OutGrown Blog

Every month we like to share those moments when you think, “You Know You Are a Hike it Baby Hiker When…”. We ask, you tell! Here are some of the thoughts that our members shared this month. How do YOU know you are a HiB hiker? Share with us on this form and we will include your comments on an upcoming blog post! When you've nursed your baby on a log, a rock, or while still hiking the trail! - Sarah Schlafer, Cleveland You go to the store for shoes... You think to yourself, "Are these good for hikes and trips to creek?" - Rebekkah Edwards, Denver Metro When you get home from a hike, unload the trunk, and find sticks and other treasures your snoozing little adventurer tucked away while snacking in the car after a great morning on the trail with friends. - Meg Kearney, North Shore, MA There is always a stroller, two carriers, water shoes, extra clothes for you and kids, towels, lots of snacks and water bottles in your car at all times. You never know when there may be a HiB hike you can make it too! - Emily Decker, St. Louis Your child's car seat has rocks instead of toys tucked away in the sides. - Bailey Ludlam, Salt Lake City I check my branches HiB page every morning for new hikes as frequently as I check Facebook! - Kelsey Freitas, Augusta, GA On your very first official hike your trail mates teach you how to nurse in your baby carrier and teach you how to back carry; two things you've wanted to do but couldn't quite get on your own! – Lauren, Cleveland Photograph by: Jennifer Cozine  

We all know that getting out with babies and toddlers is hard, but it is especially challenging for parents with many young children. Hike it Baby St. Louis member, Lauren, shares the benefits her family has experienced by taking their 3 kids under 3 years old out hiking. My name is Lauren and my husband’s name is Sean we have three wonderful boys – Liam is 2.5, Finn is 1, and Kian 11 weeks old. I am part of Hike It Baby St. Louis. I started hiking back in my high school years with my husband. We would get out of school and go to Castlewood State Park and hike. We just thought it was so relaxing after a stressful day to just sit on a rock bluff and look out into the river bend. No hustle and bustle of cars, just the calming sounds of Mother Nature. We have always found that hiking helped relieve the stresses of day-to-day life. Things can get crazy when you have little ones running around, and having three kids under two-and-a-half years old can be challenging and overwhelming at times. For a while we slowed way down with hiking, but we found that taking them out on the trails helps them relax just as much as it helps us relax. And now we go hiking or at least spend extra time outside every weekend. Recently we purchased an all-Terrain stroller and an extra baby carrier. We usually baby-wear our sons Kian and Liam. Even though Liam is our oldest he really enjoys being back carried. We also bring a bunch of snacks and water. We do diapers changes and I even nurse while on the trails. [gallery columns="4" size="medium" link="file" ids="431646,431647,431645,431649"] We have learned if you can make it out the door, it is always easier. The hard part is talking yourself into getting everyone fed, changed, dressed, and in the car, but once we are out it’s always worth it. We are planning family vacations for the future to go camping and hiking so our boys can learn to love the earth and be one with nature. This will be my first Hike it Baby 30 Challenge. My Goal for this month is not to just hike the 30 miles but to discover new trails. I feel limited at times with three kids under 2.5 and really needing a stroller. I'm hoping the weather cools down so I can wear two of them. I can't wait to get out and explore some new trails! “It is in the still silence of nature one will find true bliss.” - J. J. C.

