OutGrown Blog

Babywearing in the colder, winter months is a great way to stay hands-free and warm - and still get all the baby snuggles. If I had a time machine, I'd go back to 2007 and tell my first-time mom-self about babywearing. I'm sad to report I didn't discover babywearing as a real solution until my third was born. Third! She is now 3 and has made it clear our babywearing days with her are numbered -- which is sad because there are some clever, comfy and innovative solutions for winter babywearing that will help you and your little one stay warm, dry and active. To help you make your decision easier on what to wear and how to layer on cold hikes, a few of our Hike it Baby families shared what they love about their cold-weather babywearing carriers, jackets and covers. One Little Giggle Wanna support our very own community? Fellow Hike it Baby member Kim has an Etsy shop, One Little Giggle, that offers great gear such as a fleece hoodie and rain cover. I won't lie – the pocket on the front of the fleece winter carrier cover makes me consider getting one -- just in case our independent baby changes her mind and wants to be carried. Also check out the rain cover. The body is made of a layer of ripstop material for rain protection, and the hood is lined with minky fleece.  Winter Carrier Cover I love our winter carrier cover made by Kim at One Little Giggle. The cover comes in both toddler and infant sizes and fits over any carrier. It keeps our son nice and snugly on cold days and allows us to transfer him directly to the crib or car seat when asleep, since we don’t have to bundle him up with tons of additional layers. One of my favorite features is the pocket on the front because I can stick my hands in it on cold days or use it to hold my phone. I also love the soft hood that can be removed or put up to help keep my son’s head and neck warm.  Our winter carrier cover gives us the freedom to continue to enjoy the outdoors even once the weather gets cold. –Natalie Kendrach Photo credit: Caitlin Lucy Photography Rain Carrier Cover Since we love our winter carrier cover so much, we decided to try the rain cover made by Kim at One Little Giggle. The rain cover makes it easy for us to get outside even on really rainy days.  It keeps my son nice and dry without overheating either one of us.  It can go over any type of carrier, comes in both infant and toddler sizes, and can even be used over the winter carrier cover for those days that are cold AND rainy. We especially love the fleece-lined hood and how small the cover folds up when not in use. Our rain carrier cover lives in our car so that we are never caught without it. –Natalie Kendrach Photo credit: Natalie Kendrach Zip Us In Looking for a babywearing solution that integrates more with your own wardrobe? Try these jacket panels (and other accessories) from Zip Us In. This is a great way to extend a jacket whether during pregnancy or while babywearing. You can add the accessories you need like a fleece liner for colder climates or a waterproof hood for the wetter areas. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to learn more about what they offer. These things are amazing because they already fit over an existing jacket. Most standard jackets work so you only have to buy the panel. I am a hard to fit body so when i find a jacket that fits me i don't want to let it go and now with this i don't have to use any other jackets. The hood attachment is nice also, it allows for the baby to still stay protected and warm. I also have much easier access to baby so if they need to eat there is nothing between us! Overall I am super impressed and happy with Zip Us In. -Laura Castro Photo credit: Laura Castro Karvd Glider Detail-oriented is the best way to describe the Glider 4 babywearing jacket from Karvd. With minimal fuss and streamlined style, it's also completely appropriate for post-baby carrying. It should be noted that this is a soft-shell jacket. It's great for spring and fall and those with lighter winters. You can tell that the design team really thought about the active lifestyle; the jacket comes complete with drawstring pulls around the hood and waist. The two pockets on the jacket are large enough for keys, phone and a small wallet. I was able to seamlessly go from the grocery store run to the trail. I love the cute patterned matching adult and baby hood. Both are completely removable and the baby hood comes with long ties so that you can pull it up even while back carrying. It’s a great option for parents with younger infants to toddlers who will stay up during the whole hike.  –Heidi Schertz Photo credit: Heidi Schertz Wanderling This jacket does everything. It's a 4-in-1 jacket that accommodates for every stage. It has a removable panel that can be worn in front during pregnancy or as a carrier cover when carrying your kiddo in front, as well as in the back for a back carry. A plus is that it can also be completely removed and worn as an everyday jacket. As a bonus, the panel can be used as a changing pad, so that means less gear to pack! You can read Jessica's review for more details on Wanderling. I really loved utilizing this coat for regular trips around the neighborhood and out on hikes. I would suggest this coat to anyone who is pregnant and would like to carry their child in fall, winter, and spring. It’s extremely versatile and I used it to take my daughter to her sitter and then walk home. I could easily roll the panel into the carrier when not in use. This would be an excellent coat to use for anyone who wants to try backpacking with little kids since it’s pretty lightweight as well. –Jessica Featherstone Photo courtesy of Wanderling These are just a few options, but no matter what you choose to wear, always remember to dress safe. Consider proper footwear for the hiking conditions of the day, as well as layers that can be removed as you warm up. Also keep in mind the solutions that allow you and baby to be as close as possible and allow you to share body heat. Now, get out there and babywear this winter season! Do it for Past Me and my juggling of strollers and babies and wagons. Read more: Winter Hiking – How to Layer for Infants

This is a continuation of our conservationist series. Each post will detail a conservationist’s life, notable accomplishments and ways the conservationist connects to kids. This post features Theodore Roosevelt. MILITARY LEADER. PRESIDENT. NOBEL PRIZE WINNER. CONSERVATIONIST. Theodore Roosevelt unexpectedly became America's 26th president after the assassination of William McKinley. During his presidency, he set aside 200 million acres of land for national forests, reserves and wildlife refuges, which would later become some of America's national parks. Theodore Roosevelt helped to create America's National Parks. (Photo via adventure-journal.com.) WHO WAS THEODORE ROOSEVELT? Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City. His family was wealthy, and he was frail and sickly as a boy. However, he overcame his health issues and went on to achieve great success in life. He graduated from Harvard University and later went to Columbia Law School at Columbia University, but he dropped out to begin a career of public service. Roosevelt was married, but his wife died in 1884. He later married his high school sweetheart, and they raised six children, including his daughter from his first marriage. As president, Roosevelt sought to build up America's defenses to prepare the country for its expanded role on the world stage. Roosevelt won a Nobel Prize for his work leading negotiations to end the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). After a career in politics, Roosevelt passed away at his home in Oyster Bay, New York, in 1919 at 60 years old. Thanks to Theodore Roosevelt's conservation efforts, we can enjoy the beauty of Saguro National Park and more. ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY Most remember Roosevelt as a United States president. However, his work in conservation and helping establish the National Parks in the United States is also part of his legacy. Roosevelt used his authority as president to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the United States Forest Service. This service established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game reserves, 5 national parks and 18 national monuments. Roosevelt was not alone in his conservation efforts. In perhaps one of the most famous camping trips in history, President Roosevelt spent three nights camping with John Muir. During the 1903 camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Muir persuaded Roosevelt to return the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to federal protection as part of Yosemite National Park. In addition to his work in conservation, Roosevelt also helped increase the government regulations and safety standards of food and medicine with the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act. He also led the way to ensure the Panama Canal was built, which created a shortcut between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. CONNECTING TO KIDS Read more about Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir's camping trip with your kids in The Camping Trip that Changed America. Kids can thank Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt for teddy bears, which can be traced back to a hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902. Consider going on a bear hunt hike to honor Roosevelt and his conservation efforts.  QUICK FACTS Roosevelt's first wife and mother both died on the same day in 1884. Roosevelt was the youngest man to become president at 42 years, 10 months, and 18 days. Roosevelt is one of four U.S. presidents whose face is carved into Mount Rushmore. Roosevelt actually preferred the nicknames TR or Colonel to Teddy. Roosevelt's legacy lives on through the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Have you been reading any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking- or outdoors-related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I’ll include a review of my own in each blog post, but Hike it Baby would love to hear from you! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post! DISCOVER THE LIFE CYCLE OF A FLOWER! The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle Our seed's journey begins in the fall. As the wind blows the flower seeds high and low, some survive and some perish. Those that survive the long winter and cold will sprout to flowers in the spring and summer before the cycle begins again in fall. In The Tiny Seed, readers follow the journey of one seed in particular as it escapes being eaten by a bird and burned by the sun. Illustrated in classic Eric Carle fashion, children will love hearing about the seed's journey and enjoy the colorful illustrations. Besides making a good bedtime story, reading this book before a hike may inspire young readers to look for the stages of a seed's life cycle while on trail! No matter the season, the life of a new flower is taking place. Parents or hike hosts may also wish to plant seeds with young hikers and watch the life cycle take shape at home. There are a few versions of this book. Mine is a board book that can fit in my hand, so it's more suited for a small audience than a classroom full of children. There is also a version available that comes with seeds that your young reader can plant! HIKE IT BABY COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEWS             HEIDI SCHERTZ, OF THE MILWAUKEE BRANCH, REVIEWED THESE BOOKS FOR US!  Pond by Jim LaMarche From the striking illustrations to the lyrical text, this book covers all the bases for me as a reader. The young boy, Matt, and his friends, Pablo and Katie, restore a pond that had a lot of garbage in it. The book speaks to the power of the young to change the world in a positive way. It also shows how the connections we have with nature deepen when we care for it. This book does have a lot of text, so it's great for our preschool-age group. The illustrations are simply breathtaking. The Raft by Jim LaMarche The illustrations alone make this book worth it. It's so gorgeous to look at. The text is a bit long, so it's better for the preschool-age group. A young boy stays with his Grandma for the summer and discovers the wonders of nature along with the help of a raft. This book really shows how much nature we can see when we are patient and allow the animals to become comfortable in our presence. You can see the young boy become more and more excited about his adventures on the river as the summer progresses. It's a special book about relationships, nature and personal growth. Beach Baby by Laurie Elmquist This board book is perfect for the youngest Hike it Baby reader. The illustrations are vivid and realistic. The text is short and sweet. It's a bit magical, especially for those who have experienced the beach at sunset. Hike it Baby now has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts! Want to share a book that you love about the outdoors? Submit your review here to be included in an upcoming blog post! 

One of the things every parent dreads hearing on a hike is to have one of their adorable children announce, “Mommy, I need to poop!” It's especially inconvenient when it’s mid-hike, in the middle of the woods and with the nearest restroom a half mile or more out. That’s when this mama loses her crazy. It’s a natural bodily function, but still not a welcomed inconvenience on the trails. For most adults, it’s easier to convince the inner goings-on of our body to sometimes stay put. But for kids, unfortunately, it’s not so easy to hold it in. And the younger they are, the harder it is to wish the urgency away. At 4, my daughter perfected what she called “magic potty." It was a mental game she played in which she convinced herself she didn’t need to go anymore. It worked out really well for mom and dad; but now at 10, mental potty games are a thing of the past. Then there’s the 4-year-old. Who drags his feet. And makes the hikes take longer than they should. There’s no way to convince him to hold anything in. He’s urinated in national parks more times than I can count. So when he needs to poop, he needs to go … RIGHT.NOW. As a result, I’ve gained knowledge about wilderness survival I never planned to learn. When you have to address those quick-I-gotta-go-right-now potty emergencies, there are a few things to know about relieving yourself while also observing "Leave No Trace" trail etiquette. Doo pack a proper poop kit When I pack for hikes, I don't just fill the kids’ bladders with water, count snacks enough for 3.5 people (the baby counts toward that .5) or make sure there are enough baby supplies, I also pack for a possible trail crisis from the older two. The things we keep on hand are toilet paper or napkins, zip lock bag (for the toilet paper), plastic shopping bag (for the zip lock bag) and hand sanitizer. We don't do this, but if you have room in your pack, you can add a trowel for digging. Stay off the trail Search for a spot at least 200 feet away from the trail to do your business. When you stay a good distance from the trail, it ensures privacy for you so you don’t get stage fright when other hikers walk by. This also helps you avoid that really awkward moment if you run into them again on the trail. It also guarantees that hopefully no one accidentally steps on your gift to nature if they take a few steps off the trail. For kiddos, it’s easy to hide behind big rocks or downed trees while mommy or daddy keeps a lookout. Dig, poop and pack it out After you find a secret hiding spot (stay away from any water source to avoid run-off), it’s time to dig. If you don’t have a trowel, a sturdy stick makes a great substitute. Dig a hole at least 6”-8” in the ground then squat and drop. If you use toilet paper, store it in the zip lock bag and toss that in the trash bag to carry with you until you can properly dispose of it. If you had to grab the closest natural materials in lieu of toilet paper, add those to the hole and stir in some loose dirt to jumpstart the decomposition process before you completely fill in the hole. Then grab nearby leaves or rocks and cover the pile so it looks like part of the natural landscape. Finally, don’t forget to sanitize those hands like crazy. No one can predict if a restroom emergency will occur on a hike – parents pray and cross fingers and toes that it won’t happen – but it’s a given that when hiking with little ones, you can expect the unexpected. But being equipped and ready can make the situation more manageable. As citizens and caretakers of the earth, it’s our dooty to respect nature and leave no trace behind and instill that same conviction and value in our children. Read more: When nature calls in nature   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.  

