SEARCH RESULTS

This week's blog post is a first -- a community-contributed blog post. Returning to nature after having a baby can be very intimidating and overwhelming, but it also feels very healing and calming. We have asked the moms of our Explorer Families to share their experience, from good to bad, as well as any tips they have for other moms wanting to return to nature postpartum. Here is what our Explorer Families had to say! "What was your experience like when you returned to nature postpartum?" @lovelife_abroad For both of my babies, I had planned a c-section, so I was worried about my mobility post-partum. Plus, I had both Canadian November babies. Not an ideal combination to go back in nature/adventuring. I didn't put too much pressure in myself, but I tried to go on small neighboorhood walk as much as I can (when I was able to walk properly for more than just going to the restroom). Walking close to home was a first step. I was lucky to have a nature park walking distance from my home, so even if I wasn't far in nature, I still felt like I was in nature. Also, I carried my babies from day 1 in a carrier and a wraper. It made going outside and in nature much more easier. But it still took me a few months before doing a real hike. @hansensonthehustle With my first, I went back to teaching dance two weeks after giving birth, so I was hitting the trails immediately after we got home from the hospital. I was very nervous I wouldn't be able to make it through my teaching days, so I started off with neighborhood walks, beach strolls, and small gravel paths. I built my stamina back up fairly quickly by immediately getting out there. I got the comment a lot that I was overdoing it, but I had to return to work to provide for my family. I'm so glad I ignored all the comments, cause I was safely able to return to work since I had taken the time to re-engage with my body. With my second son, I was able to slow down more, due to the nature of giving birth during the beginning of the pandemic. My teaching hours were drastically cut, so I was able to spend time focusing on enjoying the outdoors more instead of "training". I did still return to work four days after giving birth, but it was via zoom, so it took a lot of pressure off my body. However, with a toddler already, sitting inside was not really an option. We hit the easy trails about two weeks after. My husband would have our eldest in our hiking backpack and I had our youngest in the ergo. Honestly, as much as I wanted to just sit on the couch and sleep during this recovery time, the outdoors really helped regulate a lot of my hormones and get me through some pretty dark times trying to navigate two kids in the middle of a pandemic were my job was on the line on the daily. I was able to get some fresh air and a change of scenery, and I didn't feel like I completely missed my eldest's first trial solo being with his younger brother. I have so many special memories together, bonding in nature with both of my boys as newborns, and I believe it set a precedence for their love of the outdoors. @mom.in.the.mtns Before having my son, I had so many people tell me that my hiking and outdoor adventures were over now that I was having a baby. But it felt really important for me to at least try to get back outside and do my favorite activities with my baby after he was born. After giving birth, it took me about a week or two to take short walks outside with him. After that, I just tried to get outside as much as I could because I felt like it really helped my mental health and recovery. We started with stroller walks and walks with him in a carrier on my chest, and I just went slow and only went as far as I was comfortable. At 6 weeks postpartum, my midwife cleared me for hiking, and I did my first "real" hike with my son on my chest! It was 2 miles round trip up to an overlook where we could see a glacier, and I was so incredibly excited to be able to carry my son up there and give him that experience! A few weeks later, I went on a baby-free hike with a friend. It wasn't a hard trail, but I was so tired and wobbly and off balance and I actually fell going downhill at one point. That was when I realized that my body was definitely not the same and that it was going to take me way more time to fully recover than I thought. Luckily, that's right when winter started, so I spent my first winter postpartum just taking shorter hikes and outings with my son while my body recovered, and I got more confident with hiking with a baby. It was definitely intimidating to see how much extra prep work and how much extra gear went into hiking with a baby, but it was also so nice to be able to hike while he slept on my chest. By the following summer, I was excited to get back to regular hiking, but at the beginning of the summer, my body was still slow and sometimes uncomfortable on hikes. It was hard carrying my son and the extra weight of our gear on my shoulders, and I had to really embrace doing shorter and easier hikes that my body could handle. I also learned that I had a new anxiety about doing steeper mountains while carrying my son. I was afraid of falling in areas that hadn't ever scared me before, and hiking in rain/snow/wind really stressed me out. I immediately learned that I couldn't just push through sketchy stuff or bad weather any more - I really had to think about the safety of my child more than my wishes to hike on a certain day or on a certain mountain. I had to start saying "no" to hiking trails or in weather that I wasn't comfortable with and make decisions that were the best for my little family. Overall, it took me about a year to fully feel recovered from giving birth and feel like my "old self" again on hikes. Even though it took longer than I thought, I loved having that time to ease into hiking with my son, learn from my mistakes, and figure out the best gear choices. And I wish I could go back in time and tell my newly postpartum self that I would eventually be able to get back to the things that I love - but that it will just take some time! @adventurehilary While pregnant, I was worried that I would lose my sense of adventure and love for nature after my twins were born. After they were born, I decided to join some local hiking groups with parents to see how other people continued to hike and adventure with kids and the biggest trend I saw was: get the right gear and just go! Our (my husband and myself) first "hikes" were just exploring a local park, having a picnic and getting used to the kid carrier packs. After we got the hang of it, I tried to pick "easy" hikes that we had done previously. Since we both had to carry babies, there was no trading off when one of us got tired, so we tried to be reasonable in our expectations. There was a lot of "what do we REALLY need to bring?" each time we packed. By the end of the summer, we learned to tamper our expectations and pack much lighter than we had previously. I also realized that it was a win to get out on the trail, to the trailhead, with everyone in one piece, whereas before kids, I was set on getting to the top of the mountain, no matter what. Expectations have changed postpartum, but I also realized that every time I got out into nature, I felt like MYSELF again and happiest, which was my biggest win. After struggling with some PPD, the main thing that helped me get back into my "groove" was doing what I loved with my newest adventure babies! @stef.vandoorn My husband and I moved to Alberta from Michigan right before the pandemic hit, so when we decided to start our family here, we knew there might be a chance that the border wouldn't be open by the time our baby made her debut. I gave birth to Mia in May 2021, and (as we slightly suspected) the border was still closed, leaving us to begin new parenthood with no family around to help. Although our village here was very small, the outdoors provided us a safe space to be together, and we wanted to introduce that to Mia as soon as possible. I was fortunate to have a healthy delivery and healed quickly after giving birth. Our first outdoor experience with Mia was sitting outside on our deck in the first warm days of summer, followed by a drive out to the mountains at two weeks postpartum for a walk by the river in the town of Canmore, and lunch from a food truck pop up downtown. It was a glorious feeling being in the mountains with the little babe I hiked those mountains with while she was inside my womb. We then started hiking with her in our Ergobaby front carrier, gradually progressing from easy, low-elevation hikes to finally summiting her first mountain earthside at six weeks old. Although she slept on most of these hikes, the connection I had carrying her while on the trail was unlike anything I had ever experienced. We also booked two camping trips to car camp that summer with Mia. Some thought we were a bit ambitious, but (just like with hiking) we wanted to continue our lifestyle, so we pivoted a bit and adjusted our expectations. Our first camping trip was just one night away and closer to home. We learned A LOT from this trip (what to pack, how I'd pump, etc.) and it set us up for success on our three-night camping trip to Jasper National Park. I honestly wouldn't change anything about the way I integrated back into nature after giving birth. It has been such a positive experience, and I've had so many special moments with Mia that I will cherish forever. New parents remember this: it's all trial and error, take it one step at a time, and be open-minded to learning new things along the way. @the.cupidos I did my first hike 21 days after PP. During delivery, I had a 3rd degree tear and hemorrhoids, so the first week was a bit painful for me. Around the 3rd week, my husband and I decided to do an easy hike with our 3 week old (Arethusa Cirque) to see how I do going up and down a trail. My husband took the hiking backpack and our baby in the carrier so that I could focus on myself and go at my own pace. I was definitely slower than usual, which was expected. Going uphill wasn't as bad as I would have imagined, but I did take a lot of breaks and made sure I drank a lot of water. Going back down was another story. When I took big steps down I could feel a bit of pain but thankfully my husband was supportive and I had hiking poles and I just took my time. Overall it was a great first hike and my only bad experience was when we arrived to the trail I forgot the diaper bag at home, so i cried in the car and felt horrible and felt like I was a bad