OutGrown Blog

Any active member of Hike it Baby can host a hike. As a non-profit organization built on community it’s important everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and help build their local Hike it Baby branch. The more hikes on the calendar, the better! But, we get it… the idea of hosting a hike can be intimidating. We highly recommend you attend a Hike it Baby hike and read through the hike host responsibilities before you host a hike. And if you need a little extra oomph to get out there and host, check out these untold benefits and insider tips to hosting a Hike it Baby hike. The Hike it Baby Community Is Understanding You do not have to be perfect. People are grateful that you are taking the time to organize and host a hike. They actually want to be there. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have taken the time to pack 8 million snacks, two sets of extra clothes, a gallon of water, and half of the toy bin into their backpacks if they didn’t want to join you on the trail. So, relax, have fun, and enjoy the community! Take comfort that you’ve found your people. You Can Hike When It’s Convenient for You Hosting a hike is the ultimate “you do you.” You can plan for a time, date, and location that works for you. You can pick the type of hike that strikes your fancy, from a fast-paced “feel the burn” stroller walk to a stop-and-look-at-every-tree-or-bird (twice) toddler wander. Bonus! You’ll likely connect with other members that have a similar schedule and location preference. You’re Not the Entertainment Major props if you can spot every animal track, play the flute as you wander along the trail, and ensure the kids leave your hike as junior entomologists. But, your job is to bring families together in nature and set the tone for a good hike. You aren’t expected to be a trained trail guide. You Have A Major Support System From your branch ambassadors to the support teams at Hike it Baby, we’ve got your back! Your branch ambassadors can answer your questions, go over requirements for hosting, and possibly be a co-host with you for your first hosting experience. Ambassadors love their hike hosts because it helps take some of the pressure off of them to host all of the hikes. It’s Worth the Commitment In a “no pain, no gain” sort of way, this is my favorite thing about hosting a hike. If I commit to hosting, I have to show-up. Yes, we will cancel in the event of illness or severe weather, but hosting means that on those days we just don’t feel like it, those rough days, and the days where nothing seems to be going right, we do it. And I’m always happy we did, because when we leave the hike, everyone is for the better. And that makes it all worth it. Learn more about how to host a Hike it Baby hike in this video. Ready to host your first hike? Don’t forget to reach out to your local branch ambassadors and read through the hike host responsibilities, then submit your hike here! Happy hiking! 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 Craig.

In 2016 we became a 501c3 nonprofit. While this was a really amazing transition from being a neighborhood hiking group, it also was a huge responsibility to uphold. It's our mission that every family with a baby or young child knows that Hike it Baby exists as a resource and a community where every family is welcome, supported, and can find connection in the outdoors. We have community members, ambassadors, and partners that are relying on us to raise a generation to love the outdoors. Because of the work of our ambassadors and supporters, Hike it Baby is getting an average of 6,400 families on the trail each month in over 350 communities! Your financial assistance is absolutely essential to helping us grow in a healthy, sustainable, supportive way, and the single best way you can support Hike it Baby is to become a member. While direct financial donations are incredibly helpful we also know not everyone is able to give (especially when raising kiddos). A great way to make an indirect donation is through one of our passive fundraising platforms, like the Benefit App. The Benefit App Benefit is a mobile payment app that funds the things that matter most through everyday transactions. This could be anything from Starbucks to a plane ticket. Each purchase will give 2 to 20 percent back to Hike it Baby! Simply download and use the Benefit app to complete your purchase in-store or online. Visit the Hike it Baby Benefit App page to download the app and get started today! How Your Contributions Help Help us in our efforts to raise a generation to love the outdoors and become an early supporter of the nation's first grassroots hiking movement focused on birth to school-aged kids.  Your contribution supports: Creating programs that get more families on trails in your local area. Building stronger communities and supporting nature stewardship and diversity in the outdoorsy through our programming.  Helping Hike it Baby become a recognized resource for identifying family-friendly trails nationwide. Hiking with children is being made easier thanks to a new online resource created through Hike it Baby’s partnership with L.L.Bean. The Family Trail Guide offers an extensive guide of hiking trails around the U.S. to encourage people of any age to enjoy the outdoors together. This unique online resource is free and accessible for all to use nationwide. The Family Trail Guide caters specifically to those hiking with young children. Trail contributors provide information about trails, including length, difficulty and interesting spots to explore or take breaks with young hikers. In addition, the guide provides photos and parking information. To learn more click here.  Further development on our website so we can have a secure, user-friendly platform to enter hikes, provide training for our volunteers, share relevant resources through our blog, and keep accurate data on how the work we’re doing is helping families get outside.  Better mobile features so our site is accessible from all devices. Improved content on social media, blogs, newsletters, and videos. Educational programs for ambassadors, volunteers, and the Hike it Baby Community. Hike it Baby relies on your generous donations to further our mission of connecting families with young children to the outdoors and each other. Learn more about all of the ways you can support Hike it Baby here. 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 Laura Castro.

