Hiking can be great fun for all ages. Enjoying the outdoors while getting plenty of fresh air and exercise is good for the mind, body and soul. When hiking with children, however, special precautions must be taken to ensure safety.
1. Plan Ahead
Ensure that all hikers have appropriate and comfortable shoes. Wear new shoes on several days before embarking on a hike. Also, ensure that all hikers wear appropriate socks and carry an extra pair with them. If a toddler or small child will be carried, invest in a good kid carrier designed specifically for hiking. Practice with the carrier prior to the hike to ensure that it is properly adjusted and comfortable for both child and adult. Use a child safety harness on small children who are walking to ensure safety while allowing for freedom of movement and exploration.
2. Educate Yourself and Your Children
Before going on even a short hike with children, research the area. Have a good idea about the terrain and difficulty of the trail. Start with easy hikes to see how the children respond. Know what types of plants, animals, reptiles and insects live in the region. Use photographs to educate children of all ages to recognize potentially dangerous species. Role-play various scenarios and talk about what to do in the event of an encounter with wildlife or an emergency.
3. Establish Rules
There is safety in numbers so require everyone to stay together. Implement a buddy system and give each child past toddler age a plastic whistle to be used during emergencies only. To minimize a chance encounter with bears or cougars, encourage children to make noise when hiking but not to scream or squeal. Teach children to stay put and blow their whistle should they become separated.
4. Be Prepared
Know basic first aid and carry a first aid kit. Know what to do in the case of bee sting or snakebite, including how to identify poisonous snakes and distinguish them from those that are harmless. Avoid sunburn and mosquito or tick bites through proper clothing, sunscreen and repellents. Always carry a lighter just in case a fire is necessary. Pack adequate food and plenty of water for the hike. Also carry water purification tablets to use if necessary.
5. Go Slow and Enjoy!
Hiking with children is not only enjoyable, it’s an educational opportunity on many levels. Go slow and explore with the kids. Children frequently see things that adults do not. Pace yourselves and focus on enjoying the hike rather than reaching a destination