mom. @backpackingmoms I felt sick most of my pregnancy, the last months I could barely even walk between the rooms in my house. I would close my eye visualising beautiful day outdoors with my newborn, believing that after giving birth my body will soon return to "normal". After giving birth, I return to nature "hard core". I went for my first backpacking trip with my child at 6 weeks PP. I needed so badly to find a little piece of my old self in the mountains,  which has always been my recharging place. Being in nature was calming. I was surely terribly tired from the sleepless nights, but I was happy. Slowly, I realised I wasn't looking for my old self, but I was looking for a new way of being: how to be in my recharging place, outdoors, while taking care for my child? Not only everyday out was a new experiment/discovery on how to care for my child, it was also a memorable bounding moment, and a slow process through which I learned to let go of my old self to embrace motherhood. The moment I let go clinging on my old identity was the moment I actually started loving being a mom. I didn't feel alone anymore: my child and I together,  we were (and still are) a team! I call this approach to going outdoors as a team (all team member's wellbeing being essential for the success of the hike) "expedition parenting". Emotionally,  the outdoors brought me that calming and restoring environment I needed for my rebirth. Physically, pushing myself so hard and not respecting my healing times,  was a very very bad idea. I ignored my body's signs thinking that it will heal anyway with time, but I was wrong. Three + years PP, my whole core is still compromised: still peeing when coughing,  regularly suffering from strong back pain. I am now looking to start a process with a pelvic floor specialist to strengthen my core, so essential for hiking! @hapalyadventuring With both of my girls, we were outside the day we came home from the hospital. Staying inside just wasn't an option for me. I needed to know I could be outside with my daughter from a mental health and recovery standpoint. As first-time parents, it started with short walks in the wrap or ergo baby around neighborhood and quickly built up to longer adventures as we became more comfortable. Newborns live in 2-3 hour increments so we would just time our days out accordingly, knowing we'd also need to be flexible in the moment too. It's also important to note that I have a very present husband who saw my need to be outside and helped me get there (I'd encourage having that conversation with your partner before the baby arrives so the expectation is set early on). I quickly got used to nursing (and then pumping when I had to start EP) in the car while we were out, and that progressed to nursing on the go. This allowed us to extend our time outside. Now, my daughter loves the outdoors, and being outside is part of her normal routine. @gallimore.family.adventures It took me 10 years of infertility to have my son, so I never quite imagined what post-partum would be like, just that I would have a baby! After a traumatic birth experience – it felt like I have every complication in the book. It was never-ending visits to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, Lactation Specialist, Midwife, Pediatric PT, and Breast Health Center. I didn’t have time or energy to think about any fun or outdoor adventures. At about one month postpartum, we started walking around the block and worked my way up to a few laps. After that, we headed to the local park with plenty of benches to rest. We didn’t do our first hike or camping trip until I was well past six months postpartum. I had to work with multiple doctors and health coaches to get my stamina back. Two years later, I can carry a 30-pound toddler up a mountain! My best advice is to be gentle with yourself and have lots of grace. Start really small – sit on the back porch small - and build your way up! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else’s motherhood journey, and enjoy time outside with your baby any way you can. @becca_outdoors I started with stroller walks around our neighborhood the day after we got home from the hospital. We were walking 3-4 blocks very slowly because hello I just had a baby! Truthfully, my husband and I didn't know any different, and that it's uncommon to go outside that soon with a newborn. I just remember getting home from the hospital and thinking "Ok now what do we do with a newborn all day?" And that's when we decided to head out for a walk. After a week we started walking our usual trail (all flat) because we have two dogs who need exercise. It was an adjustment to change/feed baby right before we left our house, drive 10-15 min to the trail then possibly feed/change baby if needed before our walk, and repeat once we got back to the car. It was also liberating, and something I looked forward to doing daily. We had our baby February 2020, and shortly after everything indoors closed, we were unable to meet with family/friends to introduce our newborn baby, so walking this trail and seeing familiar faces as we passed was one way we were able to share our "pride and joy" to the world when everything else was locked down. My biggest piece of advice for new moms wanting to get back outside and into their adventures is to start small, and know that it won't always be perfect. We've all forgotten to pack extra diapers/clothes, had poop/spit up on us, and had a crying baby on the trail. Find your community (in person or online) that supports you with all the ups and downs of motherhood in the outdoors. Tips & Words of Advice From The Moms @mom.in.the.mtns Change your expectations of what it means to get outside postpartum! I don't mean "lower" them as in "get ready to be disappointed" - change them to better fit your new hiking reality. That might mean going on shorter or easier hikes, hikes that are closer to home in case you need to bail quickly, or just take walks where you push your child in a stroller instead if that feels more comfortable for your body. And know that these changes are only temporary and you will eventually be able to do longer and harder trails with your child (or kid free!) again soon. Use this time to really enjoy smaller adventures. I love a long hike, but it was really nice to just slow down and enjoy shorter and easier hikes with my son. I tried a bunch of hikes I had never done before and found some new favorites that I felt comfortable doing with my son! Keep a bag near the door with all the gear you will need to leave the house, and restock it regularly. I had a large gym bag filled with snacks, diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, hiking supplies, a hiking carrier, layers, and extra clothes. That way it was slightly easier to leave the house with a baby! I thought leaving the house was the hardest part of any adventure (and still do) so prepping for that made getting outside feel a bit more manageable. Find other moms to hike with. While I was pregnant I reached out to a mom who hikes with her kids a lot, and it was awesome hiking with her while I was pregnant and newly postpartum because she totally understood what I was going through and my need to go slower and easier while I recovered. Mom friends are also great for learning about what to pack on a hike, how to layer, and how to navigate being a new mom! Buy used baby gear! You can find tons of good quality and barely used baby gear that is super cheap. Check Facebook Marketplace, stores like Once Upon A Child, and apps like Mercari, Poshmark, and Kidizen. Or if your neighborhood has a Buy Nothing group on Facebook, join that to get lots of free outdoor gear! My son has gotten base layers, mittens, and even a bike seat through our local Buy Nothing group! And I know this might not be possible for everyone, but I'd encourage new moms to take some kid-free time to do the outdoor hobbies that they love. It made me feel a little more like myself again and helped my mental health so much. @hansensonthehustle You know your body. End of discussion. What one person tells you or what another person felt doesn't matter, this is YOUR body. Trust your gut, if you feel like something doesn't feel right, stop. I made my husband stop many times on the trail so just be safe. Test out any carriers at home first. Wear it to do the dishes, clean the house, fold the laundry. You'll find the rhythm faster this way. Can't get the baby to sleep, go outside. Just walk around the block. Even if they cry the whole time, at least you got fresh air and maybe saw the sun. Find your village. Whether it be a family member, friend or even Facebook group. Find the people who SUPPORT you, not bring you down. Just go outside, I promise it will help. Even five minutes. @stef.vandoorn Shift Your Expectation: Your first "hikes" might be walks around the neighborhood or downtown going out to lunch. Your definition of "summit" might not be the actual top of a mountain but a hike around a lake. Remember that any time spent reconnecting with nature and connecting with your baby is such a rewarding experience and one that you'll remember the rest of your life. Plan Ahead: Know where you're going to venture out to and how long you'll be gone, so you know how often you have to feed your baby. Bring extras of everything just in case! I remember one time Mia blew out her diaper right when we got to the trailhead. I was so thankful I had a spare outfit for her! Don't be afraid to practice packing for hikes and walks closer to home so you get in the habit of having it all with you for adventures farther away. Give Yourself Grace: You just had a baby (YOU ARE A SUPERHERO), but your body might work a little differently than it did before. Remember to rest when your body needs rest and always applaud yourself for every outdoor activity you do. Getting back into the outdoors will take baby steps, but each one of those steps is so important for your mental, physical and emotional health. @adventure_hilary Just go! Trying to find the "best" time to go to meet your kids' needs can be difficult and may be unachievable, so the biggest hurdle can just be getting out of the front door Pack the night before and don’t forget to think of yourself after packing everyone else’s needs (I always ended up forgetting one of my items instead of my husband or babies’) Lower your expectations and enjoy the journey - It will be a different experience than without babies, but that’s okay and part of the journey is overcoming the obstacles like: where/what do I feed