Paige Forberger - Calendar Team Captain Branch Ambassador, Hike it Baby Muncie, Indiana Hike it Baby runs on volunteer power and we want to recognize the amazing individuals that donate their time and energy to make Hike it Baby thrive. This month, we caught up with Paige Forberber, the Hike it Baby Calendar Team Captain. The Hike it Baby calendar team personally reviews and approves an average of 1,600 hikes per month, with most hikes approved in 6 hours or less! Paige is a Wisconsin native living in Indiana and a stay-at-home mom to two children, Danny age four and Ada age three months. Before becoming a mom and moving to Indiana, Paige worked as a phlebotomist for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She loved it and loved working with kids! Her family enjoys traveling, camping and hiking. How long have you been a Hike it Baby volunteer? In February of 2017, I became a branch co-ambassador, and in June of 2017, I became a volunteer for the calendar team. How did you get involved with Hike it Baby? My branch co-ambassador, Kassy Patrick, started the Muncie, Indiana branch a few months before I joined. I can be pretty introverted, but with just having had my son in January of 2016 and living in a new state with no family or friends I was in need of a community. Kassy had posted about Hike it Baby in a local mom’s Facebook group. I enjoyed hiking and time in nature in general, so once the weather warmed up a bit I decided it was now or never, and went to my first hike. What motivates you to volunteer with Hike it Baby? My Hike it Baby branch members are my people! They are my home away from home and my support system. Without them, my life in Indiana would not be what it is today and I’m so thankful for that. I want others to have a similar experience, so that is what keeps me motivated to volunteer in my branch as a host and branch ambassador and on the calendar team! What’s great about being on the calendar team and why should others want to join you? The best thing about the calendar team for me is when you are approving hikes you get to see what everyone else is doing in their branches. It helps to get the creative hike juices flowing! The calendar team supports each other and we truly are the definition of a team. You want to join the calendar team because you’ll be joining another Hike it Baby family! Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Paige 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 courtesy of Paige Forberger.

Starting out as a new parent can be daunting enough but trying to get kids outside, especially in the wintertime, can seem impossible. So, what’s a mama to do? Well, search the Hike it Baby blog for inspiration, of course! ...at least, that’s what I did. I’ve rounded up 5 great Hike it Baby articles on winter hiking with kids to get you started and answer all those burning questions. 1. 10 Reasons to Brave Winter Hiking With Your Family So, first things first. After a big snowfall, I am usually really excited to get outside with my son and play in the snow. I want to share with him all the great things I did as a kid like snowball fights, and snowmen and sledding, but somewhere between the sopping wet pile of clothing from yesterday and the meltdown about not wanting to go outside at all, I change my mind. I start to wonder why I am going to all the trouble. Well, if that’s you too this article does a great job of reminding us why we do this in the first place. 2. Winter Hiking With Babies Ok, so after that last article, I’m committed and excited again, but where do I start when making sure the really little one is warm enough? No worries, this piece includes a comprehensive list of gear and tips and even has a downloadable checklist. 3. Top Three Things To Pack On Your Next Winter Hike With Your Toddler The little one is bundled and warm enough but what about the toddler? Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the best tips for making sure your toddler has a great time out there. 4. How To Overcome These 6 Common Winter Hiking Dangers So, you’re ready to hike and everyone is bundled and warm but...you’re nervous. What about cold temps, wild animals, ice?! And rightfully so, we are venturing out with our kids after all. No worries, this article walks you through all those fears and leaves you feeling prepared and ready. 5. What To Do Indoors When It’s Too Cold To Hike All this advice is great, but what if it really is too cold to hike? This article breaks down all the factors that contribute to temperature and how to know when cold is too cold. It also gives a list of great ideas to get those wintertime wiggles out inside. Want more awesome tips for hiking with your kids delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Hike it Baby's community newsletter 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 Tais Kulish and Laura Castro.

