Conquer the Trails: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Your Toddler
Photo by Sierra Wilde (I'm wearing the Osprey Poco, above)
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Table of Contents
Pick a Toddler-Friendly Trail
Photo by Sierra Wilde
The trail should be relatively close to home. Ideally it is no longer than a 30 minute drive from your home. This will help lower the risk of “wasting” time and gas, and general upset if the day doesn’t go according to plan.
The trail should be mostly flat. This means minimal elevation change, especially if your tot is younger.
Look for a trail that has trees. These offer natural shelter from the wind and sun.
Look at the recent images and notes posted on AllTrails+. What do people mention about the trail? Is it muddy? Have they spotted rattlesnakes? Is it covered in ice?
Pick a “Good Weather” Day
Photo by Jake Wilde
Check the forecast for that area. A good place to start is a 10 day forecast. From there you can narrow it down to specific days.
If you are trying to avoid rain, sleet, or snow but it’s predicted on the day you want to go, check the hourly prediction. You can usually miss it by going before or after it is supposed to hit.
If you are planning a hike in a mountain range, avoid mid-to-late afternoon since high altitudes typically receive storms during this time.
Next, check the temperature ranges for the day, narrowing in on the hours you feel that you and your child(ren) will be most comfortable. Try to avoid the hours in which UV rays are the most extreme, as well as any nap times.
Then check to see how the wind is supposed to behave that day. Aim for below 20 mph gusts, if possible, especially if temperatures are on the cooler-side and/or you will be near water (since water lowers the air temperature of the area surrounding it).
How prepared you are makes up about 70% of the equation for “good weather.” What do I mean by that? Unless it is below zero, over 80 degrees, or there are 30+ mph gusts of wind, my children are outside. But they are dressed appropriately, with the right gear, so that they are safe and comfortable. Now, I’m not saying your child is ready for that. Depending on past patterns, you may need to work up to being outside in not-so-great weather. If that is the case, pick a day and time that offers “better weather.”
Your attitude and how you communicate with your child makes up 20% of the equation for “good weather.” Are you relaxed, joyful, and patient? Are you well prepared and dressed appropriately? Are you using positive language? Are you recognizing your child’s discomfort and offering empathy? Are you providing guidance and encouragement? Kids need to be heard and tend to model the behavior they see.
The actual weather only contributes about 10% of the equation for “good weather.”
Avoid Nap Time
Photo by Sierra Wilde
If your toddler still takes naps, do NOT mess with nap time. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise either doesn’t have kids or doesn’t care about their child’s and their own physical and mental wellbeing (just saying). Toddlers need their sleep. And you need a break too (bonus points if you also take a nap). Make sure you are home, or at least in the car, by the time your child typically takes their nap.
Know that, no matter what you do, the nature walk may still affect their normal nap schedule. Your toddler may take an early or extra nap while in their carrier, stroller, or carseat since the motion can be rhythmic and soothing. If they do take a nap, their normal nap time may be pushed back (e.g. instead of 1 PM they take their nap at 3 PM) or it may be shorter than normal.
If your toddler is transitioning out of naps, or you were out exploring during their typical nap time, they may not take a nap. It sucks, I get it. I can’t tell you how many times it took before I learned this lesson. I hate to break it to you, but you missed your window mama. Time to accept your defeat and move on. You win some, you lose some. Toddler 1 : Mama 0.
Invite a Friend
Photo by Sierra Wilde
Inviting a friend adds a level of safety. Not only are you less likely to be approached by someone who means you, or your child(ren) harm, but there are now more eyes, ears, and hands available to help watch for wildlife, water hazards, and/or help hold your things while you help your child(ren) with something.
Most kids love playing with their friends, or making new ones! There have been so many times my child hasn’t wanted to change out of his pajamas, but the moment I mention a friend is joining or waiting for us, that all changes. So, invite your mom friend(s) and their child(ren).
Don’t have a mom friend who is willing or able to join? Invite the parent of a child who attends the same daycare as your child, a neighbor that lives on your block, or a mom you met at a local park.
A word of the wise: Don’t tell your child too far in advance about the “playdate.” For one, they won’t stop bringing it up (there is no concept of “tomorrow” for them, just right NOW). Second, young kids get sick all the time, moms have babies that keep them up all night long, there are poop-emergencies the morning of… you name it. Shit (literally) happens.
