Hiking Safely with Your Baby in the Winter

A common concern for parents is whether or not their babies can be outside when it is literally freezing. Well I’m here to tell you that if you prepare and follow some important rules of thumb, then yes! You can absolutely go hiking with your baby in the winter.

Now, I am not a doctor, medical professional, or a hypothermia expert. So make sure to use some common sense and ask your doctor if you have any concerns about your child being out in very cold weather. Always trust your mama gut and don’t feel bad for asking questions!

Wear the Proper Layers for Winter Hiking

The number one most important thing to do to keep your baby safe and happy on winter hikes is to dress them in the proper layers. I go over this in-depth in my post How to Dress Your Baby for Winter Hikes. But to summarize:

• Make sure to dress them like you would if you were sitting out in the cold, plus an extra layer.
• A base layer, mid layer, and weatherproof layer are the key layers to have.
• Don’t use cotton materials. Cotton holds onto moisture, won’t dry, and can lead to hypothermia.
• Do not forget a head covering. Babys’ heads are a large portion of their body and they can lose a lot of heat from there.

Check on Your Baby

Throughout your hike, check on them to make sure they are warm enough. It’s also important to note that you should make sure they aren’t so warm that they are sweating. If they cool down, you don’t want them to be wet as this can lead to hypothermia.

The best way to check their temperature is by feeling their chest or the top of their back. It should feel warm, not cold or hot and sweaty. Check their feet and hands as well. It’s okay if they are cool, but again, you don’t want them to be really cold or white.

Learn to Recognize Danger Signs

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a very real danger when going into the backcountry and it’s something that you should be aware of. There are a few key indicators of hypothermia you want to look out for. (I will include the ones that are most helpful when trying to recognize it in a baby)

• Shivering
• Being very tired and hard to wake up
• Bright red, cold skin

If you do notice these signs, take action right away. If you are close to your car, head for it immediately. Make sure to take off any wet clothing. Nurse them if you are able to, as warm fluids will help raise their temperature.

Frostbite

Frostbite is another thing you want to look out for. This most commonly affects the extremities, like the fingers, nose, ears and toes. If you see these areas turning white, do what you can to warm them right away. Hand warmers can be helpful, or just putting the cold areas on your own warm skin will help as well.

Be Over Prepared when Winter Hiking

When hiking in the winter with your baby, hypothermia and frostbite are real concerns. However, They are concerns you can prepare for and prevent.

• Bring extra layers and keep them in your car.
• Check the weather before hitting the trail.
• And the most important piece of advice- Tell someone (or more!) where you will be going and how long you expect to be gone.

I always like to have extra fleece jammies in the car. Not only is it nice in case I forgot to bring them in the first place, it’s a warm layer I can change my baby into if he were to get wet for some reason. Extra socks are another great layer to bring with you on your hike. They don’t add much weight, but are a lifesaver if their first pair of socks get wet.

If you know what the weather is going to be like, you are setting yourself up for a successful hike. The weather can always be a little unpredictable in the backcountry, so make sure to bring a few things that will help you if it decides to rain or snow on you. I always have our Osprey Poco pack rain cover with us on the trail. Not only does it protect against rain and snow, but also cold winds. It is one of my favorite pieces of gear.

Don’t let fear stop you from hiking in the winter with your baby. You’ve done your research, so now it’s time to follow these tips and get out there!