OutGrown Blog

We know that getting outside is good for us. Whether you are facing times of great uncertainty, stress, and sadness or you are just looking to get some fresh air, nature can help. However, it can be hard to find the motivation to step outside with the intention to enjoy nature when we have so much on our plates inside. That’s where participating in a challenge with like-minded people can make a big difference! Enter the Hike it Baby 30 challenge. This bi-annual fundraiser and member-based challenge encourages families across the globe to get their babies and children outside more frequently for 30 days in the months of April and September. Whether you choose to strive for 30 miles in 30 days or 30 minutes outside 3 times a week, you can truly make the challenge fit the needs of your family!   Outdoor Activities to Get you Started Not sure what to do with the kids once you get them outside? We’re here to help! We have compiled this list of 30 things you can do outside in 30 minutes. And you won’t even need to set foot in your car or leave your neighborhood to do any of them! Take a walk around your neighborhood. You can even create a fun neighborhood scavenger hunt for the kiddos to complete. Items cans include things unique to your neighborhood such as a house with a red door, a garden gnome, a bench, etc. Go for a bike ride around your neighborhood. Practice family-friendly nature yoga in nature.   “Paint” with mud or water. See what masterpieces your kiddos can create! Identify sprouting plants and talk about the life cycles of plants.  Ignite the senses by going on a sensory walk or backyard sensory exploration. Read a nature book outside. Build a fort. You can use anything available such as sticks, tree branches, a hammock, blankets, etc. Download the Explore Your Own World and Create Your Own World outdoor tool kits and turn your outdoor space into an epic adventure! (Hike it Baby members, grab your discount code from the Community Discounts page) Birdwatch using binoculars. Don’t have binoculars? Here is an easy DIY craft to make your own with two supplies you are likely to have in your house right now: Duct tape and toilet paper rolls! Eat a meal outside. Check out this article for some fun bug-themed snacks to include. Ants on a log anyone? Go on a rainbow search. Search for items outside in every color of the rainbow, from a purple flower to a red tricycle. Pitch a tent in your yard and camp or play in it. Stargaze and identify constellations. Check out this article for printable star charts showing the most prominent constellations by season. Show your garden some love and teach your kiddos how to plant, weed, and appreciate plants. Head out after dark and go on a glow stick or flashlight neighborhood walk. Go on a backyard scavenger hunt. You can make up a quick list of things for your kiddos to find such as a yellow flower, an ant, something rough, etc. Check out this article for more inspiration. Have an outdoor dance party. Play music on your phone or a speaker and dance away! Create an obstacle course using anything around you. Have kids balance on a log, crawl under a chair, hop over a rock, walk along a chalk path, the sky's the limit! Play classic kid games such as freeze tag, hopscotch, Simon Says, red light, green light, or “Mother May I”. Make a nature journal and have your kids find a sit-spot outside to write or doodle whatever comes to mind. Play outdoor hide and seek with toys. You can hide dinosaurs, stuffed animals, etc. and have your kiddos find them around your yard. Pull out the sidewalk chalk to create masterpieces or write encouraging words for your family and others passing by to enjoy. Be a nature photographer. Let your kiddo point out what interests them and help take a photo with your phone. Or let older kids borrow a camera and see what they come up with. Search for images in the clouds. Want to take it a step further? Here is an article that explains the differences between the different types of clouds. Go on a backyard bug hunt. Grab a magnifying glass and search for spiderwebs, camouflaged critters, pollinators, etc. Play with sticks and see how many things that stick can turn into. Do shadow drawings of favorite toys such as dinosaurs or animals. Check out this article for more shadow drawing inspiration. Bring out the water table or create your own with buckets or plastic bins. Grab some small containers such as old butter or yogurt containers and watch their imaginations go to work.  Go on an alphabet or shape hunt. Look for letters or shapes in the outdoors such as a rectangle brick or the letter V-shaped by tree branches. Challenge older kiddos to find the letters of their name or see if your toddler can find 3 different shapes in the backyard.     ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

In celebration of our seventh anniversary as a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to getting families outdoors, we launched a new mission, vision and values specifically focused on our core value of leaving no family behind. In support of our renewed mission, we also are thrilled to have eliminated our paid membership model.  Through our updated mission focusing on removing barriers to spending time outside as a family and our updated vision and values that center around the organization’s commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) work, the need to remove paid membership became clear.  Update to Mission, Vision, and Values “We have been doing a lot of work as an organization to continue to develop our DEI backbone and have a better sense of our ‘why’,” Hike it Baby Membership Manager Emma Carsey said. “With that, we have been looking critically at our mission, vision, and values language to dig deep and build ourselves a stronger foundation on which to stand. As a staff and board, we are excited to share our updated mission, vision, and values.” “As we considered these changes, we recognize that there has been a barrier with membership, and our goal is to lower those barriers for our current audience and for families we want to reach in the future,” Carsey said. “So to celebrate our seventh anniversary, to make Hike it Baby more equitable, and to support the entire community we are thrilled to announce that beginning July 27, 2020, we will no longer offer paid membership.”  