Your Guide to Backpacking With a Baby

Backpacking can be a thrilling adventure that allows you to explore the great outdoors. When you become a parent though, you may need to scale back your backpacking adventures until your baby is older. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still find ways to do what you love while spending time with your baby in nature.

Babywearing is one way to go backpacking and enjoy the wilderness with a baby, but you’ll want to be prepared with the right essentials and a well-thought plan before you hit the trail. Regardless of when you’re babywearing, it’s important to prioritize babywearing safety. While backpacking, it’s even more important to consider safety since elements around you can be outside of your control.

If you’re looking for advice on how to backpack with a baby, let us help you navigate the way.

How to Backpack With a Baby

Table of Contents

Consider distance when backpacking with a baby
Age of your baby for backpacking
Check the weather
What to bring with you for backpacking with a baby
Sleeping with baby on a backpacking trip
Other considerations for backpacking with a baby

Consider distance when backpacking with a baby

There are several factors that can influence how far is too far to backpack with your baby. Consider the age of your baby, your skill level, the weather, the terrain, and more when choosing your backpacking path. You should also consider the distance from your home or the location where the trail is. Backpacking in areas that you have backpacked before can be a smart idea so that you have more knowledge of what to expect.

Age of your baby for backpacking

Before taking on a backpacking adventure, you may want to wait until your baby is 6 months of age or older. For longer trips, you may want to use a soft structured carrier that holds your baby (as if they’re in a chair) on your back. While you’re likely itching to get out and hike, think through the possible scenarios to determine if you and your baby are ready for the experience.

Check the weather

While you may not have control over the weather, forecasts can come in handy before planning an afternoon or a day of backpacking. Avoid hiking or backpacking on days that are too hot or too cold; if it’s sunny, your baby’s soft sensitive skin will need protection. The time of day you hike can help you head out in just the right temperature, too.

What to bring with you for backpacking with a baby:

Lightweight gear: From enduring rocky trails to the extra weight of two people’s belongings (and maybe a baby on your hip), you’re bound to have your hands full backpacking with a baby. Dressing and bringing along lightweight gear can help you stay cool and keep up with the physical demands of backpacking.
Baby carrier: A baby carrier is a must-have when backpacking with a baby. It can provide both you and your baby with the support you need. Depending on the age of your baby and the distance of your hike, the best baby carrier for hiking can vary. The Tushbaby features an open-style design, which can make it easier to calm a fussy baby mid-hike, and five storage pockets for your personal belongings and baby gear.
Simple medical kit: Accidents happen, and you’ll want to be prepared for them. Bringing along a few medical supplies shouldn’t take up much room and can really come in handy.
Snacks if baby eats solids: Snacks are a great way to keep your baby occupied while getting the nutrition they need. When you pack snacks, bring non-perishable items that can be stored easily.
Cloth diapers and changing pad: Backpacking with a baby means diaper changes outside. Our super-slim fold-up changing pad can fit in a pocket of your Tushbaby carrier or one of your pockets as the perfect addition to your next outdoor adventure. Make sure you bring along a way to store dirty diapers, as you likely won’t be able to dispose of them properly for a while.

Sleeping with baby on a backpacking trip

If you plan on an overnight backpacking trip, you’ll need to bring even more things along. From a safe sleeping space to extra clothes, there are many things that come with a baby for an overnight trip, so finding items with more than one use can help you pack less while still being prepared. The Tushbaby carrier pulls double duty on that front, offering a feeding position to quickly convert your carrier into a nursing pillow. This is the perfect example of a versatile baby product for overnight backpacking trips.

Tushbaby also features five storage pockets to keep your essentials nearby and an open-style design to smoothly soothe your baby to sleep. When it’s time to transition them to their resting place, you can simply lift them off without any complicated wraps or straps.

Before taking your baby on an overnight camping trip or backpacking adventure, you may want to wait until they are a little bit older. There are other elements to consider aside from the things you can control, such as bugs, weather, natural disasters, and other campers.

Other considerations for backpacking with a baby

When backpacking long distances, you’ll want to bring along the best baby carrier for hiking. That’s where Tushbaby comes in! As your baby gets older, they may want to explore more and be carried less… but they likely still love being carried. Tushbaby’s streamlined design gives you the freedom to place your baby on the plush seat and take them off with ease as they please. To put the Tushbaby on, simply strap it on high and tight above your waist to enjoy the four carrying positions that allow them to look around while interacting with you and staying close.

Backpacking with a baby introduces a unique blend of challenges and joys. Embracing the outdoors with your little one requires careful planning and the right equipment, like a reliable baby carrier. The Tushbaby carrier offers support and versatility with its open-style design, multiple carrying positions, and ample storage pockets, ensuring safety and convenience. As you venture into nature, remember that being well-prepared ensures memorable experiences and shared moments that will last a lifetime.

Get out and explore with your baby. . . shop Tushbaby today for products that make life with a baby easier!