“Tick season is finally over, right?” Well … not quite. Technically, every season is “tick season.” Contrary to popular belief, ticks don't just disappear in the colder months. Some tick species are simply less active. Take year-round precautions to prevent tick bites and the diseases that can come with them. Ticks in the Winter?! Yes, unfortunately. According to the TickEncounter Resource Center, some tick species (such as the Lone Star and American Dog ticks) are not active in the fall and winter months. But other tick species can remain active from the fall to the spring if the air temperature is above freezing. The Blacklegged (deer) tick is the most common cold-weather tick and a known carrier of disease-causing agents, such as Lyme bacteria. Around 50% of adult deer ticks carry the Lyme bacteria. As a reminder, ticks cannot jump, run or fly. Instead, they wait patiently in grass, leaves, trees and vegetation for a host to brush up close enough for it to attach itself. From there, they then crawl to a desired point on your body. If you find a tick on your head, it crawled there from a lower point on your body. Curious about tick activity in your area? You can find out if your area is at risk for ticks and which ticks to look out for. Image from TickEncounter Resource Center http://www.tickencounter.org/tick_identification/deer_tick Are Tick Bites Really that Bad? They certainly can be! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick-borne diseases are on the rise, and their range is spreading. Ticks have been reported in all 50 states and don't just carry Lyme disease but also other non-treatable and deadly diseases, such as Pawasen and Bornon viruses, that are on the rise. Furthermore, exposure to tick saliva can result in allergies for some people. The most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, which can cause various symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to nerve damage and arthritis. Ticks that carry Lyme disease (such as the Blacklegged tick) are most prevalent in the Northeast, upper-Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of the country. Steps to Protect Against Ticks DrFrid Kidswear provides head-to-toe protection. While the thought of a tick bite can be scary, don't let that fear keep you inside! The CDC has compiled a list of helpful steps to prevent tick bites while enjoying nature safely. Their number one tip is to walk in the center of the trail and avoid areas with leaf litter and tall grass. Here at Hike it Baby, we know that this isn’t always the easiest task when you have a toddler running around exploring the exciting world of the outdoors! These remaining steps can help to ease your mind so that you can enjoy your time outdoors. Wear long pants tucked into long socks, long-sleeved shirts tucked into your pants and a hat. In addition, it is highly recommended that you wear clothing treated with a safe repellent like permethrin, which is approved by the CDC. We recommend using pretreated clothing like DrFrid Kidswear for kids or ExOfficio Bugsaway for adults. Pretreated clothing typically lasts longer than using the spray bottles as well so they are worth the little bit extra. Use insect repellents that contain 20% to 30% DEET or picaridin on any exposed skin. However, according to the CDC, it is not recommended for use on children under two months. Remember to check your manufacturer instructions on how often to re-apply. Don’t forget about furry babies! The use of tick collars, shampoos, sprays, etc., can be effective ways of tick prevention. Also, perform tick checks on your pets frequently. Pay special attention to their ears, armpits, between the toes and around the tail and head. DrFrid Kidswear: The All-in-One Protection Against Ticks Playtime has no boundaries as DrFrid Kidswear's innovative Insect Shield repels bugs and mosquitos, including those that can carry diseases. While all of the above recommendations are helpful ways to deter ticks, the easiest and most effective way to repel ticks, mosquitos, fleas, etc., is with DrFrid Kidswear. As a method for protecting young hikers, while also putting their parents' fears at ease, DrFrid discovered Kidswear, an innovative new active wear that utilizes Insect Shield repellent technology used by the U.S. military to treat clothing with permethrin in the protection against ticks and unwanted bugs and is supported by the CDC. The apparel repels insects, including those that can carry Lyme disease, West Nile virus, malaria and other insect-borne diseases. The Kidswear set contains a jacket with a hood, sleeve guards and pants that are breathable, ultralight and odorless. They come in sizes 2-14 and are perfect year-round and lasts 25 washes. They can be worn over or under clothing for all activities, such as hiking, camping or everyday play at the park or your own backyard. DrFrid Kidswear is breathable and comfortable, and can be worn over or under clothes. In addition, kids tend to find it more convenient than wearing bug sprays. Little ones are free to comfortably roam about the outdoors. Also, no more of those repellent sprays that can be difficult to apply and reapply. Not to mention sprays are often sticky, smelly and can cause skin irritation.  [embed]https://youtu.be/vQ1Kshve6ec[/embed] Even though ticks can stay active all year-round, fear of them shouldn’t keep us from enjoying the amazing, gorgeous world of nature!  Following the recommendations in this article (especially using tick repellent clothing and carrying a tick kit) can help put our minds at ease so we can enjoy watching our children discover the miraculous world right outside our front door. Helpful Online Resources DrFrid Kidswear Center for Disease Control and Prevention TickEncounter Resource Center US Environmental Protection Agency Project Lyme Read more: A “Ticky” Situation – Tips for Preventing and Removing Ticks When on Trail Photos courtesy of Kendra Reeder. Photo and video courtesy of DrFrid. THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN FOR HIKE IT BABY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL FOR READERS. WE ARE NOT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD AND REFER READERS TO THEIR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WHEN SEEKING ADVICE ON MEDICAL MATTERS. REFERENCES TO WELL-RESPECTED WEBSITES AND PROFESSIONALS ARE LINKED IN THIS POST FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC. This post is sponsored by DrFrid. Hike it Baby received compensation in exchange for writing this post. All opinions are our own.