As a nonprofit organization supporting more than 350 branches throughout North America and nearly 300,000 families through social media, we will continue to require financial support through donations, grants, and sponsorships. This will make Hike it Baby sustainable for future generations and remove barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. Let's Change How We Go Outside The endless physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors are critical, especially in a time like this. The ability to get outside should be safe, equitable, and welcoming for all. As an organization, we are taking steps to change the narrative of what it means to be outside and who belongs there.  “We have to continue to build a new paradigm where families representing all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, physical abilities, sexual orientations, genders, relationships, ages, sizes, shapes, languages, and more are the NEW definition of who is “outdoorsy,” Hike it Baby Executive Director Jessica Carrillo Alatorre said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but it is invigorating to have a firm place to build and grow from because making an impact on how families are invited into, represented, and given opportunities to connect in nature is vital. The outdoors has the potential to be a healing, welcoming space for every individual, and Hike it Baby is firmly committed to working to make that a reality." We are so grateful to you for how you’ve cheered us on for the past 7 years and thank you in advance for your continued support. As a young nonprofit, we are excited about these changes as we continue our work to connect, empower, and impact the world around us. Be sure to join the Hike it Baby Community Facebook Group. It's a great place to ask questions, learn from others, and share your outdoor adventures! 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 Arika Bauer and Laura Castro. Editors Note: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

As parents, focused on being outdoors and immersing our children in nature, we often tend to bring the outside indoors through books. Books offer a way for our children to experience diverse aspects of nature they may not otherwise be exposed to and allow parents to introduce new experiences to their children in a safe environment. In other words, nature books are an amazing addition to any household, even for families that aren’t always able to get outside. The majority of nature-focused children's books may share the diversity found in nature, but fail to portray the diverse families that enjoy the great outdoors. Representation matters. Here are nine diverse children's nature books, with each featuring children of color as a main character. This list is by far not a comprehensive one. There are other amazing inclusive nature books for children, but these offer a great place to start in creating more diversity on your bookshelf. Explorers of the Wild, Cale Atkinson Age Range: 4-8 year-olds Follow the adventures of a boy and a bear as they explore the nature around them alone and then, once they accidentally meet, together. If you enjoy this book, Atkinson has written and illustrated a couple other children’s books with a nature-theme as well. Fly, Firefly! - Shana Keller Age Range: 5-7 year-olds A child and her aunt witness a firefly and mistake the sea’s bioluminescence for other fireflies and dive into the water. This book follows the child and her aunt as they help save the misguided firefly. Hi, Butterfly - Taro Gomi Age Range: 2-4 year-olds Follow the adventures of a boy as he tries to capture a yellow butterfly and finds many other yellow butterfly-looking objects along the way. Hike - Peter Oswald Age Range: 4-8 year-olds This picture book follows a father and child as they enjoy a hiking adventure. While the book has no printed words, the illustrations provide a great depiction of getting ready for a hike, the actual hiking activities, and the return home. The Hike - by Alison Farrell Age Range: 3-5 year-olds Join three friends as they set off on a hiking adventure together. The book follows their experiences but also details some of the plants and animals along their path. Over and Under the Pond- by Kate Messner Age Range: 5-8 year-olds As a child and her mother sit in a boat on a pond, they see and talk about what is above and below the pond’s surface. If you enjoy this fact-filled book, Messner has several other nature-focused books in this same style, including Over and Under the Rainforest, Over and Under the Snow, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt. Snowy Day - by Ezra Jack Keats Age Range: 2-5 year-olds This award-winning classic 1963 children’s book follows a young boy as he explores and experiences his neighborhood after it snows. Check out this book review for The Snowy Day. Sunset Hike - by Dineo Dowd Age Range: 4-8 year-olds This book written by a Hike it Baby community and board member follows young friends as they experience a sunset hike together. One friend is unsure of many things and one friend is quick to help her overcome these fears. If you enjoy this book, Dowd has other wonderful nature-centered children’s books you can check out, including Spring Hike, Adventure Day, and Summer Camping. Check out this book review of Adventure Day. Wild Berries - by Julie Flett Age Range: 4-8 year-olds A young boy and his grandma spend the day picking blueberries, while also encountering and enjoying the wildlife around them. Flett has written many children’s books with nature woven in, so if you enjoy this one be sure to check out her others as well. Looking for some other children's books? These lists may be helpful. Share your favorite diverse children's nature books in the comments. Books to Help Your Kids Engage with Nature Explore the National Parks through Books "Take it Outside" with Good Books Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved. 