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Angus is 3.5 months old, big (over 80th percentile), breast fed and can hold his neck and back steady and has done a few flatish walks of 4hrs+.... Mum and Dad want to go walking, but up a hill and are looking forward to the day. When did you first take yours up a Munro / other proper mountain? How did conditions affect the precedings, e.g. sun? wind? rain? What carriers do people recommend? Cheers for any wisdom, insight, stories, help on carriers etc!
In reply to Jimbo W:
Carriers? Make him walk. Builds character.
> What carriers do people recommend?
Carriers? Make him walk. Builds character.
In reply to hamsun:
Well I remember my Dad making my sis walk all the way up and down Lochnagar when she was 3.5 years old, she cried a bit at the beginning, but soon realised that meant she would have to do more running to catch up. He'll be walking when he can walk, but he can't walk yet!
Well I remember my Dad making my sis walk all the way up and down Lochnagar when she was 3.5 years old, she cried a bit at the beginning, but soon realised that meant she would have to do more running to catch up. He'll be walking when he can walk, but he can't walk yet!
In reply to Jimbo W:
We had our firstborn out on the hills a lot, including the Paps of Jura when she was 3½ months. That was a freakishly warm, not too windy period in February; we didn't take her out much in winter.
At that age, we found a fabric sling to be best, as it keeps them warm and allows a few different positions. Here it is, when she was 5 months old:
http://www.dreamsofmountains.co.uk/freyaca/20080427Jen_Freya_Stob_Breac.jpg
In a sling, you can easily hide them from the sun (face inwards), and the cold - providing it isn't too windy.
We were out in showery weather a fair bit, but not in pouring rain. If they have an all-in-one rainsuit, the wet isn't really a problem.
I wouldn't take a young baby out when it's very windy, as there isn't as much you can do to protect them from that.
Remember you'll have to take them out of the sling/carrier to feed them and to change them, so keep that in mind when considering the temperature and windiness. Also remember that they may not be as warm as you, as they aren't exercising.
We took our secondborn (approaching 3 months old) up Creag Bhalg by the Linn of Quoich yesterday, along with our firstborn, who at 2¾ years can now walk a fair bit of it and goes in a Deuter Kid Comfort II or on my shoulders for the rest. It's slow going with two, but at least there was no need to worry about the cold yesterday!
We had our firstborn out on the hills a lot, including the Paps of Jura when she was 3½ months. That was a freakishly warm, not too windy period in February; we didn't take her out much in winter.
At that age, we found a fabric sling to be best, as it keeps them warm and allows a few different positions. Here it is, when she was 5 months old:
http://www.dreamsofmountains.co.uk/freyaca/20080427Jen_Freya_Stob_Breac.jpg
In a sling, you can easily hide them from the sun (face inwards), and the cold - providing it isn't too windy.
We were out in showery weather a fair bit, but not in pouring rain. If they have an all-in-one rainsuit, the wet isn't really a problem.
I wouldn't take a young baby out when it's very windy, as there isn't as much you can do to protect them from that.
Remember you'll have to take them out of the sling/carrier to feed them and to change them, so keep that in mind when considering the temperature and windiness. Also remember that they may not be as warm as you, as they aren't exercising.
We took our secondborn (approaching 3 months old) up Creag Bhalg by the Linn of Quoich yesterday, along with our firstborn, who at 2¾ years can now walk a fair bit of it and goes in a Deuter Kid Comfort II or on my shoulders for the rest. It's slow going with two, but at least there was no need to worry about the cold yesterday!
In reply to Jimbo W:
My daughter first went up a larger hill when she was 8 months old. It would have been earlier, but as she was a summer baby and we had a cold winter, April which was the first point that we considered the weather to be warm enough for her to be ok. Also, she is pretty small, so didn't fit in the proper carriers until that age. We found that in the cold lots of layers and a fleecy all in one suit topped up with a waterproof all-in-one kept her cosy and warm. It's quite easy to forget just how cold it is when you are dripping sweat going up hill.