For our first Hike it Baby 30 Challenge, we started with a "no zero days" goal. At the time, the baby was 10 weeks old. And it rained. It rained a lot. My then 5-year-old was going crazy from the lowered activity level due to me recovering from pregnancy and birth so it was definitely time to get on the trails again. During the previous year, my son had attended a great preschool, and I knew he was getting at least an hour outside regardless of the weather. This year, we are homeschooling, so if I didn't get him out, no one would! I liked the idea of focusing on minutes rather than miles. I already knew that the more "adult" goal of miles might make our time outside less enjoyable. We discovered that I could pretty easily nurse in the front carrier, making the need to feed the baby every 20 minutes doable. We also found out that it was challenging to change a poopy newborn in a downpour (but doable). Doing the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge meant each day was an adventure Thanks to the motivation of the challenge, we sometimes went out in the evening, after dark, just for a walk around the neighbourhood. Glow sticks and flashlights made it a fun way to end the day, and we certainly all felt better for even 30 minutes of fresh (damp) air and a little wild puddle-splashing, glow-stick waving fun. We added in more deliberate stops outside on our travel days. This made the days longer, but certainly more enjoyable. We also discovered new parks along along our travel routes, making it easier to add those "adventure stops." After the challenge, I was grateful to take a break from counting minutes and miles, but we still tried to get out every day. We missed a few, and I found those were grumpy days for everyone. Our family doesn't stay home and relax well. Doing a January challenge was a tough one for weather, and we missed our "no zero days" goal by about two days.  But we still got out tons, and really made an effort to enjoy nature in big and little ways. It got easier as the weather got better, and by April, we felt confident that we could get out every day! As the weather improved and we moved toward summer, we found it easier and easier to get outside. We spent so much time outside in the summer, I think we slept more in tents or hammocks than at home! "No zero days" is more for me than for the kids I'm a better parent when we get outside. I feel connected and positive, creative and excited. I am more present, as I'm not trying to multi-task. And I definitely need that outside time every day. For the kids, it teaches them to be confident in nature. We don't pack any toys, yet they happily play for hours. They are at home in the wild. The baby learned to walk by hammock cruising, and the big kid is becoming an accomplished naturalist. We also found that we naturally had little to no time for TV. We are too busy having fun together, so it just doesn't fit in our schedule. Instead, we listen to science podcasts for kids, audiobooks and Sparkle Stories on our way to and from the trail, building a strong pre-literacy foundation. And as we are homeschooling, we tell stories and play games on the trail. I am grateful that Hike it Baby gave us a boost to get ourselves outside every day.  We are ready for this next dark, wet challenge. My big kid has a Glowey Zoey suit that lights all of Snoqualmie tunnel, so he's ready for Dark Park! Read more: Going Beyond the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge with No Zero Days 7 Tips for a Successful Hike it Baby 30 Challenge

In this interview series, I'm going to introduce you to park rangers across the United States. Today's post features Cathy Taylor, a park ranger at Paris Mountain State Park in South Carolina. What is your name and job title?  My name is Cathy Taylor, Interpretive Ranger at Paris Mountain State Park. Is this the first state park you've worked at? If not, tell me what other parks/nature centers you've worked at.  I've worked at Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, South Carolina, for 14 years. Previously, I worked at Mountain Mitchell State Park in North Carolina, Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina, and on the Blue Ridge Parkway (National Park in North Carolina). I have also been the Education Curator at the Greenville Zoo and an instructor at Roper Mountain Science Center, which is part of the school district for Greenville. Where did you grow up? In the country, a city or a suburb?  I grew up in Miami, Florida, in the suburbs. What did you love about the outdoors as a child?  As a child, I loved finding a place where there was no evidence of people – just nature. Looking out at Biscayne Bay in Miami, I could sometimes get that experience. I spent a lot of time riding my bike and exploring wooded areas. It was partly a spiritual connection. I love the song which says in part: "This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres." My mom was also a Girl Scout leader and I enjoyed camping with the troop. When did you know you wanted to work in outdoor education?  I went to college at the University of Florida and majored in zoology but I was spending all my free time camping and canoeing with outdoor clubs and loving it. I started thinking about all the people who live in cities and don’t get these experiences, and I took some Forest Recreation classes. One summer, I worked for the City of Miami Recreation Department and saw how many inner-city kids were surrounded by concrete. I decided I wanted to introduce inner-city kids to the natural world. Who encouraged you to pursue a career in outdoor education?  Once I decided what I wanted to do, I applied for graduate school at Clemson University, where one of the Forest Recreation professors used to work. My close friends and my family encouraged me. I was in the school of Forest and Recreation Resources, with an emphasis in Environmental Interpretation and Resource Management. This meant I was surrounded by like-minded folks who shared my interests. Cathy leading a tour of Paris Mountain with Greenville area school students. What is the most common question you get from park visitors? "Are we going to see any snakes?" My response is, ”I hope so!” How can parents raise kids to love the outdoors? Take children on easy hikes. Lots of schoolchildren I meet have never before been on a hike. Create scavenger hunts for the trail. One of my most successful hikes is simply one where we look for evidence of animals (webs, tracks, chewed nuts, scat, nests). Once we start, children notice everything. Give them a chance to explore; time outdoors doesn’t always have to be structured. Find immersion experiences: wading in a creek, swimming in a lake, walking in a warm rain. Anything else you want to share about your job or what you love about nature/being outside?  I get to experience the seasons as they unfold. And I love that I see a different group of 2nd or 5th graders every day and lots of families in the summer. We rejoice in nature as we watch a tiger swallowtail butterfly, or a goose sitting on its nest, or a turtle basking (I saw all three of these today). At least once a week, I experience a child in a state of euphoria, saying, “I love this place and I love nature! I want to come back here tomorrow!” I hope that appreciation for nature will lead to protection of our natural world. It is actually our world too, since we are all creatures on this beautiful planet. I don’t get rich doing this job. However, I agree with the sentiment that how you spend your days is, after all, how you spend your life. I like spending my days outside, sharing the wonders of nature. Read more in our Park Ranger Series here.  

