Part of having kids is the ability to share what's most important to you with them. Some of their best memories will be the days you spend teaching them to farm, fish, hunt, or build things. Experiencing nature together is a powerful bonding opportunity that will teach them respect and reverence for the outdoors, but also give them an understanding of the importance of exercise and movement.
Because experiencing nature is so important, it's a great idea to start that exposure as young as possible. Studies show definitively that even from infancy, children begin to form neurological connections that aid them in learning later on. By exposing your children to nature when they are babies, you are building a foundation that will serve them their whole lives.
With that in mind, it's important that you're prepared for your first hike with your baby. Even though you know how to navigate the forest or the beaches near your home, babies need a lot of stuff. We've put together a list of the most important essentials for a baby's first hike so that you can focus on bonding in nature instead of wondering if you remembered to pack everything or not.