My intention had always been to get my little ones introduced to the outdoors as early as possible. Knowing it would be impossible to baby proof all the hiking trails around our home, I had to come up with a plan to keep the toddlers as safe as possible.
Supervision is always the first line of defense. Toddlers love to pick things up and put them in their mouths. Keep your toddler within constant view and within easy reach at all times. If you desire to stop and divert your attention to something interesting, do it while holding your toddlers hand so they can't wonder off.
Long pants and a long sleeve shirt along with a hat will not only help to prevent sunburn, it can help if the toddler accidentally brushes against poison oak or poison ivy.
Sunscreen should be applied to toddlers prior to heading out. Experts recommend zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are considered to be "sun blocks". Speak to your pediatrician about what sunscreen and bug repellent they recommend for use on your toddler. Some insect repellents containing DEET should not be used on children under a certain age and should not be used by pregnant women.
Water should be carried along on even the shortest hikes. Always carry more than you think you will need.
Take along the toddler's favorite snacks and use them as a reward to keep the toddler walking. I walk with a bag of the little crackers that look like fish and my little one seems to keep up with me just to get the next cracker out of the bag.
Stop often and let the toddler explore while you supervise. Many children find the act of exploring even more enjoyable than the actual hike.
I wear a whistle and use it to alert the little ones to stop if they start to venture out further than I would like. Teach them to stop as soon as they hear the whistle.
Always carry your cell phone. Your first outings will probably be in areas that have cell coverage. In an emergency, a cell phone can be one of your most useful tools.
Take a class in infant and child CPR. Babies and toddlers choke on food as well as small items they pick up and put in their mouths. This is something you should do even if you never journey further than your own backyard.
Keep an eye on the weather, if things start to change for the worse, heading back to the car might be the prudent thing to do.
Take along the necessary changing items such as diapers and spare clothes. Remember a zip lock bag to take the soiled diapers back with you.
Your first aid kit should always be along with you any time you leave home. On hiking trails you may want to add a few items such as: Sting relief pads, an ace bandage and antiseptic wash. This may be another good topic to discuss with your pediatrician.
Take the 10 Essentials with you on all hikes and walks. While there have been several versions of the 10 essentials, the original list created by the mountaineers is still the cornerstone list for most hikers and backpackers. The list is as follows:
1.Navigation (map & compass)
2.Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
3.Insulation (extra clothing)
4.Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5.First-aid supplies
6.Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
7.Repair kit and tools
8.Nutrition (extra food)
9.Hydration (extra water)
10.Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tent/garbage bag)
Believe it or not, the Mountaineers left spare diapers off the list, how forgetful!
Enjoy the great outdoors with your little ones...
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