ONE Thing You MUST do the Night Before:
Confirm the EXACT spot you plan to meet. I usually go on AllTrails+ or COTREX (Colorado Residents only), select the trailhead, hit share, and then ask my mom friends to (please!) use the link that I just shared when driving to the trailhead. This ensures that you both go to the SAME parking lot and trailhead. I cannot tell you how many times friends have typed in the trail, only to wind up at another trailhead… miles away from where we were supposed to be meeting.
TWO Things You MUST do the Morning of:
Confirm that your mom friend is still bringing their child(ren). If they are no longer bringing their child, let your child know that just their friend’s mom is coming. It’s better to give them a heads up than surprise them. My toddler is always heartbroken when he isn’t aware that a friend cancelled last minute or when they don’t turn up… just their mom did.
Re-confirm what time you are meeting. This way you can let your friend know if you are running behind, or know if they are.
What Should They Wear?
Photo by Sierra Wilde (R is wearing Merrell Bare Steps, above)
Their shoes should be zero drop (the toe and heel are at the same height), have minimal cushion and great traction, and be relatively flexible. Your tot is learning how to walk, which is basically falling forward and catching themselves, with their other foot, before they fall flat on their face, over and over again. Toddlers, especially, need a shoe that offers good sensory feedback and grip. Unfortunately, this is one of the more challenging items to find in North America, at least in my experience.
I’ve found that the tot barefoot shoes from Merrell* and Saguaro* have worked best.
Warm Weather Gear:
Lightweight neck gaiter* (I just let them use one of my extra ones)
Secure sandals or water shoes (personally, I prefer to avoid water shoes, but some people love them)
Cool Weather Gear:
Depending on the wind and temperature, you may need to dress, or pack, in layers.
Beanie* that covers their ears
Balaclava that covers their face, nose, and mouth
Neck gaiter
Fingerless gloves* with gripper dots
Base layer
Water-resistant jacket with bibs
Water-resistant bunting
Light-weight, easy to get on and off snow boots (We loved the RedHead boots from Cabelas/Bass Pro!)
Pack the Carrier that They Like
Photo by Sierra Wilde (I'm wearing the Ergobaby 360, above)
Little legs get tired quick, especially if they aren’t used to nature walks or uneven terrain.
Don’t have a carrier? Outdoor gear stores, like REI, and second-hand stores, like Once Upon A Child, typically have carriers for sale. Below is a list of the different kinds and some popular brands that may work well for you and your family.
Front Carriers
The Original Wrap* from Keababies, the Dragonfly Wrap* from Líllé Baby, the Aura Wrap* from Ergobaby, and a variety of others are typically designed to hold children weighing between 7 to 35 lbs, varying on brand
Front, back, and 360 Carriers from Ergobaby* are designed to hold children weighing 12 to 45 lbs
Líllé Baby CarryOn Toddler Carriers* are designed to hold children weighing 25 to 60 lbs, who are in 2T pants or longer
Baby Tula Toddler Carriers* are designed to hold children weighing 25 to 60 lbs, who are in 2T pants or longer
Baby Tula Preschool Carriers are designed to hold children weighing 35 to 75 lbs, who are in 4T pants or longer (I wish they had this carrier when our oldest was a tot. He outgrew our carrier at only 2 years of age since he was so tall and husky!)
Backpack Carriers
Deuter offers the Kid Comfort Venture, Comfort Active, Comfort Active SL (built for women with slim body types), Comfort, and Comfort Pro.
Osprey offers the Poco LT (light), Poco, or Poco Plus. You can buy a rain cover and/or carrying case, separately.
Kelty offers the Journey PerfectFIT, Journey PerfectFIT Signature, and Journey PerfectFIT Elite. Unfortunately, their sunshade is sold separately.
Thule offers the Sapling. They also offer a rain cover and sling pack, separately.
Non-traditional Carriers
The Trail Magik is a front carrier intended to be clipped in to your backpack. While this system doesn’t offer any storage or shade protection, it is lightweight and compact - perfect for backpacking.
The Minimeis* is a shoulder carrier. While it offers back support for your child, it does not come with storage. However, they did recently add a sunshade*.
The Piggyback Rider* offers parents a hands-free, choke-free (if you know, you know) version of a piggy-back ride. However, this system does not offer any storage or shade protection. You, however, can get an add-on hip support belt.*
The Tushbaby* is a hip carrier. The child is not strapped in. Instead they sit on a shelf, perched on your hip, and your hand, the Snug Attachment, or another carrier is used to support your child’s front or back.