The winds during Hurricane Maria peeled off bark and paint, knocked over trees and power lines, and ripped off roofs and walls. Maria left behind a flooded, tangled mess. Most of Puerto Rico outside of San Juan is still without power and water. I write this post about my new home, La Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico, from a hotel room in Florida where my two children, two dogs and I have been evacuated to with about 350 other active duty dependents/families. Our active duty spouses remain to help the island after Hurricane Maria slammed through it as a Category 5. Today, I got to see photos of my husband, a Coast Guard helicopter pilot, drop food to previously unreached communities in Puerto Rico and I cried. I cried because I’m proud of what he does. And I cried to see someone standing in their kitchen with no walls or roof waiting for aid. La Isla del Encanto, the island of enchantment, is truly the best way to describe Puerto Rico. Despite crippling debt and massive infrastructure problems, this little island has won the hearts and souls of those lucky enough to live there. After being there a short time, I understood why people from Puerto Rico, Boriquas, are so proud of their island. The natural beauty is astounding – mountains, the El Yunque rainforest, and amazing beaches like I’ve never seen. There are so much wildlife there, I could barely contain myself. I was told a wooden stand near our house was used to better watch humpback whales migrate past. You can imagine my shrieks of glee. Then as a huge sea turtle fan, I learned which beaches were best for snorkeling (and seeing green sea turtles). And I learned which beaches were better for surfing, paddle boarding, playing with kids, etc. My kids are ages 3 and 5.5 and they absolutely love their new home. Every week we would walk down a nearby trail to Hermit Crab Beach to check out the water and creatures. One of our favorite spots was a huge tide pool that always had cool stuff like an octopus, blue tangs (or Dory if you prefer) and stunning coral. After Hurricane Irma hit, we breathed a sigh of relief, picked up downed palm branches, and went a few days without electricity. Then we saw photos from our sister islands and Puerto Rico immediately blew me away with their generosity. I saw people who live at the poverty line (if they’re lucky) send bottled water, canned goods and diapers on their own little fishing boats to the affected islands like Tortola and Dominica. Then about a week later came Maria, and I’m sure you’ve seen the news. It obliterated huge parts of the island. whole communities have been unreachable for weeks because entire highways are gone. Of any trees that still stand, bark and leaves are gone. It’s unbelievable; but still, we are all so excited to go home. We hope every day that power and water will return – almost 100% of the island is still without both. FEMA aid outside of the capital of San Juan has only just been arriving the last couple of days. Through this, nature is our medicine. We're blessed to live in a safe haven next to a little pond where we see ducks, herons and lizards. There are amazing nature centers to explore in this area. While my son misses home, he was able to realize a life goal and hold a rescued baby alligator. And I am so thankful for groups like Hike it Baby and its constant reminder that no matter where we go, nature is our home. A member of the U.S. Coast Guard surveys his home and neighborhood after spending over 24 hours in a Category 5 hurricane. Over a month later, most of the island still looks the same as it did the day after the storm. Organizations helping with recovery efforts: Wavesforwater.org is an on-the-ground program organized by the huge surfing community to provide water filters. Universalhope.org is an international non-profit focused on empowering women, especially those escaping domestic violence, through education and jobs creating stunning handwork. They have multiple locations in Puerto Rico and currently focus their resources on helping the hardest hit communities in PR. ARF Animal Rescue is based out of Rincon, PR, and provides homes to the many satos (street dogs) as well as help rescue other abandoned animals, such as cats and horses. After the hurricane, they have also cared for unique animals, such as macaws that were left homeless. Read More: Hike it Baby Responds to Hurricane Harvey: The Story of Community Photos courtesy of Morgan Krowel taken in Aguada, PR. Nicole Hammond is a mama of 2, wife of one. Her family is active duty Coast Guard, which includes 2 dogs and 1 cat, and are thrilled to currently call Puerto Rico home. She stays sane by staying outside as much as possible and enjoys yoga, coffee (fair trade organic!), painting, more coffee, swimming, and delicious locally crafted spirits. Her family is committed to a low-impact life spent exploring, creating and helping others.

Last spring, I shared a photo of Mason lying in the flowers at Rowena Crest on social media. A few hours later, someone blasted me because they felt I was irresponsible to let Mason lie on the path in a field of wildflowers. I'll admit, it was definitely not adhering to Leave No Trace ethics. Honestly, I just couldn't help but get the shot because it was so dang cute! In the image, I also shared our location and said it was a not-to-be-missed hike. My first reaction to the post was an eye roll toward those who blasted me. I mean, come on, it was a well-traveled wildflower spot and there were thousands of flowers. What was one little toddler lying down going to do to that spot, anyway? Within a few days, I saw my Facebook feed fill up with friends heading out to Rowena Crest. They took similar shots and thanked me for the tip. While I'm not sure if we were super harmful on that spot, I think we made a visible human impact. I can now see how one picture can inspire hundreds, and even thousands, to go to a place. And that's where the true impact becomes detrimental to nature. To share or not to share As I thought more about my responsibility in getting people out there, I also noticed others talking about it online. In addition, there were articles on this topic in well-respected outdoors publications, like Outside this spring and even further back in online publications like The Outbound. So the ethical question: Is sharing beautiful outdoors spaces on social media destroying those hard-to-reach places? To some degree, it's a contributing factor. Are groups like Hike it Baby, which helps get more people outside, also contributing to this? Possibly, but it depends on the messaging we share and the guidance and principles we instill in our community before we share places. I can make an impact As founder of Hike it Baby, I have the opportunity to impact how families utilize and treat parks and open spaces. I can see how, in our hyper share-everything world, my one image can accidentally harm nature, even if that's not my intention. I like to think that while I may share, or overshare, my outdoors life and encourage hundreds of people to follow in my family's footsteps and get out there, I also know that making the outdoors more accessible for all comes with a price. And sometimes that price means the less aware, less prepared people venture out there thanks to our posts. On September 2, 2017, some teenagers playing with fireworks in the Columbia Gorge set off a massive fire. It trapped 150 hikers overnight, and resulted in 49,000 burned acres by the time the fire was out. My guess is that it was not these kids' intention when they carelessly tossed fireworks into the Gorge and filmed it, undoubtedly for their social media feeds. For those of us with younger children, we have an opportunity to teach respect before they become teenagers. This is not to say these teens didn't have wonderful parents who took them out hiking regularly. But one has to wonder how much time they spent in the woods as little ones, learning how humans impact the woods with our presence. I can make a commitment With 2018 fast approaching, I want to personally up my commitment to share open spaces and encourage all to get out there. But I also want to work harder to offer more guidance. I encourage deep thought in everyone to consider what is left behind after your hike. This isn't just the forgotten trash, the dropped binky or the squished flowers, but it's also what you add to the message when you share this adventure in your daily life on your social media and beyond. I have a book coming out in May 2018 called Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Adventures with Toddlers