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. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links you won't pay more but Hike it Baby will get a small commission which helps us further our mission. Thanks! Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Having a baby is scary. There, I said it. Whether you gave birth to a baby, watched your partner or even your own child give birth, or you adopt or foster a baby, taking responsibility for that tiny little human is both awe-inspiring and scary as hell. You spend those first days or weeks trying to keep your baby in a safe bubble, but eventually, you know you need to get out of the house and get some fresh air. There are so many benefits to getting your baby (and yourself) out into nature from a young age. Here at Hike it Baby, we get a lot of questions from new parents and caregivers regarding how to get outside with a new baby. We have listed the most asked questions along with advice and resources to help you get out the door and enjoy nature with your new addition. What do I need to Bring? The short answer: Just the essentials. The long answer: It depends. If you are going for a stroll around the neighborhood, you won’t need much more than water, a carrier or stroller, and a snack for you (especially if you are breastfeeding). If you're going quick hike or will be more than a short walk from home add a diaper or two, a few wipes, a change of clothes (because even tiny babies can have unexpected diaper explosions), and a soother (if you use one). If you are going on a longer hike or outdoor adventure, you will need a few more items. Namely, the 10 essentials. Check out this article for more information about Hiking Essentials to take along on a longer adventure. How do you Feed a Baby While Hiking? The easiest answer to this question is to feed your baby right before you go, either at home or in the car. However, if you have a cluster-feeder like my second child was, this may not be enough. Don’t be afraid to find a tree stump along the trail to nurse or bottle-feed your little one, or head back to the car or house if you are close by. As you and your baby get used to hiking and being out and about at feeding times, you may be able to feed on the go without the need for stopping along the way. Get more tips on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while on the trail. How Should I Carry My Baby? This will depend on where you are going, the age and size of your baby, and your comfort level. For a walk around the block or a smooth trail, a stroller may suffice and is a great place to start (especially if you are still recovering from childbirth!). Another option is to wear your baby. Babywearing has incredible benefits for both parent/caregiver and baby that extend beyond just creating a wonderful bond with your baby. Read more about the benefits of babywearing in this article. If you decide to babywear, there are various different types of carriers to choose from including wraps, ring slings, Mai Dai’s, and soft-structured carriers (young babies are not able to use hard-framed carriers yet). It’s important to make sure your child is big enough to use a particular carrier (the weight requirements will be listed on the box or the manufacturer’s website). To learn more, check out this article on choosing a baby carrier. Curious how you can carry gear and essentials while wearing your baby? These tips from the Hike it Baby community will make it easier to carry supplies when hiking with a soft-structured carrier. What if my Baby Won’t Stop Crying? This is by far the most asked, and often “unspoken” question, that we get from the parents/caregivers of new babies. I always tell parents to first check the usual culprits. Is your baby hungry? Does your baby have a dirty diaper? Is your baby tired? Is your baby too hot or too cold? Most of the time, a baby will cry on the trail for the same reasons they will cry at home. Here are 9 tips for soothing a cranky baby on the trail from other parents and caregivers who have been there, done that. Further Reading Getting Outside with a NICU Baby Tips from our Hike it Baby Community for Getting Back into Nature After Having a Baby Tips from Hike it Baby’s Founder, Shanti Hodges, for Keeping Babies on the Trail  One Mom’s Experience and Tips for Hiking with an Infant Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   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.   Photos courtesy of Andrea Leoncavallo and Michelle Pearl.   Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.    

Dustin Thorley Hike it Baby 30 Team Captain, Social Media Co-Captain Hike it Baby Brockville, ON Founding Branch Ambassador   Dustin Thorley is the Team Captain for Hike it Baby’s largest bi-annual fundraiser, Hike it Baby 30, which helps further the Hike it Baby mission while inspiring families to spend more time outside. He is also a Co-Captain for the Social Media Team. Dustin is dad to three kids, a 14-year-old daughter and two boys, ages 5 and 2. He is currently a full-time student and serves on the student council and he developed and currently maintains the website for a local nature school. When he has the rare time for hobbies, he enjoys printmaking and crochet and would love to spend more time creating watercolor paintings. How long have you been a Hike it Baby volunteer? Since 2018 How did you get involved with Hike it Baby? I initially learned about Hike it Baby through a blogger I follow who was also a Branch Ambassador. I started hiking almost daily with our Branch, and our Brach Ambassador Michelle Robinson approached me about joining as an Ambassador. Having experience with social media, I joined the National Team as a volunteer when the position opened up on the Social Media Team. Then, the need arose for the Hike it Baby 30 Team and I was happy to help out there as well. What motivates you to volunteer with Hike it Baby? The values of Hike it Baby align with my beliefs. It allows me to spend time with my family outdoors while helping others to experience the same. What’s great about being on a Hike it Baby team and why should others want to join you? Because our Hike it Baby 30 team is awesome! We are responsible for Hike it Baby’s largest fundraiser which also helps families get on the trails. Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Dustin to help our growing non-profit meet our goal of connecting families with young children to nature and each other. We currently have over 70 national volunteers and over 370 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Learn how you can get involved in Hike it Baby by making a donation, or connecting with your local branch. 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.   Photos courtesy of Dustin Thorley. Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Helping Babies and Kids Sleep Better When Camping The number one thing we are asked at Hike it Baby when it comes to camping is, "how do you camp with a baby?". The fear of late-night crying, unsafe sleeping conditions because of all the sleeping bags and pillows around, and the endless layers of PJ's and sleep sacks to get through during a nighttime diaper change can be enough to make a parent hold off on family camping until "later," whenever that is. But when Tavis Malcolm's son Morrison was born he knew there had to be a better way. "We could not find anything that was easy to pack, safe to use, and warm enough for nights in the Colorado backcountry," said Malcolm. "So, in early 2018, we decided to make our own." The result was the Morrison Outdoors Little Mo sleeping bag for babies and toddlers six to 24 months with options for 20- and 40-degree temperature ratings. And earlier this year they launched the Big Mo, extending their size offerings to 24-48 months and a trade-in program to give parents cash-back for sleeping bags after they are outgrown. We asked some real Hike it Baby families to try out the Little and Big Mo sleeping bags on their little ones and this is what they had to say. Deanna Curry Children: Charlie (7) Joey (1.5)  Homebase: Tacoma, WA   Favorite place to camp: Sheep Lake and Lake Cushman  Instagram: @Shinydayadventures We love our Little Mo!! My daughter Joey sleeps so well in it and I'm able to get a good night's sleep not having to worry about her safety. Joey is small for her age and she has plenty of room to grow with this bag. She can walk, crawl, and move around in the bag no problem! On our backpacking trip, the nights got down into the 30's and she was a perfect temperature in it with just wearing her merino wool pj's. She didn't need a bunch of layers to be warm. Diaper changes during the night are super easy thanks to the zipper at the bottom. You don't need to get baby completely out. It packs up small—barely taking up any room in my pack and is lightweight. This is my favorite sleeping bag for camping and backpacking with babies and toddlers. I highly recommend the Morrison Outdoors bags if you like to camp with littles! Vanessa Wright Children: Tatum (2) and Torey (4) Homebase: San Diego, CA Favorite place to camp: It is so hard to pick an all-time favorite place we have ever camped, but probably our favorite place we camped the past year was Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park.  Instagram: none I am incredibly impressed by our Morrison Outdoors Big Mo 40 degrees sleeping bag. Whoever designed it obviously knows children well and knows exactly what they need, because it is clear every last detail was planned out to perfection. We go camping with our two young children roughly once a month and I feel like most nights I am constantly waking up to check to make sure the kids haven’t kicked off or rolled out of their blankets and traditional sleeping bags. However, with this sleeping bag in the shape of a sleep sack, I don’t have to worry about that and they can roll all over and will still stay warm. I have the sleeping bag sized for 2-4-year-olds and it fits both my just turned 2 year old and my almost 5-year-old, so we will definitely get many years of use out of this bag. The sleeves fold over themselves to keep their hands toasty warm, and the collar is lined with a soft fleece to keep them comfortable, including a cover for the zipper. The sleeping bag has a double zipper which is so useful for quick and warm diaper changes, and the top zipper has an easy to find pull tab. It even comes with its own stuff sack and compresses to a small size which makes it easy to travel with. Honestly, I am so bummed I did not discover this product 5 years ago when my first child was born because this sleeping bag is seriously a camping-with-young-children game changer! I can only imagine how amazing it would be to use their smaller version for babies who are too young to safely use blankets, instead of the battle I used to do countless layers for warmth. I could not recommend this sleeping bag more and can’t wait to use it on future camping trips.   Olivia Taylor Children: Audrey (4), Callum (2), Natalie (7mo) Homebase: Ashland, OR Favorite place to camp: By a beautiful backcountry lake.  Instagram: @hiking.ashland @oli555 We’ve been getting so many compliments on this baby sleeping bag. It’s pretty cool to have something designed specifically to keep my youngest daughter warm while we camp. I can tell the bag is very comfortable with room for her to wiggle and a soft fleece neckline. I’d say this bag is best for babies that sleep independently since doubled up with an adult sleeping bag would be far too warm. It worked well for us, and I can say it was the best camping sleep ever since she snoozed away the whole night without needing any comfort nursing. Score! Elicia Giffin Children: Will (1.5) Homebase: Olympia, WA Favorite place to camp: Trillium Lake with our little one and puppy dog IG: @elgiff2 On Will's first camping trip at 6 months old, a friend said, "You have to borrow my kiddos new sleeping bag!" Lo and behold she dropped off the Morrison Outdoors bag and I was so thankful!  Will was still getting swaddled but could roll over, the bag kept arms free, but still gave the security of a swaddle.  Nights dropped into the '40s, but when we went to bed and I checked Will's forehead and felt great about the temperature. This time around Will is a lot more wiggly, so getting into the bag is a challenge. It's been warmer nights, so once sleep has fallen, I unzip the bag since toddler sweats are real and I don't want to be worried about overheating.  