My daughter first went up a larger hill when she was 8 months old. It would have been earlier, but as she was a summer baby and we had a cold winter, April which was the first point that we considered the weather to be warm enough for her to be ok. Also, she is pretty small, so didn't fit in the proper carriers until that age. We found that in the cold lots of layers and a fleecy all in one suit topped up with a waterproof all-in-one kept her cosy and warm. It's quite easy to forget just how cold it is when you are dripping sweat going up hill.
In reply to Jimbo W:
I think it was about 15 weeks, but early Autumn time on a fairly nice day.
Used something like this
http://www.ergobabycarriers.com/babycarriers/item/BC6SP/
Not particularly cheap, but we had the infant insert as well so it's suitable from birth to 4 years. Sleeping hood offers a bit of extra protection from sun etc. if necessary.
I think it was about 15 weeks, but early Autumn time on a fairly nice day.
Used something like this
http://www.ergobabycarriers.com/babycarriers/item/BC6SP/
Not particularly cheap, but we had the infant insert as well so it's suitable from birth to 4 years. Sleeping hood offers a bit of extra protection from sun etc. if necessary.
In reply to Jimbo W:
On the subject of carriers I would caution to get one with sides as high as possible to protect the little one's head, I once unfortunately slipped while carrying my daughter in one and she hit her head on the way down thus turning a gentle Sunday morning amble into a trip to casualty, luckily she only needed a few steri-strips rather than stitches and she was perfectly okay.....scared the cr@p out of me though and I haven't carried a child in one since!
On the subject of carriers I would caution to get one with sides as high as possible to protect the little one's head, I once unfortunately slipped while carrying my daughter in one and she hit her head on the way down thus turning a gentle Sunday morning amble into a trip to casualty, luckily she only needed a few steri-strips rather than stitches and she was perfectly okay.....scared the cr@p out of me though and I haven't carried a child in one since!
In reply to Jimbo W:
I carried my daughter up skiddaw when she was 9 months old. She did get cold, mind - even though it was August and was in a ski-suit bought for the job. Don't underestimate their inability to keep warm, especially the younger they are.
I bought a carrier from lidl for £45 squid and it was (and still is) perfectly fine.
I'd never carry her in the winter as she just couldn't keep warm enough and I remember somthing on the news recently about a baby getting hypothermia on Snowdon in a carrier.
Early days is good as they don't get bored but I'd keep the walks shorter the older they get.
Enjoy it!
I carried my daughter up skiddaw when she was 9 months old. She did get cold, mind - even though it was August and was in a ski-suit bought for the job. Don't underestimate their inability to keep warm, especially the younger they are.
I bought a carrier from lidl for £45 squid and it was (and still is) perfectly fine.
I'd never carry her in the winter as she just couldn't keep warm enough and I remember somthing on the news recently about a baby getting hypothermia on Snowdon in a carrier.
Early days is good as they don't get bored but I'd keep the walks shorter the older they get.
Enjoy it!
Forgot to add, I still had her on the front at this stage which I think is better for keeping them snug and warm, and not a particularly big hill - Pen Y Fan.
In reply to skog:
And everone else! Thanks for the replies, very helpful indeed! My wife is more worried about the dymanics involved than I am (though I can of course recognise the issues, but some encouragement from here is superb to hear...
And everone else! Thanks for the replies, very helpful indeed! My wife is more worried about the dymanics involved than I am (though I can of course recognise the issues, but some encouragement from here is superb to hear...
In reply to Jimbo W: We've taken all three of ours out as soon as they can, my eldest did Ben Lawers in November at 2 and a half, couple of fleece layers and an all in one waterproof suit and he was well away. The next two however have had the advantage of a carrier and as they were both winter babies were approx 6months when they first went out, we use a littlelife carrier with sun shade (also helps keep the rain off) the model before this one http://www.littlelife.co.uk/html/child_carriers/cross-country-s2.html we put them in normal clothes,an all in one fleece oversuit (hands and feet incorparated) and then an all in one waterproof. They even have their own buffs. The carrier also has a large pocket in the bottom great for snacks/nappies/wipes etc.
