OutGrown Blog

Sky was a little over a year old when I was finally mentally prepared enough to try a long day hike. I felt confident in what I would need for a full day's hike: 15 diapers, first aid kit, water for a family of eight, food for three days, three outfit changes and rain gear. With everything I needed, I was concerned about having to carry everything I would need with me, a one-year-old and my overactive imagination. Sky was starting to get heavy and I was concerned about footing, so I wanted her on my back, but my buckle-style carriers weren’t prepared to stuff everything. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to carry Sky on my back and a backpack on front (sounded super awkward). Enter the hard-framed carrier. Hard-framed carriers (like my beloved Deuter Kid Comfort III) are typically designed to carry both gear and kids. Some don’t have gear compartments ... just skip those. A hard-framed carrier is different from your typical soft-framed carrier or buckle-style carrier. They have an internal frame so your little one sits higher behind you for a great view. Hard-framed carriers are designed to sit differently on your body above your hips, similar to a framed backpack and unlike the typical soft-framed carrier or buckle-style, which can sit anywhere from natural waist to hip. A proper fit is important for comfort Torso Length – Adjust your carrier so that the hip belt will sit on your hips and the weighted carrier’s shoulder straps won’t have a gap on your shoulders. Take the time before you head out on the trail to get this perfect for you. I grabbed a sack of potatoes and tossed it into the seat to get a great fit. I had my partner help me get the perfect fit by some trial and error on adjusting by using their Varifit system. Since it’s an easy strap to adjust, we also marked my partner’s best fit so we could go between the two of us easily. Waistbelt – Put it on your hips. It belongs there. Don’t think of this carrier like your typical Tula or Ergobaby carrier. It’s designed like a backpack and you have to think of adjusting it like that. Shoulder straps – Is there a gap? Is the bottom of the strap under your armpit? Tighten as needed to get your fit. It’s easier to loosen to get the pack on and off as well. Load Adjustment Straps – Those straps going from your shoulder to the pack? Those are the load adjustment straps and perfect for adjusting the pack either closer to you or farther away. Try playing with these as well to see what you like. Comfort for your kiddo The hard-framed carriers are also designed with adjustments to help your little one feel comfortable as well. Seat – Look for the seat adjuster to get the right height. You want your child’s head to be above the front of the cockpit with their shoulders below the back rest. If you have a Kid Comfort III like me, I have my daughter periodically rest her head on the pillow so I can make sure she is comfortable when napping. Feet – Look for the stirrups and adjust these so your child’s knees are slightly bent. Harness – Make sure that the harness is snug against your child so they can’t wiggle out (I’ve learned this lesson for you.). Harnesses typically have several points to tighten so you can adjust to the child in that moment. The Deuter Kid Comfort III allows me to move the shoulder straps up and down, so Sky has a perfect fit. You want to make sure the harness is snug as this is what keeps your child in the cockpit. Accessories – If your carrier doesn’t come with it automatically, consider picking up a sunshade. I also highly recommend grabbing the rain protector as it’s very helpful for rain, snow and wind. You may also want to pick up a mirror like this one. It attaches to your carrier and will allow you to view your child. Extra tips for using a hard-framed carrier Your baby needs to sit independently. These carriers aren’t designed for kids who can’t sit independently, so don’t use it for newborns or any child who isn’t sitting independently. Each child hits this milestone in their own time. Mind the weight. Each framed carrier has a max weight it can safely carry to include the child, gear, water and the carrier. Sky is a little thing so we have been able to use this carrier for a long time. Each time I consider how much everything weighs (water is heavier than you think). If you are thinking about doing longer hikes and want to take gear along, a hard-framed carrier might be your perfect fit. For me and Sky, it’s allowed us to hike to the top of Black Elk Peak, backpack the Ice Age Trail, keep us on the trails longer and let me do more adult-paced hikes. Read more: Why you might need a new carrier. Babywearing Dad’s Review From Wrap to Soft-Structured Photos by Jessica Featherstone. Do you have a fit tip for a hard-framed carrier? Let us know below!  