We are big fans of the Morrison Outdoor Sleeping Bag and would 100% recommend you try it for your kiddo on your next adventure! Kiera Wickliffe Berger Children: Nathan (2) and Daniel (5)  Home base: Eastchester, NY Favorite place to camp: Red River Gorge Instagram: @asterdreaming We had been having perfect camping and sleeping bag weather for our COVID backyard camping, but unfortunately, as soon our Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag arrived, it brought summer temps that stayed too hot at night to use as it’s not recommended for use in temperatures 60 degrees and warmer. When it arrived, the company had accidentally sent the wrong size, but their customer service is amazing! I emailed them with the order number and what happened, not expecting to hear from them for a day or more because of COVID. I heard back a couple of hours later and they shipped the sleeping bag with a return label for the other that day. While we haven’t gotten to use it for camping yet, my son loves to grab it and wear it in the house for a bit. Just about everything is perfect. The length is great. He has room to grow up. The body as well as the neck is wide enough for someone his body shape and size. I thought he would have issues with his hands being covered, but he has none. The one issue we have with it for the short times we have used it is I feel that we will soon rip the armpit seam. Because of the arms being a bit tight and no give in that area, a toddler his size that’s an active mover when trying to go to sleep or while sleeping may end up with a rip here. We have already noticed the seams straining a little bit in the right armpit area. Otherwise, it seems to be made really well. It seems like the perfect solution to keeping little arms and hands warm. I’m really looking forward to using this as the weather cools! It seems perfect for around the tent, both before, during, and when they wake up. Make sure a good night's sleep isn't the weak link on your next camping trip. Check out Morrison Outdoors baby and kids sleeping bags for your next backyard or wilderness camping adventure. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   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 Deanna Curry, Vanessa Wright, Olivia Taylor, Elicia Giffin.    Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach. This post is sponsored by Morrison Outdoors. However, we would not recommend something that our children do not love. Our opinions are our own or those of the authors.

COVID-19 quickly ushered in several changes to our daily lives. And now that things are opening back up we all are accustomed to seeing ground markers to help us maintain a six-foot distance, mask requirements, hand sanitizing stations, plastic barriers between staff and patrons, closed businesses, and more. Complying with CDC safety guidelines in the time of COVID-19 is virtually everywhere. This also includes the National Park System. As we all flock to the great outdoors this summer, especially our gorgeous national parks, it is important to take note of the changes you may see. Each park is different, so this list may not apply to all. Closed Visitor Centers Visitor centers are a great place to get the low-down of the park. You can speak to Rangers, often view museum displays, grab Junior Ranger books and maps, purchase gifts, and so much more. Unfortunately, the phased reopening process for national parks does not include many visitor centers. For instance, Arches National Park set up a makeshift storefront outside their visitor center. You can collect maps, some gifts, and Junior Ranger books, but there are not Rangers regularly on hand to answer questions. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park’s visitor center is open, but only to talk to a Ranger or to browse the store. All displays are closed. New Day-Use Vehicle Reservations Many people like to pop in and out of the park while they explore the area. To decrease crowds, however, some of the more popular parks are using a reservation system. This means you have to be really on top of your plans to get into the park on the day and time you want. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park has a small number of reservations they release a mere two days before the day and time of the reservation. So if you spend a week in the area, you may only be able to secure a reservation to enter the park by vehicle once. Closed Campgrounds Many people enjoy national parks for days at a time and want to spend their nights immersed in the beauty of the national parks via their campgrounds. Sadly, some national parks did not open their campgrounds with the reopening of the park itself. Acadia and Rocky Mountain National Parks will not open their campgrounds until late summer 2020 (if all goes as planned), while Capitol Reef National Park’s campground has opened. Changes to the Junior Ranger Program In the past, many children entered visitor centers, grabbed their Junior Ranger booklets, explored the park, and then returned to a visitor center to be sworn in by a Ranger. To keep interactions between park staff and visitors at a minimum, many national parks are now handing out the coveted Junior Ranger badges with the booklets. Some parks, like Capitol Reef National Park, are still going about it the pre-COVID-19 way. Children bring their completed books back, speak with a Ranger, and are sworn in as Junior Rangers. Only now there is a plastic barrier up and the Ranger keeps their distance by not going through the booklets to ensure completion. Closed or Limited Entry to Services and Popular Destinations Some parks have buildings, caves, buses, climbing hot spots, and other popular destinations that are huge draws to that national park. To help visitors maintain social distancing and comply with CDC guidelines, many of these must-see spots are currently unavailable. For instance, Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park are closed because they are a small enclosed space. At Grand Canyon National Park, they are not running their shuttle buses and closed the Desert View Area and Watchtower because of COVID-19 concerns. While this is not an exhaustive list, it does give you an idea of what to expect while traveling to national parks this summer and likely beyond. Things are changing quickly, but the National Park Service is really wonderful at ensuring current information is available on all park websites. Check under the red alerts to see the current reopening news. