When I was pregnant people would often say things like: your whole life is going to change, you won’t be able to do the things you used to do, say goodbye to sleep… They were right. My life has completely changed. I may not be able to do some of the things I used to do and a full night’s sleep is not exactly on the horizon but I would not change a single thing! Life is undoubtedly more fun with a baby. There are many fun activities to enjoy with an infant. The thing is, unless you were an avid club goer or a skydiving extraordinaire, your life does not have to come to a screeching halt; hobbies just need to be tweaked.
Communities love babies! Community centres typically host various events for you and your babe to attend. If there is a YMCA in your area check out their website for a list of activities such as Mother Goose sing-a-longs, Play to Learn groups and some parent meet-up groups. Along with community events there are social media groups that bring together the parent and baby community by organizing baby socials,seminars, infant massage, walks, hikes, picnics, beach days etc. These organizations are a fun way to meet new people with similar interests and keep things fresh and fun.
Baby and Me Yoga has been a really fun class to attend for my little one and I. Chances are you’ll miss start dates. Do not let a timeline stop you from activities with your baby. We are all parents, we know being “on time” is no longer in our repertoire. Other options for working out with your baby are Barre & Baby, Stroller Fitness and Aqua Play.
Babies love to swim! If you are worried about the chemicals in public pools a quick Google search will offer other options such as salt water pools, splash pads or family friendly beaches in your area. A bathing suit isn’t a necessity, but a swim diaper absolutely is. There are also bathing suits that come with built in diapers. Another tip: get yourself and baby ready before leaving the house by feeding and dressing babe, and wearing everything under your clothes. Preparing beforehand takes away steps in the small, sometimes crowded, change rooms that can be the cause for frustration.
Exploring, traveling, hiking with a baby, are hectic, right? It doesn’t have to be. Although traveling light is typically recommended, when traveling with a baby less is not more. My Dad always says “it’s better to be looking at it than for it” this is especially true when traveling, or more specifically hiking, with a baby. Babies are ticking time bombs without the timer indicating when an explosion will occur. And the explosions ALWAYS happen when you are not prepared. For example, in the middle of a 5 kilometer hike with only one way in and out, a suspension bridge with a toddler, aka moss grows faster than she can make it across, standing in your way of a clean diaper and PJ. Thus, make sure you have extra!
I have made the mistake of being stuck with a naked baby and rushing to a store to buy clothes on the only day there wasn’t a sale. I’ve made the expensive mistake, the “worst mom” feeling mistake, so you won’t have to. When I pack for a day of hiking with my baby, I always ensure I have the following:
1. Diapers, she averages about 6 diapers a day, so, even if it’s a two hour hike I pack 6. They are light and do not take up a lot of room in a backpack, pack for the stomach flu, even when you know she probably won’t use one.
2. Wipes, I always have these on hand. Not only are they great for cleaning a dirty diaper, they are great for cleaning everything from hands to face to wiping off the water bottle you drop in a mud puddle.
3. Sleepers, extra pyjamas are a great idea, for warmth and in case of emergencies. I usually have two.
4. Onesies, or diaper shirts, are great for adding a little warmth or changing baby when the temperature warms up.
5. Travel size diaper cream, sunscreen, and a hat. All protect your baby from being uncomfortable, either immediately or in the future. There is never not enough space in a backpack to sacrifice comfort and safety.
6. Water. Lots of water. At least one 1L bottle per adult. Especially if you are breastfeeding make sure to stay hydrated because a lack of milk supply on a hike will be cause for a fussy baby and a stressed out Mom, not ideal.
7. Receiving blanket and one heavy blanket. The heavy blanket is good to wrap around the carrier to keep the warmth in during the colder months.
8. Snacks for you, bottles for baby. If you are formula feeding ensure you have a thermos for warm water, and however many feedings she normally eats during the length of your excursion, plus an extra, already portioned in bottles.
9. Soothers, if your baby uses a soother make sure you have a few extra because they are bound to fall, get lost or magically disappear as they always do.
10. Carrier, like the Chimparoo Trek, the one I have is about 170$ but worth it. It’s best to invest here. Most carriers will be able to carry your child until they are around 40lbs, you could essentially carry them to their first day of school. Splurging on a supportive carrier is a good idea. Most hikes do not support a stroller, no matter if you have the all terrain version, stairs are neither safe nor convenient with a stroller.
11. Baby! Do not forget the baby. Babies love the fresh air, being able to see new things and being carried by their parent.
This is a list of things that helped me, there may be less or more that you will need, but always remember, no matter what you forget, HAVE FUN. You are not the first parent to forget an extra outfit or diaper, do not let that ruin your chance at great memories!
Driving her sense of adventure is her insatiable desire to have an impact on those around her. Before motherhood, Jess’ career supporting women in domestic violence shelters further confirmed that she feels most impactful when empowering other women. While she is hoping to spend most of her time empowering the tiny human she grew, she also wants to spread her message to women around the world through her writing.
Jessyka is known as Mom to her beautiful baby girl, born November 24th 2016; Duck to her loving, supportive and hard-working partner; and Human to an energetic, cheeky little Yorkie.
- My Breastfeeding Struggles, Inverted Nipples And What Finally Helped Me - September 1, 2020
- My Battle With Postpartum Anxiety: My Baby Wasn’t Sick; I Was - August 19, 2020
- 7 Things I won’t Regret on our First Year Together… - February 23, 2018