Hike it Baby is thankful for all the Hike Hosts this year who volunteered their time to bring families together to enjoy the outdoors.  This organization would not be possible without the amazing people who motivate others to join them on hikes submitted to our calendar each day. In honor of these generous Hike Hosts, we're proud to give back during our 7 Days of Giving with some fantastic prizes donated from our sponsors. Lucky winners were drawn from the long list of hosts who submitted events to the Hike it Baby website from January to November of this year.      HERE IS A ROUNDUP OF THE PRIZES THAT THESE HOSTS WON DURING OUR 7 DAYS OF GIVING! Strider Balance Bike BOB Stroller  Deuter Schmusebar Backpack Baby Björn Bouncer Heroclip Brady Rymer's "Revvin' Up the Reindeer" Thousand Star Hotel by the Okee Dokee Brothers  HIKE HOST WINNERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHY THEY HOST HIKES FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES: Nicole Andrews:  It motivates me to get outdoors with my son, and I love the friends we’ve made through HiB. Alex Wellner: I like to help other parents get their kids outside and develop a passion for the outdoors. We do host sometimes based on the unpredictable nature of toddler life and schedule, while being accessible for all hiking abilities. Eli was 4 months old when our local branch started. I was struggling with PPA/PPD and my new role as a stay-at-home mom. We started small (library walks) and that just blossomed into a love of the outdoors for my son and me. He wants to be outside more than inside and can find so much enjoyment in the beauty of nature and bugs and leaves. I don't think that would have happened if not for HiB. Hannah Dahl: We like to spend time with our hiking friends doing the types of hikes we love.  I am so grateful for the community I have found through HiB.      Hosting hikes for your community is not only fun and easy to do, but you are also automatically entered to win monthly Host a Hike prizes and the annual 7 Days of Giving at the end of each year. Submit a hike to the Hike it Baby calendar today and inspire other families to get outdoors!

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it is definitely the hardest time of the year to get outside for my family. Children eager to hike in other seasons turn into curmudgeons at the very mention of going outside, even if the sun is shining. Whining commences and no one moves no matter how enthusiastic I force myself to sound. I weigh how much energy it will take to rally against resistance and then get three children and myself dressed in cold weather gear and out the door, and I give up more often than I’d like to admit. I know I won’t regret it once we’re out there, but still, it’s just hard to get motivated some seasons. Anyone else in the same boat? This is the time I like to grab Rebecca Cohen’s book "15 Minutes Outside" for inspiration. Sometimes all we need is variety, a mission or something that sounds more fun than “Let’s walk” to rally the troops and get them moving when it’s cold and gray. I appreciate her creative ideas for getting outside in the heart of winter when I’m at a loss, because while 15 minutes doesn’t sound like much, it can still be just enough. Ideas for Getting Outside in the Winter Here are some of Cohen's simple yet fun ideas to get out of the house and connect with your kids. Have a sunrise breakfast Grab a blanket, bundle the family up and head to the yard for an early morning picnic. The fare should be hot and filling, such as warm muffins, oatmeal, hot chocolate or tea. Go on a scavenger hunt Give the kids some magazines and have them cut out five things they think they could find outside this time of year. Glue the pictures into a list, then send them out searching. Check off items as you find them, or take a picture of them, as to leave the nature items in nature. Stargaze Early sunsets make stargazing an option for even the littlest family members. If no stars are visible, saving a family walk for after dark can be exotic enough to entice them out - especially with flashlights or glowsticks! Create with pinecones If your kids love crafts, then give them a mission. The purpose of this walk is to find and collect different kinds of pinecones. Bring your finds inside and use them to decorate with, make pine cone critters, make a mobile, or dip them in paint to make interesting art designs. (Just make sure to follow Leave No Trace guidelines and collect pinecones from your yard, etc.) Related: 4 Easy Winter Crafts for Kids Play tag Here’s a chance to get crazy with your kids and eliminate time for thinking about whether you really want to go outside or not. Shout “Let’s play tag!” and race for the door, seeing how fast everyone can get outdoors and start chasing each other around the yard. Set up an indoor campsite When all else fails, and the day is really just too crummy, bring the outside in. Make a tent out of blankets or set up your own, make a campfire with blocks, and bring in microwave S’mores (put the assembled S’mores in for 10 seconds on high). Talk about places you’d like to camp next summer, or bring out the photos and relive a trip from the previous one. Need more inspiration? Check out all 365 ideas in "15 Minutes Outside." Read more 10 Children's Picture Books to Jump-start Themed Hikes with Kids There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather - Author Interview 10 Reasons to Brave Winter Hiking with Your Family What are your tips for getting outside with your kids in the winter? Leave a comment or question below!