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   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 Katie Fox.     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Are you planning a family camping adventure this season? If so, you have likely seen the extensive gear checklists and suggestions for what to bring with you. We have a pretty awesome one located in our Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids. However, there are a few items the majority of these lists leave out that we think can make a family camping trip a whole lot better. Versatile, durable slip-on shoes If you have ever woken up in a tent in the middle of the night to the undeniable urge to use the bathroom, you know that the thought of finding and lacing up your hiking shoes in the dark while trying to not wake the whole tent is daunting enough to have you consider holding it. And, anyone with little kids knows that asking a child to hold it isn’t an option (or at least not a wise one). Bring slip-on shoes for the whole family that are easy to pull on, closed-toe so your toe doesn’t meet a rock in the dark and can double as a hiking shoe. Merrell’s classic Jungle Moc collection fits these criteria while also being stylish with options for every member of your family. Pre-prepped meals When camping with kids, you never know how the night will go so bring along some pre-prepped meals and ingredients to save your sanity. Here are a few options to make camp cooking a cinch: Pre-scrambled eggs - Break your eggs into a large Ziploc bag, add your milk and salt/pepper, seal the bag and store it. When ready to cook, simply shake the bag to mix, pour into your camp pan and you’re good to go! Less mess and you won't have to worry about keeping the eggs from breaking in the cooler. Pancakes - Mix together the ingredients for pancakes into a Ziploc bag and store it. When ready to cook, simply cut the corner off the bag and squeeze a little in the pan at a time. Freeze stew or soup - Make your stew/soup ahead of time and freeze in a large Ziploc bag. Throw it into the cooler before you leave and it doubles as an ice pack (this works for meat, like hotdogs too!) By the second night, it will be thawed enough to heat quickly in a pan and enjoy. Foil Packet Meals - These pre-prepped meals are super versatile, and all you have to do pull them out of the cooler and plop them on the grill. Check out this article for more information. Kids Play Tent This could be a pop-up tent you don’t mind getting dirty or an old tent you no longer use. Give your kids their own space to play with toys, relax or read in the shade while you set up camp and keep everyone happy. Rag mat or Astroturf for Outside Your Tent This provides the perfect spot to take off your shoes before entering your tent without tracking excess dirt and debris into the tent. Plus, you’ll always know where to find your shoes! Dustpan/brush Even if you take every precaution possible, you will likely still end up with dirt and debris in your tent. Instead of attempting to shake out your tent or remove the dirt by hand, bring along a small dustpan and brush to make cleanup quick and easy. The brush also comes in handy for cleaning up a picnic table and getting caked in sand and dirt out of towels, blankets or clothes. Water Gear Whether you are camping near a water source or create your own water fun to cool off after a hike, water gear is sure to make your life easier. A quality pair of fast-drying water shoes with good grips, such as Merrell’s Choprock collection, along with fast-drying UPF clothing make water play both fun and safe. Add in some squirt guns or even some sponges for the kids to soak and toss at each other, and you are set for some fun, water-drenched camping memories! Old/Inexpensive Digital Camera Let the kiddos morph into junior nature photographers by supplying an old or low-priced digital camera. You could even send them on a photo scavenger hunt to find and take photos of natural items around your campground. (Check out this list of scavenger hunt ideas here.) This is a wonderful way to explore their surroundings while still Leaving no Trace. Duct Tape The real question is what can’t you do with duct tape? From patching a tent to using it as a bandage, blister blocker or even rope/cord in a pinch, a roll of this been-there-done-that fixer should be in everyone’s camping gear. Hand-Washing Station Between the constant supply of dirt and the threat of a global pandemic, a makeshift hand washing station is definitely a good idea. All you need is a container with a spigot for water (such as an old laundry detergent container), a bucket to put underneath to catch the dirty water, and, of course, soap. Nighttime Adventure Items There’s nothing quite like sleeping under a sky full of stars, especially if you luck out with a spot in an area with low light pollution. Taking along a star chart to identify constellations along with glow sticks for the whole family can enhance the experience. You can also include a book of scary (or silly) camping stories to end the night with some family fun. Do you have a piece of gear or something that you brought along that saved your camping trip or made for a more stress-free vacation? Share your favorite camping hacks in the comments! Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   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.     Photos courtesy of Michelle Pearl Gee, Michelle Craig, and Krystal Weir. Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach. This post is sponsored by Merrell, however, we would not recommend something that our children do not love. 