Eventually, most kids learn to love snow. But for some babies and toddlers, cold temperatures and snowy conditions take some getting used to. Parents of young children are always excited to introduce their kiddos to a first snowfall or a winter hike, but quickly feel disappointment when the experience turns from winter wonderland to tantrums and tears. It may take some time for them to fully embrace winter, but here are some tips to help your child adjust to the snow and cold. 1. Adjust Your Indoor Space Start by adjusting indoors. Turn down the thermostat (it’s more economical and better for the environment anyway) and avoid bundling up in layers or blankets too long before heading out. This will help limit the shock of going from warm and cozy to freezing cold. 2. Start Inside How would you feel if you went from frolicking around the house half-naked to being stuffed into a bulky sack that restricts every ounce of movement? That’s how horror movies start. Instead, slowly introduce your kiddos to their outdoor gear inside. Put on one mitten and show them how to grip a toy. Put on their snowsuit (turn down the thermostat first, see tip #1) and let them roll around. Let them wear their clean winter boots around the house. Lastly, bring the snow inside. Fill a bucket or sensory bin or throw some snow in the bathtub and let your kids explore. 3. Distraction This is a key parenting skill in general, but the art of distraction may stop your child from thinking about the cold and their restricted movement altogether. Try a few outdoor toys that are easy to handle - sand toys, bath toys, and toy vehicles work great in the snow, fill squeeze bottles with water and food coloring and paint the snow, or make footprints and handprints together. Check out this blog for additional snow play ideas. 4. Build Up the Outdoor Time Set the bar low, like really, really low. You may have your heart set on a multiple hour magical hike through a snow-kissed forest, but let’s get real. Unless you gave birth to Elsa (that’s a Frozen reference for anyone that hasn’t watched the movie 100 times), start with 10-15 minutes outside and stick close to home. And if that goes well, add a few more minutes. And if that goes well, then you can think about packing all your gear into a car and driving somewhere… like maybe the park, down the street. 5. Go Outside With a Group Your child will have friends to play with to keep their mind off of the cold and their awkward snow gear, and you’ll have other parents that totally understand, and may be able to offer further advice or at least a shoulder to cry on. Find an upcoming Hike it Baby hike near you and get out there this winter. Do you have a tip or tactic you used to adjust your child to the cold and snow? Share it in the comments below! Winter is better with friends. Join a community of like-minded parents with the mission of connecting their children with nature, no matter the weather. Learn more about Hike it Baby membership. 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 Deanna Curry and Krystal Weir.