A few weeks ago my husband, Daniel, came home and told me we could borrow a friend's T@B trailer to go camping. I jumped at the chance, as I had been googling places to rent a cabin in Wisconsin that past week. I started looking up campsites within an hour of the house that were open in winter. Daniel pointed out Mauthe Lake and it was decided–we would head out that weekend. Winter camping is a completely new experience for me. I will admit, we mostly glamped instead of sleeping in a tent. Still, it was refreshing to be in the peace and quiet of the campground. A perfect spot to camp. Photo credit: @onebabeanddone Why should you head out this winter and early spring to the campground? Best Spot at the Campground - There are fewer people at the campgrounds which means you can pick the best spots, be as loud as you want, and possibly enjoy a bit of silence. When we arrived at Mauthe Lake, we drove around until we found what I would consider the perfect spot: close to the restrooms, excellent view of the lake, and right across from an entrance to the nature trail. Less People - We practically had the campground and surrounding trails to ourselves. Mauthe Lake is rather popular in the summer so it was amazing having this place almost all to ourselves. If you choose to head to a large national park in the winter, there is the possibility of seeing and doing more. Be prepared that some things may not be open/available during the winter. Seasonal Changes - I find it fun and interesting to see the seasonal changes. The lake was frozen over and we were able to walk out on it and check out the plants that had been encased in the ice. It was a very cool perspective. We talked about the people who were out on the lake ice fishing as well. It was great to talk to Sky about how seasons change and in the summer how we wouldn't be able to get out on the lake without a boat. Heading out onto frozen Mauthe Lake. Photo credit: @onebabeanddone Campfires seem better - After going on a hike, my husband started a campfire and it's warmth was appreciated by everyone (even the dog). Don't forget to bring chairs and a blanket to snuggle up with by the campfire. Backsides get cold pretty easy. Fresh Air - The air does seem fresher at the campground! I don't live in a city, but I do live in a moderately sized suburb. While I am able to go outside and touch a tree in my backyard, there is a different feeling at the campground. It's not that much different - You just need to bring extra warm clothes for everyone. Well, possibly some extra towels to clean up snowy, slushy messes as well. If you are worried about being cold, you can always check out renting or borrowing a RV or camper for your trip. We were lucky and had the opportunity to borrow a camper that was heated. This made any worries we had about the cold negligible. Would I do it again? While this first weekend out was a test run of both RV and winter camping, I can definitely say I will do it again although perhaps on a less slushy weekend. The crisp, cold air was perfect for a cold I had been fighting off and absolutely invigorating. I've started planning our next cold weather camping trip and look forward to some early spring nights around a campfire. You can find RV parks and campgrounds nearby with RoverPass. Have you been camping in the winter months? What tips would you add? Comment below! Editor's note: This article was originally published in February 2017.