and Babies. The goal of this book is to help families get out more into nature. But unlike most guidebooks, we don't look for the farthest places. It offers more accessible spaces and a first step into the outdoors so we can teach our young to respect nature from their earliest days. We hope this book will help everyone stop and think about what we teach our children about nature on a daily basis. We share resources to help us be more thoughtful as we venture out there. In a recent study conducted by a handful of researchers for "The Nature of Americans National Report: Disconnection and Recommendations," it was determined that Americans are becoming disconnected with nature. But all is not lost. Finding ways to reconnect children and those who have less access, and the younger the better, means there will be more protection and respect for nature as people grow up. According to the study, "Connecting Americans and nature must be a vibrant, ongoing effort supported by all members of the public. The state of the natural world and our place within it cannot afford for us to act slowly. We must act now to ensure that present and future generations are connected with nature.” I can encourage respect for nature So while it's not necessarily a bad thing that we Instagam every beautiful moment because it connects others to nature and inspires them to get out, it's good to stop and think first. Before you post, ask, "Am I posting responsibly and not necessarily broadcasting every nook and cranny in nature with GPS coordinates?" Go ahead and share those space. But consider regular reminders and support networks to encourage people to get out there with respect. This is our moment to change the world and help others touch nature. Nature heals and is always there for you. It connects people better to one another. Nature teaches our children valuable lessons. She helps us all connect with ourselves better. Go ahead and share her beauty. But remember to do it wisely and with instructions so people just learning to connect with her do it well from the start. It all starts with you and that picture you post of your child lying in a field of wildflowers. "I feel like, as photographers, we have a bigger responsibility to ensure that we don't meadow stomp then share and be aware of the environment around us. It's easy to be lured by mountain scapes and to run through wild flowers because of what we see on IG and Facebook. It's also easy for others to see it and not think of the consequences they have to the land, but rather, because someone else has done it, so surely one more couldn't hurt. I feel like the power of social media will oftentimes be more about the likes rather than the experience, thus creating more traffic on our favorite trails and people not adhering to Leave No Trace and accidentally creating patches and new small paths that lead astray for just a photo. "I do a lot of research, alone and with the kids, to find desolate areas and trails that not many have wandered. But I also try to make sure that my kids adhere as much as they can to the LNT philosophy. There are times when they stray, or forget that their footprints and their new paths can hurt their favorite landscapes. Harrison even cried once because he didn't stay on the trail and stepped on a small plant. He was absolutely devastated because I reminded him of how big we are. It's definitely something I hope others will do, especially as the trails get busier and getting outside starts to mean more to those around us." —Hike it Baby Photographer Ashley Scheider "I understand both sides and am a HUGE advocate of leave no trace. It’s a balancing act though between enjoying the outdoors and fostering a love for it with the kiddos with leave no trace. For example, I allow Pax to choose a leaf on the trail to carry and sometimes bring home. I’m also the person who will clean up others’ trash on the trail. Educate, educate, educate!!! A few irresponsible people on the trails could ruin them for everyone, but being personally and communally invested in our trails and beautiful places is so important." —Hike it Baby Member and Photographer Becca Harrison Few fun resources and to learn more about raising your children to protect nature: Leave No Trace Junior Rangers 5 Gyres Read More Painted Rocks vs. Leave No Trace 10 Ways to Have a Positive Hike it Baby Environmental Impact

In the hunt for all things winter, I perennially spend an exorbitant amount of time looking at clothing. I obsess over details like sleeve length, jacket skirting, layering, base layering, gloves vs. mittens and how warm it all is. Luckily for me, we love wool clothing and base layers. Which means one less decision on my plate. Some of the things that I've really come to love about wool layers They are so customizable. Wool clothing literally comes in multiple weights from featherweight to heavyweight. This makes it easy to throw on a wool T-shirt for a day at the beach or a thick wool base layer for extended snow play. No smells! Kids don't sweat in the same way adults do, so unless the item gets caked in mud (which does happen), I can go multiple times without washing. I've found that in mild weather, all my kids really need is a wool base layer plus their rain suits. It's warm when wet, unlike cotton or polyester. They're next-to-skin soft. My kid hates scratchy clothes. Weird seams. Tags. Really anything that isn't his definition of "cozy." My wool layers never bother him and I love that. It's a naturally sustainable fabric. Merino wool continues to grow each year after the annual harvest of fleece. Wool for the Beach I know it's almost winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but somewhere there's a warm beach with my name on it. One of the reasons I adore wool for the beach is how breathable it is. Plus, sand shakes right off, which is a major bonus in any parenting book. Additionally, the nice thing about wool, as opposed to cotton, is that it will keep you warmer on those cool nights, even if your child happens to get wet. But my all-time favorite story about wool clothing for the beach? My son got drenched. Head to toe. We laid out the shirt while he played in the sun, and by the time we were ready to leave, the shirt was dry. That's kind of magic. Especially if you have a kiddo who doesn't like his clothes being wet. Lightweight wool layers like T-shirts work great year-round as a layering piece or as a stand-alone option for summer. Wool for the Winter Wool is perhaps most famous for its winter applications. After all, I usually deck myself out head-to-toe in wool. Everything from socks and undergarments to hoodies and leggings. Because winter usually means an increase in snow or rain, depending on where you live, wool's ability to keep you warm when wet is key. I've also found that our wool base layers and hoodies tend to have less bulk than our polyester base layers, which makes for a more mobile kiddo. It also lets them help themselves get dressed, which is huge in my book. There's really been an increase in the amount of wool clothing available for kids. And it isn't all just long underwear-looking either. Companies like Luv Mother carry everything from leggings to skirts to sweatpants–all made from the magic of merino. As I've mentioned before, wool layers also come in multiple weights, making it great for kids who need a heavier layer on top but a lighter layer on bottom (or vice versa!). These types of outfits make it easy from the classroom to the trail. Wool as Sustainable Fabric With all the recent headlines about plastics in the ocean from our laundry, wool starts to become a more sustainable choice of fabrics. Merino wool is grown in New Zealand and Australia from Merino sheep. Since the wool can be harvested year after year, it makes this a sustainable resource. Another great point is that merino wool is biodegradable. The proteins in merino wool will eventually break down into organic carbon (it takes a long time, so don't worry about that!). Luv Mother and other similar companies are taking the extra step by minimizing the fabric waste. This is another sustainable practice and puts less clothing waste into landfills. Read More Find Your Best Trail Shoe Photos courtesy of Ali Chandra and Kim Ives. This post is sponsored by Luv Mother. Hike it Baby received compensation in exchange for writing this review. All opinions are our own. Luv Mother is generously offering a discount to our Hike it Baby Readers until November 1, 2017. All our community specific discounts can be found on this page.  Tell us what you love about merino wool below!