In reply to Jimbo W: About 6 weeks, I think. Circuit of Grisedale Pike, Grasmoor, Crag Hill etc. In a sling on my front. I also carried a rucksac. It was a hot day and with loads both front and back, I sweated like a baboon. I was more worried about him getting too hot from me than too cold.
It all went fine, except that he decided that food was preferable to ticking the summit of Grasmoor and made his feelings known is a way that only small babies can. So he and his mum stopped to eat/drink while I went up to the top. (We did the same route again 11 years later and I didn't let him wimp out a second time.)
It all went fine, except that he decided that food was preferable to ticking the summit of Grasmoor and made his feelings known is a way that only small babies can. So he and his mum stopped to eat/drink while I went up to the top. (We did the same route again 11 years later and I didn't let him wimp out a second time.)
In reply to Jimbo W:
I have been out walking up hills with my son since he was born. When newborn i carried him in a pouch thing on my front under jackets then at a year and some months he moved onto my back. I initially got a Lidl carrier as the above lady mentioned but when the child gets heavier they aren't as good. The best i found was a macpac vamoose.
He has just turned 3 years old and we have been walking up 3000m ish peaks in the alps this summer and last summer we walked for a week and a bit in the Lakes between hostels over the mountain peaks.
The macpac is excellent as it has a sun and rain cover which are excellent. We have been hit by blizzards in the Cairngorms this winter when the forcast wasn't as advertised and he was fine. I think that Finlay and the pack weigh in at lower 20s kilos but it is pretty manageable for long days out as i'm used to it and the macpac is excellent for heavy weights. The crux of it is that he has been carried several times a week since he was born and so he and i are both used to it. Ski poles are essential.
Now he is fitter he walks a few km then jumps in a for a couple of hours for a nap and then walks a few more km. He is very good over broken ground and declares that he is 'rock climbing'. I have witnessed some families having quite agitated conversations as the child refuses to go in the backpack and refuses to walk probably because they are not used to the situations they are only presented with it a few times a year rather than every other day.
This winter we all skid off my local munro Ben Wyvis after mum and i skinned up and Finlay skied most of the way down between my legs. He tells me 'when i am a man i will carry you daddy!' I have it on tape but my lawyer tells me that because he is a minor it isn't legally binding
There was in infamous case of a death of a child in the alps in the 80s or 70s. Dad was skiing on piste with child in back pack. Dad was very hot due to his exhersion child died of hyperthermia. Dad went to prison.
You'll be the better judge of what you want to do and you will find yourself naturally erring on the side of caution. For instance we skied the easy way down Wyvis; i'm saving the front face for when he is older!
Iv'e never had anyone grumble when i appear behind them (and sometimes overtake) with Finlay in tow, people are suprised and generally pleased. I'm sure that Victor Meldrew will appear someday though!
Hope this helps
James e
I have been out walking up hills with my son since he was born. When newborn i carried him in a pouch thing on my front under jackets then at a year and some months he moved onto my back. I initially got a Lidl carrier as the above lady mentioned but when the child gets heavier they aren't as good. The best i found was a macpac vamoose.
He has just turned 3 years old and we have been walking up 3000m ish peaks in the alps this summer and last summer we walked for a week and a bit in the Lakes between hostels over the mountain peaks.
The macpac is excellent as it has a sun and rain cover which are excellent. We have been hit by blizzards in the Cairngorms this winter when the forcast wasn't as advertised and he was fine. I think that Finlay and the pack weigh in at lower 20s kilos but it is pretty manageable for long days out as i'm used to it and the macpac is excellent for heavy weights. The crux of it is that he has been carried several times a week since he was born and so he and i are both used to it. Ski poles are essential.
Now he is fitter he walks a few km then jumps in a for a couple of hours for a nap and then walks a few more km. He is very good over broken ground and declares that he is 'rock climbing'. I have witnessed some families having quite agitated conversations as the child refuses to go in the backpack and refuses to walk probably because they are not used to the situations they are only presented with it a few times a year rather than every other day.
