There are a lot of things that make hiking in the winter with a baby difficult. Diaper changes might be one of the most tricky. With the freezing temperatures and all the layers, you might be asking yourself how to change your baby’s diaper on a winter hike. I have a few tips to share that might hopefully make it a little more doable!
Timing is Everything
The best place to change a diaper when you’re out for a winter hike is at the car. You have a nice dry spot to lay your baby down and it’s protected. So I always make sure to do a diaper change before even hitting the trail. Often times, I don’t need to change another diaper the whole hike when I do this.
This is especially true as your baby gets older and requires less diaper changes. If you’re on the trail for a few hours, you can most likely be get by with just changing them at the car before and after your hike.
Bring Diaper Changing Essentials
One of the best item I invested in was my Thermarest Z Seat. I mostly use it to sit on when I nurse my baby. But it has turned out to be the perfect diaper changing pad for winter hikes. It’s lightweight and folds up nice and small. I just stick it in the side pocket of my pack for easy access. (See all my winter hiking essentials here)
Another essential when it comes to diaper changes is jammies that unzip from the bottom. This is so helpful when it’s freezing outside because you are able to at least keep your baby’s upper body covered and a little warmer.
Extend the Time Between Diaper Changes
Something I learned when Kirk was a newborn and I was trying to stretch those short windows of sleep, was to put a little cream on his butt to create a barrier from his poop/pee. It totally worked and helped him sleep longer.
I do this now whenever we go hiking. I will put a little bit of cream on his butt to prevent diaper rash and keep him from being uncomfortable. It must be working well because I rarely have to change his diaper on the trail now!
Changing your baby’s diaper on a winter hike is tricky but not impossible. Of course, be smart and don’t expose your baby to the elements if they are too harsh. Young babies especially have a hard time regulating their temperature and need to be well clothed. If you need to, do shorter hikes and stick closer to your car so you can do diaper changes in a shielded area.
When you get out there, you will find what works best for you and your baby. Doing is the best way to learn. So get out for those winter hikes with your baby and enjoy it!
If you thought this post was helpful, check out some of my other posts about motherhood on the trail:
Thanks , I have just been searching for information about thistopic for a while and yours is the best I’ve discoveredso far. But, what about the bottom line? Areyou sure in regards to the source?
Sorry, not really sure what you’re asking. Are you wondering why I said people should get out there and try it so they can figure it out on their own?