It's not a secret that kids love to dress in costume – be it a pirate, fairy, police officer, dinosaur, movie character or whatever it is they've gravitated to that day. And most of the time, they'll keep it on. ALL. DAY. LONG. The time is approaching when parents have to think about what their kids will be dressed up as this year. Below are some quick and easy DIY costume ideas – inspired by nature – to help jumpstart your creative juices. Snail A snail crossing the trail is always a nice distraction. We can all agree the spiral design of a snail's shell is an amazing work of wonder. How does a snail manage to carry the weight of its shell in its lifetime? Materials: Brown fabric (the more lightweight the better), head band, yellow pompoms, a piece of paper, long brown felt for the straps Instructions: Fold the fabric lengthwise until you get the desired width you want. Start rolling from one end, wrapping it around itself, to create a spiral. Secure the end with several large, sturdy safety pins. You can also use safety pins inside the shell to make it more secure. For the tentacles, cut the paper in half and roll into two scrolls; hot glue it closed. You can adjust the height by cutting it shorter. Roll brown fabric over the paper and glue it shut. Apply hot glue liberally to the end that will attach to the headband; then add a pompom to the top of each tentacle. Carefully insert the long brown felt inside the top layer of the shell and pull until both ends come out equal. Wrap the strap over your kiddo's shoulders and around itself in back to make sure it's sturdy and not drooping. And voila – let the oohing and aahing commence! Owl Remember when your perfect little angel slept through the day, but then kept you up all night, convincing you he might be a nocturnal creature? Yeah ... don't miss those times at all. Materials: Brown felt fabric, faux fur, 8.5x11 felt sheets in two shades of brown, black, white and yellow Instructions: Cut a small section off the brown felt fabric and set aside for the hat. Fold the larger fabric in half and in half again. At the bottom of the folded edge, cut a large curve up to the opposite corner. At the folded inside corner, cut a smaller curve so you have a poncho when you open it. (Note: Start with a smaller cut in the neck area. If it's too small, cut a little more at a time until you can pull it over your child's head.) Sew, glue or pin the faux fur to the chest. To make the hat, fold the leftover fabric in half and cut out the owl head shape and sew the pieces together. Cut an 8-shape from the darker brown felt sheet and circles out of the other sheets except the yellow. Glue all the pieces together to make eyes. Cut a yellow triangle for the nose and two light brown triangles for the ears. Bat Bats swoop by swiftly, and sometimes the only indication of them is the fluttering of wings. Kids are like bats; they're fast and run out of sight quickly. Hey, come baaaaaaaack! Sound familiar? Materials: Black felt fabric, black ribbon, foam sheets in white and two tones of brown Instructions: For the wings, fold the felt in half and in half again. From the bottom corner, cut inverted scallops up to the opposite corner. Cut out some of the remnants and sew to the ends as ties. For the mask, cut a bat face shape out of black foam and make the eye holes. Cut the remaining pieces for the face and glue the pieces on. Finally, cut the ribbon into two equal lengths and hot glue it on to each side of the mask. Use a large sturdy safety pin and attach the wings to the back of the shirt and tie the straps to the wrists. Peter Pan Everyone has a little Peter Pan in them, regardless if they're 18 months or 94 years old. A bit of mischief, a bit of adventure, a bit of fearlessness – and a whole lot of fun and heart. Materials: Green shirt, brown fabric, green and red felt, cardboard Instructions: To look like the boy who wanted to live forever, cut zig zags into the bottom of the shirt, and cut a slit on the front neckline. For the hat, fold the green felt in half and cut a triangle and sew two sides together. Cut a feather shape out of the red felt and hot glue it to the hat. To make the dagger, cut two small rectangular pieces of cardboard. Make a slit in the middle of one piece of cardboard. On the other, cut a pointy tip on one end and insert it through the slit. For the finishing touch, cut brown fabric for the belt and tie it around your little's waist. Turtle A turtle in its natural habitat is always exciting to see on the trails. Despite a certain childhood story leading us to believe turtles are slow, they are surprisingly quick on their feet. Materials: Green felt fabric, two shades of brown felt sheet, brown fabric and an aluminum pan Instructions: Dress your little one in all green. Cut a long strip of green felt and set aside later for the strap. For the shell, cover the aluminum pan with green felt and tie the ends together. (Any excess material can remain in the pan.) Make ovals out of the lighter brown felt sheet and glue them on the shell. Cut brown fabric and fold it over into a head band. Cut out circles from the remaining brown felt sheets for the eyes and glue them to the head band. Loop the long strip of green felt through the inside of the shell and loop it in front your kiddo's shoulders to the back and tie it underneath. Any excess material will again stay inside the pan. Garden Fairy Fairies spread pixie dust wherever they go and the land turns into a magical playground of life and energy. And there's something special and sweet about seeing littles one running around with fairy wings. Materials: Pink tulle, pink ribbon, artificial pink flowers, floral wire (Note: You can go with any color you want for this ensemble.) Instructions: Measure and cut the pink ribbon so that it fits around your little one's waist. Hot glue flowers to the ribbon every few inches apart. Lay the tulle over your child's shoulder – or both shoulders if you want – and tie the ribbon around the waist to secure the tulle. (You can use as many layers of tulle as you want depending on your preferences.) String flowers through the floral wires until the length fits your child's head, then form it into a wreath. Finish the look off with store-bought wings or make your own! Partner costumes: Bumble Bee and Ladybug What's not to love about matching sibling costumes? There are so many creative options available for partner costumes, and you don't have to spend very much when you make it yourself. Materials: Black shirt, yellow duct tape, black pipe cleaners, head bands, white poster-sized cardstock and black cardstock, black ribbon Instructions: To make the bumble bee top, lay the shirt on a flat surface and apply yellow duct tape across the shirt to make the stripes; do this on the front and back. For the wings, fold the white poster cardstock in half and cut out the wings at the fold. Cut the black ribbon to the desired length to fit around your kiddo's shoulders and glue them to the inside of the wings. With the black cardstock, cut two ovals big enough to cover the middle of the wings and glue one on the front and the other on the back for extra security. For the antennas, wrap one end of the pipe cleaners to the head band. Do the same for the ladybug antennas. Cut four circles from leftover black cardstock and glue two together so you have a pair, then insert the pipe cleaner between each pair and hot glue