Your Fool-Proof Guide To Getting Your Family Out the Door This Winter

I’m from Wisconsin and though we’ve had a warm winter so far, winter usually means lots of snow, cold temps and short days. I’ve been an avid hiker for much of my life and thought I knew what I was doing out there, but then, I had a kid! Making sure a toddler is warm and dry on the trail is something I never accounted for and frankly don’t wish on anyone, but if you are like me and want to take your tiny lunatic out on the trail, here are some helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.  Layers Are Key First things first. LAYERS! I cannot stress this one enough. It’s almost impossible to tell what combination of clothing is going to work on any given day until we actually hit the trail. A sunny patch of trail and a cooperative toddler may mean we are both working up a sweat. However, a damp day with a slight wind may require that extra weird sweatshirt from your in-laws that got stuffed into the bottom of the backpack for “emergencies”. Well, this is an emergency. Break that bad boy out! Specifically, I suggest a pair of insulated and waterproof snow pants and a jacket. A hat, scarf, waterproof boots and gloves. Along with sunhat and sunglasses for those extra sunny days.  For more information on layering for chilly outings, check out this article. Conquer Your Enemy: Gloves Next, since we are on the subject of gloves already, let me be blunt. They are the nemesis of toddler winter wear! Toddlers hate them because they are restricting and keep them from picking things up. Mothers hate them because toddlers hate them. They are constantly pulling them off, losing them in the snow and exposing those cute, tiny fingers to the elements ...which is the whole point in wearing gloves in the first place!  Am I yelling? I feel like I’m yelling. *takes a deep breath* Anyway, one solution I’ve found is to bring several pairs of gloves and, in the event that they get lost in a snowbank, not to get too emotionally attached. I have found that Snowstopper gloves are great for staying on and keeping the cold and snow out. However, they do not have fingers which is a major source of frustration for my toddler, depending on his mood, so I recommend keeping a pair of those knit gloves on hand. We called them “magic mittens” growing up. They are usually sold at places like Target or Shopko in a 12 pack. Use them like tissues my friends and when those little fingers get too cold to handle it put the Snowstoppers back on or have a third pair (yea, that’s right...a THIRD pair) of big, dry, fluffy gloves to slip on over those cold fingers.  Whew! Who knew there was so much to say about gloves?! Toddlers. That’s who.  Snacks, Snacks, Snacks Lastly, and possibly most important, I’d like to talk about snacks. Beside, trucks and trains, this is the single biggest motivator for my kid. Having enough fuel on the trail on cold and windy days is especially important to keep everyone warm and functioning.  At this point, my son has the vocabulary to tell me if he’s hungry, cold, tired, whatever, but not necessarily the wherewithal to express it. Usually by the time he notices we are already deep into a meltdown. Being proactive with snacks on the trail tends to keep us out longer. I have found that having enough food on the trail and for the car ride home makes the difference between a day where we just managed to get out and a day where we got out and really enjoyed ourselves. On that note, foods that can be easily held with a gloved hand are best. Things like long carrots sticks, bananas and pretzel rods are great. Also, fruit bars. Not because they are easy to hold but because they are relentlessly sticky! They can’t drop what won’t fall, I say. Last, pro snack tip, if you have the energy and forethought, tea is an amazing addition to any winter hike! My toddler loves everything about it. It’s warm, he can pour it himself, our thermos comes with a tiny toddler-sized cup and it’s delicious. Plus, it provides the perfect opportunity to take a break, sit down and enjoy the scenery. These are my best tips to prepare for your next winter hike but I am certain there are other tricks out there I don’t know about, so please, in the name of toddlers everywhere, share them in the comments! Toddlers are happy when they have friends to hike with. Connect with a community of parents and caregivers that are happy to hike with you and your toddler, no matter the situation (because they get it!). Find a Hike it Baby Branch in your area today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Images courtesy of Stephanie Jacobson and Deanna Curry.