This winter we all skid off my local munro Ben Wyvis after mum and i skinned up and Finlay skied most of the way down between my legs. He tells me 'when i am a man i will carry you daddy!' I have it on tape but my lawyer tells me that because he is a minor it isn't legally binding
There was in infamous case of a death of a child in the alps in the 80s or 70s. Dad was skiing on piste with child in back pack. Dad was very hot due to his exhersion child died of hyperthermia. Dad went to prison.
You'll be the better judge of what you want to do and you will find yourself naturally erring on the side of caution. For instance we skied the easy way down Wyvis; i'm saving the front face for when he is older!
Iv'e never had anyone grumble when i appear behind them (and sometimes overtake) with Finlay in tow, people are suprised and generally pleased. I'm sure that Victor Meldrew will appear someday though!
Hope this helps
James e
In reply to Jimbo W: My daughter went up Sgurr na Ciche when she was 10 weeks old,i had friends who lived in tarbet at the time so we where able to get boat to the bottom then in the papose she went, up the hill without a murmour,to be honest she slept most of the way,and when she got hungry her mum just poped a booby out.
In reply to James Edwards:
My wife has just read my post over my shoulder and reminded me that we bid once have a problem with him getting very cold feet once last winter (when it was consistently about -5 to -10). We put two pairs of socks on him and his fleese lined boots but this compressed his feet slightly and thus restricted his blood flow. I think that the cheap back pack we had at the time may have contributed to the slight restriction. He was very moany on the walk but he couldn't yet talk so had to play detectives and figure out what was wrong. His feet were like blocks of ice so we took off all the socks and put them inside my clothing next to my stomach and we made sure that his footwear was looser and he was totally fine for the rest of the walk.
Keeping him DRY is the most important thing, then out of the wind, the air temperature is not as important i don't think as those two things.
James e
My wife has just read my post over my shoulder and reminded me that we bid once have a problem with him getting very cold feet once last winter (when it was consistently about -5 to -10). We put two pairs of socks on him and his fleese lined boots but this compressed his feet slightly and thus restricted his blood flow. I think that the cheap back pack we had at the time may have contributed to the slight restriction. He was very moany on the walk but he couldn't yet talk so had to play detectives and figure out what was wrong. His feet were like blocks of ice so we took off all the socks and put them inside my clothing next to my stomach and we made sure that his footwear was looser and he was totally fine for the rest of the walk.
Keeping him DRY is the most important thing, then out of the wind, the air temperature is not as important i don't think as those two things.
James e
In reply to Jimbo W: We use one of the Little Life Voyager carriers- our daughter is two now and still spends a good few hours in it happily. They make a rain cover that covers the entire pack, with an openable 'window' at the front- the pack is really well thought out and fits me well enough to wear all day fully loaded with kit.
Like was said above, keeping the little fella warm is critical, and the full cover helps with this- as does a thick bootee and snow suit get-up as they effectively sit immobile for a long time.
Go slowly and stay safe!
Like was said above, keeping the little fella warm is critical, and the full cover helps with this- as does a thick bootee and snow suit get-up as they effectively sit immobile for a long time.
Go slowly and stay safe!
In reply to Jimbo W: Having read some of the first answers on this I was going to keep quiet, but now a few others have come forward I will admit that we took our 8 week old son up Harter Fell out of Mardale on a damp summer day many years ago! We worried...he seemed to love the sling he was carried in.
Start them young, just make sure you have covered all the reasonable "what if...." scenarios!
Start them young, just make sure you have covered all the reasonable "what if...." scenarios!
In reply to Jimbo W: We took our 6 month old up Snowdon, we set out for a bit of a stroll but just kept going and ended up at the top. He was fine in the back pack.
Remember though that small babies are very poor at regulating their body temperature so be prepared to keep a close eye on wether they are too hot or too cold and adjust clothing accordingly.
Also remeber to take spares of everything for when they discharge dreadful substances from every orifice, some of which WILL end up down your neck!!
Have fun.
Remember though that small babies are very poor at regulating their body temperature so be prepared to keep a close eye on wether they are too hot or too cold and adjust clothing accordingly.
