or you) need a little extra motivation to get to the finish line.

Think like a kid and let the little ones lead sometimes!

  • For bigger kiddos doing some walking, it is great to let them set a pace and explore! 
  • Don’t forget, it is not just about a certain distance or destination after all, but the joy of the journey! 
  • Kids are naturally curious and want to check out their surroundings, look at bugs and plants and find the perfect walking stick. Instead of rushing them, follow their lead! 
  • Incorporate games like “I spy,” or nature treasure hunts to keep everyone engaged and happy! 

Be flexible and have fun!

Do not, I repeat, do not get it in your head that you will complete the entire hike that you have envisioned every time. If you do, fantastic, major win! If not, you get credit for just getting out and trying, and there is always a next time!

  • Embrace the chaos – try not to sweat the small stuff!
    • You’re bound to forget things, messes, and cranky kids and parents will happen. 
  • Some adventures will inevitably be cut short, but you’ll learn something every time. 
  • Try to end on a high note if you can and call it a day before everyone is overtired and you’re out of snacks. 

For more great info on hiking as a family and tips on supplies check out these resources:

REI – Hiking with kids

National Park Service – Hiking with kids

toddler smiling in an innertube floatie in a swimming pool
24 Jun
babies, children, outdoor fun, parenting zen, safety first

Water safety with kids

It’s hard to imagine summer fun without playing in and around the water! Kids of all ages love it. It’s a great way to stay cool and burn off excess energy. But as much as we hate to think of it, the truth is drowning is a real risk. The risk is highest amongst children ages 1-4 making water safety with kids a major public health issue. In fact, according to the CDC, More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except congenital disabilities. For children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury or death after motor vehicle crashes. 

Now that we’ve sufficiently ruined your day, we’ll try to boost your mood with some of our top tips for water safety with kids and ideas to enjoy the water in a fun and safe way!

Got a pool? Use layers of protection!

The key to childproofing a pool at home is to use more than one water safety barrier!

  • Secure your pool with fencing at least 4 feet high that surrounds all four sides and doesn’t have gaps. 
  • Consider a tight cover or netting.
  • Use safety locks on doors that lead to yards with bodies of water. 
  • Consider a pool alarm as well if you have young mobile kids. 
  • Remove all pool toys from the pool when done swimming.
  • Empty or securely cover baby pools after use 
  • Consider a water submersion device, especially if staying at a vacation rental or accommodation without barriers around the pool.

Assign a water watcher in group swim situations

  • Group swimming situations can be loud and chaotic, and drowning can sadly be silent and subtle.
  • Always assign a designated water safety watcher because if “everyone” is watching, often it means no one is watching.
  • Even better is a physical item to identify the water watcher, like a baton or lanyard that can then be handed off when the next water watcher takes over.

Swim lessons early! 

The skill of swimming is the most important step for water safety with kids.

  • It is never too early to start!
  • Teaching kids to swim does not increase the risk of drowning; it reduces it!
  • Consider infant survival swim courses if available in your area.

Floaties are a great safety tool but not a substitute for swim safety skills.

  • Floaties/coast guard certified life jackets should be used in open water situations like the beach or a boat or can be helpful if you are managing more than one little one who can’t swim.
  • Floaties keep kids in head-up feet down position that doesn’t facilitate swimming and can give them a false sense of confidence.

CPR training

  • Even with optimal safety measures, accidents can happen. CPR training is an excellent skill that may save a life one day. 
  • Find courses in your area here. 

Don’t forget small bodies of water.

Safety around pools and open water is more obvious, but it is just as important to consider other water hazards at home.

  • Block off pet water bowls.
  • Empty buckets and other standing water after use.
  • Secure bathrooms and toilets with child safety latches.
  • Empty the bath and remove all bath toys after use.

Talk to your kids about water safety. 

  • Talk to your kids about being safe around the water as soon as possible. 
  • Establish rules and expectations around water that you remind them of often. 
  • Set boundaries for where they can go and reinforce that they should never go in the water without a supervising adult. 

Ideas for water fun if you don’t have a pool nearby!

As temperatures get higher and kids get bored, a pool can sound like the perfect solution. But a lot of us don’t have one and may not have easy access to one in our town. Here are some other fun water activities to stay cool and have fun! And don’t forget sun protection! Read about the best tips for sun protection in babies and kids here.

  • Sprinklers – old school, but always fun.
  • Water table, or fill a bin with water and assorted bowls and cups
  • Splash pad – your town may have a public splash pad in a nearby park, or there are affordable versions that attach to a hose you can buy for yourself.
  • Slip and slide
  • Check out more fun ideas here!
  • And here are some great ideas specifically for toddlers.

For more info and resources about water safety, check out these helpful sites.

AAP drowning prevention

Healthychildren.org water safety and young children

 

two children on the beach put sunscreen on eachother's faces
20 Jun
babies, children, outdoor fun

What is the best sunscreen for kids?