the baby, what happens if there’s a blowout, what if they get cranky or cry, etc. I found that things usually were better than I expected, and if there was a mishap on the trail, it could usually be fixed with something at least temporarily until the hike was finished Get the gear that works best for your family - Having the right pack made all the difference to us. My husband didn’t feel like the soft carrier was the right fit for him and I felt like it threw off my center of gravity with little storage so we invested in the Osprey packs that have storage, sunshade, and more support for the child and the adult which made adventuring a lot more comfortable for all of us Join local and online groups for support to see where people are hiking, how they choose gear, make new friends that have similar interests, etc. I have found so much support postpartum and even found a twin hiking family in my area that understand the same challenges that we have been through! It was just the right amount of push I need to initially break the fear/overwhelmed feeling and get back to where I belong— nature! @backpackingmoms Feeling mentally ready to go doesn't really mean you are physically ready to go. Feeling physically ready to go doesn't really mean you are mentally ready to go. Focus on bonding and tuning with your child first, dedicating his full attention (leave the cell phone in another room!!!). It will make being outdoors together easier. Consult with a pelvic floor specialist if your aim is to return to hiking after giving birth. Apparently, in many countries, this visit is not given for granted! In the first months PP and as long as you are breastfeeding, the hormone relaxant will affect your ligaments! Beware not to stress your knees too much! If your hiking shoes do not fit anymore, buy a new one: you could get permanently bigger feet during pregnancy! Get shoes with a sole and a good grip!! I found the following publication extremely useful: Goom et al. (2019). Returning to running postnatal - guidelines for medical, health, and fitness professionals managing this population. @the_cupidos Let your significant other, friend, or whoever you are with carry the baby and other belongings, as this will allow you to focus on your body and comfort level while hiking or going out in nature. It lets you focus on you and you'll know what you are capable of doing at the moment Feed your baby before you start your hike/go explore nature that way you don't have to stress about finding a place to feed them Depending when you go, I found ( I know not that appealing) to wear an adult diaper because you just don't know if you will bleed or how much you will bleed Don't forget the diaper bag or just a few diapers and change of clothes... like me Go at your own pace, don't feel bad that you are slow, whoever you are with will completely understand. Just remember you gave birth to your baby and it takes a while for your body to heal @hapalayadventuring You are just as important as your baby. If you need to be outside, some simple modifications to the plan, along with some practice, can make being outside enjoyable for the whole family In the first 6 weeks before you're cleared, ask your partner or a friend to carry baby so you can just concentrate on listening to your body Don't let people intimidate you or scare you from doing what you need for your baby. If you need to feed your baby, feed your baby! Whether that's in public or the comfort of your car, you do what's right for you and baby. Same rule applies for crying. Don't panic if baby cries. Babies cry and it is just part of life. More than likely the people around you understand that too. Get your partner involved. If they know the process of getting ready, it becomes a team effort. Try to start early in baby's life. I know there is a lot going on and a lot to learn but by getting the courage to go outside early and making it a part of your routine, it'll just get easier and easier to be outside. You can do it mama!! Thank-you for reading this week's community-contributed blog post. Happy adventuring and don't forget to tag @KidsWhoExplore #KidsWhoExplore #KWE on your adevntures for a chance to be featured on Instagram!

This week's blog post is written by one of our USA Explorer Families, @knead.to.roam. Antonia Grant and her daughter, Sweet Pea, are the dynamic adventure duo behind Knead to Roam, exploring all that Minnesota has to offer. Antonia did not grow up outdoorsy, and that is okay. She has shared her experience with us and tips on how to become outdoorsy because everyone has a place in nature. How to Become Outdoorsy I never considered myself “outdoorsy”. Sure, we went camping and spent time outdoors when I was young, but if I’m honest, I hated most of it. It never felt “right” to me - the bugs, the heat, the dirt. It just wasn’t my thing. As I aged, I opted out of outdoorsy invitations from friends and family. Then, I became a mom. Everything changed. From infancy, I could see my daughter was her best self outside. Her innate curiosity and joy gave me a new lens on outdoor life. I found myself seeking new adventures and experiences for us to share. Every stick, rock, and creepy critter she discovered was pure magic (well, less so the creepy critters). Her desire made me want to give the outdoors another chance. So I did. I am proof that someone can decide to become outdoorsy. If you’re wondering how to become outdoorsy, keep reading! Start Slow You don’t need much to get started. If you’re wondering how to become an outdoor person, the first thing to do is start slow. Find one or two things that you enjoy doing in each season. Maybe that is hiking, going to the beach, snowshoeing. Whatever it is, focus on that first and grow from there. If your newfound enjoyment of the outdoors stems from your child, it’s even better to find things you can do together! We simply started with picnics and playground time. From there, we added hiking and other outdoor adventures. The time outside together is what matters most. Learn the Basics One of the most important things in learning how to become outdoorsy is knowing the safety basics and what to bring with you. Each region has wildlife, temperatures, and weather that can impact your time outdoors. Know the specifics for your area so that you can be prepared in case of emergency or weather changes. Additionally, you will hear outdoorsy people reference the “ten essentials”. Get to know what these items are and bring them along when appropriate. Since you’re starting slow, you’re likely planning for light hiking or outdoor play in good weather. If that is the case, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothes and pack snacks, water, and sun protection. Spare clothes in the car can also be helpful when you encounter dirt, water, or mud on your adventures. Follow Your Child's Lead If you’re trying to figure out how to become an outdoor person, follow your child’s lead! Child-led hikes or adventures are inherently slow-paced and focused on their interests. If you’re not convinced you’re going to fall in love with the outdoors alongside your child, this is a great place to start. Following their lead will allow you to witness their curiosity, joy, confidence, and interests. Ask them questions about what they see, what they hear, and what they smell. Let them touch sticks, balance on logs, and play in puddles. This is how they learn! Encouraging their interests and engaging in their play will also help you bond as a family. Try New Things When you’re ready, try new things together. One of the best ways to learn to love the outdoors is to find different ways to get out there! Trying new hobbies together can be very motivating. As your children and your love for the outdoors grow, so will the list of things you enjoy doing together. If your entry to the outdoors is hiking, then you may enjoy snowshoeing during the winter. Alternatively, you may enjoy hiking to new heights by taking a family vacation to see the mountains. If you’re not quite ready to try something new, you could also set an outdoor goal for your family. Some families track the number of hours they spend outside or the number of hikes they do in a year. This is another way to grow your love of the outdoors. Know Your Limits, But Don't Be Afraid to Try Again It’s okay to know your limits when you’re learning how to become outdoorsy. Just because you enjoy hiking with your kids, doesn’t mean you need to jump into skiing, backpacking, or camping. It’s also okay to try something and decide that you don’t like it. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, especially as a family. Find the right combination of activities, pace, and locations for you. With that said, it’s also okay to try something again in another season or year. For example, if you didn’t enjoy snowshoeing the first time or two (like me), it’s okay to work up the courage to try it again! I hated snowshoeing the first time I tried it. I’m not ashamed to say I sobbed almost the whole time. However, after taking a few years off, I tried it again and actually enjoyed it. It’s okay to try again! Find Your People Any time you start something new, establishing a support community is key. As such, this is also an important part of learning how to become outdoorsy as a family! There are many local and online communities that you can join to find support. Kids Who Explore is one such community (welcome!). Finding a group of people who support your desire and goals to become an outdoorsy parent will increase your chance of success. Building your outdoor community is also key to asking questions, getting gear recommendations, seeking support, and getting inspired! You Got This! If I can become outdoorsy, anyone can! Don’t let your lack of previous experiences or prior bad experiences hinder you from getting outside with your kids. It can take time and patience to learn to love the outdoors with kids. But it can be done! If you read this whole article, it proves that you are ready to start. I hope this has helped you learn how to become outdoorsy and gain some confidence in getting outdoors with your kids. You got this! Thank you for reading this week's blog post and continuing to be a part of this community. We hope that Antonia has inspired you to learn to love the outdoors or love them even more now! The outdoors is a wonderful place, and everyone has a place in nature. Happy Exploring! Remember to tag @KidsWhoExplore and use #KWE #KidsWhoExplore for a chance to be featured on Instagram or TikTok.

