Four Things Every Adventure Mom Needs
Hey Mama!
You know you want to get out and explore more, but you can’t quite imagine how that is possible with your little ones. For example, grabbing groceries or getting to church is enough of a workout. “Why add more activities?” And what are the most important things adventure moms need? In this post, I’m going to show you the four items you need to get started as an Adventure mom. If you need motivation to get started with the idea of adventuring as a mom, check out “Why Adventure?”
Maybe you already know that being an adventure mom is your calling, but you know it’s going to be a lot of work (let’s be honest, it is! But so worth it!) and you want to be sure you are prepared. You are in the right place! While many items can be debated as ‘necessary’ or not, these four things are must-haves for a great adventure for moms with littles.
Firstly, we’ll discuss the best type of bag to carry all the ‘baby goods.’ Secondly, we’ll chat about baby carriers and why wearing your child is sometimes the best way to adventure. Thirdly, is the essential water bottle and all the ways to transport your hydration. Last but not least is the stroller. Ah, the invention of wheels! Let’s get started.
1. Backpack / Baby Bag
There are tons of stylish mom bags and baby bags out there, but for the adventuring mom the backpack is the best option. A backpack can be worn securely on the shoulders, or even the front when the back is loaded with a child, leaving hands free to attend to needs. Backpacks usually come with enough dividers and zippers to keep things organized, but not too many pockets that things get lost.
The best thing about this is that any backpack will do to start out! Walmart, Target, or even Dollar stores will have basic backpacks that will work for the beginning. As you adventure more, and take your game to the next level, consider these high quality bags for your next backpack.
Heatoo Diaper Bag with Bassinet
Did you know there was such a thing? A backpack that has an attached changing station and bassinet! This is perfect when carrying a very small one on trails or adventures. The backpack has insulated bottle holders which is always important when out and about with young ones.
Columbia Backpack Diaper Bag
This backpack has insulated pockets for bottles inside, and mesh pockets on the outside for easy access to water bottles or other accessories. I love that a portable changing mat comes with this bag, because you never know when you’ll need to make a diaper change on the go!
Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack
For the serious mom who puts in the miles, a durable, well-designed backpack is what you need for your hikes. Osprey bags are built to ensure comfort for the carrier, while trekking with the weight of water and supplies over the miles. This bag has a sleeve for a water pouch which comes in handy on long hikes. If you are taking your hiking game to the next level, check out Gear Lab’s review on the best hiking backpacks for women.
2. Baby/Child Carrier
When you have an infant, baby, or small toddler, ‘wearing’ your child is often the easiest way to move around while out exploring. Baby carriers keep your child right on you, so you’re always aware of their needs. They also do a great job of rocking or lulling your baby to sleep, as many times I’d have a sleeping baby hiking back from the crag.
Infant Carrier – Ergobaby All-Position Baby Carrier
Carrying a baby’s weight from 12-45 pounds, this Ergobaby carrier is perfect for the newborn. Padded shoulder straps for you Mama, and adjustable head support for your baby, this carrier keeps both of you comfortable on your adventure. It also has a breathable mesh cover so your baby doesn’t get too warm.
Baby to Toddler – ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack
Designed for children between 9 and 48 months, this carrier ‘grows’ with your child with adjustable straps. This carrier includes a weather canopy, protecting your child from sun and rain. There is a large compartment underneath the child’s seat to store diapers, wipes, snacks, and water. A zippered pocket is on the left hip strap, which keeps your keys and cell phone easily accessible.
Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
Again, Osprey’s gear is where quality hits the road. Well-built and designed for heavy use, the Osprey carrier includes a sunshade, deluxe child cockpit, and removable/washable drool pad. Hip pockets on the left and right, storage unit underneath the child seat, and an external hydration sleeve.
3. Water Bottles
Water bottles seem like a no brainer! And yes, you can always grab plastic bottles pretty much anywhere! But, for a mom who adventures on the regular with kids, having sturdy, quality bottles, that hold significant water storage, is a must! When considering water bottles, the most common types are plastic, stainless steel, or glass.
Nalgene bottles
Nalgene bottles are popular and cost efficient, ranging between $10 – $20 per bottle. But, they are plastic.
Stainless Steel bottles are my personal favorite. They are lightweight, super durable, and usually have double wall insulation, keeping beverages hot or cold for much longer. You can get them in many different sizes, including half gallon and gallon sizes, wow!
Glass Water Bottles
4. Stroller
Thank God for the invention of wheels! I love having my stroller in the back of my vehicle for whatever adventure is coming, planned or unplanned. A stroller carries the majority of the bags and baby’s weight, and you just need to push! Having a stroller that can tackle the same adventures you do, like a champ, is essential to an adventure mom.
What do you need to think about when getting a stroller?
1. Number of Kids
Do you have a small infant? Two toddlers? Are you expecting more down the road? If you have 2 or more kids that would appreciate the ride (and you would too at the end of a long trip), then consider getting a double stroller. These still come with storage space to stash bags, water, and snacks.
2. Size of Stroller (What will fit in your trunk)
Stroller inventions have definitely been getting better over the years, but there are still some pretty big clonkers that feel like a mini workout to get collapsed and hoisted in your trunk. Know your trunk space (Subaru, mini van, suburban, etc.) and how much space you can alot for the stroller. This may help you decide when you’re down to the last few choices. Thule’s Spring Compact Stroller has a one-handle fold, and wheels that fold in as well, making it easy to handle and store.
3. Durability
There are strollers that look like a charming baby carrier from the 1800’s, strollers that look like doll carriers, strollers you know mean business, and everything else in between. With lots of exploring, walking, and hiking in your future, get a stroller that will keep up with you. This article by Parenting Pod goes over the pros and cons of various All-Terrain strollers, and how they differ from Jogging strollers. Again, think about your needs and uses when preparing to buy a stroller (they’re not the cheapest thing to buy :/) One of the best, all-around strollers, is the Bob Gear Revolution Flex Jogging Stroller.
Conclusion:
Now that you have these four things every adventure mom needs, you are ready for your first adventure! Do you have your Bucket List written yet? If not, get started with these 30 Adventures to Try ASAP.
Get out. Go adventure!