This is a huge milestone for babies and hiking parents and happens around the six month mark but please read more details below. The whole situation deserves a lot of grace as baby is used to riding in a snuggled position and listening to your heartbeat on the front. You can read more about my breakdown of when to choose a soft-shell carrier vs a hard-frame when heading out on a hike to help you make the choice on which carrier will suit your adventure here. If you need help finding a carrier, my carrier E-guide is a great resource to help narrow down the selection and easily compare carriers for you. Whether you are shopping on FB marketplace or at local sporting stores, it will help you find what you need.
It is important to choose a hiking carrier that will protect your baby. The level of difficulty and terrian are huge factors to consider. I always felt like my baby was more protected in the hard-framed carrier on my bigger summit hikes in the Canadian Rockies so often opted to use my hard-framed carriers for most of my hikes. The transition from the front to back is sad for me though because it really highlight just how quickly the newborn stage goes.
Disclaimer: You need to read carrier manuals and have a healthcare expert confirm development milestones. My blog covers my experiences and it is always important for you to gather your own research for your babies safety. Happy to share what works for us to help you.
Understanding Developmental Readiness
Head and Neck Control: Importance of baby having full head and neck control and is able to sit on thier own. Having a Doctor approve this milestone at the six month check up is necessary.
Sitting Up Independently: Key milestone that leads to using a hard-frame carrier as you want baby to be able to not be injured with movements from hiking. They have to have the strength to be able to sit in the cockpit of the hard-frame carrier.
Weight Considerations: Read your hiking carrier manuals for weight requirements as my carrier was required to have my baby be 16 pounds to ride in it.
Benefits of Using a Hard-Frame Carrier
Enhanced Support: The cockpit is great for baby plus the support and balance is so much better for the parent with a back carrier when hiking.
Stability on Uneven Terrain: Sharp rocks and rugged trails really stress me out in a soft-shell but I know that the hard-frame will provide extra protection. Falls happen and you want to make sure your baby will not be injured.
Storage Capacity: Advantages of added storage for snacks, water, baby essentials and gear.
Comfort for Longer Hikes: Better hip and back support for parents on extended outings.
Tips for the Transition
Start at Home: Try in a space where baby is familiar with and comfortable to reduce pressure and stress.
Read Manual and Adjust Pack to Baby: Make sure setting on carrier is for the lightest option. So make sure cockpit seat is moved to the highest point, straps are made smaller, and stirrups are at the highest points.
Leave carrier on ground to introduce: Just try and get baby added to the carrier to start with you right there and encouraging. Take them out and put them in a few times and then just do that for a couple days. Once baby isn't fussy then focus on trying to do up the harness and buckles. Sing, dance, hug, and love up on baby as you do this because it can be kinda shocking for the baby to be in this seated position and away from you at first.
Hike Indoors: Once baby is secure and buckled and content on the floor then try and load baby on your back. Do dishes, laundry, or walk around the home to gain comfort for you and baby. Work on getting your straps fitted correctly and make sure you feel good in the carrier too. Baby will really start to enjoy their views and POV too. Once you find comfort in the home, the wander outdoors and start small. Start to practice with accessories etc. Now baby, will be ready to explore the local parks and hiking trails as they have had a chance to get used to the carrier and it is now a place of comfort.
Comfort Checks: Regularly check baby for comfort during hikes in the hard-frame carrier. Plus for us, I has his soother and clip with toys so he could play and be soothed while hiking along. We have this super cool soother tether now at Kids Who Explore so you'll never lose an item on the trail again.
Incorporating Breaks and Snacks with Carrier
Scheduled Breaks: Importance of taking breaks to allow time for baby to rest and time to explore nature. I stop every hour when I hike just to let baby move positions. My kids really love napping when we hike and the best part is hearing their snores in my ear.
Nature Activities: There is so much to discover for babies in nature. My kids love playing with dirt, sticks, rocks, leaves, and watching squirrels on our hikes.
Naps: My babies sleep a lot! As you can see below, I had my babies toys and soothers for entertainment too.
I wish you so many outdoor adventures with your baby! Unlocking the era of backwearing while hiking will bring you back to the summits that you once enjoyed and beyond! Please read my other blogs that provide more information and hiking tips for your hiking with baby journey. Thank you for being here and reading my personal hiking experiences! Always reach out here or on socials if you have any questions.
Comments