RyAnn Peverley talks about her journey of finding a community that shares her enthusiasm for the outdoors after her family moved to a new city.  A year ago, I found myself sitting on the couch while my toddler napped, in a new home, in a new city. My older children were all at school and my partner was off at work. I had already picked up around the house, the laundry was done, and I was bored. So, I picked up my phone and started scrolling through Instagram. I don’t quite remember how I came across The Adventure Mamas Initiative, but I saw a picture that immediately grabbed my attention. Switching out my phone for my laptop, I quickly searched for what seemed like a group of badass mamas. I wanted to be part of a community It didn’t take long for me to realize this was a community that I wanted to be a part of, so I sent out an email to the founders, Stephanie and Justine, to see how I could get involved. After a quick skype interview about my interests and outdoor lifestyle, they asked me to be a coordinator for the Northwest region. I was super stoked to be a part of a group that shared so many of the same ideals. Immediately, I set out to build an awesome crew of adventurous like-minded women. Women with whom I could share a day on the trail as much as the trials of breastfeeding and sleepless nights. It was slow-going at first. There were a handful of ladies around the Puget Sound who found the group. We would connect through Facebook and share pictures of hikes we took our children on.   Broadening my community with Hike it Baby However, I still longed to broaden my community. I had heard about Hike it Baby and looked into it in the past, but had never joined any of the hikes. Feeling as though I needed desperately to get out with other mamas, I loaded the stroller, some snacks and my cranky little man into the car. Not knowing what to expect, I made my way over to the designated meeting spot and introduced myself in the welcome circle. Just five minutes in and I knew I had found what my little man and I had been looking for. We walked together, chatting and sharing stories and laughs. A couple months later, I decided to join the April Hike it Baby 30 challenge. Two women I had met previously were hosting a weekly hike for the month. I thought this would be a great way to get miles in and possibly build better friendships for myself and my little guy. It’s amazing how much bonding can happen on the trail while sweating and chasing rambunctious toddlers in the woods. As the month came to a close, we decided these weekly hikes needed to continue, and we needed to find time to venture out without kids. Finding lasting friendships The summer progressed and we spent more and more time outside as a group. Exploring trails, handing out snacks to each other’s kids, and sharing diapers and wipes supplies. And when time allowed, we left the babes at home and set out on our own. There is something so refreshing about spending time together in nature. Laughing, dancing, using words that otherwise we could not say. It was in these moments that I realized I finally found my community. A group of amazing, badass women to share in the triumphs and trials of motherhood and womanhood. Initially, I was looking for a group of women whom I could hike with, possibly backpack or expand my climbing skills with. Adventure Mamas Initiative and Hike it Baby are the perfect outlets for socializing my toddler and meeting other families who liked to spend time outside. Never did I imagine that I would find a band of truly inspiring, supportive, stunning women. As our circle grows, I am thankful for the lasting friendships that formed, for the memories we are creating for our children and ourselves, and for finally finding the place where my son and I belong. RyAnn Peverley is a mother of four and an Ambassador for the non-profit organization Adventure Mamas Initiative and a Trailblazer for the 10,000 Women Trail Project. She enjoys any activity that will get her outside, but her favorite by far is climbing. For RyAnn, there is nothing like the thrill of leading a 5.9 on a basalt pillar or pulling out her ice axe and summiting a mountain. In her down time, she likes to sew and work on her budding blog. After the kids go to bed, RyAnn can often be found reading mountaineer training guides. Read more: How a Welcome Circle can Change your Life The Importance of a [Mommy] Community The Less You Carry: Dealing with Postpartum Anxiety Photos courtesy of RyAnn Peverley.  