Winter hiking can often be more rewarding than summer hiking. After all, it’s easy to get out of the house when the weather is good. However, hiking in colder weather requires a bit more planning, and certainly, more gear in order to overcome potential dangers. Here are 6 common winter hiking dangers to be aware of, and what you need to do to overcome them. Colder temperatures Colder temperatures may be the most obvious of the winter hiking dangers. The saying goes, “There’s no bad weather if you’ve got the right gear.” This is absolutely true, so it’s imperative to have the proper attire for you and your kids to minimize heat loss and the chance for cold weather-related injuries. Layering correctly for the temperatures can ensure you are protected against whatever the winter elements throw your way. Check out this guide on proper layering for all the members of your family from L.L. Bean. Wild animals Although lots of animals hibernate, not all of them do. And, of those that snooze away the winter months, some wake up periodically for a short walk. The best thing you can do to prepare is to be aware of the creatures in your area and pay attention to any word about encounters. Learn more about mitigating wildlife encounters here. Avalanches Depending on where you live, avalanches may or may not be one of the winter hiking dangers to consider. If you are new to an area or aren’t sure, then definitely ask some locals. The best practice is to avoid areas that are prone to avalanches during winter months. However, most regions that experience avalanches also offer some great training opportunities. Check out this post to learn more about avalanche safety. Difficult trail conditions Winter weather often means winter trail conditions or trails covered with ice or deep snow. In addition to being prepared with good gear, which may include ice grippers for your footwear, snowshoes, or trekking poles, you’ll also want to factor in additional time. A trail that takes an hour in good conditions may take two to three hours if you’re slogging through deep snow or being extra careful of your footing. Furthermore, if you are crossing any streams, the crossings can be more difficult due to slippery or thin ice. Trail signs hidden by snow/ice Prepare for signs to be obscured or hidden by snow or ice. Instead of solely relying on signage to navigate trails, you’ll want to have a backup on hand, whether a map or a handheld GPS unit. Less daylight On the outset, less daylight might not seem like one of the winter hiking dangers to overcome. However, daylight can be a significant factor if your hike takes more time than anticipated. So, if your hike runs the risk of coinciding with dusk, plan ahead and bring flashlights or headlamps. Here are some tips we love for hiking in the dark.  And, of course, glow sticks are great! Kids love them, and they help you locate your little ones during low light. Fun Hike Idea: Plan a glow stick hike or stroll to take advantage of fresh air activities when days are shorter. Are you ready to overcome winter hiking dangers? As with most things, the key to overcoming winter hiking dangers boils down to preparation. Make sure you have the right gear and know your area well. If you have questions about hiking in your local area, any safety concerns, or need some information, reach out to your local or state parks department, or ask other hikers on your local Hike it Baby Facebook page. Winter hiking is a beautiful thing when you plan ahead. And the best part? Your kids will learn to love the outdoors year-round. Happy Trails! Hiking with a group is a sure way to stay safe on the trail in the winter. Connect with your local Hike it Baby branch and join an upcoming community led hike near you 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 Alex Wong.

Frame Carrier Advantages One of the greatest advantages of a kid's hard frame carrier is your ability to carry more supplies like food, wipes, diapers, toys and anything else for your child. It’s also great in the event of inclement weather. Most carriers come with rain shields to keep your baby and carrier dry. Another advantage is that your child is actually centered a little bit higher up on your body, but not directly touching your body. You get a nice airflow between you and your baby and don’t have your body heat coming together.   Customizing the Fit With the hard frame carriers, there is some adjustment that you need to do before you even put a baby in the carrier. You need to adjust the torso length down to your body’s shape. Everyone’s torso is different, some people may be the same height or weight, but their body shape is different. You need to make sure you have the right width and length for your torso.  You want the waistband to be sitting on the top of your hips snug across the top of your hip bone. With the shoulder strap, you don’t want there to be a large gap between the strap and your shoulder. You also don’t want it snug all the way down onto your shoulders because that will quickly hurt your shoulders. You want to make sure your chest clip is running about level with your armpit height, so that way it is pulling your shoulders and not pinching your shoulders together. You want to think of the cockpit where your child is sitting more like a car seat, five-point harness or star harness depending on the model.    Positioning Your Child You want the shoulder straps to be snug down on your child so they are secured into the carrier. You want the chest clip to be about armpit height, again, similar to the way that your chest clip fits you. You want them to be sitting in what we call the optimal position. Their weight is resting on their bottom with their knees higher than their bottom. If they’re not in this position, it’s not going to cause any harm to your child, however, it is the most comfortable position for you and baby.  Most of the models also come with stirrups that can help put the baby’s knees up. When you rotate the knees and pelvis up with the stirrups it pushes their weight onto their bottom automatically.  Most kids will lean when seated in the hard frame carrier. On the sides of most models, you can cinch down on the sides to help your child stay in the seat while leaning. Cinching the sides down reduces the risk of a kid sliding out of the side.  Check out the video below for a visual description of how to fit a child carrier with the Deuter Kid Comfort. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l0BBKfVY8I[/embed] 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 membership options 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. Photos courtesy of Michelle Craig and Andrea Leoncavallo. This post is sponsored by Deuter, however, we would not recommend something that our children do not love. 

Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse with ecosystems ranging from glacier-capped mountains to old-growth temperate rainforests. Add that to over 70 miles of wild coastline and there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The park is open year-round, with fun activities in all seasons such as skiing and tubing in winter at Hurricane ridge and incredible wildlife-viewing in spring and fall. However, some roads close down due to weather conditions in the colder months. You are most likely to get full access to the park between the months of June and September. While there are an incredible amount of family-friendly activities and trails in this park, we have compiled a list of our top ten things to do with kids during your visit: 1. Explore a Rainforest  The Pacific Northwest is the only place you can find temperate rainforests in the U.S., complete with their massive ferns and old-growth trees dripping with moss. There are four rainforests within ONP: Hoh, Quinault, Queets and Bogachiel rain forests. Search for nurse logs and the rare Roosevelt Elk on this family-friendly trail through the intensely green Hoh rainforest. Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park 2. Head to the Beach ONP protects more than 70 miles of coastline including numerous gorgeous beaches. From Shi Shi Beach in the far north to the Kalaloch beaches in the south, you can’t go wrong taking a family hike to the beach, tide-pooling, or catching a beach sunset (check out this gorgeous hike down to the second beach for an epic sunset). Insider tip: the tidepooling is best at Ruby Beach, Kalaloch’s Beach 4, and Rialto Beaches’ famed “Hole in the Wall”. Second Beach, Olympic National Park 3. Hike to a Waterfall There is little a kid likes more than to find a towering waterfall in the forest. Regardless of where you visit in the park, you are bound to find a waterfall nearby. Check out this list of waterfalls within the park. For a family-friendly option, here is a hike in our Family Trail Guide to Marymere Falls from Crescent Lake. 4. Visit Crescent Lake This deep, brilliant blue lake was carved from glaciers during the last Ice Age and boasts amazing mountain views. Kayaks and rowboats can be rented to explore the lake in the summer months, and various hikes start from the lake. A gorgeous, jogging-stroller friendly option is the Moments in Time interpretive nature trail that leads through the forest, a meadow, and lakeshore giving historical and ecological information on the area. Insider tip: the Lake Crescent Lodge serves delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and lemonade. 5. Search for Wildlife in the Mountain Regions Marmots and goats and bears, oh my! The open mountainous portions of the park provide excellent wildlife viewing. Check out this trail on Hurricane Ridge that is great for all ages (the lower loop of the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible), and don’t forget the binoculars. Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park 6. Become an Ocean Steward or a Junior Ranger ONP has two programs to help inspire kids to learn about, explore, and help protect the ecosystems within the park. Just pick up a copy of the Junior Ranger and Ocean Stewards Booklets, follow the instructions to complete the designated number of pages (it differs based on child’s age), turn it back in and receive patches to get “sworn in” as a Junior Ranger/Ocean Steward of ONP! 7. Take a Dip in Natural Hot Springs Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers 3 mineral hot springs pools along with a freshwater pool available for use from March 20 - Oct. 26. The temperatures vary between the pools, with two of the pools safe for all ages. Check here for rates and hours.  8. Borrow a Discovery Backpack Get the most out of your family visit and help your little explorer learn about the area by borrowing a discovery backpack from one of the ONP visitors centers. Each backpack includes field worksheets, interactive games, six photo field guides, binoculars, a hand lens, and other goodies. A suggested $5 donation is appreciated to keep these backpacks updated. 9. Tubing at Hurricane Ridge Looking to visit the park in winter? Head to the Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing area at Hurricane Ridge for tons of snowy fun. Kids 8 and under can sled or tube at the Small Children’s Snowplay Area at no cost (bring your own sled/tube). For bigger thrills, the Tubing Park within the Ski Area is open to all ages (you must use their tubes in this area). Check here for their rates and hours. 10. Visit Quinault Valley Also called “Valley of the Giants” Quinault Valley is home to the Quinault rainforest which boasts some of the largest Sitka Spruce, Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and western red cedar trees in the world. It borders the gorgeous Lake Quinault and offers a variety of hiking trails along with swimming and boating opportunities. Located in the southwest portion of the park, this area also happens to be one of the less busy (though equally beautiful) portions of the park. Do you have a favorite activity in the Olympic National Park? Share in the comments. 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 membership options and join the fun today! 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.

