Four Tips for Backpacking with Baby

Backpacking with a baby? I haven’t even tried camping with a baby! Tackling adventures such as backpacking with an infant may feel more daunting that walking over a bed of hot coals, but trust us: it’s possible.

Does it take more work? Yup. A stronger back? Oh yes. But is it actually worth it? No question.

Ask For Help

Our first five-night trip with our daughter took place when she was roughly seven months, and we were clueless. One thing we did know: we needed help.

Backpacking gear weighs a lot on its own but when you factor in the baby’s gear, you’re looking at the emotional equivalent of an elephant on your back. There is no need to be a hero: ask for help from friends who are willing to help you literally shoulder the load.

Phone a friend. Find someone enormously generous to assist you. Truthfully, you’ll be surprised at how willing to help your friends are, if only so they can be present to witness your family’s first foray into the wild.

Start ‘Em Young

Kids are like adults: they like what they know. It feels uncomfortable to tackle your first backpacking trip when your kiddo is an infant but really, that is the best time to do so.

For infants, everything is new so they won’t know the difference between a new house, a new bed, or a new tent. New is new, right?

Does this mean your first trip may endure some crankiness while Baby Girl adjusts to her new normal? Sure does. But let’s be real: if you could be awake in the middle of the night in your house in the suburbs or beneath a star-glittered night sky, which would you choose?

No question.

Roll with the Punches

You know that expression about how kids are adaptable? It’s true; it’s parents that tend to be rigid.

Heading into your first backpacking trip and expecting to be just like those others adventures pre-baby is an exercise in futility. Don’t do that to yourself! Instead, adopt an easy-going mindset.

Plan on this: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. If you think it will take three hours to get to camp, plan on six hours. If you brought 17 diapers, assume you will need 21.

We don’t say this to cast a negative light on the excursion— not at all. But most parents could stand to remember that the joy is in the journey and simply getting out on the trail with your new babe is a victory in itself. Don’t sweat the small stuff and your kiddo will take a cue from you.

Enjoy the Moment

As a new parent, how many times has someone told you to “enjoy the moment”? We’re willing to bet you’ve heard that at least 492 times, so apologies for adding one more into the mix.

But it’s true.

When tackling your first adventure, it’s easy to stress about the minor things like how sore your shoulders are or whether or not your child will fall asleep in the tent that night (even though it’s barely lunch).

But here’s the secret sauce: forget all of that because it doesn’t matter. You are outside, in the sunshine, enjoying the fresh air against your cheeks while your baby experiences one of the most glorious sensations on the planet: a life lived outdoors. Even if the poop hits the fan and you don’t sleep a wink, it’s okay. You can sleep tomorrow.

But right now, it’s just you and your family in the wild. And that’s awesome.