Want to try before you buy? Some online-only, local, and regional stores actually let you rent child carriers. Prices vary quite a bit depending on the store, pack, and duration of rental.
Prefer a stroller or wagon? That’s cool too. Just know that your toddler will likely want to ride in it the whole time… and their friends may want to hitch a ride too. Strollers and wagons may also require a wider, well groomed path. Look for paved or handicap-accessible trails.
Use a Fanny Pack to Carry Your Essentials
Photo by TM (I'm wearing the Osprey Poco, above)
Most carriers do not come with any or an adequate storage area. (And don’t get me started on women’s pants pockets!) Thankfully, a fanny pack works well with most carriers and offers a great way to secure your belongings in an easy-to-reach spot.
Pro Tip: Grab one on the bigger side so that you can store your wallet, keys, tissues, chapstick, small flashlight, and phone inside… I can even squeeze a milk bottle in mine. I got mine from Vanquest. It’s super durable and water resistant.
Steep and Cheap* also offers affordable packs.
What Should You Bring?
Photo by Sierra Wilde
A good rule of thumb? If it is something that you would bring for you, bring it for them too.
Buy a couple (or more!) pairs of sunglasses. I highly recommend a polarized, flexible pair that comes with a strap that adjusts. I’ve had good luck with COCOSAND* sunglasses holding up against all odds (Boys are HARD on things. Am I right?!). The adjustable strap will help keep them on, as well as stop them from slipping down your toddler’s tiny nose.
You’ll want to grab a few. Store one pair in their pack, one in each car, and send a pair to daycare.
Pro Tip: Have them pick out the color/design. This offers what I call “buy-in.” If you allow your toddler to pick out their new sunglasses, odds are that they will be more excited about wearing them.
Keep sunscreen in your pack and your car(s). This way you avoid running out or even forgetting to bring it in the first place.
Pro Tip: Grab 2 lotions and 2 face sticks. While lotion works great on covering arms, legs, toes, etc, it can be a challenge to apply it on your wiggly toddler without it getting in their eyes or mouth. Spend a little extra money and grab a face stick. It’s so much easier to apply… just make sure your toddler understands that it isn’t chapstick. Not sure which brand to get?
I LOVE the Blue Lizard* brand! Beyond only offering mineral sunscreen, their bottles and tube caps change color when exposed to UV light, adding a little fun for your toddler! I just love when brands take something boring (like sunscreen) and make it more exciting, don’t you?!
Bring Picaridin, 10-30% DEET, or IR-3535 in case the bugs are bad. These three bug sprays are all safe to use on toddlers. Skip the stickers, bracelets, and essential oils. They won’t adequately protect your child from mosquito, tick, and/or fly bites.
Check out my post about the different bug sprays Safeguard Your Kids: Bug Sprays to Avoid & Alternatives You’ll Both Love to learn more about which sprays you can use and when.
Photo by Sierra Wilde (I'm wearing the Osprey Poco with sunshade, above)
Pack a fun or comforting toy. This could be a crinkle toy, stuffy, or rattle if they are younger. Or a car or doll if they are older. Just make sure you, and they, won’t mind if it gets a little dirty or wet.
Pro Tip: Use a pacifier leash, or cordage, to tie (or hang from, as shown) the toy to your pack so that it doesn’t fall or get tossed out.
Pack toddler garden gloves and a small trash bag. Toddlers love to pick up items along the trail. As I like to say, “One man’s trash is a toddler’s treasure.” Plus it’s a great way to start teaching them to be good stewards of our Mother Earth.
Pack 2-3 snacks that won’t melt. And make sure one is a “special” snack. This means that your toddler ONLY has that snack when they go on hikes and nature walks. My go-to snacks include fruit strips, fruit snacks, M&Ms, peanut butter packets, dried fruit, and cubed cheese.
Pro Tip: If you are going with friends, bring multiples of the exact same snack (e.g. two of the same flavor of fruit strip) to share. This helps avoid a toddler tantrum over who has a better snack.
Tackling Potty Training on the Trail
Potty training is a lot of work. If you know, you know.
You can attempt small, short outings once they have “mastered” holding it during the day. This means they have successfully peed and pooped on the potty and have not had any recent accidents, while in their underwear and pants.