This week's blog post is written by Explorer Family Mom of two Sofia Ramos—@thesimplesplendor—about the beauty of prepared, intentional spaces. It is no secret that at Kids Who Explore our happy place is the outdoors. However, especially during the winter, you may find yourself spending more time inside longing for those days out in nature. It is precisely during these cold, dark months that I have rediscovered the importance of home and the beauty of creating intentional and prepared spaces for me, my husband, and my two littles. Here are some strategies I use to curate a space that allows my whole family to rest, recharge, and get ready to get back out there. While every family is different, below are a few key elements to help you create that hygge-filled space for you and your littles. When setting up a space, I like to engage as many of my children’s senses as possible. While a single space can rarely cater to all the senses, you can craft a home that has little nooks that fill up your and your child’s cup in different ways. Each of these can be tweaked to fit your parenting style and family’s needs. Keep reading to learn how to create planned, intentional spaces for families with kids. SIGHT What does your little one see when they enter the room or look at this corner you’ve prepared? Are their toys in order? Do their toys have a place to“live?” Is there a specific place they belong on a shelf or bin or are they placed randomly somewhere? Consistency and routine are key, even when placing objects. When your child knows where things go, they will feel more prepared to help you tidy up. Knowing where their belongings go also gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility regarding their things and area. Try to keep the quantity of toys to a minimum. Children (and adults) thrive when they are not overstimulated by many things. Rotating toys every few weeks has been a big help for our family as it keeps toys interesting and the home orderly. TOUCH Is this space cozy and inviting? What sensory experiences are awaiting your child? We enjoy keeping baskets of blankets and lambskins set up near the couch or rocking chair where the kids (and adults) like to read. Cuddling and feeling something soft is soothing to the senses. Older children may enjoy and benefit from fidget toys. Keeping a designated space for them in a basket will help your child know where to go when they need a break and can use some sensory release SMELL I often overlook this one, but I certainly notice it and feel so much joy when it’s there. Is there something delicious on the stove that fills the home with a pleasant aroma? Some soup on a cold day, perhaps? We like to diffuse essential oils in our play area and gathering spaces as well as burn candles in the evenings for an extra cozy touch. SOUND What do you need to hear in the place you are in right now? What feeling do you wish to evoke and what sound can help you achieve that feeling? In many ways, sound is the easiest thing to change in a space. A white noise machine can help a child sleep more peacefully and drown out unwanted noise. A speaker can play both soothing and fun music to create a desired mood. One way we frequently curate the sound in our home is after nap time. Our kids need some time to wake up after a nap so we like to have calm music playing for them when they rise. Additionally, fun music can create the perfect atmosphere for a dance party that is sometimes the only thing that has the power of lifting our spirits when we can’t go outside! LIFE Life is not typically one of the five senses but I find it crucial when it comes to raising compassionate and responsible littles and curating a home for them. What I like to ask myself is: aside from the humans living in your home, is there anything else alive under your roof? “Life” is simple: it basically means having another living thing other than yourself to care for in your space. Having a plant or pet that you care for as a family is a way to transmit a sense of compassion and responsibility for your shared space. It’s important that your child know that their home belongs to them and that that also comes with responsibility. Giving a young child the simple task of nurturing a living thing— like a plant— is a wonderful way to do that. TASTE Many spaces cannot be enjoyed when hunger strikes. Having a nourishing snack or meal ready for your child at predictable times of the day can help facilitate a positive experience all around. Also snacks. Always. Have. Snacks. When I reflect on our most smooth sailing and fulfilling times indoors, I look back on days when all our senses were adequately stimulated in some way. Preparing a space is powerful. You welcome another person into an experience you wish to share with them, and this can be as much of an adventure as exploring the outdoors. Time to Create Those Intentional Spaces for Families! Thank you for reading this week's blog post written by Sofia Ramos! Happy Exploring. Don't forget to tag us in your adventures using @KidsWhoExplore, #KidsWhoExplore & #KWE

Welcome to the New Year, friends! Thank-you for continuing to follow along into the new year. We are starting off 2022 with a blog post written by Explorer Family @gallimore.family.adventures . Are you wondering about a creative and fun way to stay warm on winter adventures? Erin, Josh, and their son are finding new ways to experience winter this year. That includes activities like snowshoeing and snow art. They have offered to share with us a (very yummy!) way they've found to stay warm AND have fun outside, even when it's cold! Here is a blog post written by Josh, with photos taken by Erin. Stay Warm on Winter Adventures: I Want Coffee! You've gotten outside! Good for you. You have decided to brave the cooler temps, maybe even play in the snow with the kiddos. Then the cold sets in, and your kids ask for some hot cocoa, and you start to think your own hot cup of beverage choice sounds pretty good. If you are like me, nothing hits better than a hot cuppa when out in the cold. But how do you get your hands on that refreshing beverage of life when you're deep in the woods? Well, it may be easier than you think! There are several ways that you can find yourself and your family enjoying the best nature has to offer, such as sipping your favorite hot beverages. Let's look at three ways you can do this. Bring It With You When you are headed outside, how many coffee shops do you think you drive by? Depending on which direction I am headed for my next hike, I can probably safely guess I will pass at least a dozen. But then again, I do live in the Seattle area, where coffee shops outnumber churches. So the easiest way to enjoy a hot beverage outdoors is just to pick one up on your way out and take it with you!  There are a few drawbacks to this method. Firstly, those cups don't generally do super great at keeping your drink warm. They also don't do great at keeping your drink inside the cup when you are jostling about. And lastly, if you carry it into the woods, you have to carry it back out. So you need to put it in your pack and hope that the dredges don't spill all over your gear.  Of course, you can put it in a special vessel designed to take care of most of these drawbacks by keeping it warm, being spill-proof, and being packable. But you have to remember to bring this along with you when you're packing your gear and be intentional on top of all the other gear needed to keep you and the kids safe and warm. But let's talk about something much more fun that will make you feel like you are the king of the outdoors, making your hot beverages on the trail. Make It In The Woods Bringing it along is all well and good. And can ensure that you enjoy your coffee and other hot beverages on the trail. But what if you could enjoy a fresh, piping-hot cuppa? Let's talk about how we can do this.  What if I told you that a bottle of water, a backpacking stove, a few lightweight camping cups, and your coffee/tea/cocoa of choice are all you need to pack, and all of this weighs less than 3 pounds? And this will give you a delicious cup of hot deliciousness.  My go-to stove is and has always been a Jet Boil stove . While it isn't the lightest backpacking stove, studies show it is the most efficient. The Jet Boil stove I own has lasted me almost ten years without fail. It takes about 2 minutes to boil water (elevation-dependent) and delights me with a hot cup of coffee every time. If You Forget All of This If you forget to either pick up a cup on the way to the trail or you didn't pack your stove, the last option for a hot beverage is to pick one up on your way back home. Yes, while this may not have the glamour of drinking a hot beverage in the middle of the woods, the outcome is still the same. A hot cup of coffee that you can sip on, and some warm cocoa to satisfy the chilly children. Then you can think about what a good day you had in the woods and how much you enjoyed a good cup of bliss. Thank-you for taking the time to read this week's featured blog post! Stay tuned for more featured and collaborative blog posts from our new Explorer Families! Happy Exploring! Don't forget to tag us in your adventures using @KidsWhoExplore and #KidsWhoExplore & #KWE