“There’s no bad weather as long as you’ve got the right gear.” For the most part, this is true. But with snow flying in much of the northern U.S., what is the “right” gear? Even for some of the most seasoned outdoor people, getting outside in the winter with your babies and toddlers can present a challenge. Some of the age old advice ring true. Wear layers. Avoid cotton as a base layer. But the gear you consider essential to a safe, fun adventure will likely change when your little ones are along for the ride. And even more so if you’re newer to hiking, let alone adventuring in winter weather. So let’s break it down. Here's essential gear for getting outside with your littles this winter. LAYERS First – a note on layers. The rule of thumb for layering is that you want three main layers: a non-cotton base layer, a warmer insulating layer, and a wind- or water-proof layer. The makeup of these is up to you, and largely contingent on the severity of your winter weather. Adults If you’re a nursing mama, you’ll want to factor this into your adventuring layers. Lots of moms like to have a stretchy or nursing tank, a great wool or fleece layer and an oversized coat to wear over their carrier. If you’re wearing your little one in a carrier like the Onya, keep in mind that the carrier will provide quite a bit of insulation/heat. See also: 5 Comfy and Cozy Winter Carriers for Babywearing Kids Layers for your kiddos follow the same basic rule of thumb as for adults. However, fleece sleepers make a great base layer for those not doing a lot of walking just yet. Consider wool as a great insulating layer. Luv Mother has some awesome wool clothing layers for kids that you’ll definitely want to check out. (Want to know why wool is so awesome? Read more here!) Or if you prefer to avoid wool, Boody Eco Wear has some fantastic options for you and your kids alike. Infants Layering ideas for infants include those fabulous fleece-footed sleeper pajamas as a base layer, old wool socks with the feet cut off (after you’ve worn through them) as leg and arm warmers (or, of course, Luv Mother or Boody Eco Wear) and a nice fleece bunting. (The carrier will often serve as the top layer, here.) See also: Winter Hiking - How to Layer for Infants OUTERWEAR Adults What you need will depend largely on your winter weather severity, but a great winter jacket that has side vents to help release excess heat will come in handy, especially if you’re wearing your child in front. Lots of retailers carry these in a variety of sizes. Remember as you shop, you’ll want to size up if you plan to zip your child and carrier inside your coat or if you have a baby bump to cover. Not wearing your kiddo inside your coat? Get one that fits well and allows for a few layers underneath without being too tight. Snow pants come in handy too, whether dropping to your knees to help build a snowman or finding a lost treat in the snow. A great alternative is a snow skirt like the Skhoop  – they provide insulation, but offer a different look and fit. Kids You’ll want to make sure your kids have quality outerwear for playing in the snow. Oaki is a brand we love! They have some awesome jackets  and snow pants  that fit the bill for just about any climate. FOOTWEAR Adults Great winter boots with awesome traction like Keen are an absolute must. If snow and ice are a consideration, consider ice grippers like Yaktrax, which fit over your boots and provide additional traction in less than optimal conditions. Kids As with adults, great footwear is essential for kids. And again, Oaki wins here with some awesome winter options. For those who need a great snow or winter boot, you’ll want to check out their selection! However, if you live somewhere where winter isn’t as long or as harsh, or where there’s a longer shoulder season, you’ll also love their neoprene snow/rain boots, which, as a bonus, come in fabulous patterns your kids will love! Infants A bunting may suffice, but some soft booties to help block the wind may also come in handy! HEAD AND HAND WEAR A warm hat that covers your ears and a nice pair of gloves are key. Mittens may be easy-on/easy-off, but gloves will allow you to avoid fumbling with buckles and zippers. Plus, for the adults, some gloves have a special pad on the index finger to allow smart phone use, critical for those spontaneous photos and selfies! Hand warmers can also be a great help! EXTRA ESSENTIALS Adults Adults on trail will want to have some additional gear. A soft-structured carrier like the Onya is great for a variety of body types. But if you prefer the fit of a hard-frame pack or want something with a bit more room to fit your kiddo’s layers in, Deuter makes some much-loved hard-frame carriers and covers. You may also prefer to use a stroller, and we love BOB. They have several models of all-terrain strollers, which offer kiddos a great ride whether on pavement (be it ice-covered or not) or off. One of the bonuses of BOB strollers is the variety of pockets where you can stash your kid's – and your own – snacks, drinks and other essential items. Anyone carrying their child will also want to consider hiking poles. Even if you’re not planning any significant winter climbs, a set of hiking poles will come in handy to provide extra support and help prevent falls while your little one is on board. Additional gear essentials may include snowshoes and sleds to make the most of the snowy season! FOR EVERYONE Stay warm with those self-heating hand warmers! (Hint: Crack them open before you get to the trailhead to ensure they warm up in time!) These also come in handy to drop inside the bottom of your infant's bunting to help generate heat for their small toes. If it’s especially chilly and you’re wanting to get out, stave off chapped cheeks by applying a layer of cold cream to create a barrier between sensitive skin and the cold air! And don’t forget your snacks and drinks for on trail! READ MORE: Winter layering options for moms Winter hiking – How to layer for infants Easy baby snacks for the trail  Have any great winter hiking gear we haven’t shared here? Please tell us what you love in the comments! Photo credits: Kendra Reeder, Jennifer Campbell, Ashley Scheider