There is magic in the winter months, whether you're embracing the weather and hiking or getting cozy indoors. I am a hiking mom in the Canadian Rockies. My name is Adrianna Skori. I am the Founder and CEO of Kids Who Explore. I have a deep love and passion for getting outside with my baby. Today, I am sharing 7 of my best winter hiking tips with a baby!
*Disclaimer: use your own discretion and comfort zone when hiking in the winter with your baby. The answers that I share below come from my experience of my motherhood journey in the mountains. If you are here reading this, I am sure we share the same love for nature and hiking, and I hope to see you out on the trail. Either physically or virtually. PS- there are a couple of affiliate links added on the gear photos to provide KWE with a small kickback. Thank you for your support in advance.
1. Winter Hiking Tips with a Baby: What kind of unique gear might you need?
Ice cleats! I never leave the house in the winter without my ice cleats. Their grip and traction on the trail make me feel comfortable and safe when carrying my baby, which I pack using the Osprey Poco child carrier.
Ice Cleats for traction
Hiking Poles for balance
Snowshoes for snow-covered trails
A fun, family-friendly activity that we also enjoy is snowshoeing. The snow shoes are cleats with a big footprint for snowy days. What sometimes starts as a hike turns into a snowshoe partway through the trail. So, either ice cleats or snow shoes keep us adventuring all winter long.
2. How do you layer baby up (and you) for the cold?
Warm layers keep the chill away. I layer my baby using the three-layer rule:
First, merino wool base layer and socks.
Second, fleece bunting.
Third, down-filled puffy bunting.
Accessories to include: toque, gloves, hand warmers, neck warmer, and booties.
If I could get away with wearing an adult bunting, I would! I wear layers similar to my baby's and mostly live in my Merino wool base layers during the winter months. I love the Kari Traa base layers.
Remember to temperature check! I check my baby's temperature by using two fingers behind his neck to ensure he isn't too cold or too warm. I also feel for warmth in his feet and hands.
Here are the 3 layers to start with:
First Layer: Merino Wool
Mid-Layer: Fleece Bunting
Outer- Layer: Down Bunting
3. How cold is too cold?
In Alberta, we do experience some extremely cold winter days, but we do seize the opportunity to hit the trail on mild days. For us, -15 degrees Celsius and warmer is within our comfort zone. Wind-chill is an important factor for us, we always pay very close attention to what the temperature feels like with the wind.
In short, we do not hike on super windy days. Most babies hate the wind, and my baby falls into that category. Yes, we have been those people with screams coming from the carrier just moments beyond the parking lot.
We opt for indoor activities if the temperature is any cooler than our -15 degrees Celsius marker. On those cold days, we stay inside and cozy, and we are happy with that choice.
4. Where to hike? How to Plan?
We choose family-friendly hikes as far away from avalanche zones as possible. As such, we tend to choose more urban hikes and read many trail reviews before heading out on the trail during the winter. We visit the Alberta Parks website to ensure the trail is open and that there aren't any warnings for spotted wildlife or other potential dangers.
I love using the All Trails app to map out the trail and get directions to the trailhead. I often google reviews or ask fellow hiking families in my area to share their winter trail recommendations, too. We still venture into the mountains but typically stick to trails that have lots of traffic and are close to indoor facilities.
5. How long should the hike be?
I prefer to hike 2 hours or less in the winter because the cold air makes my baby's cheeks red and his nose a little runny. A one-hour hike is perfect for us.
Staying within your comfort zone during the winter will make the hike more enjoyable for you and your baby.
6. How do you manage diaper changes and feedings on the trail?
I always change my baby at the trailhead before and after the hike in the truck. Yes, my vehicle is an 'adventure wagon' or a 'nursery on wheels,' but it makes us feel like we can adapt to each adventure. I pack all the essential supplies with plenty of extras and sometimes in piles throughout the car. Go easy on yourself! No need to have everything perfectly organized at all times. Sometimes, it really is about just being in the moment and surrounded by the chaos. Being a "HOT MESS" is just how you feel when layering up and layering down in the winter. In fact, sweating before the hike is just how it goes!
Feeding on demand is how we always fly. My baby was breastfed and bottle-fed, so I experienced the convenience of both on chilly days. Managing bottle sanitizing and formula got pretty messy. I breastfed on the side of the trail and would sometimes use my summit z-seat by Therm-a-rest to sit on during feeding times. Kojo makes amazing merino wool nursing tops to stay nice and warm on the trail.
7. How to manage expectations?
Say goodbye to the expectations!
Or just focus on being in the present moment no matter what is thrown your way. There is no way to control the weather, traffic, wildlife, trail conditions, or many other things that could possibly go wrong on your adventure. Seriously though, the law of attraction concept is so real on hike days!
If you have a rough start to the morning, like a blowout, getting covered in oatmeal, or poop when you're already late to meet your hiking friends at the trail, things can really spiral out of control without an attitude reset. I always find a way to laugh at the chaos, allow a time range for our ETA, and focus on what is going well. Reward yourself with a hot coffee in a to-go mug as you leave your home. Nature will take care of the rest!
Be quick to turn back and trust those gut feelings. We are all hard on ourselves, and there is nothing to prove when hiking with your baby. Winter roads can be awful, snowfall warnings can be sudden, and temperatures can drop rapidly.
Hiking with a baby in any season is no easy feat. Just getting layered can feel like a hike. I promise that it is all completely worth it! When that first snowflake lands on your baby, magic happens. They are in awe of this world, and it is so amazing to experience winter in all of its glory with your curious little one learning about the world.
Follow @adriannaadventures for more outdoor inspiration and hiking fun!
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