Sometimes, you may wonder how to get outdoors in the winter because it can be difficult to stay motivated in the cold while bundled up in all the winter gear! There are so many fun ways to still get outdoors in the winter that will keep the kids motivated and want to be outdoors more in the colder months. We've compiled a simple list of fun activities to do outside during the snowy season. Keep reading to learn more about how to get kids outdoors this winter! How to Get Outdoors with Kids this Winter: Snow Activities Play in the snow. You can use sand toys with snow, too! Build a snowman. For even more fun, let the kids pick out the accessories at the dollar store or grocery store! Make snow angels "Paint" the snow with water in a spray bottle. Use food colouring to dye each bottle a different colour! Take a sled to a nearby hill. If you have more than one, you can race! Visit a local skating rink. Bring some sticks and a ball to pass around for longer entertainment! Head to the ski hill for a ski/snowboard day! Strap on "skis" for toddlers in the backyard Go snowshoeing in a large field or somewhere with fresh snow Find a cross-country ski trail. You can even have the option to pull a chariot as well! How to Get Outdoors with Kids this Winter: Seasonal Activities Visit the Ice Sculptures—Lake Louise has Ice Castles every year around January, and the Town of Banff also has Ice Sculptures! Check to see if there are any winter festivals happening near you, such as the Banff Christmas Market, Jasper in January Festival, or the Festival of Lights in Edmonton. Most cities also host a "Glow" event! See Christmas lights in your neighborhood. In Edmonton, a specific street—Candy Cane Lane—holds a Christmas Lights event every year for the public. You can click here to view where to see Christmas lights in and around the City of Calgary. Enjoy a fire with hot cocoa and marshmallows. Nothing is more cozy than being cuddled up by the fire! There are so many other items on Kids Who Explore's Winter Bucket List, and we talked about it on our Winter Bucket List podcast, which you can find by clicking here. Head over to this podcast to listen to what else Lauren and Cindy have added to their bucket lists for the winter season.  Do you get outside by doing any of these activities? Make sure you share with us by tagging us @KidsWhoExplore and using hashtags #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE so we can follow along with your winter adventures! Thank you for following along with this week's blog post.

We asked all of our followers where they wanted to see trail guides, and Alaska was one of them! Our Explorer Family, @brenda.h.ak, shared her favourite family-friendly trails in Alaska. You can click on her name to view her Instagram! Brenda is a mom of 2, exploring all that Alaska has to offer. Fueled by coffee, Brenda constantly inspires us with the epic adventures she takes her kids on! Here is what she had to say: Curry Ridge Curry Ridge is about 2.5 hrs north of Anchorage. It’s a 6.5-mile out-and-back trail with amazing views of Denali (the tallest mountain in North America) almost the whole way. With an incline of about 1,100 ft, it makes for a great day hike with kids and an even better backpacking trip! Bodenburg Butte (West Butte Trail) The Butte is a great introductory hike for beginner hikers with views of Palmer and the Knik Glacier! It’s about 874ft elevation gain in about 1.5 miles. It offers a series of 505 steps to reach the summit. A great short/easy hike for new hikers! Eklutna Lakeside Trail About 30 minutes from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake offers two amazing hikes. The lakeside trail is fairly flat and goes along the lake for about 12 miles, suitable for hiking, biking, or skiing in the winter. We typically go in about 3-4 miles and turn around. There are public-use cabins around the trail as well. The second trail I love to hike with my kids is the Twin Peaks trail (to the first bench). It’s a little over 1,000ft elevation gain in about 2 miles. Once on the first bench, it offers amazing views of Eklutna Lake (the source of Anchorage’s drinking water). Also, look out for an old abandoned car a little more than halfway up the trail. Portage Pass Trail Before you even start the hike, you get to drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial, aka the Whittier Tunnel. It’s the longest tunnel in North America for both vehicles and trains, which takes you into the unique town of Whittier. This trail is a little more of a challenge for little legs, but it is so worth it! My 3-year-old backpacked it this summer on his own two feet with the help of a bag of gummy worms. It’s about 4.5 miles RT, with about 1400 ft elevation gain. Even going halfway (the first mile is all uphill) is worth the incredible views of Portage Glacier. Enjoy blueberries and salmon berries along the trail during prime berry season! Enjoy These Family-Friendly Trails In Alaska! Thank you for reading this week's blog post about family-friendly trails in Alaska. If you have any more suggestions for Alaska, or would like to contribute to any other destination, send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook! We can't wait to see all the amazing adventures you go on! Happy Exploring! Don't forget to tag us @KidsWhoExplore and use hashtags #KidsWhoExplore and #KWE to share your adventures and for your chance to be featured on our Instagram!

Kids Who Explore has wrapped up our second Planet Clean-up month and we are so grateful for everyone who participated! After our first successful planet clean-up during Earth Month in April, we decided to create a second virtual event to get your families outdoors! We focused on teaching families and kids to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost -- the themes of each week in Planet Cleanup Month. Full proceeds from Planet Cleanup went to Water First, who help address water challenges in Indigenous Communities in Canada through education, training & meaningful collaboration. Keep reading to find out how much we were able to raise for Water First... A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors! Keen Kids Elements/Patagonia Calgary West Coast Kids Here is a breakdown of each week we focused on during Planet Cleanup 2.0! Reduce This week Elements/Patagonia Calgary was our sponsor, and we focused on reducing. Here are some tips to reduce around your home: - Turn out your lights - Use washable produce bags - Hang your clothes to dry - Skip takeout for the week - Use a reusable shopping bag - Use less water for your bath Reuse Our second-week sponsor was Keen Kids, and we focused on sharing tips on how you can reuse things -- here they are: - Browse a thrift store - Use glass jars to buy bulk items at the grocery store - Save a toothbrush to clean with - Donate an item to charity - Sell something you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace - Use grocery bags for garbage - Make a craft with an old egg carton Recycle A huge thank-you to West Coast Kids for being our sponsor for week 3. We've compiled some tips to help you recycle more: - Set up 4 sorting bins at home: glass, plastic, metal, paper - Learn a fact about recycling - Make seed paper - Observe how much you recycle in a week - Find out how far a recycling depot is from your home - Track how many drink containers you use in a week - Make a craft with a plastic bottle Compost Here are some tips to motivate you about composting: - Build a micro composter - Eat your leftovers, or freeze them - Make a food waste action plan - Eat something past its best-before date (if it's safe to do so) - Find out what produce keeps well together, and what does not - Buy produce that isn't in plastic - Find out what cities near you have a compost facility We Raised...... $285 for Water First!!! You can click here to find their website. Ensuring ALL Indigenous Communities in Canada have clean drinking water is important not only to Kids Who Explore but also to people across our Nation. Clean drinking water is not a right, it is a necessity. With all of you, we were able to help deliver that, and we can't thank you and our sponsors enough! Water First offers educational and training programs, including an Internship, as well as volunteer and partnership programs. Click here to find out more information on how you can assist in ensuring Indigenous Communities have clean drinking water. Thank you to everyone who participated, followed along, and embraced Planet Cleanup! We cannot wait to launch our next Planet Cleanup event during Earth Month! Stay tuned for activities, prizes, and much more fun. Happy Exploring! Be sure to tag @kidswhoexplore and use hashtag #KidsWhoExplore & #KWE to share your adventures with us, and your chance to be featured.