Getting outside for winter hikes is tough. It's cold, it's wet, and you are busy with the holidays and all the things that you were supposed to do but couldn't. Or didn't. You want to get outdoors, but it's so much work to get outside. And So. Many. Layers. Preparing to get yourself and your children on a hike is no easy task. Here are a few hike suggestions to get you excited to get outside. 1. Rainy day puddle stomping Every kid loves a good puddle. Throw on rain boots and go in search of the deepest, wettest puddles you can find and stomp away. Make it a hunt and see who can make the biggest splash. You can also give your kids umbrellas and watch them experiment with this new rain gear. It's great for some hilarious giggles with supervision. 2. Snowshoeing I hadn't really thought of young kids being able to snowshoe, but it's surprisingly easy for them. Our just 3-year-old had a blast on snowshoes last year, and it extended our ability to hike in the snow. You can snowshoe with a kiddo in a carrier too. Make sure to take into account the added weight when deciding which snowshoes to use since they are based off of weight. 3. Build a snowman Head into the woods and build a snowman in an unexpected place. Bring some natural supplies (every snowman needs a carrot nose!) or use whatever you can find on the trail. 4. Finding letters/numbers/pictures in the snow Have someone hike ahead down the trail and draw letters, numbers or smiley faces in the snow with a stick for the kids to spot as they head down the trail. Take turns drawing in the snow. 5. Gloomy weather Take advantage of the fact that most people stay inside during bad weather and bundle up and head to a local park, trail or playground that's usually crowded. With most people wanting to stay put where it's warm, you'll most likely have it all to yourselves. 6. Sledding Sledding is fun for any age. Find a local sledding spot, hike out and go at it. Or if you know of a wooded trail that is wide and safe for sledding, hike into the woods and sled your heart out. 7. Hike at a local zoo When people plan trips to the zoo, winter is the least favorable season to visit because of the cold. However, unlike summer when it's hot and animals are lazy and prefer to rest in the shade, winter finds animals way more active. You may be surprised by what animals come out to play in the cold than any other time of year. These are just a few ideas to help you and your kiddos get out during the colder months. And even if you can't go far except for a short loop around your neighborhood, the cold, refreshing air is good for the soul. Read more: 10 Reasons to Brave Winter Hiking With Your Family Winter Outdoor Activities: What is ‘Skinning’? Cold weather camping: Why you should head to the campsite this winter Photos by Krystal Weir.

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

In this interview series, I'm going to introduce you to park rangers across the United States. Today's post features DeAnn Casimiro, or "Ranger Dee," a seasonal park ranger at Death Valley National Park. What is your name and job title?  My name is DeAnn Casimiro and I'm a seasonal park ranger, so my job title changes depending on my current job. Currently, I’m working at Death Valley National Park as a Visitors Use Assistant. Is this the first National Park you've worked at? If not, tell me what other parks/nature centers you've worked at.  This is the third National Park site I have worked at. Before Death Valley, I worked at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. My duties  at Death Valley National Park include collecting park entrance fees and assisting visitors in planning their visit in the park, campgrounds and surrounding areas. I suggest hikes or things to do depending on the interests and abilities of the group. In other parks, I have done Interpretation and Education so I gave tours and did classroom visits and hosted field trips. This summer (2017),  I will be working at Yosemite National Park. Where did you grow up? In the country, a city or a suburb?  I grew up on Guam in a small fairly modern village. In comparison to stateside suburbs, I would say my village was rural. What did you love about the outdoors as a child?  As a child, I loved exploring the beach and jungles looking at different plants and animals. Today I am a naturalist and quite certain that my time outdoors as a child nurtured these interests of mine. When did you know you wanted to work in outdoor education?  As a young mother, I loved taking my small children on all sorts of outdoor adventures. It has just been in the last few years that I have tried to steer my career into outdoor education. Who encouraged you to pursue a career in outdoor education?  This was a choice that I made independently. What is the most common question you get from park visitors? "Where is the bathroom?" Also, visitors often ask me questions about the particular place or resource. Often I give hiking suggestions. How can parents raise kids to love the outdoors?  Go outside and allow kids to explore at their own pace for their own interest. Does your kid like summiting peaks to get a beautiful view or would she rather stay near the creek all day looking for salamanders? Help them find their own interests and support your kids in developing those interests. If a child doesn’t like long hikes and you force them on a 5-mile difficult hike, you just might discourage their interest of the outdoors.

