Best Baby Carriers for Hiking With a Baby or Toddler

Being active with a baby or toddler is important for your health, but it can be exhausting too. Hiking is a great way to release some stress, get your steps in, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s also an activity you may have put little to no thought into before having a baby.

If you’re yearning to return to hiking but have a baby or toddler, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for pro tips on hiking with toddlers and hiking with a baby, including more details on hiking carriers for toddlers.

Is hiking good for babies?

Going on a nice hike or nature walk can be a wonderful way to expose your baby to all sorts of sights and sounds. If you have a fussy baby who loves the fresh air as much as you do, hiking can be a wonderful experience for both of you. Depending on your baby’s age, there will be a few things to keep in mind to be sure you head out on your hike with all the right tools and tips to be prepared.

How do you carry a toddler on a hike?

While toddlers will want to, and should, walk on their own on your hike, you will likely need to hold them sometimes. It’s best to have the right support to save your back from carrying a toddler over an uneven trail. As you know, toddlers love to move around. Most want to be held one second and be free to explore the next, which can make baby carriers challenging. You want the support of a carrier but don’t want your stride interrupted every few minutes as your toddler wants up and down. In addition, you want a lightweight carrier that won’t hold you back. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is a great tool for carrying a toddler on a hike. Its open-face design makes it easy to take your baby on and off during your hike. It also features five pockets for storage — like a fanny pack, but better.

How do you carry a baby hiking?

There are plenty of options for carrying your baby while you’re hiking, but most parents will opt for a baby carrier as their way to safely carry their baby on a hike. While there are many baby carriers on the market, finding one that works for your hiking adventures should be all about having the right support and keeping your baby safe. It should also allow you to take your baby in and out easily. Baby carriers that strap the baby in may make it difficult to hike without interruptions.

How do you hike with a 2 year old?

Hiking with toddlers can be a wonderful adventure as their curious minds will have a lot to explore. To hike with a two-year-old, pick an appropriate hiking trail, plan ahead of time, and pack the essentials. They may get tired from time to time, so bringing along a baby carrier can make for a more enjoyable experience. Keep reading as we review some of the essentials for hiking with a toddler.

Can you hike with a baby carrier?

While you can hike with a baby carrier, remember that not all carriers will offer you the right support or practicality for this type of activity (Read: What Are the Different Types of Baby Carriers?). While soft carriers like wraps and slings can be incredibly comfortable for both mom and baby, you may find that there isn’t enough support for hiking.

For hiking purposes, you may want to consider a backpack carrier or a hipseat carrier. Backpack carriers can be a great option as they offer enough structured support while allowing your baby to look around at their surroundings. The downside is that it may be hard to get your baby in and out during the hike, and you and your baby will want breaks during the hike. A hip seat carrier with an open design, such as the Tushbaby, can make it easier (and more breathable) to hike with your baby. Its strap-free design makes it easy to take your baby on and off as needed. It’s lightweight, too, so you can hike with ease — think of it as wearing a slightly larger hiking fanny pack. The Tushbaby is a great option if you’ve got a little one who frequently likes to get down and explore independently.

How far can a 2 year old hike?

Use your best judgment when it comes to how far your toddler can hike. Keep in mind that their little legs can get tired pretty quickly. Another consideration for hiking distance is how much time you have until your toddler needs a nap or any other scheduled part of their routine. Many little ones adhere to nap schedules, so plan accordingly as you decide on an appropriate trail distance.

What age can you use a hiking carrier?

This really depends on the specific type of carrier. If you are using a soft structured carrier, this may be used from birth with all the right safety precautions. If you’re looking to use a hard structured hiking-specific carrier, this may require a bit more muscular control from babies. Once a baby can sit up independently without head support, or at about six months old, it would be appropriate to use a hiking-specific carrier.

At what age can you hike with a baby?

Hiking with your baby can really start at any age as long as parents are comfortable and using their best judgment. Having the right gear, picking an appropriate trail, and bringing along some support can help make hiking with your baby a great experience.

How can I hike with my 3 month old?

Hiking with a baby as young as three months is possible but should be done with a few things in mind. You’ll want to be cautious to keep your 3-month-old safe and protected from the sun. While you may use a soft structured carrier, a stroller can also be a great option for taking your 3-month-old out to a calm path. This can be a great way to relax and comfort a fussy baby. If the stroller is not hike-friendly, consider having your baby wear a hat and hike during times of the day when the sun is less intense. Hiking with a 3-month-old will almost always require a stroller or carrier.

Tips for Hiking with Toddlers

1. Choose the right hiking baby carrier

When hiking with a toddler, you can very much expect that they will want to run around at times… and want to be held the very next moment. This means you will want two things in a hiking carrier for toddlers: the right support for when you are carrying your toddler and the ease of getting them in and out of the carrier quickly. Having a carrier that takes minimal hassle to get your toddler in and out of will be key. This will help avoid any fuss or tantrums from ensuing if you have to navigate getting out of a complex carrier. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is designed for just that. With no confusing wraps or straps, your toddler can easily get down to roam around and just as easily get picked back up again. The Tushbaby Carrier also offers plenty of support for your back as you carry your little one. The versatile design allows you to carry your toddler while evenly distributing their weight, saving your back from strain as you enjoy your hike.

2. Pack other essential hiking gear for baby

If you’re going anywhere with a baby or toddler, packing the essentials is key. Be sure to have plenty of water, snacks, diapers, bottles, and any other items you’d bring for an outing. Since you will be outdoors, it’s always best to have the right gear for any weather. Even on a sunny day, trails can get chilly when shaded by all the trees. Having sunscreen, hats, or extra layers can help prepare you and your baby for whatever weather nature has in store for you on your hike.

For packing and hiking with a toddler, the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is the ultimate hiking carrier for toddlers. The five storage pockets allow you to pack up all those hiking essentials so you can tackle the trail with peace of mind and preparedness. And always remember the number one rule of hiking: ‘leave no trace.’ The five storage pockets ensure you keep everything with you and off the trails.

3. Choose the right trail

When hiking with a toddler, you will want to be sure to choose a hiking trail appropriate for their little legs and yours too. Since your toddler may keep you on your toes, choosing a shorter hike or one with a quick route back to the car may be best. For the many circumstances that can occur with a toddler that end in having to head home, you will want to be sure to be close enough to your route back home. It is also best to avoid any high elevation or steep rocky trails. Even if you are an expert hiker, this can cause some unsafe situations for a toddler.

4. Hike with others

It’s always best to travel in numbers when hiking with little ones. Enlisting the support of a buddy system can help make hiking a more positive and safe experience for you and your toddler. Hiking with others will mean having extra eyes on your toddler and even an extra set of hands for carrying when you’d like a break. After all, this is your escape to nature too!

5. Stop frequently for sightseeing and toddler/baby breaks

Taking breaks is necessary when hiking with a baby or toddler. Not only does this allow you and your baby to soak in the views, but it also allows for some much-needed rest and fuel. If you’re breastfeeding, you may be wondering how to navigate feeding during your hike. Tushbaby has got you covered: simply strap your Tushbaby hip seat carrier in the feeding position, and you’ve got yourself the perfect nursing support for your rest stop.