While many of us have outdoor-related goals for the new year, reaching these goals can be a daunting task when faced with the demands of life. Maybe you don’t know how to get started when you have a baby or toddler in tow. Or maybe you are a grandparent, unsure if hiking will be right for you. Here’s the thing: Hiking is an “everybody” sport. The mental and physical benefits of hiking are too numerous to ignore. Therefore, we have compiled this handy list of articles to provide you with the tips and inspiration to hit the trails regardless of your current phase of life.
When you Feel you Aren’t “Fit” Enough
It can be a never-ending cycle. You want to hike, but you don’t feel “fit” enough to hike. Yet you feel you aren’t fit enough because you don’t ever hike. Check out these articles for tips on how to get started regardless of how “fit” you are:
- 5 Tips for how to start hiking -regardless of your current fitness level
- Tips for choosing the right fitness tracker for your needs along with a breakdown of the most popular trackers on the market
- Expert hiking tips for beginner hikers
Hiking During Pregnancy
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop hiking, and it certainly shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying nature. Whether you are trying to prevent excessive weight gain or attempting to “hike the baby out” at the end of your pregnancy, here are some tips and inspiring stories from our Hike it Baby community:
- Tips to help you through each stage of pregnancy
- Stories from our strong mamas about how they took on the Hike it Baby 30 challenge while pregnant
- One mother’s story about taking the time to slow down in nature, listen to her body and appreciate the amazing changes that occur during pregnancy
Postpartum Hiking
A woman’s body is an incredible thing, with the ability to grow and nurture another human being while also sustaining her own health. As wonderful as it is, recovering from such a task can be slow and discouraging at times. These articles include tips to help you get back on the trail with your new addition:
- Tips from our wonderful Hike it Baby community for getting back on the trail after having a baby
- One mother’s tips to help take some of the stress out of hiking with your newborn
- Advice for breastfeeding your baby on the trail
- Advice for bottle-feeding your baby on the trail
Hiking with Babies
Babies can be unpredictable. Leaving the house can seem like a monumental task, let alone attempting to go for a hike. However, there are numerous benefits to getting out into nature for both baby and caregiver. Here are some tips and inspiration for hitting the trail with your baby:
- Tips from our Hike it Baby community to help you soothe a cranky baby on the trail
- Tips from Hike it Baby founder, Shanti Hodges, for hiking with your baby
- One mother’s story and tips for hiking with a premature baby
Hiking with Toddlers
Toddlers are a whole different ball game. Between the mood swings and the constant need for snacks, hiking with a toddler can be an interesting experience. Check out these articles to help keep your toddler happy (and save your sanity) on the trail:
- 6 tips for making hiking with toddlers a fun experience for everyone
- Fun ideas for getting outside with your toddler
- Ideas for keeping toddlers moving in the direction you want them to go on the trail and heading off meltdowns
Hiking with School-Aged Kiddos
Once kiddos reach school-age, finding time to hit the trail can be difficult. Here are some tips and ideas for making trail time a priority even with a hectic school schedule:
- Advice and tips for getting older kids excited about being out on the trail
- Creative ways to get outside with your kiddos during the school year
- Benefits of multi-age play along with activities that work well for all age groups
Hiking Later in Life
Hiking can benefit people of all ages. Here are some benefits and tips for hiking no matter what age you may be:
- 3 benefits of hitting the trail as a grandparent
- Tips for long-distance walking later in life
- Fitness tips for hiking your way through the golden years
Fostering a love of nature and hiking starts at a young age. Learn more about Hike it Baby’s mission and how you can get involved through membership or by making a donation today!
About Hike it Baby
Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Deanna Curry and Jessica Human.