Ah, the holiday season … lights, presents, carols, treats, parties, family, goodwill and - for some of us - loads of stress! Do you ever feel like you’re running a sprint between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? If you usually feel like crawling under the covers by January instead of boldly facing the new year, maybe it’s time to add a little self-care to your holiday routine. "Self-care" means making choices that help mitigate the effects of both physical and emotional stress on our bodies. It means treating your own body kindly, so you can better cope. Self-care also means learning to self-soothe in tough moments. This is not just a skill for infants, but one many adults need to learn as well. Not sure where to begin? Consider one or more of the following routines this season to better take care of you. 6 Tips for Self Care 1. Sleep more.  Instead of staying up late to catch all those holiday movies on the Hallmark channel, follow nature's lead and turn in earlier. I know. It's really hard to do when the house is finally quiet, but give yourself the gift of rest. Longer nights this time of year are perfect for extra sleep, even if just an extra 15 to 30 minutes a night. 2. Go for a walk outside. Fresh air and exercise is a cure for whatever ails you. Commit to a daily walk around the block to boost your body's defenses and combat stress. Need some support or comradarie? Join a Hike it Baby hike or walk. 3. Eat something nourishing. Choose to snack on foods that give your body real food. At that Christmas party, go for the fruit and cheese instead of the fudge and cookies. Commit to adding greens to dinner every night in December or starting every day with a green smoothie. 4. Take time for tea. On busy days, make it a point to stop for 15 minutes in the afternoon and sip on a warm beverage of choice (herbal teas make an excellent choice). This will not only slow your body down, but mindfully sipping while noticing details around you, or making a list of things you are grateful for, will give you a mental break as well. 5. Unplug. The holidays are the perfect time for a social media/internet break, even if just for a few hours. Drop the nonstop demands and the temptation to compare and feel unnecessary stress melt away. 6. Plan for stressful situations. We all have them during the holidays ... those gatherings and parties that stress us out just thinking about them. When you can't opt out, make a plan. Think of the particular person or situation that causes the most grief and plan out your responses ahead of time. Maybe you need to set an alarm reminding you to step outside every hour for 10 minutes for some quiet. Maybe coming with a list of conversation starters would ease the discomfort of making small talk with work colleagues. Or how about a 15-minute yoga session before heading to that family dinner to mentally prepare for what's ahead? During the busy holiday season, it's so easy to forget about the little things - so remember, be kind to yourself and take small acts of self care. The little acts do make a difference. Read more: Yellowstone National Park and the Discovery of Myself My HiB Story: Hiking inspires happiness throughout the work week Photos by Tais Kulish.

Oh, the infamous long car ride with kids. Whether you're traveling for the holidays, on your way to the mountains for a family hike, or sitting in the pickup lane at school - there's only so many times you can listen to Frozen's "Let It Go," Lion King's "Hakuna Matata" or Moana's "You're Welcome." An alternative to Disney classics on repeat? Podcasts for kids - have you tried it? With the holidays ahead, we've compiled a list of kid-friendly podcasts to queue up for your next car ride. Take your pick and let us know which podcast inspires you and your family to get outdoors!   Kid-Friendly Podcasts - Inspired by Nature   WOW in the World Wow in the World - a science podcast from NPR - is all about looking up and discovering the wonders of the world all around us. Each episode, hosts Mindy and Guy guide curious kids and their grown-ups away from their screens and on a journey. It's scientific, fun, and engaging for the whole family. Sparkle Stories Sparkle Stories are simple, delightful, and filled with a sense of wonder. This subscription-based podcast aims to inspire children to play, to marvel, to laugh, and to be kind. Our Hike it Baby members especially recommend Martin and Sylvia's Nature School Stories - a collection within Sparkle Stories. Hiking My Way to Happiness  Get inspired to get outside with this podcast by Hike it Baby Founder, Shanti Hodges. Each week, Shanti talks to hiking families who inspire her and like minded adventurers she’s met along the way. Brains On! Brains On! is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Co-hosted each week by kid scientists and reporters from public radio, learn about a range of science and nature topics. But Why: a Podcast For Curious Kids Have a kiddo who always asks "Why!?" The NPR podcast But Why is a show led by kids who tackle topics large and small - about nature, words, cooking, and even the end of the world. GraniteGals.org Get inspired by these two tweens/teens who run GraniteGals.org. Alexandra and Sage are 14- and 12-year old girls who have been hiking the Four Thousand Footers of New Hampshire year-round since they were five years old.  