What is the best sunscreen for kids? Whatever you have handy! Any sunscreen in addition to other sun protective measures is better than none. Not only are sunburns uncomfortable, but exposure to UV rays also increases our risk of skin cancers and expedites signs of aging. For young ones, this is particularly important. They are outside more and rely on grownups to cover and protect them adequately. They also have thinner, more sensitive skin, and sun damage is cumulative! Although we are discussing sun safety for kids, these tips apply to all of us! It is never too late to start implementing adequate sun protection. Read on for more specific tips about the safest and most effective sun protection!

Sun Protection for Babies:

You may have heard that you can’t use sunscreen in babies under six months, but that is not true! Read on for how best sun protection for your littlest humans.

  • Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. 
  • This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them outside, but it does mean keeping them covered and protecting them with shade as much as you can. 
  • Limit time in the sun during peak hours, between 10 am and 2 pm.
  • If shade isn’t available, you can use shade tents, umbrellas at the beach and park, and lightweight sun covers over strollers or carriers. 
  • Cover as much of their skin as possible with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sun hats. 
  • If there are small areas exposed like hands, feet, and face, it is ok and recommended to use sunscreen in these areas.

What is the best sunscreen for babies?

We recommend physical sunscreens using mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the best sunscreen options for babies. This is because there is less risk of skin irritation, and the ingredients are generally safer and better for the environment.

Sun Protection for Kids:

The best sun protection for kids includes a combination of sunscreen and barriers!

  • Over six months, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed skin areas. 
  • Apply everywhere generously! 
  • It is also best to use 15-30 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to dry.
  • Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating, or wiping with a towel.
  • The tips above about shade and protective clothing for babies also apply to older kids and their grownups!
  • Apply sunscreen whenever you and your kiddo go outside, even on cloudy or rainy days!

What are Physical versus Chemical sunscreens?

  • Chemical Sunscreens work like a sponge and absorb UV rays.
  • Physical Sunscreens work like a shield deflecting damaging UV rays away from your skin. These are also called mineral sunscreens. 

What to look for in a sunscreen

The best sunscreens have the following characteristics:

  • Broad-spectrum.
  • SPF 30 or higher.
  • Paraben and phthalate free
  • Environmentally friendly (no Oxybenzone)
  • We prefer mineral sunscreens (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) due to less risk of skin irritation, a better safety profile, and they tend to be more environmentally friendly. 
  • Still, ANY sunscreen, including chemical sunscreen, is safe and better than none!

What is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Just like for babies, physical (mineral) sunscreens are your best bet for those with sensitive skin. Also, look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, phthalate, and paraben-free. Of course, you may also opt for sunscreens marketed for sensitive skin, but check the label to make sure!

Can sunscreen make you Vitamin D deficient?

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps keep our bones strong and healthy and may play a role in muscle and immune function. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body produces Vitamin D. Some people are under the impression that you shouldn’t wear sunscreen all the time to get enough vitamin D. However, this is not true! You can still maintain your Vitamin D levels without putting yourself at risk for skin cancers!

  • There is no link between daily sunscreen use and Vitamin D deficiency.
  • It doesn’t take much sun exposure for your body to produce Vitamin D! 
  • No sunscreen is perfect, and we usually don’t apply it perfectly, allowing enough UV exposure to produce Vitamin D. 
  • You can consider putting sunscreen on after a brief period outside, 10-15 minutes, to allow for some direct sun exposure for vitamin D production while avoiding prolonged risk.
  • The risks of skin cancer from sun exposure far outweigh any risk of daily sunscreen use and potential vitamin D deficiency.
  • You can also get vitamin D in your diet! Foods containing vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, and OJ. 
  • You can also take a supplement with vitamin D, but check with your physician for your correct dose! 

Are Sunscreens Safe?

Yes, consistent sunscreen use is safe and recommended!

  • The safety of certain sunscreen ingredients is a hot topic currently, but don’t let misinformation scare you out of using it!
  • The FDA is advocating for more safety data on several chemical sunscreen ingredients to determine how much they are absorbed into the skin and whether or not it is harmful if they do.
  • However, their recommendation is NOT to STOP using these sunscreens. 
  • The FDA has reported enough data on two sunscreen ingredients to consider them “generally safe and effective;” Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (aka. Mineral sunscreens.)
  • Some ingredients in chemical sunscreens are harmful to the environment, particularly the coral reefs, namely Oxybenzone.

Take-Aways

  • Sun protection is super important for little ones and ourselves!
  • It is best to use a combination of physical barriers like shade, clothing, and hats in addition to sunscreen.
  • For babies under six months, focus on avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight by keeping them in the shade or covered as much as possible. Use a mineral sunscreen on areas that are not covered. 
  • For the rest of us, in addition to physical barriers, liberally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher! And don’t forget to reapply!