it shut. You can buy ladybug wings or make your own. Mommy and baby costumes: A tree and her acorn Having a baby doesn't mean parents have to sit out on all the fun. Nowadays, it's popular to take advantage of having the baby in a carrier and you both dress in complementary costumes. You'll definitely be the hippest duo! Materials: Brown fabric, artificial leaves, floral wire Instructions: With consideration for how warm it can get for both mama and baby with a carrier, this is pretty easy to put together and take off if either one gets too overheated. To make the acorn hat, fold the brown fabric in half and cut out a long triangle; sew the pieces together to form the hat. Twist and tie a knot at the tip of the hat to make the acorn stem. For mama's wreath, string the leaves through the floral wire until the length fits around mama's head. Easy-peasy! For the baby and his favorite ride: Frog and lily pad Make your stroller do double duty by decking it out to match your baby's costume. If you're going to wheel your kiddo around anyway, might as well make it look cool and draw attention. Materials: Blue fabric, green felt fabric, white felt fabric and felt sheets in yellow, blue, white and black Instructions: With half of the green felt, cut out the hat and sew the pieces together. Cut circles from the white and black felt sheet for the eyes and hot glue it to the top of the hat. The rest of the green felt will be used for the collar. Cut a long piece of fabric and trim zig zags along one side. Cut a half circle into the other end for the neck and wrap it around the baby's neck. Making a collar this way is easier and quicker to take off should the baby get overheated or fussy, so there's no pulling necessary. To make the lily pad stroller, you need to make the fish and lily separately for easy assembly later. Cut fish shapes out of blue felt sheets and circles from white and glue on the eyes. To make the lily, cut long thin triangles out of the white felt fabric. Fold the ends together and secure the corners with needle and thread. Continue with all the triangle pieces, joining them together at the folds and spreading the petals out. Cut the yellow fabric sheet in thirds (8.5x3.6) and cut fringes along one side of each. Roll each one up and hot glue the ends together. Use hot glue liberally on the end of the flower and attach it to the white petals. When you're ready to jet on your adventure, cover the stroller with the blue sheet and safety pin the fish and lily pad on the stroller. If you're worried about the seat belt straps showing, you can adjust the material around the baby so it looks natural. Read more Fall hiking ideas to get you out the door Photos credit: Vong Hamilton  

When I first joined Hike it Baby in March 2016, I heard talk of a "challenge month" and I was so excited to set new goals to get myself and my daughter outside. I joined the April 2016 challenge group and was in awe of the high goals set by caregivers, knowing it would be a struggle to get 30 miles in myself. One goal that seemed entirely doable was to have no zero days. How hard could it be to spend a little bit of time outside every day? Turns out, without proper planning and motivation, it can be very difficult to get outside every day. Every time the temperatures dropped or rain clouds blew in, I used weather as an excuse to stay indoors. When I was tired or sick, I decided I needed a day to recharge. As time went by, however, I found that those "me days" failed to benefit me or my daughter. Not only did staying indoors leave me disappointed in myself, but lack of outdoor activity left me increasingly tired, anxious and overwhelmed. Rather than giving my daughter an outlet for her energy, I often got impatient with her bouncing off the walls. When we get outside, I am not just a better wife and mother, I am a happier person overall. Design a plan and follow through Consequently, for every challenge, I tried to achieve the goal of no zero days. It wasn't until September 2017, when I took the initiative to plan and prepare that I finally achieved that goal. My family moved from Pennsylvania to Georgia in mid-August and this challenge started up not only as I unpacked, but also as I neared the end of my second trimester of my second pregnancy. Since I was aware I had many excuses not to get outdoors at my disposal, I planned ahead. I joined the challenge group early and scanned the local hike calendar with my personal calendar beside me. First, I wrote down every hike within a reasonable distance and worked with my family's schedule. Then, I scheduled eight hikes that I would host during the month of September. I told branch members I would be at certain hikes to give myself a sense of accountability. Finally, I urged my husband and mother to motivate me and remind me why I hike and spend time outdoors. Seek accountability and a support system While all of this planning ahead certainly helped me get outside, it didn't ward off the unexpected trials of life and parenthood. Before the first week of September ended, I experienced increased aches and pains of pregnancy and my mind instantly went to its comfort zone. "Take a day off," my brain said. Two weeks into the challenge, my anxiety increased due to personal stressors. I spent nearly two full days trying (and failing) to prevent panic attacks. "Stay inside. Turn on a movie. Sit on the couch," said the nagging voice. During my first challenge, I would have given in to the whispers in my head. But this time, I knew I needed to get outside. When I wanted to take a day off, I opted to play in the backyard with my daughter rather than go for a hike. On the hardest days when even that seemed impossible, I had a support system in my husband, mother and fellow Hike it Baby members. They reminded me that anything is better than nothing. I told myself, "If I just make it outside for two minutes, then this doesn't count as a zero day, right?" Once you pass that hurdle and make it out the door, it's much easier to get the extra minutes or miles in. Make getting outside a daily routine Overall, no zero days can be a daunting and difficult task. While it wasn't easy to get outside every day for an entire month, every obstacle I faced made getting outdoors feel like a significant accomplishment. Not only did I gain a sense of personal pride, I ended the challenge with a 2-year-old who asks for "outside" or "bye-bye" every day. My daughter learned that being in nature is a part of our routine. I can reflect and say that even my toughest days were made better because I challenged myself. If you hope to achieve no zero days, the most important tools I recommend you have at your disposal are planning and accountability. Take the time at the beginning of the challenge to schedule hikes that you'll either host or attend. Write down local parks or trails that you can go to on days when you aren't sure what to do. Talk to your friends and family about the challenge and about your goal of no zero days. It's especially important that those closest to you know they can give you an extra push when you're stuck in a rut. Most of all, go into the challenge with the mindset that you're setting goals to better yourself, so don't compare yourself to others. Even one extra minute spent outside can feel like a major accomplishment if you keep a positive mindset. Read more HiB 30: Making 30 Memories My Hike it Baby 30 Story - Tiffany