We love being an aunt and uncle. We get to swoop in and pick up our nieces and nephews, take them on incredible outdoor adventures, and bring them back home filled with awesome stories to tell their friends. You see, we travel full-time in our RV and have been on the road for 2.5 years. Kids LOVE RVs and our nieces and nephews are no exception. We recently decided to take each one on an RV trip with us when they turn 10. We built up the excitement with our oldest nephew, Nihaal. After he waited patiently for a year and a half, we finally swooped in to take him on his adventure this past summer. With Nihaal being older, we were able to expand our outdoor experience to include more gusty activities. He wanted to do a lot of firsts: hike mountains, tent camp, whitewater raft and stand-up paddle board.  He wasn’t too picky about where he wanted to go - as long as it included mountains.  We started in the delightful town of Stanley, Idaho, the gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness, and set about tackling this adventure-packed list. Stanley’s remarkable location on the Salmon River surrounded by jagged Sawtooth peaks made it easy to plan our outdoor adventures. Here's how we attacked his list of excursions and what we learned along the way while adventuring with our school-aged nephew. Hiking Mountains We started off our adventure with a scenic 5-mile hike in the Sawtooth Mountains right out of our beautiful campsite. We admired the wildflowers and the outstanding views of the valley as we hiked to the top of the mountain. At the top, we crossed a saddle onto another mountain where even more yellow and blue wildflowers greeted us. We were impressed with how Nihaal scampered up the mountain despite the 1000-ft elevation gain, and even joined us in running the trail back down. Hike mountains = check! Tips & Tricks Very quickly, we realized hiking with kids is all about the journey, not the destination. Seeing the world through their eyes made the hike a completely different experience - every flower, insect, and bird was worth noting and discussing. A great way to make a hike exciting, especially with younger kids, is to make it into a scavenger hunt. Sometimes it's simply hunting for litter we find along the way and packing it out. Not only is it fun, but also teaches kids about the importance of preserving and protecting our natural places. Tent Camping After packing up all of our camping gear, we set off on our bikes and rode 7 miles. We were so impressed with Nihaal’s stamina, especially considering he was used to biking in Georgia - not the Rockies! We set up camp and spent the night amid giant peaks in the Sawtooth National Forest.  It was our nephew’s first night ever in a tent, and he loved helping us pitch the tent, start the fire and cook our dinner. We prepared some leftover Indian food – which turned out to be a delicious camping meal! Nihaal slept the night away peacefully, while we tossed and turned, painfully aware of our deflating camping pads.  The next day we finished off the rest of the loop - another 7 miles of singletrack riding through even more picturesque meadows ringed with snow-capped peaks. The views were astounding! Mountain bike packing = check! Tips & Tricks Getting kids comfortable with the uncomfortable (like backpacking without all of home's comforts or hiking a tough trail) at a young age is beneficial for both them and you. Pushing their boundaries and stepping outside their comfort zone (while keeping in mind their limitations) not only prepares them for challenges in life, but also makes incredible memories.  Whitewater Rafting After our bike packing trip, we visited the awesome crew at White Cloud Rafting. We did a half-day class II and III rapid trip that Nihaal will remember forever. Before we launched, our guide Geoff made sure we all knew what to do if anyone fell out of the boat, which ended up being useful! We encountered gorgeous scenery and several sets of spirited rapids. Not long into the trip Geoff asked if we'd prefer hitting a particular rapid straight on with the possibility of a “swimmer” (someone falling out) or taking the mellower side. The answer was a no brainer and off we went down the little wall directly into the churning torrents. Geoff was right about the swimmer – Nihaal popped out of the raft at the tail end of the rapids, making his day. Nihaal beamed as Geoff announced that he is now a proud member of the Salmon River Swimming Club!  Whitewater Rafting = check! Tips & Tricks Did you know rafting helps boost kids’ brainpower, improves self-esteem, reduces stress and releases endorphins? It also gives you a great chance to bond together. Kids of all ages can enjoy rafting - and your outfitter can help you choose the perfect trip for them based on their age. Good guides will help encourage hesitant kids to overcome their fears and provide plenty of entertainment to keep even the most inattentive kids occupied and happy. Stand-up Paddle Boarding For Nihaal’s intro to paddle boarding, we headed up to Wallace Lake - a calm, high alpine lake in the Salmon-Challis National Forest west of Salmon, Idaho. We had the lake to ourselves with the exception of a few fishermen on its shores. The serene lake was perfect for Nihaal’s first-time paddle boarding, and after a few seconds of showing him how to get on the board, we set him loose. He got the hang of the paddle board quickly, and we spent the afternoon paddling around the petite lake’s scenic shores. Stand-up paddle boarding = check! Tips & Tricks Stand-up paddle boarding is a great activity for kids. It is a low impact sport, with a lesser risk of injury, but enhances their balance, improves