This week's blog post is a feature post from our ambassador family, @raisinghikers! You can click here to find their blog. Are you unsure of what to do when your kids do not want to hike? Kristin, mom of 2, has written the perfect post on how to motivate your kiddo's to be present outdoors. Exploring what Colorado has to offer, @raisinghikers inspires us daily with their beautiful adventures. Here is Kristin's blog post on What to do When Your Kids Do NOT Want to Hike. HELP! MY KID DOESN’T WANT TO GO HIKING—DOES SHE HATE THE OUTDOORS? Most people assume that my kids always enjoy hiking and are excited to hit the trails. While sometimes this is true, there are also many times we start out with reluctant hikers, or they “hit a wall” and do not want to take one more step. I just don’t have many pictures of those moments! I tried my best to track down all of the captured grumpy hiker moments I could. We are currently in an in-between stage where our 4-year-old and 6-year-old are getting too heavy to carry on a long hike but don’t always have the stamina to make it to our destination. Throughout the years, I have picked up some tips for hiking with kids that work (most of the time) when my kid does NOT want to hike. We’ve all been there. The hike started out great, everyone was on board and excited for the adventure and a mile (or 10 steps) into the hike their legs just DO NOT WORK. They may start whining, slowing down, crying, or (my favorite) actually sitting in the middle of the trail and refusing to move. This picture can scare many parents away from hiking at all, and I get it! But I truly believe that the best family memories, learning opportunities, character-building, and quality time are spent on the trail, so it’s worth getting your kids outside—even with the potential that there may be some unpleasant times. With that in mind, having these tricks in your back pocket when your kid does not want to hike will help you feel more prepared and ready to tackle those trail tantrums! DON’T CALL IT A HIKE Maybe you haven’t even made it those 10 steps out your front door, and you are already being met with resistance about the idea of this “fun hike.”. Setting the tone for the day and gaining their buy-in will significantly improve their spirits and motivation for the hike. I’m going to wager that your child does NOT hate the outdoors. A hike, by definition, is just a long walk, usually uphill, so focusing on that aspect of the day is not very appealing. Instead of saying, “We are going on a hike!” try, “Let’s go explore a forest, or find a waterfall, or climb some boulders, or throw rocks in a lake, or have an adventure.” It also helps to genuinely be excited about this outing yourself. Kids often feed on your excitement (or stress). If you are stressing about what to pack, where to go, etc., they aren’t going to be very convinced that this is something they should look forward to. HELP! MY KID IS WHINING AND DOES NOT WANT TO HIKE! BE PATIENT! You know how they say dogs can smell fear? I think kids can smell “hurry.” If I am in a rush or give off the impression that we need to go quickly, I am just begging for my kids to slow down to a crawl. Instead, I try to take it slow and appear that I’ve got nothing but time. CHECK THE VITALS Do your kids need a water, snack, potty or a break to rest their legs? Are they too cold or too hot? I offer water as much as possible and always keep it accessible in our pack. Feel your child’s hands and ears to see if they need gloves or a hat. This is when planning in advance and being prepared with everything you need on a hike is critical. Be sure to check out my post on What to Pack When Hiking with Kids to keep your daypack fully stocked. REMIND THEM HOW PROUD THEY WILL BE WHEN THEY COMPLETE THE HIKE This strategy works really well for my 6-year-old. She enjoys the sense of accomplishment and pride when she reaches the summit. Start building this early with comments like “you must feel so proud of yourself right now for walking on your own!” or “You haven’t needed to be carried this whole hike, how does that make you feel?” or “Wow, that was a steep hill and you climbed it!” I am freaking proud of my kids on how far they can hike, the elevation gain they can conquer, and their resilience to the forces of nature, but my goal is for them to feel proud of themselves so that they want to persevere when it gets hard or they are tired. That will go a lot farther on the trail (and in life) than me being proud of them. GIVE PRAISE Everyone loves positive reinforcement and wants to live up to how amazing you just told them they are! I am seriously amazed with my kids on the trail a lot of the time. And when I have that thought, I tell them! Sometimes I can see they are on the cusp of becoming grumpy hikers and I muster up some artificial praise that really helps. It may sound like, “Wow, it is so cool that you’ve hiked all this way. You are so strong! I wonder if we could make it 10 more minutes and then take a well-deserved break. Let’s set a timer!” BUST OUT SOME ENTERTAINMENT I do not mean toys or technology. My favorite hiking entertainment is games or activities that don’t require any materials and can be launched at any time. Most of the time, all it takes to get your little hiker moving again is to infuse some fun. Some of our favorites are: Guess what animal I am (20 questions) Make up a story together, go around, and let everyone add to it Sing a song or make up a song together Tell jokes (we can seriously do this one for hours, and they are NOT good jokes, but we all think we are hilarious!) Alphabet games—how many animals can you think of that start with the letter B? Play I-Spy—guess something you see based on hints (color, etc) Trail dancing (my personal favorite) Parkour – jumping off of boulders and tree stumps Walk like an animal Collect sticks or small rocks Truth or dare—dare the kids to do some adventurous tasks (within reason) on the trail HELP! MY KID DOES NOT WANT TO HIKE AND IS HAVING A TRAIL TANTRUM—SHOULD WE TURN AROUND?! DISTRACT “What was that sound??? Did you hear that!?” Sounds in the wild are my absolute favorite distraction. There is usually some sound out there that you need to be reeeeallllly quiet in order to hear. I often feel like a Jedi Master with this one; at least with my 4-year-old son. My 6-year-old daughter will not be fooled with this strategy, but I imagine she gets a kick out of me trying and she will definitely play along when it’s being used on her brother. PROVIDE A SENSORY EXPERIENCE Nature is filled with sensory opportunities, and engaging the senses can help activate a different part of your child’s brain. This can look like taking a break to play in the dirt with their hands, feel the bark of a tree with their fingers, look up at the tops of the trees and watch them sway, close your eyes, and listen for birds or wind blowing leaves, take deep breaths with your nose and out with your mouth to smell the fresh air of the trail. I bet if you pictured those sensory activities, you just became calmer yourself. It can work the same on upset kiddos—so let nature’s magic do the work! GIVE THEM CHOICES This is the age-old parenting trick where you give kids two choices, both of which you are okay with. On the trail, I try options like: Would you like to walk on your own or would you like me to carry you? Do you want to run or skip up the trail? Would you like to take a leg break right now, or find a nice flat rock to take a break? Do you want to hike holding mommy’s hand or on your own? Do you want to be the leader and hike in front with strong legs, or hike in the back at a slower pace? BRIBES & INCENTIVES I would like to say that I always use well-thought-out rewards and incentives, but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just a straight-up bribe. Rewards or incentives are planned in advance in order to reward positive behavior. Of course, I recommend using these too! A reward could be ice cream as a family after finishing the hike or a special treat when you reach the lake with a good attitude. A bribe sounds more like “if you stop crying and start moving, I’ll give you an M&M.” Bribes can definitely backfire as you want to avoid rewarding negative behavior, which can lead to more trial meltdowns just to earn that next M&M. But used sparingly (or when you have tried everything else), they can work! I recommend keeping it to something small and even making it fun. I overheard another hiking mom give her child a tic tac and call it a “power pellet.” I thought that was genius and is just the right kind of fun bribe that can trick any kid into pushing on. Here’s a true trail incentive after the kids hiked Piegan Pass like champs in Glacier National Park. JUST KEEP MOVING Sometimes, the change in scenery is all a child needs to get motivated again. Moving to a different area on the trail provides new opportunities for adventure to emerge on the trail. But “just keep moving” is sometimes easier said than done, as I am definitely not recommending leaving your child behind. Even though I have 4 & 6 year old “big kids,” I still bring a soft structured carrier for these times when I need to pick them up and keep moving. My favorite choice for these circumstances is the preschool-sized Kinderpack because it can carry kids who weigh up to 55 pounds. It has saved me from turning around on many hikes, and if the whining/tantrum/meltdown/cold hands/(insert miserable situation) is on the way down from a hike, it allows us to return to the car quickly. Or, sometimes, it looks more like this (Daddy carrying both kids!). CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK Remember, it’s okay for your kids to have trail tantrums. While nature can positively alter the family’s mood, kids are still going to have big feelings and moments when they are not happy on the trail. Whenever I am “parenting in public,” there is a sense that I have to keep my kids under