WesternBounty
Lil-Rokslider
Prior to having kids my husband and I spent a majority of our time backpacking, scouting, or hunting. Now we have two kids a eight month old little girl, and a three year old boy. I would be lying if before we had our first child, our son, I didn't question whether we would be able to get out like we "used" to. However we just took him and it worked! Even with our second, our little girl I wondered how it would "change" things. The reality is it only changes what you allow it to change. Yes there is more to pack because now you are packing for four people instead of two, which is why our family decided to get into pack goats you can read about that here Pack Goats for Backcountry Hunting but we easily got by without pack stock too. Bottom line I don't know who needs to hear this but put all your worries, and concerns away and just make it happen! You will learn what works and what doesn't along the way, as with anything. I have never had a terrible experience though, my best advice for getting little ones in the backcountry, or to sleep in a tent, is simply do your best to recreate how they sleep at home. We took our daughter out for the first time when she was three months old did a 9 mile backpacking trip and I packed a portable sound machine that we use at home with us, she slept amazing! Just get them out, I know they will surprise you in how well they handle the situation. There is something about being outside that I believe is just naturally stimulating for kids. We don't skip a beat with our outdoor pursuits, and my favorite trips are always the ones when the kids are in tow!
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