cardiovascular health and is an amazing full-body workout. Smaller lakes, calm water and non-windy days make paddle boarding much easier. Your child should know how to swim and wear a PFD at all times on the board. Kids & The Outdoors This trip wasn’t our first outdoor adventure with our nephew, and over the years we have seen him evolve into a more capable outdoor adventurer. It's wonderful to be able to expand our adventures and include more daring activities as he gets older. Spending time outdoors has benefited him in so many ways - he is more confident, stronger, happier. And perhaps the most important, he appreciates nature and is passionate about protecting the environment. We returned Nihaal back home to his parents after our adventure, filled with awesome stories to tell his friends. What we didn’t fully realize at the time but have now come to understand, is that we also had an incredible adventure and are filled with awesome stories to tell our friends. About the Author Julie Singh founded TripOutside.com with her husband Reet out of a shared enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and travel.  In 2017 they left their corporate careers to pursue their outdoor passion and build a better way to get outdoors.  An easier way to research top outdoor destinations, figure out how to find gear and adventures, and book it all online. TripOutside's vision is to have a world where people recreate in nature more often and work towards preserving it for future generations.  They now explore full-time in their RV, curating top outdoor destinations and making friends with outfitters and outdoor enthusiasts along the way.     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 Julie Singh. The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and not necessarily the opinions, thoughts or recommendations of Hike it Baby.

When Social Anxiety Hits Everyone begins walking down the trail. Parents are asking each other questions and swapping stories. You tell yourself you should join the conversation, get to know some of the other parents. After all, look at your child – chattering with a group of kids, becoming fast friends. But the idea of jumping in is overwhelming. According to Jenn Granneman, author of the book The Secret Lives of Introverts, it’s common for introverts to find themselves battling some level of social anxiety. It can strike at any social gathering, big or small, and sometimes without rhyme or reason. It makes it difficult for introverts or those that suffer from more extreme cases of social anxiety, to foster a real community. How Hike it Baby Helps Build Community From our community-led, peer-hosted hikes to the volunteers that keep the organization running, Hike it Baby is founded on building and upholding a strong community. We support all families and empower them to get outside with confidence. Hike it Baby brings families together to create authentic connections and actively commits to diversity and inclusion in our community. Feel ready to do this? Here are a few tips to help you build a community with Hike it Baby. Be Yourself Hike it Baby is an inclusive, judgment-free community of like-minded parents and caregivers that have a shared mission of connecting their kids with nature. If you’re here for this reason, you already have something in common with everyone and a built-in conversation starter. Additionally, members are looking to create a connection with each other. We're all in this parenting thing together, and we want to get to know the real you. Bring a Friend Everyone is welcome to join a Hike it Baby hike. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, or your best friend. Just ask them to sign the waiver by signing up for membership. You may feel more comfortable having your sibling, mom or dad, or buddy tag along with you. Bonus if your wingman is an extrovert and can help you strike up a conversation. Plan Ahead In her article, An Introvert’s Guide to Fostering Community, Amy Kessler suggests planning ahead to ease anxiety. Select a hike a few days in advance so you can plan. Try to keep your daily activity around the hike to a minimum so you don’t feel flustered or overtaxed before you get to the hike. Kessler also advises setting time limits. Know how long you can socialize before you feel drained. When you first get started with Hike it Baby, select a short hike or a park and play event so you can leave at your convenience. Learn more about Hike it Baby hike ratings here. Talk to the Hike Host The Hike it Baby calendar provides thorough details about each hike, including trail distance, estimated time, and difficulty rating of the trail. This certainly helps with planning, but if you want more details about the hike, reach out to the hike host. They can answer questions you may have to help ease any anxiety you are feeling about the hike. By introducing yourself ahead of time, you'll already know one person at the hike! Check out this video on how Maria Echaniz found her community with Hike it Baby. Hike it Baby is a friendly and all-inclusive community. We come together to enjoy each other’s company, be healthy and expose our children to the wonders of nature. We understand bringing children on trail can bring unique challenges, so if you need to stop to change a diaper or take a break to feed, we take it together! Learn more about Hike it Baby and start your membership 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 Deanna Curry. Sources:  Psychology Today, The Secret Lives of Introverts, Granneman, Accessed 1/21/2020 Boundless, An Introverts Guide to Foster Community, Kessler, Accessed 1/21/2020  

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.

