Toddlers on the Trail

This is a great question. Do you? Do you not? What are the costs? The benefits? The upsides and downsides?

Some ‘experts’ say if they can walk, they can hike. Yet you must be intentional in your planning and make sure the trail is doable with a toddler. However, no matter how much you think your toddler can walk a trail, be prepared to carry them. Carry them when they are tired. Carry them when they are grumpy. Carry them when they are asleep. Be prepared.

Here are a few things to ponder …

• Pick the right trail … on the easy side, avoid dangerous spots (kids will often roam off) … less up and down a hill (avoid trips, falls, tiresome legs)
• Pick the right time … if they have a regular nap time, plan around that
• Start as easy as possible … start with a paved nature trail, maybe with play areas near the trail head
• Pack the right supplies … snacks, wipes, diapers, bags, first aid for boo-boos, extra socks for when they jump in the creek, and lots of water to drink
• Pick the right pack (toddler carrier that is) … a great tool is the baby carrier, like a backpack that carries the kid in it … they can have a great viewpoint, they can go to sleep; and good carriers even can be taken off the back and used a chair
• Have a small backpack for your kid, and a colorful water bottle … they love to be like the big people, and this connects them
• Make sure to have them notice and enjoy and identify the wonderful aspects of nature … colors, variety, everything

We can learn many a lesson in all our doings with other people …

• When dealing with any project, planning is important
• When dealing with people, know their circumstances in life (nap schedules, family details, expectations)
• When helping people, make sure you’ve got all the right equipment to help them
• When taking care of people, make sure you have all the right supplies

Even a toddler on the trail can teach us a thing or two.