YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY-TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS: 3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU ORGANISE YOUR DAY-TRIP

Children love being outdoors on warm sunny days; so what better time than summer and autumn to take them on a day-trip. And what could be more suggestive than a day-trip to the mountains? Fresh air, tranquillity and breath-taking views are the perfect setting for a day out with the family; but if it is the first time you are taking your child on a day-trip you need to choose where to go carefully and plan what to take and what to leave at home to keep your backpacks light and manageable. Here are 3 important things to remember when you are organising your first day-trip to the mountains with your child.

1.       Choose the right trail

When you organize a trip to the mountains with your children you will need to find a place with attractions or stages that your kids will enjoy. This will quite obviously depend on whether you have a toddler, or an older child, but whatever the case the important thing, above all if you want to be free to move, is to find a nice easy trail that you child will enjoy. Choosing a trail that is too difficult means that you child may remember the mountains as too tiring and not want to come back. The best trails for your kids are those with animals or totems along the way, lakes or playgrounds.

2.       Kit yourself out properly

Choose the right backpack or stroller. If you have a toddler who will not be walking much, the best choice is a trekking stroller, that has wide wheels, to travel easily over rocky or steep areas. If you don't have one, rent a trekking stroller from a store at home or a local store in the mountain location. Otherwise use a backpack, which is perfect for children up to 6 months who are not yet walking but can sit up and also perfect for parents who enjoy hiking. If you child is running and walking but tires easily, the perfect choice is an ergonomic baby carrier, that is much lighter than a backpack though we would not recommend it for difficult trails. Whatever your choose, get the kit that makes your child most comfortable according to his or her age and weight, not forgetting accessories like a rain cover, sun canopy, cushion or headrest.

3.       Kit yourself out in the right clothing

Last, but not least, is your clothing. How should you dress your child? And above all: what should you put in your backpack? The best option is to dress you child in layers like our grandmothers used to do. That way you can take clothes off or put them back on as you need. If your kids are walking on their own and want to run about, knee-length socks and comfortable boots will prevent blisters and also stop them from slipping. You will also need a change of clothes in case your child gets dirty and wet and a windproof jacket, just in case the weather suddenly changes. If your child is still in nappies, remember to bring spare nappies and towel to change baby on. If it sunny your child will also need a pair of good sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen to prevent sunburn or sun rashes. Don’t forget an insect and mosquito repellent, snacks and water, that you should you put into a thermal flask to keep the drink cool.

If you organize your day well and following our suggestions, your child's first day-trip to the mountains will be a huge success and you will certainly remember the happy moments spent together in the years ahead.