control and not ruin anyone else’s experience with their crying. I have found that letting them work out their feelings and have their moment to calm down works far better than forcing them to be on their best behavior on a hike. It’s the wild, after all! TURN AROUND Of course, this is not the advice I want to give, but sometimes it really is best to call it a day. This one is super hard for us as we often have a destination in mind, and not reaching that goal is a tough pill to swallow. We drove up to the North Cascades in the fall and camped near the trailhead so we could get an early start on a hike that was on our bucket list. Five minutes into the hike, we had to turn around. We were not prepared for the cold weather and had two inconsolable kids. I had to remind myself that the goal is to raise hikers who actually enjoy hiking, and sometimes forcing it will only do more damage. I Hope These Tips for What To Do When Your Kids Do Not Want To Hike Help on Your Next Hike! I hope these tricks help when your kid does not want to hike or if you are faced with the dreaded trail tantrum or mountain meltdown. Even on our “worst days” in the wild, the memories are usually positive, and at a minimum, the pictures are beautiful. What we remember isn’t that meltdown or that it took us way longer than we had planned. What we remember is the family time together, the beautiful scenery, the rocks we got to climb, the pride we felt in making it to the destination, and sometimes the sore legs and back from carrying kids. But mostly, the beautiful scenery. Thank you for following along and reading this week's feature blog post from @raisinghikers. You can click here to find them on Instagram. Do you have a blog you'd like featured? Send us a DM on IG! Tag us @KidsWhoExplore & use our hashtag #KidsWhoExplore & #KWE for a chance to be featured. We love following along with your adventure!

This week's blog post ties into one of our latest podcast episodes: Nursing On-The-Trail with Petra Sporinova. You can click here to listen to the episode on your favourite streaming platform. Petra, mom of 2 living in Calgary, is one of two mom's that run one of our favorite brands -- KOJO Breastfeeding Activewear. Getting out with a new baby can be stressful, so we've summed up Petra's tips and put them into an easy-to-read blog post. Here is what she had to say: Keeping our babies fed and full on the trail is extremely important for a happy adventure. Petra says she loves nursing because it's good for nourishment, connection, and convenience -- and being on the trail, convenience is key in any situation. This is why KOJO was created, to allow for convenience and contact-parenting on the trail. Nursing-specific clothing is great for adventures, especially when it's colder on the trail, to keep your middle section warm. KOJO has also expanded into casual wear for all parents, as well as clothing for kids. Tips for adventuring with a new baby Start slow Choose small adventures Do something you're already comfortable with Don't forget that a walk around the neighborhood is an adventure! Tips for nursing and feeding babies on the trail Practice nursing in different positions at home Try nursing somewhere in public (outside) Stay relaxed, hydrated, well-fed and rested Practice nursing with baby in a front carrier. This also works great to get stuff done around the house too! Nurse at the trailhead in the car, before and after your adventure Bring a toy to entertain the older kids while you are nursing the younger one on the trail Petra's Suggestions: Book: Breastfeeding for Busy Moms -- The Handbook! by Heather ONeal Documentary: Deadliest Journeys KOJO for Nursing Mothers KOJO was started by Jana, mom of 2, in Slovakia after finding it difficult to position herself and her baby comfortably during a nature walk as the regular activewear was just too tight. She began thinking of practical activewear & materials designed specifically for breastfeeding moms. After designing the products herself, she found an eco-friendly and sustainable family-owned local company that develops their own synthetic and wool/merino fibers. Petra, originally from Slovakia, moved to Calgary with her family. She fell in love with KOJO immediately—from its comfort to its practicality. When she moved, she realized that all Canadian outdoorsy moms deserve to discover this great product—and that is how KOJO came to Canada! You can click here to find KOJO's website. And, you can click here to find KOJO's Instagram Thank you for following along with this week's blog post! Do you have a topic you want to read or learn about? Feel free to send us a DM. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @KidsWhoExplore and using the hashtag #KidsWhoExplore. We can't wait to see where you're exploring this week!

Back in March, we talked about what is in our hiking packs on episode 9 of our podcast. You can click here to find the podcast! Today, we are going to break down that podcast and put it in an easy-to-read version for you! It can be intimidating to pack with young kids. We are here to ensure you are prepared, ready for any emergency if one were to happen, and have the knowledge you need to pack your bag properly the night before so you don't forget anything! Packing Our Hiking Packs with Kids There are so many amazing pack options out there. Adrianna & Lauren both use the Osprey Poco carrier pack. If your kids happen to out of the carrier, we've also shared a photo of the Osprey pack Michelle uses! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know abot packing hiking packs with kids. Nutrition & Hydration Nutrition is incredibly important on the trail, for both the kiddos & parents. You are both exerting tons of energy on the trail and must ensure you are energy levels are kept high! Also remember to be drinking enough water on the trail. Bladder bags are extremely convenient if your little one is capable of drinking out of them. Make sure to monitor how much they take in at a time because bladder bag hoses can increase air intake, which may lead to an upset, gassy stomach. Teach your kids to drink slowly from a bladder bag! Bring easy, accessible snacks -- fresh veggies & fruit, sandwiches, crackers & hummus Squeeze packs are not just for kids! These can be found at almost any grocery store in a variety of flavours, and are extremely convenient for snacking on the trail. If you are still bottle feeding or nursing, you're going to want to remember all the appropriate items -- bottles, warm water, formula etc. Anything you may need to make you feel comfortable on the trail. If you are nursing on the trail, we suggest looking into Kojo Activewear -- a shirt designed to allow easy feeding while out in nature! You can click here to find out more about Kojo Activewear Hydration is MOST important before, and after your hike -- not during. It assists your body with the recovery process! The 10 Essentials There are 10 essential items that should come with you on every hike! Having these items would ensure your safety if an emergency situation were to occur. We suggest making sure you have all of these before hitting the trail! Here is what they are: Navigation (map, compass, altimeter, GPS device etc) Headlamp Sun Protection First Aid Kit Knife Fire Shelter Extra Food Extra Water Extra Clothes First-Aid & Bear Safety Being prepared for any emergency or situation is key to preparing for any adventure, and even more so when you are adventuring with your kids. KWE is based in Alberta, and most of our adventures take place in the Canadian Rockies -- where it is prime bear/grizzly country. We must remain cognizant of all signs of bears, and be BEAR AWARE on the trail. You can click here to find Park's Canada section about Bear Safety -- How to identify bear signs, How to avoid an encounter & What to do if an encounter happens. We use ScatBelt on the trail to secure our Bear Spray for easy access. Here is a breakdown of what should in your first-aid kit: Bandages Gauze Gloves Trauma Pads Moleskin for blisters Safety Pins Scissors Splinter Pinker/Tink Remover Forceps Medicine - Acetaminophen, Antihistamine, AfterBite, Ibuprofen Antiseptic Wipes Cotton Pads & Cotton Tip Applicator Tape Antibiotic Ointment Clothing & Layer This section all depends on the climate of where you live! Here in Alberta, when hiking in the mountains, it is always best to prepare for all seasons -- because you never know what you will get! We've talked about layering on quite a few podcasts -- click on each of these titles to listen! "How to Dress Kids for Winter Adventures" "Getting Outside in Winter" "The Three Layer Winter Rule" We have a 3-layer rule, and here it is summed up, for all ages! Base Layer: We like merino wool. Merino keeps you dry & warm in the winter, and dry & cool in the summer. Some of our favourite brands are Kojo & Iksplor. Click here to head over to our community discount page for 20% off Iksplor. Mid Layer: We like fleece! Patagonia makes amazing fleece pieces for all ages. In YYC, you can find Patagonia at Elements Calgary. Click here to find the store website! Top Layer: Water-resistant is the way to go when they are younger, but waterproof once they are older and playing in the snow and rain Extra: Mitts, Toques/Beanies, Socks, Boots, Neck Warmer (fleece or merino wool -- size differs between the two; merino wool is more snug) The Extra Goods! Here is a final list of things we never forget to pack from home! Diaper & Wipes Change Pad Hat & Sunglasses Rain Cover & Extra Rain Gear Tick Spray Hiking Boots or Trail Runners Something to sit on -- RUMPL Stash Mat or Z-Seat Hiking Poles Thank-you for reading this week's blog post on What's In Our Hiking Packs. We hope to inspire you to get outside this weekend. Don't forget to share you adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @kidswhoexplore and using our hashtags #kidswhoexplore & #kwe! We are so grateful for your support. Happy Exploring!

