More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖 👀 th Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖
👀 the comfiest heels I own by @naot.northamerica 
#naotic
  • Family
  • Marriage
  • fitness
  • travel
  • Life & Finances
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • fitness
    • travel
    • Life & Finances
    • Devotional
  • About
    • Contact
  • Devotional

Living the Sweet Wife

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • fitness
    • travel
    • Life & Finances
    • Devotional
  • About
    • Contact
  • Devotional

Baby, Motherhood, Sponsored · March 19, 2019

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

When Josh and I got pregnant, we knew that we didn’t want our lives to look all that much different than they did before we had kids. We loved getting out and trying new restaurants, hiking exploring new cities. And we decided that our kids would just come along for the ride once they joined the fam.

So while we still try to do a lot of the things we did before kids, we’ve had to make a few modifications. We, of course, can’t do an 11-mile hike in one day with both kids

The more obvious things to pack

Here are a few things that you would probably bring with you anywhere, but are especially essential if you’re going to be out in the middle of nowhere with kids:

  • Extra diapers
  • A zip-up outfit (easier to pack and lighter than an entirely new outfit, am I right?)
  • Extra pair of shoes. Although it might be ok to keep these in the car for after the hike in case you’re planning on grabbing a bite to eat or running errands before going home. I don’t know how many extra pairs of shoes we have in our car but I’m confident a pair will always be there when we need them.
  • Water/formula
  • Snacks. No one likes being out with a hungry toddler. Especially the hungry toddler. Bonus points if this is a treat the kids can look forward to like homemade trail mix.

The not-so-obvious things to pack/gear you’ll need

  • A hat to protect from sun or rain, should it become an issue.
  • Jacket. Depending on where you’re hiking, it could be cold and windy at the end of your hike! Josh and I have had to endure freezing hikes because we gave our sweatshirts to the kids (because the base camp was warm and the top was very much not).
  • A quality baby carrier/backpack
As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

We have the Chicco SmartSupport Backpack. I love this baby backpack because it does and will grow with the kids. If I’m going to spend money on baby gear, I hate the idea of only using it for a few months and then giving it away or keeping it in storage.

The Chicco SmartSupport Backpack is wonderful because, at the moment, we can use it carry BOTH Evy and David! It holds up to 40 lbs and David, the peanut that he is, is still under the weight limit. Which is great for us because half the time when we expect to use this backpack, we think it’ll be for Evy when- just kidding- David is the one who is completely done with walking.

I also can sometimes have a bad back and I need all the support I can get when carrying the kids. This backpack has an aluminum frame, making it extremely light, as well as lumbar support so your back isn’t killing you at the end of your walk.

I also love that the Chicco SmartSupport Backpack also has an adjustable canopy that can help provide shade from the sun or rain if that becomes an issue during your hike. I also find it’s freestanding ability really useful when we stop for breaks or a snack!

Overall, Josh and I love to use this backpack for long and short walks with the kids, and the kids love hitching a ride to the end of the hike.

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

Here are some pro-tips:

  • Beware taking your kids on a hike you’re not familiar with, try a trial run when it’s just you and your partner.
  • Be sure to download the map of the area you’ll be hiking on your phone in before you lose service. This has been a lifesaver for us when traveling in the past!
  • Keep in mind the time it’ll take to get back. Kids only last so long, you don’t want to find yourself in the place that’s furthest from where you started when kids begin to break down. If can make it to your turnaround point while the kids are still enjoying your hike, you might just make it back without having to carry tired and grumpy babies.
  • Plan the time you start your hike. Of course, any seasoned parent knows that when you leave the house with kids, you need to budget enough time to make it home before nap/bedtime. Generally, I feel like our kids are way more up for adventures in the morning so try getting out early!
  • Don’t rush it. If you have it in your head that you want to complete the entire hike, you might need to be a little flexible with that goal. Also, be sure to take your time and enjoy the hike! When your kids stop to look at the sticks and leaves, look at it with them. Yes, your hike will take longer. But I’ve found that if we keep the attitude of our hike positive and exciting, the kids last way longer than if we try to rush them to make it to the end.
  • Make it a game. Toddlers love challenges! If you can create a scavenger hunt (or if you forget to plan one, a game of “I spy”), the kids will be much more focused on the fun rather than keeping up with mom and dad.
As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

After a few hikes, you’ll find that investing in a couple high-quality pieces of gear will go a long way and serve your family for years to come. We love using our Chicco SmartSupport Backpack because we know it’s strong enough to hold the kids and light enough to take anywhere. Pick one up for your next walk through town or grand adventure!