Lauryn Koppes is a Hike it Baby Branch Ambassador from the Golden, Colorado branch. She is a mom of two and is enjoying the slowness of hikes with them during this HiB30 Challenge month. I’ve always loved the Hike it Baby 30 Challenges. Like many, my favorite part of the Challenges is the camaraderie of the community built during these wonderful, fleeting months. It’s inspiring, fun, and beautiful to see so many families coming together to get our little ones outside. However, in the midst of all the encouraging words and gorgeous photography shared from all over the globe, come other sentiments. Without fail, in every Challenge, I see discouraged parents posting apologetically about their lack of mileage. What often accompanies these posts is the lament that their children just don’t hike in the carrier like they used to, that they prefer to be out on the trail on their own two feet.   I get it. It’s challenging to feel like you’re not accomplishing what others are. Every family is different, and some amazing folks do hit well over 100 miles on these Challenges. But, here’s the thing: the slowness that comes from a child interacting with nature on their own terms should never be apologized for or regretted. Offering our youngest children the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in their natural environment- to stop, listen, observe, feel, and play is one of the most beautiful and important things we can do for them. And here’s the kicker: it benefits us, too. I can’t tell you how much more connected I’ve felt to nature after seeing it through the eyes of my two-year-old. I’ve grown to love snakes, frogs, insects, and birds, relishing my encounters with them. I can identify trees and flowers I previously stomped past without a passing thought. I’ve come to appreciate the incredible diversity and resiliency of life that exists all the way from the arid Colorado plains to our freezing alpine lakes. If I can feel such wonder reawakened during my adulthood, I can’t imagine what it must be like for my little ones to experience it. No wonder every water source beckons them to splash, pine cones must be collected and examined, rocks climbed and leapt from, and mud formed into balls and squished between toes. Nature really is our perfect playground, a place that invites both adults and children to live more fully. So, this Hike it Baby 30 challenge, I’m grateful for this season of slowness. I take pride in my low mileage, because it represents all the beautiful moments my children have had to explore their natural world in the way that brings them the greatest joy. I fully believe that if I stop and adjust to their pace, giving them freedom to come to the outdoors on their own terms, I will be fostering a love of nature that will be with them for a lifetime. I can’t wait to climb all of Colorado’s 14,000+ foot-peaks with my children, but I know that’s not today. Today is about watching them fall head-over-heels in love with this incredible place we call Earth, and there’s no other way I’d rather pass the time.

In January of this year, I set a goal for myself. I wanted to get out and go camping with Sky Baby at least five times this year. As May rolled around and the weather started to become more tolerable for being outside all day, I started to make plans on when, where, and how. I’m really proud to say that Sky and I have been camping four times so far this year and I’m working on our next camping trip. We will definitely meet our goal this year. I started doing small trips to prepare for a week long trip in the Black Hills this past August. Tips to prepare for longer trips: Start small. Find someplace close and just do an overnighter. Our first camping trip was at a park that is a 45 minutes away from the house and my friend with two toddlers joined us. Sky loved camping so we planned a two night trip a bit further away. Packing matters. I normally try to pack several things so they are very easy to access when we arrive at the campsite: tent, bug spray, toys, snacks, and a baby carrier. I try to set up the tent first so putting out a few toys and offering (bribing with) snacks help me to get a few things done. If Sky is too grumpy for whatever reason, then up she goes in the baby carrier. I haven’t had to use the carrier too much as she’s normally thrilled to get out of her car seat by the time we arrive. Out of the box solutions? One of the great things about doing small trips is you can figure out what works for you. Sky loves going in and out of the tent but always forgets to take her shoes off. This usually leads to lots of dirt on the air mattress and me sleeping with rocks. Instead of trying to keep her out of the tent, I simply bring along a waterproof mattress protector to throw over my air mattress so there are no rocks and we have a dry bed when we are ready for bed time. Toys. I normally pack several Green Toys and have them easily accessible for when we arrive at the campsite. This allows Sky to play a bit and me to set up the tent without her trying to get in it. I love the Green Toys brand because they are heavy duty and dishwasher safe. So when they get dirty at the campsite, no problem; just toss them in the dishwasher. I also bring a roll of paper and crayons to place on the table. We use rocks and stuff from around the camp to tack down the edges so it doesn’t fly away and Sky has a ton of room to color. Bedtimes are wonky. Just accept that your child may be exhausted and fall asleep early or they might not fall asleep until the stars are out. The first few times I tried to enforce her normal bedtime, I just met with resistance and frustration (the frustration was from me). Instead now I just monitor and look for her sleepy signs. Some nights she goes to bed at dusk and sometimes we watch the stars come out. Let them get dirty. I pack about twice as many clothes as Sky needs for camping. I let her run around barefoot in camp and play in the dirt. She finds sticks and pinecones in the areas near the campsite and brings them into the tent. Be prepared. We took a trip from our home in Milwaukee to the Black Hills of South Dakota in August. The original weather report called for mid 70s and no rain with nighttime temperatures in the low 60s. Instead we had a day with intermittent rain and 60 degrees in the afternoon and low 50s at night. I had packed a heavy fleece footie pajamas and her Oakiwear suit. So even though I was hoping not to use these things, I’m glad I brought them. Sky loves to go camping and looks forward to sleeping in the tent. Start small, work your way up to longer trips, figure out how it works for your family and have fun out there!

