Hiking with a toddler can be a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it requires some extra planning and patience. With the right approach, you can make hiking a fun and memorable experience for both you and your little one. Here are some top tips for hiking with a toddler to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
(Also see my “hiking with a baby” for additional useful info).
The Right Carrier
Make sure you have a suitable carrier and fits to your needs (see separate post for more advice on this). We love our Osprey Poco Plus (https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-poco-plus-2020).
Choose Toddler-Friendly Trails
Whilst you will likely be carrying them in a suitable carrier, it’s probably your toddler will want to walk some of the way / you might want them to walk some of the way. For this you need to make sure that the trail is suitable for them.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure your toddler has suitable shoes and clothes if they are going to hike. If you’re going to go on a lot it might be worthwhile investing in some hiking shoes/boots. Otherwise if it’s cold O wears his Bogs (wonderfully warm, comfortable and waterproof) or his trainers with good grip if it’s warm and dry.
Potty training
If you are potty training or have a potty trained toddler then you need to consider how they will “toilet” when out and about. A taught O how to do stand up wees in the wild which unfortunately backfired on us when it was all he wanted to do at the top of a busy mountain playground in Austria. We carried a “potette plus” (https://potette.co.uk/product/potette-plus/) with us for sit down wees and no.2s. They aren’t the tiniest thing to carry around but they are a lot smaller than another carry potty we have and we were able to fit it in our backpack carrier with ease. We bought a second hand one from Vinted (we get a lot of child related items from Vinted).
Make it fun
It’s one thing keeping a baby entertained with a toy but you need to keep a toddler happy with other ways. We choose hikes in Austria that had kid activities along the way but these aren’t always readily available. You can make anything into a game such as counting how many sheep you can see, or who can race to the nearest tree first. We find we sing a lot of songs on our hikes.
Pack the Essentials
Bring a well-stocked backpack with all the essentials for your hike:
- Snacks and Water: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your toddler energized and hydrated. Easy-to-eat options like fruit, crackers, and oat bars work well.
- Extra Clothes: Toddlers can get messy quickly, so bring a change of clothes, extra socks, and a light jacket in case of weather changes.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect your toddler’s sensitive skin with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses if possible.
- First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
- Nappies and Wipes: If your toddler is still in nappies, don’t forget to bring extras along with wipes for quick cleanups.
Set Realistic Expectations
Keep in mind that hiking with a toddler will be slower and might involve frequent stops. Embrace the pace and allow your toddler to explore their surroundings. Be prepared to cut the hike short if your child becomes tired or restless.
Take Frequent Breaks
Toddlers have limited endurance, so plan to take regular breaks for rest, snacks, and exploring. Use these breaks to hydrate, recharge, and let your toddler run around and play.
Keep Safety in Mind
Always keep your toddler within arm’s reach, especially near water, steep drops, or uneven terrain. Teach them basic trail rules like staying on the path and avoiding touching plants or animals that could be harmful.
Plan Around Nap Times
If possible, plan your hike around your toddler’s nap schedule to avoid meltdowns. Starting your hike right after a nap or snack can ensure your toddler is well-rested and in a good mood for the adventure.
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