Also remeber to take spares of everything for when they discharge dreadful substances from every orifice, some of which WILL end up down your neck!!
Have fun.
In reply to Jimbo W:
3 months old up snowdon in a baby bjorn on my front. You can watch them carefully. My quads did hurt the next day. Walking was harder for me as It was more difficult to see my feet. Much easier with a norml rucksack style carrier. Be careful when they are on your bck as they do get cold. We ended up getting a one piece down suit for the colder months.
3 months old up snowdon in a baby bjorn on my front. You can watch them carefully. My quads did hurt the next day. Walking was harder for me as It was more difficult to see my feet. Much easier with a norml rucksack style carrier. Be careful when they are on your bck as they do get cold. We ended up getting a one piece down suit for the colder months.
Took our little un out since he was tiny, fist in a papouse and then in a little life back pack carrier. In the papouse i used the top part of my paramo 3rd element jacket on him, it fits perfectly around the baby and papouse and sheltered him from the elements. In the back pack we bought the full rain cover and used it even when it was'nt raing as it keeps the wind off him. As others have said just watch of them getting cold, i only ever wera very light clothing, going off the theory that if i get cold carrying him and walking in a t shirt, he is going to be cold wrapped up snug but not moving! We have been all over the lakes and a fair bit in Scotland, he loves it, he is 2 now and loves an adventure!
In reply to Jimbo W: Can I hijack the thread to ask at what age carrying the wee bugger might become an issue? We'll start her young and I'll be alright with the weight until the nipper is pretty big, that's not my concern. But how practical is it to expect a 1+ (2+? 3?) year old to be happy being lugged around all day on reasonable hill routes without complaint and entertainment stops? I recognise every kid is different, but we'll be out on hills most weeks so the sprog should at least be used to it. I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences with older babies and toddlers. Ta
P.S. James E, you are a beacon of hope
P.S. James E, you are a beacon of hope
In reply to dan bailey:
For us:
Without complaint and entertainment stops, never (unless you're only out for 4 hours or so).
Without spending more than an hour or so every 4 hours stopped, until about a year old.
From then on, more and more time will be required for them to get out and play a bit, or walk along with you and so on. You just need to allow longer for your walks; there's no reason you can't be out all day, though.
It took us a bit over 3 hours to get up and down Creag Bhalg at the Linn of Quoich on Sunday; without the 3-month old needing fed and the two-and-a-half-year old walking half of it it would have taken about an hour.
You're going to want to take time to play with them, though. I love watching Freya scrambling and poking around.
For us:
Without complaint and entertainment stops, never (unless you're only out for 4 hours or so).
Without spending more than an hour or so every 4 hours stopped, until about a year old.
From then on, more and more time will be required for them to get out and play a bit, or walk along with you and so on. You just need to allow longer for your walks; there's no reason you can't be out all day, though.
It took us a bit over 3 hours to get up and down Creag Bhalg at the Linn of Quoich on Sunday; without the 3-month old needing fed and the two-and-a-half-year old walking half of it it would have taken about an hour.
You're going to want to take time to play with them, though. I love watching Freya scrambling and poking around.
In reply to skog: Doesn't sound too onerous, cheers
In reply to dan bailey:
Have you been breeding too, then? Congratulations!
Have you been breeding too, then? Congratulations!
In reply to Jimbo W:
Thanks so much for all this advice. It really is very encouraging! I'm now planning a walk up Beinn Sgritheal (?sp) in a couple of weeks. We'll give it a go anyhow!
Thanks so much for all this advice. It really is very encouraging! I'm now planning a walk up Beinn Sgritheal (?sp) in a couple of weeks. We'll give it a go anyhow!
Ours is 2yrs 3 months, still take him out in the rucksack, but entertainment stops are all part of the fun, je will sleep happily in the backpack but love to get out to scramble/ ump in puddles, annoy wildlife etc, wellies and a waterproof suit are a must for happy, healthy tired chappy at the end of the day!. The extra weight keep you hill fit!
