There’s no doubt the hiking, canoeing, and camping are fantastic activities to engage and feel relaxed. However, it might be a challenge, especially if you are a new parent and looking for outdoor activities for kids. You might want to leave your child at home or wait until they grow.
That can be quite unpleasant. You don’t have to endure that. There are things you can do as a new parent and enjoy outdoor activities safely with your little one. You might need to carry some safety gear for your kid like a baby sun hat, among other stuff. Keep reading below for more tips.
Always start young
You are going for outdoor activities with your baby and not as you used to do previously. Your baby is a starter, like any other person. Learn to help your child adapt to the outside environment by starting early.
Little kids pick a lot of things from the outside environment. They take note of smells, sounds, and anything they see that introduces them to the outside world. Doing this helps them adapt quickly, such that by the time they get older, they can do some things by themselves.
Eventually, they will learn to practice their creativity and enjoy outdoor sports. Staring small is crucial because it helps your kids to become independent once they get used to outdoor activities.
Gear Up
Going to camp or hiking with a baby will need more camping gear than when you used to go alone. If you are having a baby less than two years, you can get an appropriate carrier bag because they cannot walk on their own.
Get advice from other mommy hikers to get more ideas. Find the right clothing both for you and the baby. Remember, it may get cold or hot, depending on the weather forecast.
Fun outdoor activities for toddlers may not be enjoyable if they lack appropriate clothing that blends well with the weather. Make sure you fully arm your belongings with clothes to keep warm or wear when it gets too hot.
Consider carrying a baby’s sleeping bag, infant pop Playard, fleece jacket, and a portable changing mat, among others. What you need to carry in your trip depends on the age of your kid.
Time it right
You need to put enough time into planning. There’s no doubt that there are many things to do outside when you go camping or hiking. However, you may not get all the time to do everything you planned. With a baby, you will experience some limitations from things like weather.
You might have enjoyed walking in the rain before while alone. But with your baby, this may not work. Consider picking a list of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy and time yourself well.
Prepare for other outdoor practicalities
When you go out to hike or camp, there are some outdoor duties that you will need to do. Since you are going out with a baby, at one point, you might want to change diapers and even feed the baby.
Find out if there are reliable spots you can use to handle various necessities of your kids like resting. Are you familiar with the trails? What is some outdoor fun for kids at that place?
You might want to get ideas from other parents who have gone camping at that place. Keep in mind that what worked for someone may not necessarily work for you, but it’s good to know.
Plan and get ready to adapt to doing some activities together with your kid, and you will all enjoy it with time. As for feeding the baby, the idea might be quite tricky.
However, for breastfeeding babies, you might want to feed them as you move slowly, and they will get used to it. If you are carrying breast milk, it would be great if you used a frozen bag and thaw it on the way.
Carry some food for everyone
Besides your baby’s food, you will also get hungry while hiking and need something to eat. Carry enough food, snacks, and drinking water.
Never limit yourself
Some people tend to think that canoe camping trips might not be excellent outdoor activities for kids. However, it’s possible to travel in your area of camping through canoe other than backpacking or driving. Canoeing is an excellent way of going to the wilderness. However, you need to be careful and pay attention to the safety of your kids as you do this.
Being a parent shouldn’t limit you from enjoying outdoor trips. It’s even more breathtaking when you go out with your baby and toddlers. You need to research first about the area you would like to visit and carry the essential camping gear.
Start taking your kids out as early as possible so that they can get used to the outdoor activities.
Have you ever gone for an outdoor activity with your baby or toddler? How was the experience?
Author Bio:
Betti Wilson is a freelance author, but, what’s more important, what she is really devoted to, is her children. In her articles, she shares her own experience and writes about parenthood, lifestyle, family challenges and how to deal with them without losing a positive attitude.