It's the night before a hike and you're prepping the bags. We all know the typical things we pack: Water Sunscreen Diapers Snacks But, let's be honest. Sometimes, Dads think of the stuff we never would have considered bringing. And gosh darn it, if those things don't save the day or become the hit of the hike. Sourced from our own HiB community, here's what our dads are carrying with them on hikes. Hiking Games and Motivation (Bribes... let's be real) From games to tasty snacks, sometimes kiddos need a little extra motivation to finish the hike. Check out this list of scavenger hunts you can use to up the energy and fun factor on your next hike. And, if games aren't enough, motivational snacks can get the job done. Matt Bachand of the HiB Washington DC Branch said: "M&Ms. That way I can take him out of the baby carrier and keep him hiking as much as possible. I put them at switchbacks and trail junctions to keep him motivated." Emergency Preparation Beyond the all-important first-aid kit for injury triage on the trail, dads know to be prepared. Extra water is essential. Be sure to bring enough water for drinking. And bring extra water to clean a cut, wash muddy hands (before they get dirt in the eyes and cause another emergency), or clean snack-covered fingers. One Hike it Baby dad recommended soft water bottles with squirt lids to cover both drinking and clean-up. Speaking of clean-up, sometimes there is nothing else to do but change clothes. Scott Simmons of the HiB Fredericksburg, VA Branch added: "Double kid emergency clothes and diapers."  Because you know if you don't bring them, the baby will explode through everything. Gear You don't want your hiking pack to get too heavy, but a couple of extra gadgets and gizmos can make for a better hike. Shamus Gordon, also from the HiB Fredericksburg, VA Branch, had on his list: "Plant ID app," so they can turn their adventure into a learning opportunity and plant scavenger hunt. Another dad recommended reusable plastic bags for collecting things, from trash to treasure. The bags can also be used to pack out dirty and wet clothes. Carabiners clipped to the outside of your hiking pack always find a use. Lastly, a utility knife or multi-tool. You never know when it will come in handy, but you'll be so glad you have it. Which of these things are you excited to add to your hiking pack? What other things are you bringing on your hikes that you're pretty sure no one else is thinking about? Leave us a comment and let us know. Hike it Baby works to be the most effective hub of tools, information, and community inspiring all families with babies and young children to get outside and connect with nature. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved.   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.   Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jacobson.   Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

Jen Grenter Branches/Data Team Captain Branch Ambassador, Hike it Baby Chester & Montgomery County, PA Jen Grenter is the Hike it Baby Branches/Data Team Captain. The Branches/Data Team helps to manage the Hike it Baby network of Branches. They support current Branch Ambassadors as well as manage all of the dormant Branches (Branches without a current Branch Ambassador) by engaging with the community in the Branch and ensuring relevant information is posted in the Facebook Group. Jen is mom to two boys, ages four and two. Their birthdays are only three days apart and everyone thinks they are twins! Jen is a stay-at-home mom and spends as much time in the woods as possible, whether it’s hiking with Hike it Baby or with her family. In addition to hiking, Jen loves her Peloton bike, running, and practices yoga regularly (as a stress reliever from taking care of her busy boys all day!). How long have you been a Hike it Baby volunteer? I started as a National volunteer in May 2019 and I became the Branches/Data team captain in November of 2019. How did you get involved with Hike it Baby? A friend of mine was a Branch Ambassador (BA) for our Branch and when she was getting ready to move out of state, a couple of us decided to train as BA’s to help fill the void. After about 6 months of being a BA, I decided to take the leap to join the National team as a volunteer. I am SUPER passionate about the benefits of getting kids outside and supporting our local families with our outdoor community. I started by managing the dormant Branches, and over time moved into the Team Captain role where I manage all Branches and the data that supports the Branches. What motivates you to volunteer with Hike it Baby? I volunteer as a BA because of the sense of community that Hike it Baby gives me literally every day. Between getting out with our hiking friends and interacting in our Facebook group, I know that there is a community of like-minded friends just a step (or click!) away. I am motivated to be a National volunteer because I want everyone to have easy access to the outdoors, to our community and to share the joy that it brings my kids and me! What’s great about being on the Branches/Data team and why should others want to join you? My team is awesome. We help take care of every Branch, and there are a LOT of Branches! We have also launched a new Branch support program (SEED) for Ambassadors who need some help getting traction in online engagement, hike participation, and building their community overall. If you like to help others and are creative with your hike ideas and how to grow your Branch, you would love volunteering to help out with the new Branch support program! Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Jen to help our growing non-profit meet our goal of connecting families with young children to nature and each other. We currently have over 70 national volunteers and over 370 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Learn how you can get involved in Hike it Baby through membership, by making a donation, or connecting with your local branch. 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 provided by Jen Grenter.  