This past year has wrought a lot of change in my life. Last September, I had just read about Hike it Baby and joined the group, but considered myself too much of a novice to participate in a 30-mile Challenge. Growing up, I had been an outdoor kid. However, I found that life as an adult was sedentary and lived indoors. My kids changed all that. I knew that staying sane would mean getting outside and often. My very first HiB30 Challenge was November 2015. I wasn't even sure if I was capable of walking 30 miles; let alone adding two children into the mix. Graham had just turned 2 and Warren was barely 4 months. I didn't care how I acquired the miles. We strolled a lot. I avoided having to tandem carry. We walked to the grocery store or library. I conned my child into his snowsuit for outdoor play. Approximately a quarter of our hikes were kid-led. Graham walked about 7 of the 30 miles. I was ridiculously proud of him. I was also hooked. January and April led to a shift in my way of looking at the Challenge. For the January challenge, we focused on minutes outside. Snow play was the order of this challenge. Graham and Warren were both increasing their desire to move independently, and I wanted to encourage that. We played outside a lot and ended up only acquiring 12 miles. April was similar with the exception that our mileage dramatically increased. We topped out the month with 27 miles. What made me happiest, however, was seeing how much more Graham had wanted to walk. He walked 16 miles that challenge. The miles that I was most proud of were the ones he had conquered for himself.  By April, I was no longer focused on stroller walks or avoiding tandem carrying the boys. The majority of our hikes were kid-led or on the trail. I recruited family and friends to hike with us if I thought I would need help. I was more confident, both in my children and in my abilities. As September challenge kicks into gear I'm focusing more on tailoring the Challenge to each kid. Graham, now 3, is becoming a powerhouse walker. We just hiked a segment of the Ice Age Trail with our Hike it Baby family and he walked all but a smidgen of the 3 miles. Warren, at a year, is also walking part of this Challenge; Graham and I will be adjusting our pace for some of our walks. This means that our mileage will probably drop, but even if we don't make 30, these two little dudes will be empowered to get out there. I really think that as parents we balance our needs and our children's needs in order to make sure that everyone has enough. As my kids have grown I've taken the HiB30 Challenge and focused on what works best for each of them. I know that if I need to acquire miles for my own health and wellness, I can do that while encouraging their health as well. Each challenge that I've participated in has been different, difficult and exhilarating in its own way. Find a way to make this one your own.

When I first dreamed up the idea of Hike it Baby I never imagined what it would become for so many people. For me personally as a new mother (and an older new mom) I just wanted to have an easy way to find new friends who liked to hike and hang outside with little ones. I remember thinking, "How cool would it be if there was just a calendar in it with all kinds of hikes I could go do with others depending on where I was in town throughout the day." I looked on Meet Up and then on various mommy boards, but nothing ever really felt right. So I just started it myself. Now three years later Hike it Baby has become more than just a calendar for me. It's actually become a support network and a way that I have met some of my very best friends. The connections I have made from Hike it Baby, whether a friend I hike and hang out with regularly or someone I just see on hikes from time to time, are strong, reliable and a vital part of helping me be a better parent. As the Hike it Baby community grows I also am hearing story after story from families who share how critical the group has been for their families as well. This morning one of these stories came in from Shannon Rinelli of Hike it Baby Staten Island, NY. It's stories like these that remind me that while Hike it Baby is "just a hike group" in the eyes of outsiders, to many of us who have gotten deeply involved with the organization, it is our support network and lifeline as we navigate through parenthood. Shannon gave me permission to share her story. She's a mother of three boys; the third she and her husband just welcomed into the world less than a month ago. We heard that their son was born early and in the NICU and so Hike it Baby families locally and across North America jumped on board to help make those early days more supported. Here's what she wrote me about the last few weeks. Good morning. I know things have been busy with Family Forest Fest and all of the other exciting things you have going on. I wanted to take a second and update you on our journey. Nathan came home on Friday after 19 days in the NICU. We are home, all under one roof and loving it. It was nearly three weeks of constant worries, changes, victories, setbacks, and sacrifices. I know that you are aware of the support my Branch Ambassador team gave to us in the beginning of this journey by setting up a meal train. Today, Nathan is 22 days old, and I will be cooking for my family for the first time since he was born. Our HiB family cared for my family when I was unable to do so, as I was spending a minimum of 8 hours each day in the NICU, and that is something I can never possibly repay them for. It brings me to tears regularly. I am so honored and humbled by the love shown to us. We have also had the constant support by so many branch members of the National and Core teams... Messages of love and support, check ins, private messages, texts and calls. I am sharing this with you because without HiB, this experience would have been intimately harder and I can assure you that we wouldn't have