Whether you put boot to dirt or follow the pavement for some urban hiking, answering the call of the trail with your baby is not only do-able, it’s a bit of trail magic for your mind, body and baby. Across America and as far away as Japan, hiking mamas and their families are exploring the trail for fun, friendship and wellness. They’re finding each other and taking parenting outside through Hike it Baby, an organization that is equal parts hiking and building community.
The Hike it Baby concept came to mother and avid hiker Shanti Hodges after a group of new moms joined her and son Mason on the Lower Macleay Trail in Portland, OR. That group mushroomed to 50 mamas, and Shanti suddenly had a movement afoot. She says, “I realized my experience on the trail was something I could share with others. When I saw how grateful new parents were to have someone ‘hold their hand’ in getting out there, I knew I had to be a leader.”
A mission to connect families and young kids with the outdoors
In 2013, Shanti launched Hike it Baby, a non-profit with a mission to connect families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. She created the user-friendly hikeitbaby.com website and added facebook.com/hikeitbaby to start building hiker communities worldwide. By 2018, Shanti’s initial thought of “Wouldn’t it be cool if families could find each other around Portland and go hiking together?” manifested over 20,000 hikes in 250 cities. In 2018, she created a resource book, Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Adventures with Babies and Toddlers, now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Google Play Books
Hike it Baby supports the skills and interests of hikers from novice to experienced, prioritizing the safety and comfort of babies and children while families get a dose of nature. HikeitBaby.com is an adventure hub providing Trails Near You, Hikes Near You, and a free Family Trail Guide. You can join events such as urban strolls, toddler crawls or family trail hikes. Hike It Baby memberships are free and there are events throughout the year to help you and your family get outdoors.
A hiking community that’s good for you and your baby
Hiking mamas appreciate being part of a hiking community and enjoy the mental and physical positives of hiking. Getting active can boost your mood, calm anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. Hiking provides an excellent cardio workout while strengthening the core, improving blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease and helping to control weight. With a content youngster marveling at the sights, sounds and smells of the world or napping in the carrier on your back (or front), hiking is good for you and good for your baby.
Hike it Baby in Butte and Shasta Counties
The Hike it Baby branch in Shasta County typically hosts weekly events from stroller park-and-plays to trail hikes. The Butte County branch hosts at least four hikes per month, with varying days and times. Activities include kid paced hikes, adult paced carrier hikes, themed hikes (such as rainbows and super heros), hike-and-plays, coffee strolls, and Story-Venture hikes , where the hike host brings a book and activity to share. Both branches post up to date hike information on their Facebook pages.
Katie Fox of Chico, CA encountered a Hike it Baby group when vacationing in Oregon with husband Doug and sons Rory, 4, and Malcolm, 1. While out for a walk, they were welcomed into the Rogue Valley group, prompting Katie to look for a local group when she returned home. Finding none, she teamed up with Jennifer Brock and the two became co-ambassadors of Butte County Hike it Baby.
A chance to forge meaningful friendships
Katie says, “Being able to get outside has helped me be less stressed. Hike it Baby provides a social connection for women. Walking or hiking together gives us a chance to talk about our children, our challenges and forge meaningful friendships.”
Do you hear the trail calling? Take a hike with a pack full of magic – your baby!
Resources
Hike it Baby Butte County & Shasta County Branches: community.hikeitbaby.com/branches/butte-county/
Tehama County, CM Mountaineers: Friday walks/hikes. Sign up for email notifications cmmountaineers@gmail.com
Safewise: Best Baby Carriers for Hiking 2019 – safewise.com/blog/best-baby-carriers-for-hiking/
Posted in: Out & About, Science & Nature
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