One mom's story of how forest bathing, the act of simply being in nature, helped to reset her mood, perspective, and wellbeing. Breaking Point I am hovering over the countertop in the low-light of our kitchen, tears forming at the corners of my eyes, shoving spoonfuls of my cold dinner into my mouth.  My almost-3-year-old son has been sick. He has had a fever, running nose and a cough. He has been extra clingy, which means that only I can lay down by him, only I can wipe his nose, only I can give him medicine, feed him, get him water, get him dressed...you get the picture. In short, daddy can’t do anything and mama needs to do it all. This is the sixth day of this. I have just snuck out of his room (it is required that I sleep in there now) to change my clothes and eat my dinner. My husband comes over to check on me. Do I need anything? Is there anything he can do? The only thing that comes out of me is everything that’s been pent up for six days. How we haven’t left the house, how my son is equal parts needy and grouchy, how exhausted I am.  Finding a Reset The next day my son is feeling good enough that I pack us up and leave the house and meet up with some friends for an outdoor playdate. He is not pleased. He complains the entire 40-minute drive. He begrudgingly lets me dress him when we arrive. I pull his sled through the fresh snow, the sunlit branches, and crisp air. When we arrive all he wants is for me to hold him. So, I do. I am standing with my friends in a circle, outside. For the majority of our time there this is what we do. Stand in the snow and breathe. It is enough. It is enough to reset my mood, my perspective, and my day. The fresh air, the new snow, the forest, it makes everything OK again. About Forest Bathing The Japanese call it Shinrin-yoku, loosely translated as nature or forest bathing. According to Dr. Qing Li, who has been studying the science of forest bathing for years, it “...is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.” There is a lot of research out there supporting the benefits of forest bathing. One such study shows “...that forest environments promote lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity than do city environments.”  Another study found “...forest environments are advantageous with respect to acute emotions, especially among those experiencing chronic stress.” This finding, in particular, spoke to me. I’d say motherhood as a whole is an experience in chronic stress.  Getting Outside is Enough We all know the benefits of getting outside and how it makes us feel, it’s why we are part of the Hike it Baby movement and feel it’s so important to get our kids outside. I know sometimes I write off a playdate or a hike because I don’t think I have enough time. Forest bathing suggests that two hours is optimal, but that 20 minutes I spent standing in the sun with my friends and holding my son in the snow was all I needed to see things a bit differently. It was all I needed to go back into battle. So, don't be intimidated by the timeframe or the thought that you need a massive hike to make a difference. Standing outside in your driveway may be enough to get your bearings again. Join a community of like-minded parents and caregivers with a shared mission of connecting families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. Learn about Hike it Baby and join the fun 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. Photo courtesy of Krystal Weir.

COVID-19 disrupted life and left many of us aching to get back out hiking and enjoying nature. And while the virus isn’t going anywhere soon, quarantine restrictions are slowly easing up in many parts of the country. As this happens, getting back to your regularly scheduled hiking plans will likely be a part of the process. Need ideas on how to navigate this new post-quarantine landscape? Never fear, we’ve got you covered. 1. Hike Less Popular Trails  Social distancing is an important aspect of maintaining the slow spread of COVID-19. Opting to hike less popular trails will not only let you lace those hiking boots up but will enable you to explore new areas, while also keeping yourself and others a little safer. Use the Family Trail Guide to find new-to-you trails.  2. Go Out When the Weather isn’t “Ideal” Every hiker knows that trails are the busiest on the gorgeous 70-degree, partial sunny days. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. If this is the most popular time for nature exploration, then choosing to hike in less than ideal weather can offer you the ability to easily maintain your six-foot bubble, while also hiking your favorite trail. Review these tips for hiking in the rain with kids. 3. Explore Large Open Areas Looking for another way to maintain your six-foot bubble around other outdoor enthusiasts? Exploring large open areas with multiple trail options, as opposed to selecting a place with a single trail, enables social distancing measures. Some areas to consider are wildlife preserves, state game areas, and Bureau of Land Management land.  4. Use Activities as Motivation to Get Outside  Sometimes the idea of getting outside can be overwhelming and sometimes one or more family members need a little motivation. Outdoor activities, like scavenger hunts, geocaching, or themed hikes, can be all the inspiration one needs to get outside and explore. This L.L. Bean scavenger hunt is the perfect motivator for our little hikers. 5. Adopt New Hiking Etiquette It is often easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while on the trail, but not always. Consider carrying a mask with you and wear it when you are near others. Pro-tip, a bandana or neck gaiter can be used as a mask, offers some UV protection, and, when wet, are great for cooling down. Another post-COVID-19 hiking etiquette you may consider is to avoid using the parking lot or trailhead as a place to prepare for your hike (such as eating a snack or double-checking your backpack). Instead, opt to do these things before you arrive to limit your time in the more crowded areas. It's been difficult and strange adjusting to this COVID-19 world. Getting outside and absorbing all that nature has to offer is fantastic for our mental health, but it is important to try and adjust our hiking expectations while we find our new post-pandemic normal. Hike it Baby branches are keeping their communities active during the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting virtual hikes and activities that can be completed by your family in your backyard or local outdoor space. Find your local Hike it Baby branch to create a connection with like-minded parents and caregivers and stay up-to-date on current virtual events as well as future in-person hikes when we can once again join each other on the trail.     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.   Photo courtesy of Jessica Human.     Editors Note:   We hope you enjoyed reading this article from Hike it Baby. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.   But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We do not make this ask lightly, but if you are able to afford it, make a donation, and become a Hike it Baby member.  A membership also makes a great gift for that new parent in your life. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. If you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.