made it through as successfully as we have thus far. I don't know exactly what you envisioned in the early days of HiB, but the community that has been created is life changing. I don't know if I can properly explain how full my heart is because of HiB, and thank you doesn't even scratch the surface... Please, on the days when it seems that everything that can go wrong will go wrong reread this message. If you don't have the time or access remember: there is a HiB family that is thriving because of the community that YOU started. We are proud to be a Hike it Baby family. Here are a few pictures of Nathan from the last 3 weeks... It's messages like this that remind me over and over that while "I" am Hike it Baby, without all of you Hike it Baby wouldn't be what it is today. We are Hike it Baby together. We are a community dedicated to loving the outdoors and sharing it with our families. Together we help each other remember that commitment we have made daily with hikes, happenings, and Challenges all over the country. Thank you all for your participation in Hike it Baby, and I am so excited and honored to be a part of what Hike it Baby has become for so many communities. This feels like only the beginning of what we can become as we hike more and connect more. Much love, Shanti & Mason

Our friends at Onya have a new carrier out and we love it! The Onya Pure is a great carrier for those who hike and want a more breathable product. When comparison shopping, it may be difficult to tell the difference between the new Onya Pure and the Onya Outback carriers. Jessica is a trained babywearing consultant and manages social media for Hike it Baby. Using the help of our Branch Ambassador Teammates, she has gathered testimonials and research to put together a side-by-side comparison of the two carriers to help you decide on your next purchase. I’ve had the opportunity to try the Outback and Pure Onya Baby carriers. While there are some great similarities between the two (angled seat, ability to cross straps, and general design) there are definitely a few differences. Let’s start with the major difference: the zip panel. Onya Baby removed the pocket and high chair feature of the Outback to have a leaner carrier. This is a bare bones, no frills carrier. The Pure has an ultralight 3D hex mesh inner lining, a lightweight outer layer, and a zippered vent that creates a cooler, lighter carrier. The Pure’s unique 3D hex mesh provides a slight bit of stretch which I find great for getting a deeper seat on bigger children. The vent zips down and is snapped into the top of the carrier making it convenient and easy to keep open. I’ve had the opportunity to try other carriers with mesh interiors and zip vents in the past. My complaint has always been that the zip vent doesn’t neatly tuck or fold out of the way. The Onya Baby Pure vent section folds neatly out of the way. The major selling point of the Pure is it’s more breathable than the rest of the Onya Baby line. The Pure does provide quite a bit more airflow between myself and my toddler. The 3D hex mesh wicks away moisture and the outer layer is thin yet supportive. With my experience as an educator, I’ve had the opportunity to try almost every major brand and style of carrier. I can say that the Onya Baby Pure is a very lightweight carrier and very breathable. It’s doing well in the muggy, humid Wisconsin summer. Joey, a Branch Ambassador for Utah County, says: “My biggest complaint with other SSC's is how hot it can be for you and baby. I've worn this on hikes where my son has ended up with visibly sweaty clothes, not to mention mine too and only ONCE in 95 degree F weather with humidity around 40%+ did my son end up with visibly sweaty pants! Your child will also be happier longer in this breathable carrier. Happy kid, Happy mom!” The outer material is also easy to clean and dries quickly. Which is perfect for hiking with small children. The Waistband Heading to the waistband, I noticed a few differences here. The waistband on the Pure is slightly larger, has a new buckle, and webbing on each side of the buckle so you can pull from either side. The new safety buckle on the Pure is wonderful. I find as an educator most people don’t utilize the elastic band near the buckle when buckling the waistband. This is a secondary safety in case the buckle were to break. Onya Baby’s new safety buckle is a two step process to open. What’s amazing is that while it’s a two step process, I can do it with one hand. This buckle style is also utilized on the straps. Joey says “I LOVE the new Pure's safety buckle! You can unbuckle it with one hand, just took me a few tries to figure it out.” Downsides. The two downsides to the Pure is that it doesn’t have a sleeping hood or a pocket. While it’s not completely necessary, I know that some people like to utilize the hood for discreet nursing and for keeping little heads from rolling back when sleeping.  As for the pocket, I just added the Onya Baby Hipster Pouch and this holds everything I need on the trail. Hopefully this breakdown helps you decide if the Onya Baby Pure is right for you! I know I’ve made the Onya Baby Pure my go-to carrier right now since it’s humid and muggy in Wisconsin. I’m excited to try this in winter and see if the wicking material also keeps us warmer since it wicks away moisture. Jessica Featherstone is a Hike it Baby Branch Ambassador, as well as a trained babywearing consultant with the Center for Babywearing Studies and a volunteer educator with the Milwaukee Babywearers. Photo Credits: Ashley Scheider, Joey Johnson Some of the brands listed in this piece are sponsors of Hike it Baby. We may have received financial compensation and/or product from the company but did not ask for this for inclusion in this blog. We are writing this blog based on personal experience. We do not review products we have not personally used. We stand behind all of the products we share with you because we think they will make your life on trail a little bit easier. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Is your family hiking in rattlesnake territory? In this article, Maria shares do's and dont's of hiking with kids around rattlesnakes. “Hey, Mommy! Look at me!!” my son cheerily yelled as he hopped onto some rocks off the side of the trail. Before I could say a word, I heard the unmistakable rattle and saw the quick movement of a snake jumping (luckily) away from my son. We were deep in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park's Spring Canyon, and this was my first up close and personal encounter with a rattlesnake.   As an East Coast suburban girl who had recently moved out West, I knew I needed to learn more about how to avoid rattlesnakes (other than hopes and prayers) and what to do if and when I encountered them again. Now, I've lived for several years in Colorado's front range, where rattlesnakes thrive. I know snakes strike fear in the heart of many hikers, but they don't have to ruin your fun. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake   Here are some of my top DO’s and DON'Ts for hiking in rattlesnake country. Hopefully they will help you as you and your children enjoy your own trails.   DON’T:  Stress too much According to the U.S. Department of Wildlife and Ecology, your chances of dying from a venomous snake bite in the US is basically zero (1 in 50 million). You are more likely to be struck by lightning, in fact. Fewer than one in 37,500 people are even bitten by venomous snakes in the US. So, be smart, be educated, and make good choices, but understand that you are pretty unlikely to be harmed by a snake. DO:  Know your area.  Where do snakes live, and are they dangerous? In the area where we live, there is only one venomous snake, the prairie rattlesnake. I've learned which parks tend to be their favorites and save the particularly snakey spots for hikes in the colder months. I also avoid hiking with young children or toddlers in the areas that are most heavily loaded with snakes that can’t easily be spotted. Fortunately, in Colorado, rattlesnakes don't get above around 9,000 feet, so I can pretty much avoid them by heading up high during the warmer months.   DO:  Choose wide, popular trails in areas where snakes are a concern During snake season, particularly if I am hiking with my kids, I try to choose wider trails where we can more easily spot a rattlesnake. They are also less likely to be on crowded trails, so picking a busier place also lowers the chance of a close snake encounter. They want to avoid us!! I also try to stay away from rocky areas where I might not be able to see where I'm putting my hands or feet. Black-tailed Rattlesnake DO:  Keep kids on trail and close by Some kids like to wander off trail, but in areas with rattlesnakes, it's important to keep them on trail and near an adult. I teach my kids to be "snake awake", but sometimes they forget, so I try not to let them run ahead of me. I will lead or walk right next to them in rattlesnake areas. Little rock climbers should be taught to always watch where their hands are going to avoid surprising a snake on a rock, where they like to sun themselves. Before we start a hike, I always ask my kids to tell me what they should be on the lookout for...snakes, bears, mountain lions, fast water....they all come with their own rules that the kiddos need to follow and be reminded of. DO:  Wear sturdy boots and consider bringing trekking poles If we are hiking in a rattlesnake area, I always wear my boots and insist that my kids do, too. It's just an added layer of protection and height in case of a run-in with a snake. I also feel more comfortable bringing trekking poles, particularly if a trail is narrow, to probe for snakes. DON'T:  Approach snakes Rattlesnakes want to get out of your way. They can often hear the vibrations of the ground from your footsteps and move away before you get near them. Sometimes they are caught off guard, though, and remain on or near the trail. If you see or hear a snake, the best thing to do is to stop, assess the situation, slowly back away, and wait at a safe distance for the snake to leave. If there is a way to detour far around the snake, that's a good option too. Don't try to scare the snake away, approach the snake, or move the snake. Just let it be, and let it leave. Prairie Rattlesnake DON’T:  Treat snake bites While it's pretty rare to get bitten by a rattlesnake, if the unthinkable happens, the best thing to do is to dial 911 or send someone else to get help if you don't have a cell phone signal. Medical care is needed as soon as possible, and amateur treatments can make it worse. Avoid physical exertion as much as you can, and seek professional help. and, most importantly.... DON’T:  Let snakes keep you from getting out on the trails It's important to realize that rattlesnakes are not out to hurt you. They would much rather slink away in the grass. Be on the lookout, be smart, keep your kids close, and choose trails where you can spot them during their high season, but, by all means, get out there and enjoy nature!! What's the best way to tacke a hike in rattlesnake territory? With a group! Connect with a community of like-minded families by making a membership level donation to Hike it Baby. Learn more about membership levels and join today! For more reading on hiking in rattlesnake country, here are some useful resources: https://hikeitbaby.com/ask-the-expert-rattlesnakes-on-the-trail/ http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_faqs.shtml http://www.wta.org/signpost/how-to-hike-in-rattlesnake-country http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-a-Rattlesnake-Attack Photo Credits: NPS Public Domain, Parashant National Monument About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. More information on memberships, making a donation, and daily hike schedules can be found at HikeitBaby.com.