Kids Who Explore is based in Alberta, Canada, so some of our favorite spots to adventure are in Kananaskis Country. There are many hikes available for families and kids of all skill levels. With the help of Megn, @_hideandpeak, we've come up with a list of our favorite Family-Friendly Hikes in Kananaskis, Alberta, to share with you! Troll Falls 3.4kms out & back, 154m elevation gain Troll Falls Trail is a beautiful, easy hike for all skill levels to a set of waterfalls at the end of a horseshoe-shaped canyon. There is a lovely mixture of aspens and evergreen trees with wispy lichen hanging from the branches. There are several teepees in the forest made from fallen tree trunks. This is a huge hit with the kids! In the winter time, the trail to the Upper Falls can be closed due to unsafe conditions. Prairie/Barrier View 10kms out & back, 400m elevation gain This trail is perfect for those wanting to gain a bit more elevation for those views! Starting at Barrier Lake, the parking lot for this trail can get very busy, so make sure you arrive early to get a spot. As you make your way up Yates Mountain, which you can choose to summit if you're up to it, you will find the trail very easy to follow. Your first view of Barrier Lake is when you make it to Prairie Viewpoint. You can stop here for lunch, continue on to the summit of Yates Mountain, or make your way back down via Jewell Pass. Fun fact -- there is a helicopter landing pad on the top of Yates Mountain, and someone lives there! Upper Kananaskis Lake 15.3km loop, 453m elevation gain Although the trail is long kilometer wise, this is still a beautiful trail to take those of all skill levels! This is a great trail to allow the kids to be out of the hiking carrier and walking themselves, and also not to vigorous for you to bring the carrier along. Be aware that this area does sometimes have closures for bears, so watch for any signage indicating any closures!  You can access Rawson Lake and Upper Kananaskis Falls from this trail aswell. This is a great loop for families! Vents Ridge 4km out and back, 300m elevation gain This trail is in the Bragg Creek/Elbow Valley area, right beside Prairie Mountain. You also pass the White Buddha climbing & bouldering area. Be sure not to throw rocks from the top since there are climbers below! This easy summit is doable in the summer or winter. Vents Ridge gets its name from the five vents you can see on a chilly day! Wedge Pond 1km loop, 33m elevation gain Wedge Pond is a great option if you have tiny hikers just starting out and you want to keep it light. This is a nice little walk around a beautiful pond that has picnic tables, firepits, a water pump, and tons of space to enjoy lunch! You can meet up with your mom friends for a relaxed afternoon here, or end your day here after a long hike. Did you know there is also fish in this lake? Stop by to see if you can see them in the clear water! Enjoy these Family-Friendly Hikes in Kananaskis, Alberta! Thank you for reading this week's blog post on family-friendly hikes in Kananaskis, Alberta with the help of Megn from @_hideandpeak. You can click here to find Megn's Instagram and follow along on her mountain adventures with her little girl.  Do you have a destination you would like to share your favorite trails from? Send us a message!

This week we hopped on a Zoom call with Michelle Dias, a Waste & Recycling Educator for the City of Calgary, to talk about food waste and ways we can reduce food waste. Did you know that upwards to 60% of individuals black-bin waste in Calgary is food waste that can either be eaten or composted? The City of Calgary is working hard to encourage households to implement certain practices in their life to help keep compostable & organic material out of landfills. Michelle shared some great information, videos, and resources that we will link below! Here are 3 easy tips she shared with us on how we can reduce food waste in our homes. Plan it out Planning your meals is a big help when it comes to making sure you're only buying food you know you will eat. Create a realistic schedule based on how many meals you'll be needing for the week. There are tons of great resources available to help with planning, whether that be a printable meal planner calendar, or a grocery-list shopping app. You can find ways to make this step easier for you & your household! If you're stumped on what to make, you can find recipes on websites like Love Food Hate Waste or any other website you can find by googling recipes or certain ingredients. Here are some more reminders to help you reduce food waste under 'Plan it out'. Don't grocery shop hungry Always do a scan of your fridge & pantry before heading to the grocery store Stay away from "deals" -- just because the price may be better for larger amounts, doesn't mean it's always good if you can't guarantee you will eat it all before it goes bad Know the difference between best-before dates & expiry dates Plan meals based on using up items that may be going bad soon—this ties into the last tip! Here is an example of a meal planner you can use! Store it Right Do you enjoy organization, or do you find it time-consuming? Did you know it actually takes the same amount of time if you take just a little bit of time at the beginning to organize, compared to spending time finding and moving items around each time you're looking for something? Organization is a great way to cut down on overbuying and food going to waste. Keeping your fridge and pantry organized helps make everything visible for you. Another tip is to label your items -- that way you know exactly what you have or what you are grabbing that day! The second part of this tip is to make sure you're storing things like herbs, vegetables, and fruit properly. Did you know there is actually a specific way you should organize items in your fridge based on keeping them fresh? Above is a photo Michelle shared during her PowerPoint! Use it Up All 3 of these tips tie well into each other, and are very easy to follow! If you plan out your meals (and stick to them by keeping items organized and visible), you have a higher chance of using things up instead of needing to throw items out that could've been eaten. Keeping leftovers easily visible in your fridge is a good way to make sure they are being used up. You could pick a certain day(s) of the week where you only cook with what you have -- no buying anything, no take-out. This is one of the biggest and easiest ways to not only cut down on food waste but also help you save some money! A great way to use up fruit & vegetables is muffins! Click here to find a recipe on how to use up fruits & veggies in some healthy, delicious muffins! Here are clickable links Michelle Dias has shared with us regarding reducing food waste. Reducing Our Food Waste (City of Calgary) Love Food Hate Waste Fridge Guide How Compost Is Made: Calgary's Green Cart Program Food Waste with John Oliver Second Harvest: The Roadmap to Avoiding Food Waste We Hope YOu Use These Tips to Reduce Food Waste! Thank you so much for reading this week's blog post about Food Waste. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know!