While many of us have outdoor-related goals for the new year, reaching these goals can be a daunting task when faced with the demands of life. Maybe you don’t know how to get started when you have a baby or toddler in tow. Or maybe you are a grandparent, unsure if hiking will be right for you. Here’s the thing: Hiking is an “everybody” sport. The mental and physical benefits of hiking are too numerous to ignore. Therefore, we have compiled this handy list of articles to provide you with the tips and inspiration to hit the trails regardless of your current phase of life. When you Feel you Aren’t “Fit” Enough It can be a never-ending cycle. You want to hike, but you don’t feel “fit” enough to hike. Yet you feel you aren’t fit enough because you don’t ever hike. Check out these articles for tips on how to get started regardless of how “fit” you are: 5 Tips for how to start hiking -regardless of your current fitness level  Tips for choosing the right fitness tracker for your needs along with a breakdown of the most popular trackers on the market  Expert hiking tips for beginner hikers  Hiking During Pregnancy Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop hiking, and it certainly shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying nature. Whether you are trying to prevent excessive weight gain or attempting to “hike the baby out” at the end of your pregnancy, here are some tips and inspiring stories from our Hike it Baby community: Tips to help you through each stage of pregnancy  Stories from our strong mamas about how they took on the Hike it Baby 30 challenge while pregnant  One mother’s story about taking the time to slow down in nature, listen to her body and appreciate the amazing changes that occur during pregnancy Postpartum Hiking A woman’s body is an incredible thing, with the ability to grow and nurture another human being while also sustaining her own health. As wonderful as it is, recovering from such a task can be slow and discouraging at times. These articles include tips to help you get back on the trail with your new addition: Tips from our wonderful Hike it Baby community for getting back on the trail after having a baby  One mother’s tips to help take some of the stress out of hiking with your newborn  Advice for breastfeeding your baby on the trail  Advice for bottle-feeding your baby on the trail  Hiking with Babies Babies can be unpredictable. Leaving the house can seem like a monumental task, let alone attempting to go for a hike. However, there are numerous benefits to getting out into nature for both baby and caregiver. Here are some tips and inspiration for hitting the trail with your baby: Tips from our Hike it Baby community to help you soothe a cranky baby on the trail Tips from Hike it Baby founder, Shanti Hodges, for hiking with your baby  One mother’s story and tips for hiking with a premature baby  Hiking with Toddlers Toddlers are a whole different ball game. Between the mood swings and the constant need for snacks, hiking with a toddler can be an interesting experience. Check out these articles to help keep your toddler happy (and save your sanity) on the trail: 6 tips for making hiking with toddlers a fun experience for everyone  Fun ideas for getting outside with your toddler  Overcoming Obstacles: Toddler Tantrums Hiking with School-Aged Kiddos Once kiddos reach school-age, finding time to hit the trail can be difficult. Here are some tips and ideas for making trail time a priority even with a hectic school schedule: Advice and tips for getting older kids excited about being out on the trail  Creative ways to get outside with your kiddos during the school year  Benefits of multi-age play along with activities that work well for all age groups  Hiking Later in Life Hiking can benefit people of all ages. Here are some benefits and tips for hiking no matter what age you may be: 3 benefits of hitting the trail as a grandparent  Tips for long-distance walking later in life  Fitness tips for hiking your way through the golden years  Fostering a love of nature and hiking starts at a young age. Learn more about Hike it Baby's mission and how you can get involved through membership or by making a donation 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. Photos courtesy of Deanna Curry and Jessica Human.