As a general rule, the idea is to pack smart. Don’t pack more than you need as you’ll probably be the one carrying it all back, but do keep certain scenarios in mind like hunger, bathroom breaks, weather, etc.

In: Baby, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: 40 lbs, baby, backpack, carrier, chicco, inexpensixe, noads, pack, quality, review, toddler, travel

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals TogetherEmbracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together
Forgiveness is an Attitude not a FeelingForgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling
Three Ways to Keep the Kids From Going Crazy (Quarantined) at Home [With Peppa Pig]Three Ways to Keep the Kids From Going Crazy (Quarantined) at Home [With Peppa Pig]

Comments

  1. SENECA says

    May 18, 2020 at 6:05 am

    I have been on the hunt for a hiking backpack! I think you’ve got me sold! This one seems awesome with great features and an unbeatable price! Thank you for sharing!
    Seneca | SENECAWELKER. COM
    https://www.senecawelker.com/

Next Post >

What We Finally Did to get our Toddler Potty Trained in a Week

Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

join the club

Recent Posts

3 Ways to Make the End of Summer a Blast for the Kids

3 Ways to Make the End of Summer a Blast for the Kids

3 Ways I Create Quality Time With My Husband

3 Ways I Create Quality Time With My Husband

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

The Best Tips + Packing List for Hiking with Kids and Babies

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together

Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Couples Navigating Goals Together

Forgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling

Forgiveness is an Attitude not a Feeling

One of The Best Things You Can Do as a Parent Is Have a Healthy Marriage

One of The Best Things You Can Do as a Parent Is Have a Healthy Marriage

Categories

  • Family
  • Marriage
  • fitness
  • travel
  • Life & Finances
Shop Presets

Instagram

More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.

trending now

  • So I know the title of this post says, “What men want most in a wife,” but to be more realistic, this is about what men need most in a wife. Like men, there are a lot of things that we (women) would really like in a husband. Like, it’d be a huge plus if he looked like Chris Hemsworth. But that’s not really what we need in order to have a positive relationship with our spouse. If we married him, we probably think he’s pretty cute, anyway. Take a look at these 5 things a man really needs in a wife, and if you can think of anything else, share your thoughts in the comments below! 5 Things men want most in a wife
  • Do you ever wish that sometimes you could just write a long list to your spouse of all the things he does that drive you insane?? I have done this. 8 of the Worst Marriage Habits
  • Disrespect in marriage can go both ways. Women can react to disrespect from their husbands in many ways. I'm here to share a few positive ways women can react to disrespect in their marriages in order to handle it well and steer their marriage in the direction of grace and kindness again. How to Handle Disrespect in Marriage
  • Sure, they say don’t go to bed while you’re still angry, but sometimes husbands and wives just need some space! That being said, there are healthy ways and unhealthy ways (productive and hurtful, if you will) to get space away from a spouse. Let’s talk about those. The Right and Wrong Way To Give Your Spouse Space

instagram

Follow @chelsealeighdamon

More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖 👀 th Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖
👀 the comfiest heels I own by @naot.northamerica 
#naotic
When you get home from the event and immediately t When you get home from the event and immediately turn into Adam Sandler..

Explore

  • About
  • My Book
  • Contact

join the club

Shop My Favorites

  • About
  • Instagram
  • About
  • Media Kit | Guest Posting
  • Privacy Policy & T&C’s

Copyright © 2023 Living the Sweet Wife · Theme by 17th Avenue