Hiking is in my son’s blood and in mine. When he was inconsolable as a newborn, taking him outside was the only thing that soothed him. Now as a toddler, there is no place he would rather be than outside no matter the weather. I am grateful that Hike It Baby helps share the world I love with him and connects him to others who share that love. His friends are all from Hike it Baby and there is nothing better for him than splashing in puddles with them. The benefits of Hike it Baby have extended beyond my son to our whole family. I have watched my wife transform into a stronger version of who she really is. I previously watched her lose much of herself to work before our son was born and then to post partum depression and anxiety. Hike It Baby has made her stronger physically (“calves of steel!”) and mentally. She has also gained friends and a support network which has been vital while living 3,000 miles from family. On days when she doesn’t want to leave the house, having a hike to host forces her up and out and she comes back feeling better. The HIB30 Challenges have also inspired her to push her mile goals further and further every month. After giving birth to our son, she could barely walk around the neighborhood, now she’ll carry 50lbs of toddler and gear on a 7.5 mile hike with elevation. In the September Challenge she is going for 120 miles and I will do everything I can to help her meet that goal. One of the things I have learned from watching The Simpsons is that a good father needs to know the answers to the following questions: 1. What is your child's hobby? 2. Name one of your child's friends. 3. Who is another parent you can talk to about parenting? 4. Who is your child's hero? The answer to question 1 is Hike it Baby. By joining a hike and you can find out the answers to questions 2 and 3, and *be* the answer to question 4. We all look at hiking differently thanks to Hike it Baby. When we go hiking as a family, without Hike It Baby, we find ourselves scoping out every trail for how it would do as a Hike it Baby hike. Toddler led? Hazards? Green, blue, or black? Could a stroller make it? Etc… We even did this when hiking thousands of miles from home and hundreds of miles from the nearest Hike it Baby branch. One of the ways I am contributing to the world of Hike it Baby is by leading a series of weekend story time hikes. The first one, in April, featured a reading of “Are You Ready To Play Outside” by Mo Willems followed by a toddler led hike through a wetland preserve. The second installment was a Father’s Day hike in a dark forest featuring “The Berenstein Bears and the Spooky Old Tree.” I am excited to be sharing these and other stories/adventures with my family and the Hike it Baby community.

Looking for a way to simplify dinner at the campsite, minimize dish cleanup, or want to try something new?  Then foil packet meals might be just the thing for your next family camping trip! The combinations and possibilities with this cooking method are endless, but here’s the basic technique: Start with a piece of heavy duty foil, about twice as long as the food you put inside (better to have too much than too little). Coat with cooking spray. Slice meat into thin strips and chop your veggies into small pieces (except for potatoes or carrots which should be thin sliced). Lay your ingredients in the center of the packet, meat on the bottom, then veggies. Add a tablespoon or two of moisture to the packet: butter, oil, sauce or dressing. Add any seasonings.  An ice cube or two can also be helpful for added moisture. Fold the packet up, making sure the seams are tight so steam won’t escape. Don’t scrunch the foil, which can cause leaking, and be sure to leave an air pocket. Place the foil pack on a grill (low to medium) or in the campfire on about 2 inches of mature white coals (not the red ones). Never put them in the flames. Cook for about 15-25 minutes, turning once or twice with tongs. Check for doneness, leaving longer if necessary. Carefully open the steaming packets. Add cheese if desired after cooking to avoid sticking and burning. If you’d like to add rice or pasta they need to be precooked before adding to the foil packets.  Potatoes can be helped with a little precooking too - either alone in the foil packets for 15-25 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients, or cooked just to softening at home beforehand. Here are a few combinations to get you started, but recipes are all over the internet if you’re looking for more: Stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, potatoes, butter, salt and pepper. Fajita sliced chicken, red and/or green peppers, onions, Mexican seasoning of choice.  Serve with corn tortillas warmed in another foil packet. Shrimp (uncooked), andouille sausage, small red potatoes, small corn on the cob, butter, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Link sausages, hash browns, an egg or two, diced tomato and green onion, shredded cheese (great for breakfast or dinner). Whole wheat pasta (precooked), tomatoes, basil, goat cheese, garlic, salt and pepper (vegetarian). Have a favorite dinner recipe using foil?  Please share with us!