Hello all,
I am a nanny and a babywearer so know a bit about slings. I have not taken small children up mountains, unless you count a few skiing holidays. So the below in information on different types of sling.
If I had a small baby i would wear them on my front so that I could keep an eye on them, I would wear them under my coat and make sure they have a hat. I only started wearing my current charge on my back when she got too heavy to carry on my front. My Charge is 2.5years and still is carried on my back when she gets tired.
I love my wrap ( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/wraps.php ), which is the most versatile but the hardest to get to grips with it is the most supportive and comfortable for both me and my charge. It will be suitable for 0-7years (not that you will be carrying them at that age).
A little easier to learn are mei tai's ( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/meitais.php ) and fairly cheap to buy, they are very supportive of little ones, I prefer them to baby bjorn and will adapt easily to any size carrier. I have a babyhawk.
Soft Structured carriers (SSC)( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/softstructuredcarriers.php )are the easiest to learn and very popular and I think it would be my recommendation, the main makes are ergo, patapum and yamo.
You can also buy coats which a specially designed to be worn with slings Kindercoat is one of the brands you can get.
It is worth looking at second hand slings i get mine from thre following forum http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28 . You can also hire slings from your local sling library http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/ has resources on local meets across the UK.
Hope the above info is helpful if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Hannaxx
I am a nanny and a babywearer so know a bit about slings. I have not taken small children up mountains, unless you count a few skiing holidays. So the below in information on different types of sling.
If I had a small baby i would wear them on my front so that I could keep an eye on them, I would wear them under my coat and make sure they have a hat. I only started wearing my current charge on my back when she got too heavy to carry on my front. My Charge is 2.5years and still is carried on my back when she gets tired.
I love my wrap ( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/wraps.php ), which is the most versatile but the hardest to get to grips with it is the most supportive and comfortable for both me and my charge. It will be suitable for 0-7years (not that you will be carrying them at that age).
A little easier to learn are mei tai's ( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/meitais.php ) and fairly cheap to buy, they are very supportive of little ones, I prefer them to baby bjorn and will adapt easily to any size carrier. I have a babyhawk.
Soft Structured carriers (SSC)( http://www.slingguide.co.uk/types/softstructuredcarriers.php )are the easiest to learn and very popular and I think it would be my recommendation, the main makes are ergo, patapum and yamo.
You can also buy coats which a specially designed to be worn with slings Kindercoat is one of the brands you can get.
It is worth looking at second hand slings i get mine from thre following forum http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28 . You can also hire slings from your local sling library http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/ has resources on local meets across the UK.
Hope the above info is helpful if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Hannaxx
I've taken my daughter up in the Lakes twice now, when she was 10 months and 12 months. We had a great time. We mostly used a Little Life which was great, though we did use a Baby Hawk for a shortish walk on Cat Bells. We managed Blencathra, Coniston Old Man, Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle, plus some smaller stuff.
My main advice would be to plan routes that keep out of the wind.... It's hard to get a child to sleep with wind in their face. Get a decent sunhat (and suncream). And plan on singing lots of songs if they get bored.
@Hannah - I don't think slings are that useful on hills. The advantage of the Baby Hawk, and slings/wraps in general (we have a lot, especially Didymos) is that the baby is closer to you and can benefit from your body warmth. I would, however, be against using them for long days where the weather might come in because:
1) Front-carrying is a non-starter for descending steep slopes. You can't see your feet. Get someone else to keep an eye on them (and then they can carry lunch too!)
2) The framed carriers are simply more comfortable for long days. They were less comfortable at the start - but didn't get any less comfortable as the day progressed, if you see what I mean.
3) The biggie for me is that you can stick a storm hood on a framed carrier. I am certain that Abigail would have hated the storm hood, and we didn't use it in the end. But we needed a backup plan in case the weather came in. While a baby-wearing coat would work, they are heavy, they are not a patch on a decent goretex, and you don't get the option to have the hiker wearing a t-shirt while the baby is well wrapped up.
My main advice would be to plan routes that keep out of the wind.... It's hard to get a child to sleep with wind in their face. Get a decent sunhat (and suncream). And plan on singing lots of songs if they get bored.