Between them, they have completed the Four Thousand Footers, the 52 With a View, the Trailwrights 72 peaks, and most of The Terrifying 25.  They have also completed thru-hikes of the Camino de Santiago, the John Muir Trail, and Iceland's Laugavegur Trek.  As of 2017, they have also ascended 46 state highpoints. Awesome! Story Pirates Need a great story for the car ride? Story Pirates to the rescue! Story Pirates is a group of world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theater. The Show About Science Have kids who love science? Don't miss this podcast hosted by second grader Nate who creates an awesome adventure into the wondrous world of scientific research and discovery! Each episode is filled with fascinating information from scientists and educators around the globe - perfect for curious kids (and adults). Read More 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Outdoor Family How to Road Trip Hike it Baby Style Do you love listening to podcasts with your kids? What are your favorites? Comment below! If we get enough ideas we'll feature your favorites in a follow up post! Photos courtesy of Laura Castro and Shanti Hodges

I had just started a new medication which had the lovely side effect of increasing the flow rate of my menstruation. My kids were bouncing off the walls. I was cranky and irritable. I finally announced, "That's it! We're going hiking!" I tossed our hiking bag together, threw in what I hoped was enough snacks and drove to the Loew Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail. It's my "go to" trail. Thirty minutes into our hike, my kids were terribly upset that this wasn't a Hike it Baby hike (Mom, where are my friends?), and I knew I needed to change my cup. Man, they were not kidding about the increased flow rate. Normally, the cup wouldn't have been full until the end of our hike, but we were only a quarter of the way through. Loew Lake has many benefits, but a bathroom isn't one of them. Plus, it was at least 30 minutes back to the car. Warren (1), being a bit of a runner, was up in our Onya. He was just going to have to stay there. We were right next to the Oconomowoc River and I didn't trust him to stay out of it. Graham (3) could be bribed with the entire bag of goldfish and a bench to stay put. I headed off trail. This was a bit back before I knew a lot about Leave No Trace, but I assumed that since blood was pretty smelly and carried pathogens that burial was probably the best choice. Luckily, there was a convenient log to balance on. I dug a hole with the best stick I could locate and took care of business. I still had Warren strapped on my back and had to be where I could see Graham. Needless to say, it was not one of the most relaxing bathroom breaks. However, the real trouble came when I realized I'd left the water and the wipes back with Graham in our daypack. Leaves would have to do this time. At the end of the hike, we all felt better. I still wasn't loving the new super heavy flow, but I felt more relaxed and calm and so did my kids. In this house, we call that success. Periods Show Up Anytime ... Bathrooms: Not so much We've all been there. You've driven about two hours to the trail head only to find the bathroom locked. Or completely missing altogether. To top it off, you're on your period and you need a bathroom ... NOW. Or you're out in nature minding your own business and, suddenly, you realize that today is period arrival day. Or perhaps you thought you had enough coverage, but surprise! It's a heavy flow day. Let's talk about how to handle your period while in nature. Consider an Environmentally Friendly Option Menstrual cups are a great option for reducing your waste in general. Menstrual cups are made in a variety of different sizes and shapes. This is because no two women are the same inside. Two of the most commercially available are the Diva Cup or the Keeper. If you've tried one of these and it hasn't quite worked for you, take a look at this site, Put A Cup In It, which has you take a quiz to figure out which cup is the right fit for you. Underwear like Thinx are another option for reducing your environmental impact and are a great option for the short day hike or Hike it Baby hike. Simply rinse and wash out when you get home. Consider a 100% cotton tampon. Companies like Seventh Generation, Natracare and the subscription service Lola produce tampons that don't have synthetic chemicals and biodegrade faster. Another thing to think about are reusable pads and pantyliners. Etsy has numerous stores that sell fleece or minky pantyliners and pads. These are a great choice for protection from leaks on day hikes and short trips into the backcountry. Examples of reusable and