We're kicking off the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge, September 2016! And to get you inspired, we have stories from some of our pregnant moms hiking in the challenge. We have stories from pregnant moms hiking in the first trimester, moms in the second trimester, moms in the third trimester, a twin pregnancy, and even moms due this month! If us pregnant mamas can do it, anybody can! "Hi! I'm a pregnant mama hiking my first challenge. I joined a HiB group this spring and have gone on weekly hikes since! I am 23 weeks pregnant, due around Christmas, and have a two year old daughter who loves to either walk or ride with! It's been an amazing experience so far and have gained so many new friends! I plan on hitting our 30 mile goal this challenge and hopefully more! HiB has encouraged me to keep moving during this pregnancy and teach my daughter healthy and fun habits!" - Kayla Stalzer "I'm 16 weeks along with a 26mo that I back carry on the tougher hikes, but she's good for about a mile on some of the easier hikes. This is my first challenge and I'm looking forward to getting out in the cooler weather and seeing the start of the leaves changing this fall! Hoping to make the 30 miles this month as canning/gardening season finally slows down." - Katie Pittinaro "I'm 37 weeks pregnant this week with our second child and I'm hoping to keep hiking for the next 3 weeks until this baby gets out. We'll probably do a lot of kid-led hikes as well since my son is over 3 yrs old and perfectly capable of hiking on his own. I've been hiking through my first pregnancy until my 40th week and I plan to do the same now, although this time around it does seem much harder to get this huge belly on trail, especially in 90-100 degrees. However, my 'best friend' on trail is this water fan that keeps me cool on Idaho's scorching trails!" - Anka Trifan "We've done 4 previous challenges and loved ever single minute of them! I'm about 23 weeks, due the end December and I've got a 2 1/2 year old little boy who is a bucket of energy and will hopefully we doing most of this challenge on his own two feet. We are actually travelling to visit my family for most of the month and look forward to exploring new trails/places during this challenge. My main goal is to just have fun with my son." - Jessica Sekula "I'm 20 weeks pregnant and my toddler will be turning 2 this September. I'm going to see how many miles he can get on his own, but we'll probably get a bunch of our miles in on stroller hikes. This is my third challenge- I failed the first one and hiked 60 miles last time- definitely just hoping to just get 30 miles this time. It's perfect timing since I finally have more energy again and can always use extra motivation to get outside." - Jessica Leonard "I'm almost 32 weeks pregnant with my 4th kiddo. I hiked until the day before my water broke with my last pregnancy. The day my water broke we were headed to a hike and it broke as I was getting into the car. I started hiking before we started TTC baby three. I was a smoker that had just quit and was severely out of shape. We started hiking locally and I lost 20lbs and got pregnant with our daughter! I credit hiking for that and keeping me healthy through my pregnancies. This is my first HiB30 challenge and I can't wait to get to it! I have September to kick some hiking butt before little guy arrives in October, so I already have 15 miles scheduled for next month in hikes on the calendar for our branch! I wear my 27lb almost 2 year old on my back or even belly when she needs carried or have her walk or ride in stroller. Sometimes she is on my hip though because she wants up but not in carrier. My biggest pieces of advice for hiking while pregnant would be to stay hydrated (I always take more water pregnant than I would normally), take snacks for yourself that will give you some energy or protein, listen to your body and know when to rest or stop (some days I can do 8-10 miles, others I can barely do a toddler led 1 mile! and enjoy yourself!"  - Emily Decker "I will be 30 weeks tomorrow with Boy/Girl twins. I have a 4.5 year old and a 2.5 year old as well. We did the last Hike it baby challenge and we had a great time. I am mostly going to do easy toddler led hikes. My doctors don't want me to over do it, but it is important to me to try to stay active before the twins get here." - Amber Hale "I'm almost 33 weeks pregnant with a little girl. We have an 18 month old daughter as well ~ excited for sisters! I'm a stay at home mom and try to get my daughter outside daily. My husband and I take her on a mile walk about 5x a week after it cools down. I'm trying to get back into more HIB hikes this challenge - more toddler led so my daughter can walk (and more my pace). My goal is to hit either 30 miles, or go on a walk outside every day. That will be a good challenge as I move into the last