a couple of things - let the young adventurer out of the pack occasionally so she/he can crawl around in the dirt some - or toddle if already ambulatory. Also, you have to regulate the kids' temperature for them, as in adjusting clothes to make sure they are comfortable. I found I really had to pay attention to this - it's easy for the kid to be hot when you are cold, or vice versa, since when you are carrying them you are working hard and they are not, and if you stop to let them crawl/toddle around, then they are working hard and you are not. Go slow, and stop often.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
On the home page of this site, there's an excellent article by Penny S. on backpacking with children here.
From my own experience--feel the kid's body, not feet and hands (which are normally cool). It's as easy to overdress the poor kid as to underdress. But check frequently, especially if the child starts to fuss. After all, riding in a carrier he won't be nearly as warm as you are carrying him!
Edited by OregonMouse (09/14/0902:50 AM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
It has been many years, but I took my kids backpacking when they were just over a year old. It is best to have another adult along. Babies really have to be closely watched - difficult to do when trying to set up camp and cook. I found it really hard to do by myself. I did one trip alone with my 2 year old and 4 year old and it was not fun at all! I did a 5-day trip with a 16-month old with two lady friends and it was a really nice trip. I also did a 3 day trip with a 6 month old, husband and buddy - who both took off fishing the minute we hit camp - and this also was not fun for me. The person you take with you has to really buy into sharing in the child care duties. We did a big family trip - a week with a 16-month old, 3 year old, 5 yr old, and two 8 year olds and six adults. This was a great trip. The kids really entertained each other and we had lots of adult supervision.
The other big thing are bugs - babies have no defense against mosquitoes and I am not keen on slathering a baby with DEET. I always took the babies backpacking well after mosquito season.
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