12 Essentials for Hiking with a Newborn

Join me in gearing up for the trail! Below, I'm sharing my list of the 12 essentials for hiking with a newborn and some tips to make this process easier! Feel free to pin, save, or share this checklist with fellow hiking mamas who may need the reminder or gear list.

I always try my best to pack most of my gear the evening before the hike. This makes your morning less stressful and you're less likely to forget an important item this way.

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Soft shell carrier

I love the Ergobaby Omni Dream. It's so comfortable and can be worn for multiple hours without readjusting. It has head support for when you want to hike with your little 1-5 month old and your little babe can't hold their head very steady for long and while on uneven terrain.

Pack

That's right Mama, the days of running up a mountain with just a water bladder and a granola bar in your pocket is kind of... over! That's okay though, because now you get to share the beautiful outdoors with your little babe! I hike with my Osprey Tempest 40L pack. It's lightweight enough to use for a day hike to carry all of your supplies but not bulky. It's breathable and flexible for any trail that lies ahead.

Trekking Poles

Poles are a non-negotiable. You never want to fall with a newborn. You don't have to spend a lot of money on poles. Amazon has some great finds for under $50. Personally, I use the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles.

Diapers/Wipes

I pack 1 diaper/2 hours of hiking. If I'm hiking for 8 hours I'll pack 4 diapers total. It may seem excessive but you definitely don't want to run out! They are also very lightweight so not a concern there. As for wipes, I use a reusable wipes container like this.

Bear Spray & Knife

This seems self explanatory. Always protect yourself and be safe out there, no matter what season it is! Bear spray can save your life with a variety of dangers out there and protection is crucial.

First Aid Kit

I never go hiking without my mini adventurers first aid kit. There are a ton of options out there. You can just carry the basics! Doesn't have to be heavy or super expensive.

Water Bladder & Filter

I always carry a minimum of 1.5 litre bladder on a hike. If it's a longer hike, I'll be sure to fill up my 3 litre bladder. You can never have enough water!

Layers & Change of Clothes

As a Mama, I'm sure you always have a change of clothes with you for your babe - so don't forget to pack some for the hike! As for layers, Iksplor Base Layers (ADVENTUREWITHKAT) at checkout for 10% off) work fantastic for keeping your babe warm! We also love our Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Infant sleeping bag for when we are hanging out during the hike for extra warmth.

On days that you need more warmth, make sure to get a good fleece bunting for your babe such as the Columbia Foxy Baby Sherpa Bunting. This will ensure your little one stays warm even if it's a colder day and it's so snuggly it'll make them want to nap. Also, if you are hiking in the mountains don't forget to bring a snowsuit for your child. We love the Columbia Powder Lite Reversible snowsuit! It's soft, easy to get off for diaper changes with a two way zip and it's easy to pack down for travel!

Satellite Phone

My family carries a Garmin inReach Mini 2 on our hikes. This device is a compact, lightweight satellite communicator which enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally. You can share your location with loved ones back home at any time by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages.

Dirty Diaper/Clothes Bag

Pro tip, I use dog poop bags. I'm already carrying them for our dog, Lily. They work perfectly! You can also use a wet/dry waste bag created to hold messes made by little babes until you can find a trash can.

Milk/Formula/Bottles

Don't forget lunch! The longest I've hiked with my newborn son is 6.5 hours. I packed 3 Avent bottles. I usually use the 1:2 ratio here, same as the diapers! I pack 1 bottles for every 2 hours of hiking!

Rain & Sun Cover

You want your little babe to be protected from harsh elements. The Ergobaby Omni Dream has a built in sun cover which I think is amazing and have used often even just to break the wind! Most Osprey Child Carriers will also have rain covers and sun protection. Don't forget to pack a small tube of baby sunscreen!

Here is a compact list of all of these items for you to print off, keep handy on your phone or send to another hiking mama! Download the PDF for clickable links to everything I use for hiking with my newborn baby and an easy print format!

And lastly mama, if you're hesitant about heading outdoors with your little one - there are a ton of outdoor hiking groups for Mamas & their babies so you never have to feel alone while you're out there!

Look online for a hiking group for mamas and babies in your local area! It's a great way to meet moms that have similar interests as you.

Happy hiking mamas!