@Hannah - I don't think slings are that useful on hills. The advantage of the Baby Hawk, and slings/wraps in general (we have a lot, especially Didymos) is that the baby is closer to you and can benefit from your body warmth. I would, however, be against using them for long days where the weather might come in because:
1) Front-carrying is a non-starter for descending steep slopes. You can't see your feet. Get someone else to keep an eye on them (and then they can carry lunch too!)
2) The framed carriers are simply more comfortable for long days. They were less comfortable at the start - but didn't get any less comfortable as the day progressed, if you see what I mean.
3) The biggie for me is that you can stick a storm hood on a framed carrier. I am certain that Abigail would have hated the storm hood, and we didn't use it in the end. But we needed a backup plan in case the weather came in. While a baby-wearing coat would work, they are heavy, they are not a patch on a decent goretex, and you don't get the option to have the hiker wearing a t-shirt while the baby is well wrapped up.
Clothing... we used normal clothes with extra socks, then a fleece suit (aka bunting) which folds back if necessary on the hands and feet, then a waterproof layer. We needed all of that in April up high, but left out the bunting/unzipped some layers in June. We were lucky with the weather though
In reply to Jimbo W:
In my earlier reply I didn't mention the carrier we use. We initially had a little life one, which looked good but out littl'un was too small to be strapped into it (she is a titch). We swapped it for a VauDe Jolly Comfort 2, which I really like. That comes with a sunshade (very useful) and a rain cover (also very useful, and has little windows for the baby to look out of).
The one other thing that I bought was a pair of walking poles, which really add to my confidence on rough/slippery ground. I think my biggest fear is taking a tumble with the baby on my back.
In my earlier reply I didn't mention the carrier we use. We initially had a little life one, which looked good but out littl'un was too small to be strapped into it (she is a titch). We swapped it for a VauDe Jolly Comfort 2, which I really like. That comes with a sunshade (very useful) and a rain cover (also very useful, and has little windows for the baby to look out of).
The one other thing that I bought was a pair of walking poles, which really add to my confidence on rough/slippery ground. I think my biggest fear is taking a tumble with the baby on my back.
In reply to Nutkey:
I'd beg to differ on the slings. I agree that front carries can be an issue as they get bigger, mainly as it gets difficult to see your feet and keep a good footing. But most types of sling can be used for back carries, too, and I find them much more stable & comfy than a framed backpack as the weight's so much closer in. The only problem I've found is carrying enough kit if there's only one adult.
I'd beg to differ on the slings. I agree that front carries can be an issue as they get bigger, mainly as it gets difficult to see your feet and keep a good footing. But most types of sling can be used for back carries, too, and I find them much more stable & comfy than a framed backpack as the weight's so much closer in. The only problem I've found is carrying enough kit if there's only one adult.
In reply to skog: One on the way, a scary prospect...
In reply to dan bailey:
I felt like that before, but not now. Perspectives and responsibilities change, but totally for the better! Awesome fun...
> One on the way, a scary prospect...
I felt like that before, but not now. Perspectives and responsibilities change, but totally for the better! Awesome fun...
In reply to Jimbo W:
One thing I've found is that, whilst I could still be getting out climbing a lot more, I don't want to miss out on time with the kids so rarely do. Happily, we've often been able to go hillwalking with them, so all is not lost!
He's right to be scared, but hopefully excited too!
Most of all, it's just different.
> Perspectives and responsibilities change
Very much so.One thing I've found is that, whilst I could still be getting out climbing a lot more, I don't want to miss out on time with the kids so rarely do. Happily, we've often been able to go hillwalking with them, so all is not lost!
> but totally for the better!
Not for me. It's often wonderful, but I've sometimes found it very hard to deal with, and feel I've lost a lot (and, yes, gained a lot too).He's right to be scared, but hopefully excited too!
Most of all, it's just different.