Pro Tip: Whatever you do, do not put your child back in a diaper just so you can go on a “worry-free” hike. You do not want them back-sliding. #notworthit
Pack a foldable, portable potty, wipes, and a plastic bag (for trash). OXO makes one that works well with and without a toilet (in case you aren’t near a bathroom). Jool* makes a more minimalist version that works well with public toilets (if you plan on always hiking where there are facilities). Depending on where you are going, you may also want to bring a diaper (to line the potty) or a cathole trowel.*
Have a little girl? Let them pick out, or even design, their own Kula Cloth.
Keep a wet dry bag* in the car. Have it packed with a whole backup ensemble or two (e.g. shirt, undies, pants, and socks). Toss any wet clothing into the bag and zip that puppy shut until you return home and can toss it, bag and all, in the wash.
Want to learn more about the basics of potty training? Grab a copy of “Oh Crap! Potty Training*: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to do it Once and Do it Right” by Jamie Glowacki. It’s full of sound advice.
Prepare the Night Before
Check the hourly weather forecast again. Make sure the weather prediction hasn’t changed regarding temperature, wind, and precipitation.
Check trail conditions. Some areas will close the trails if they become muddy. Other trails will be closed seasonally for raptor (e.g. eagles and hawks) nesting or toxic algae. Ice or deep snow can make a trail treacherous for littles and adults alike, especially without the proper footwear and gear.
Pack the car. Trust me, you will not have enough time to do it the morning of. Something will come up and you will end up running behind.
Lay out your, and your toddler’s, clothing. This saves running around the house or rooting through the laundry looking for specific items.
Pro Tip: Have your child help pick out their outfit; this adds buy-in and increases excitement. But don’t offer too many options, just an either, or. For example, “Would you like to wear your blue shirt or your tan one?”
Talk to your toddler about the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Pro Tip: If your toddler tends to fight bedtime, you can explain that sleeping helps recharge their battery so that they can get up and be ready to play, play, PLAY (let your voice get incrementally louder with excitement!). Explain that if they don’t sleep now, they will feel too tired to play with their friend(s) tomorrow. Kids WANT to play. They don’t like the word “tired” or “sleep,” or other synonyms, because they are associated with NOT playing. If your child still fights the issue, follow their lead. Act upset and sad about going to bed too. Make sure you get down on the floor at eye level, hold their hands, and validate their feelings, making sure they understand that you are on the same team. Tell them how tired you are and how you want to have energy to play tomorrow. Tell them how you “cannot wait to play with them tomorrow.” This helps shift their train of thought, focusing on the reward (playing) and not the behavior (sleep). If you plan to wake them up early, tell them why… so they have EVEN MORE TIME TO PLAY! (Duh.)
Plan an easy, on-the-go breakfast. Great items for this may include: bananas, muffins, oatmeal, fresh or dried fruit, or granola bars (We LOVE This Saves Lives* bars).
Pro Tip: Have your child help set the table the night before. Ask your child what they would like to eat in the morning and have them help set it out. Again, only provide two options. This way, they get a choice and you’re happy with either. That’s a win-win.
Make sure you go to bed on time too.
Set Expectations Low and be Prepared to Go Slow
Photo by Sierra Wilde (R is wearing Merrell Bare Steps, above)
Better yet, don’t have any expectations to begin with. Have you ever seen a movie preview that was so amazing that you bought a ticket, only to feel let down once you saw the movie? Like all the great parts of the movie were in the preview and the rest was just meh, or maybe even awful? That’s what you will experience if you head to the trail hoping to catch a “gram-worthy” experience.
Patience is key. I often joke, in a low monotone, “500 years later,” but that is what it will feel like. Toddlers rarely walk in a straight line, they are definitely not in a hurry, and they get distracted easily. They aren’t doing any of it to upset, disobey, or test you.
Be prepared to stop a lot. Toddlers are naturally curious. They will stop to check out every single flower, pick up and throw rocks, scoop and drop sand, and more. They may stop for a few minutes or half an hour. Either way, it’s a lot easier, and more enjoyable for both of you, if you just let them play and explore. I often joke that the theme song for all toddlers is the first few lines from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, “What’s This?”
Toddlers are like Chihuahuas and adults are like Great Danes. They have little legs. For every one of your steps, they have to take like three… and that’s if they are actually walking in a straight line… which they most definitely are not. It’s no wonder they can’t make it very far before needing to rest or asking to be picked up.
