Hiking with baby
This weekend we went for a hike with some friends and our sweet Lizzy Grace. We had a blast. Lizzy smiled the whole time...and then fell asleep. I have no idea how she managed, but it was so precious. This is our second time using our Osprey carrier and she's fallen asleep both times! I just wanted to share some of the pictures we took and a few tips for hiking with little ones.
Also, if you're near Des Moines, Iowa, check out Summerset State Park/Banner Lakes. It is just south of Des Moines about 5 miles. You'll forget you're in Iowa. Park at the very first parking lot you see when you go in. There is a trail that starts across from the parking lot, just before the tree line. Jump on it and go. It's super easy to follow!
Here we are, just out of the car and ready to go!
Tip #1: If you can, get a sweet carrier. This carrier from Osprey is fan-freakin-tastic (Amazon and Aunt Marie for the win!). We're still figuring out how to get adjusted perfectly (Lizzy likes to slouch off to one side), but it makes everything so much easier. When she was littler, we had great luck with the Ergo for hiking.
Tip #2: Start small. We walked about 5 miles this day, but previously we went for shorter hikes and we got her out of the carrier a few times to breastfeed.
This was her face the whole time. She just loves being outside!
Tip #3: Start after a nap and eating. Lizzy had just woken up and I fed her in the car before we started. Guaranteed better results.
Tip #4: Diaper...change it before you go...
Tip #5: Bring an extra hat, diaper, etc. This is a do as I say, not as I do tip. I always leave everything in the car and then beat myself up the whole hike because baby needed _____. Don't be like me. You'll see in the next picture that I forgot the hat. So she wore mine. Eh.
Tip #6: Just get started. If your baby hates the carrier right when you put him/her in it, don't give up. Start walking. Babies love the movement, not necessarily the carrier.
Annnnddd...she gone. She falls asleep everytime. I love how much she trusts us and relies on us. I think that's what Jesus is talking about when he says to have humility like a child. To know fully that we can't provide for ourselves and to trust him with peace in our hearts.
Tip #7: Go slow and have fun. Lizzy always responds to our moods. If she can tell we're having fun- laughing, goofing around, she has fun too. If we're stressed or hiking too fast, she gets crabby.