environmentally friendly menstrual products. Left to right: menstrual cup, reusable fleece pad, reusable pantyliner and wet bag Leave No Trace Regardless of what method you use to contain your monthly flow, if you need to change your protection while hiking, remember to pack out what you bring in. For those of you who use tampons and pads, check out Animosa. It's an odor-proof system that allows you to transport your period trash in the backcountry. I love that it's minimal, comes in two sizes and includes wipes for easy cleanup. For a cost-effective option, cover a Ziploc baggie or Nalgene with duct tape (clearly labeled TRASH) and dispose when back to somewhere with a garbage. Note that unless you use 100% cotton tampons, you must pack these items out. Most tampons contain synthetics and plastics that don't biodegrade. This makes them unsuitable for burial. If you use a menstrual cup, and it's convenient, pack out the fluid. If not, you'll want to follow the same practices you would for feces. Make a 6"-8" hole in the ground that's at least 200 feet away from a water source. This also goes for urination while menstruating. Because of blood's ability to transport diseases, it's a good idea to urinate into a hole as well for the duration of your period. Remember not to rinse your cup in a body of water. You'll want to boil water to sanitize and clean your cup. Quick Tips Pack along wet wipes to clean up your hands. Use a rubber surgical glove to keep your hands clean. As a bonus, you can use this to wrap your tampon in. It also can hold the fluid from your cup. It's a good idea to have a few in your medical kit for emergencies. Do remember to store period items in a bear canister or bear box while in bear country. If you're on a quick day hike, a wet bag, like the one used for cloth diapers, is a great way to store your period items. Wool underwear and synthetic underwear are better options than cotton while on your period. The extra wicking is helpful with all the extra moisture generated by the blood. Don't let your period keep you home If what makes you feel good is getting out of the house and into the fresh air, then don't let your period stop you. I've found that hiking when I'm cranky and irritable changes the outlook of my day. So why would I want to remove that option on the days I need it most? I've tweaked my system and learned to plan for my period so that I feel prepared. Read More: 3 Things to know about pooping on the trail Do you have a period survival story? Or a tip that perhaps we've missed? Share with me in the comments below. 

Bike trailers for kids are gaining in popularity for those who like to fit more into their daily routine. What we love about them is they allow you to go out with the kiddos for outdoor time while still allowing you to have room for light shopping on the way home. Many of them are also easily adaptable from a bike trailer to a stroller - and some of them come with additional hiking or cross country skiing attachments (bonus!). Whether it be a stroll to the park or pulling it behind a bike, a bike trailer is a versatile option for whatever outdoor adventure you have planned. Wondering which bike trailer is best for your kids? Watch our reviews of three bike trailer options - the Allen Stroller Trailer, the Burley Honey Bee and the Thule Chariot Cross. Enjoy! Bike Trailers for Kids 1. Allen Stroller Trailer ($350) The Allen Stroller Trailer takes some muscle to put together the first time, but after that it provides ample storage and a smooth ride. Bottom line? It's a nice price for a trailer with all the accessories. [embed]https://youtu.be/YgCCN7xIEa8[/embed] 2. Burley Encore ($479) The Burley Encore handles well and provides a smooth ride. It's easy to switch between bike trailer and stroller and as a bonus - Heidi shows us how to use the walking and hiking attachment! [embed]https://youtu.be/wdJLf2WF1AA[/embed] 3. Thule Chariot Cross ($899) Thule has recently redone their Chariot line and the trailer is easy to use, compact and comfortable for little ones. The Thule Chariot Cross provides a smooth ride and easy turning - even for novice riders. Using the optional jogging kit, the Thule provided a smooth ride on trail - even over rocks and roots. It's easy to switch back and forth and also has an optional cross country skiing kit - sweet! "Our Chariot is my absolute favorite thing ever! It gives us the freedom to get outside in pretty much any condition because my son can be totally covered up and cozy, whether I am hiking, biking or jogging. This was the only way we were able to get outside safely and comfortably in snowy and cold weather while he was on oxygen 24/7." -Lindsay Frost [embed]https://youtu.be/kO-KJeruXUk[/embed] Read More 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Outdoor Family 5 Gear Essentials for Hiking in the Rain with Kids All Terrain Jogging Stroller Reviews Do you have a favorite bike trailer/stroller combo? What questions do you have about these products? Leave a comment below and we'll help answer them!