Protect Your Child’s Skin and Eyes from Sun Damage
Photo by Sierra Wilde (R is in the Osprey Poco carrier, wearing STONZ toddler booties, above)
Cover what you can with loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed sun hat, neck gaiter, sun shirt, and lightweight, durable pants will help keep their sensitive skin protected.
Pro Tip: I love the Cat and Jack joggers, with their reinforced knees. You can find them at Target in the toddler section.
Do I need to buy SPF clothing? There is no need to buy “SPF” clothing. Any tightly-woven, long-sleeved top and pant that are made out of light-weight, “breathable” fabric will do the trick.
Pro Tip: Use an oversized (1-2 sizes larger than their current size) swim top, or rash guard. (Who doesn’t love dual-purpose items?!)
Make sure you bring their sunglasses. There is a direct relationship between cataract development and radiation exposure to the lens of the eye. The more direct sunlight on the lens of their eye = the more it will fog over.
Use mineral-based sunscreen for any areas left uncovered. Apply a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher (like Blue Lizard*). Make sure you set an alarm on your phone to remind you to reapply it every two hours.
Pro Tip: Make the alarm loud enough so that your toddler can hear it (Kids love timers!). This will help in creating a cue for the habit of reapplying it.
Use the sunshade on your carrier. It’s easier to set it up at the beginning of the hike, before they may need it, than to remember to stop and put it up later. Plus it’s more of a hassle to get up once they are sitting in the pack.
Pick a trail that is mostly shaded from the sun. This will help limit direct exposure and help keep their bodies cooler. They have less surface area (skin) and, therefore, have a harder time regulating their body temperature (via sweat).
Avoid nature walks between 10am and 4pm, when possible. The sun’s rays are the strongest during this window. I will admit, however, that our winter walks usually fall between 10am and 11am. Any earlier than that and it’s just too darn cold out!
Be Prepared to Navigate a Trail Tantrum Like a Pro
Patience and understanding are key. Their frontal lobe isn’t developed. Therefore, they have basically zero impulse control and little-to-no control over their emotions, and, therefore, do not understand adult logic.
Teach them how to be a good friend, even when they don’t want to. For example: We are kind to our friends and wait for them when they fall behind, we take turns leading the group, we share our trail snacks with our friends, and we don’t poke our friends with sticks or throw rocks at them when they aren’t looking. Toddlers, at their core, aren’t intentionally being mean. They are either trying to get attention, are curious what will happen, or learned the behavior from someone prior. It’s your job to intervene and teach them to make good, kind choices.
Pro Tip: It helps to have mom friends with similar values and parenting styles. You can also use books from the library to augment building good character.
Toddlers can sense weakness. It’s their job to test your boundaries. It’s your job to hold them. So if you say “y” will happen if they do “x,” then “y” better happen if “x” does. Every. Single. Time. And when “x” and “y” inevitably play out, remind them (in a calm voice, at their eye level) that “y” is happening because they did “x.”
Bring your toolbox. I gravitate towards two tactics when my toddler decides to focus on something. Redirection is my favorite tool. Validation is my fall-back. And I often use redirection after I validate their feelings.
When all else fails, understand that toddlers, and young children, are like little ducklings. Where you go, they will be sure to follow (at least this is the case with neurotypical children). Warning: There will be cries of hysteria, but once you stop and let them catch up, offering a warm hug and comforting words, they will calm down and be ready to continue on… while holding your hand to ensure you don’t leave them behind again (Wipe that smug smile off your face before they see it!).
Make it a F.U.S.S. Free Experience
Photo by Sierra Wilde
Fun
Act excited before, during, and after
Play a game, or two, or three
Be positive, present, and engaging
Uniform
Pick a trail that is mostly flat (i.e. no steep inclines or declines)
Short
Account for your child’s age, ability, current attitude, how tired they are, and whether or not they will be in the carrier, walking, or a combination of the two
Aim for 0.3 - 1 mile long if they don’t like being in a carrier or stroller
Always end on a good note, BEFORE they are ready to leave
Special
Offering a special treat after a nature walk is a great way to build excitement and reward your toddler for their effort, especially when first introducing your child to nature walks
Pro Tip: Pack the same treat, like a bag of fruit snacks or a “special drink” (e.g. strawberry-flavored electrolytes*), in their backpack and/or the car EVERY SINGLE TIME. Never offer this snack any other time other than after a nature walk. For super hot days, treat them with an ice cream instead.