bit of the pregnancy. My tips would be to do more slow paced or shorter walks so you don't over due it. You may be able to do more, but it's a good starting point if you aren't used to doing a lot of walking. Also, try to do hikes with bathroom accessibility! :) My daughter also has low patience for the stroller these days and tends to want me to carry her at times verses walking on her own. Today we led our first toddle waddle and she would not let me put her down. If you have the ability, I would suggest practicing baby wearing on the back - you can put the strap above or below the belly. Just see if it works for you, my preference is above the belly. Sometimes when I baby wear on a paved walk, I'll even bring the stroller as it feels like it gives me more stability/support. Just try and see what works for you." - Ashley Selland "I'm 29 weeks pregnant with number 2! I started this pregnancy with the April HIB challenge and got 50 miles, this time I'm just aiming for 30. My son is almost 3 - he doesn't like to be worn and it isn't super comfy for me so we do kid led hikes. He can pack in the miles though! With my first pregnancy I was working as an environmental educator and I led hikes for groups of 5th graders daily. They weren't long ~2 miles, but it was in the mountains of New Mexico so I dealt with the elevation. I hiked daily until the day my son was born (4+ miles the day I went into labor) and I really think it helped me have a relatively quick, natural birth. I've been slacking off recently so I hope this challenge helps me get going again. I've noticed that my back and hip pain are actually better with some exercise which is good motivation to get moving! My biggest tip is to just listen to your body! You'll have good days and bad days and that's ok. Also, drink plenty of water and wear good shoes!" - Rosie Norlande I am also one of the pregnant moms hiking during this challenge! I'm currently seven weeks pregnant with my third baby,  and I usually get hit with morning sickness around week eight or nine. So I expect I'll be dealing with that during this September Challenge. I'm not going to let it stop me though! I actually think that getting outside and away from food smells will be helpful for my morning sickness. I'll definitely be keeping the tips shared above in mind as my pregnancy progresses. I'm looking forward to staying active throughout this pregnancy and continuing to hike up until the baby comes! Do we have any other pregnant moms hiking with us this challenge? Share your story with us in the comments below or on Facebook! Anyone can do the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge! Get signed up and start tracking your miles or time spent outside this September! Photo Credit (1st photo): Ashley Scheider

It was 81 degrees and 60% humidity and only 8 a.m. The day wasn’t going to get any more pleasant. Sweat refused to evaporate. Instead, a glisten formed over my son’s brow. Yet, here we were, determined to be outside. Gaining for ourselves that hour of sunshine, dirt, woodchips, faint breezes, and sounds of geese. We walked as slowly as a two-year-old sometimes can. Each ten feet purchased only after each stone had been examined. At the end of a hike that was barely a mile, we were sweaty and dirty, happy and content. My son had played with his friend of the day. I’d talked with someone who was older than three. One hiker, whose kiddo was recovering from the flu, said it was her first adult conversation in four days. Another said that even though it was shorter and slower than she planned, she felt so much better. This is why I hike; not just for the miles. Rather, I seek that tenuous connection that we create, a connection that combats the occasional isolation of parenting. As part of Hike it Baby we talk a lot about how good it is for our children to get outside. Let’s take our own advice for ourselves. Getting outside and being social is good, not just for our little ones, but for ourselves, our sanity and our relationships with our children. If children’s stress responses decrease after only a few minutes in nature, wouldn’t you expect the same outcome on your brain? I know I can benefit from stress reduction. I know that I am a kinder me after fresh air, adult conversation and some slow walks. Studies have shown over and over that being outside is good for us. It reduces stress, lowers heart rate, increases concentration and increases both productivity and creativity. Creating habits for ourselves and our children that encourage time spent outside, in nature, can do us nothing but good - both mentally and physically. Lastly, did you know that spending time outside has boosted the brain’s centers for empathy, love, and emotional stability? Going on a hike is good for your relationships as well as your mental health. That’s pretty awesome. Photo Credits: Tais Kulish, Ashley Scheider