In reply to Jimbo W:
On hot days an umbrella is very useful as a sunshade for nappy changing, feeding etc
On hot days an umbrella is very useful as a sunshade for nappy changing, feeding etc
In reply to Jimbo W:
This is a very similar set up to what i use, it is one of the best in the market i have found for long distances and heavy loads.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=420942
James e
This is a very similar set up to what i use, it is one of the best in the market i have found for long distances and heavy loads.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=420942
James e
In reply to James Edwards:
I used the Macpac vamoose for ours , he's too big for it now. Used to take him out in all weather from about 5 months, only did small hills and flat walks. Used it in Norway too in winter but mostly used a pulk.
He's now got his own xc skis for winter but I still can't get him to walk up hills yet - lazy wee man!
PS I've got a macpac vamoose with the shade and rain cover for sale if anyone is interested - very good condition.
I used the Macpac vamoose for ours , he's too big for it now. Used to take him out in all weather from about 5 months, only did small hills and flat walks. Used it in Norway too in winter but mostly used a pulk.
He's now got his own xc skis for winter but I still can't get him to walk up hills yet - lazy wee man!
PS I've got a macpac vamoose with the shade and rain cover for sale if anyone is interested - very good condition.
We first took our son out when he was three months old - in a sling, in summer (though welsh summer - low cloud and pretty cold the day we went out) we put him in a baby shellsuit, winter all in one thing, to keep him warm. I also had my waterproof done up round him. I would agree to think extra warm for baby - think - would you feel hot sitting still in the weather - if so then watch for overheated baby - else wrap them up warm. Also taking lots of nappies and nappy bags etc.
When he was 6 months we converted to back pack type carrier, he loved it and would gurgle most of the way unless he was sleeping - when he could talk then it was constant chat! There was an awkward phase somewhere between 3-5 where we found him so exhausting to carry cos he was heavy, yet he couldn't manage a full mountain himself, but we went half way up things and just focused on not putting him off mountains! It never seemed to bother him to keep going provided we kept listening to his conversation and gave him plenty of attention, which is to be expected. Lots of food stops also was important when he was moving under his own steam.
Now he is 8 and loves coming out walking and climbing and has done most of the peaks in Wales! He can manage a good v diff or severe climb too which I think is a lot harder than the grade for him, being so small.
When he was 6 months we converted to back pack type carrier, he loved it and would gurgle most of the way unless he was sleeping - when he could talk then it was constant chat! There was an awkward phase somewhere between 3-5 where we found him so exhausting to carry cos he was heavy, yet he couldn't manage a full mountain himself, but we went half way up things and just focused on not putting him off mountains! It never seemed to bother him to keep going provided we kept listening to his conversation and gave him plenty of attention, which is to be expected. Lots of food stops also was important when he was moving under his own steam.
Now he is 8 and loves coming out walking and climbing and has done most of the peaks in Wales! He can manage a good v diff or severe climb too which I think is a lot harder than the grade for him, being so small.
In reply to dan bailey:
I think a papoose arrangement is the way to go for younger babies, gives eye contact, shared warmth and reassurance for them and you that all is well.
We used littlelife carriers from about seven months for our twins, and never in anything approaching bad conditions or higher up, as in my rather over-protective view it was really tricky to be sure that they are keeping in good nick.
Plus we weren't fit enough to be both lugging x pounds of toddler and associated detritus up over 2,000 ft...
I think a papoose arrangement is the way to go for younger babies, gives eye contact, shared warmth and reassurance for them and you that all is well.
We used littlelife carriers from about seven months for our twins, and never in anything approaching bad conditions or higher up, as in my rather over-protective view it was really tricky to be sure that they are keeping in good nick.
Plus we weren't fit enough to be both lugging x pounds of toddler and associated detritus up over 2,000 ft...
In reply to MHutch:
PS normal trousers tend to ride up in backpacks, exposing flesh so insulated romper suit type affairs may be the way to go.
PS normal trousers tend to ride up in backpacks, exposing flesh so insulated romper suit type affairs may be the way to go.
In reply to MHutch: Definitely. We took our little one out in the BB active for short hill and forest walks from about 3 months, put him in an all in one fleece snow suit, which was also fine for snowshoe walks around Ballater at about 4 months old.
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