Rules for the Ropes
How to Climb On with a Little One in Tow
Erica Lineberry, cragmama.com
When I got pregnant in the summer of 2009, I was shocked at how matter-of-fact people were with their “advice.” Most annoying to me were the comments around my husband’s and my recreational pursuits, specifically rock climbing… “Kiss all those crazy climbing trips on the weekends good-bye!” and, “I guess you’re not climbing anymore,” or even, “It’s about time you guys settled down and stopped all that climbing business!”
Anybody need a belay?
Jerks. Okay, okay, that might be a little harsh. I’m sure that most if not all of those statements were made out of ignorance rather than cruel intentions. I can brush them off now, but trust me, they didn’t sit well with me as a large and in charge hormonal pregnant woman, nor did they sound any better when I was a sleep-deprived new mom with cabin fever!
But now that we’ve got a toddler who spent more than 50 days out on the rock in his first year, we don’t get those comments anymore. I think we’ve proven that not only can our family make it work, but we’re lovin’ every minute of it! The following is synopsis of what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about how to have a successful climbing day with your little one.
1. Stick to Single-Pitch.
It’s obviously pretty important that at least one person remains on the ground at all times. (Although you’d be shocked at how many people assume that I just strap C on my back and take off up the cliff…) Keep it simple – only one rope length off the ground or bouldering.
2. An experienced extra partner.
NEVER LET BABY-WATCHER AND BELAYER BE THE SAME PERSON. Even though logistically it probably would’ve worked in the pre-mobile days, we were never willing to take the risk – too many variables outside of our control. We decided there would always be a designated person on Cragbaby duty at all times.
3. Know the Area.
Some climbing areas are better suited for hiking in with a baby than others, so now is not the time to try out a new area. Approaches involving scree slopes, talus strewn trails, fixed lines and water crossings are probably a little ambitious to start with, especially if your baby is still too young to ride in a backpack carrier. Think about what the cliff base is like – are there any natural caves/overhangs that you’ll be able to take shelter in during a passing shower? Are there steep and rocky places where it will be difficult to put your baby down for naps and diaper changes?
4. Safe Baby Placement.
This also goes along with knowing the area, but its about more than just having a flat spot to toss a blanket down for naps. For example, rock fall is fairly common in some areas,. That level, out of the way area shaded by a tree might have a hornet nest at the base, or be right beside a patch of poison ivy. Inspect these areas thoroughly. Even though there will always be a person on baby duty, its still of utmost importance to consider all of these factors in deciding where to set up your “baby station.”
8 month old Cragbaby sleeping peacefully while everyone else boulders nearby
5. Expect extra nursing sessions.
Accept the fact that no matter how hard you try to time it, your little one will get hungry right as you are trying to pull through the crux on one of your pre-pregnancy projects (ask me how I know…). Nursing is about more than just nutrition – its a safe and familiar comfort for your baby when he or she may feel a little anxious about being in such a strange environment, so honor extra requests. Also don’t forget that babies quench not just their hunger but also their thirst through nursing. On hot days, expect your baby to get more thirsty (don’t you?).
6. No More Epics.
Pre-cragbaby, it might have been cool to brag to your friends the next day about how you got stormed off your project just as the sun was setting, had to rappel down in the dark, then got lost on the hike out and almost got be-nighted because you just barely made it through before the park ranger closed the gates. This is NOT cool with a baby on board…do your best to avoid situations that lead to these types of shenanigans. Only climb in areas/routes that you know well, and allow plenty of extra time to make it out before dark. Make sure both you and your baby are prepared for any and all types of weather situations you may encounter. Even though its read as a cliche at the front of every single guidebook that I own, it’s printed there because it’s the truth -”Rock Climbing is a dangerous sport that can result in death, paralysis, or serious injury.” Stay safe out there and have fun!
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Cross-Country Skiing with (Really) Little Ones
Kristen Lummis, braveskimom.com
Cross-country skiing is a perfect match for young families craving winter recreation. While skinny skis won’t feed your need for speed, or steep and deep moguls, they will give you the opportunity to get out on snow with baby in tow. Whether you carry your baby on your back or chest, or pull your toddler behind you in a sled, your child will ride safely and happily and you’ll get some well- deserved exercise.
Cross-country skiing with small kids is not without challenges. The first time we went out with our 6 month-old son, my husband cinched him into our sturdy baby backpack. Our baby smiled, looked around, pointed at the trees and then went to sleep. And then in a freak accident, another cross-country skier ran into my husband and knocked him down. Our son woke up with his cheek on the snow, but he was fine. Make sure you have “seatbelts” in whatever backpack or front pack you use. If you’re inexperienced, stick to easy, flat, groomed trails.
When our boys got too big for the backpack, we switched to a sled. We’re DIY kind of people (read “cheap”), so we jury-rigged a rope and plastic sled contraption that worked okay, but was prone to tipping over. Also, rope goes slack when you go downhill, meaning a sled can run up behind your legs or past you (a la the Grinch Who Stole Christmas). A better choice is to rent, or buy, a sled with metal poles that attach to your waist. The sled remains at a steady distance behind you and your children stay safe. Often these sleds also have cargo compartments so you can carry diapers, snacks, drinks, pictures books and extra clothes. Don’t forget hats, sunscreen and sunglasses for your little ones and you’re good to go. Have fun!
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Tips for biking through the winter with your family
Jen Charrette, velomom.com
You don’t have to put the bikes in storage just because the calendar says it is winter. Here in Colorado we are experiencing record high temps and our bikes are out everyday. But even when the temperatures dip, you can still get out there. Below are a few tips for riding throughout the winter with your family.
Keep warm – One cold time experience and your child may be reluctant to do it again. Make sure you all have plenty of layers, a thin hat to go under a helmet and winter gloves if the temperatures are below 40. If you are carrying an infant/toddler in a bike trailer bring plenty of blankets or invest in a bivy designed for your trailer. One Mom has successfully used a slanket to keep her little one warm! If you want to use a bike seat Madi over at familyride.wordpress.com suggest using seats that have a front wind shield such as the Yepp or Bobike mini models.
Watch out for sand, dirt and ice – Start braking early when you see sand or ice. Braking while you are in the middle of it may cause you to loose control. Make sure your tires are aired up properly. If your area sees a significant amount of ice and snow consider studded snow tires. We have them for our cruisers and mountain bikes. We also have a pair of 20 inch studded tires for our 6 year old son. When the snow and ice are hanging around we put these on his bike so he can ride to school or play around the neighborhood.
Drink – When you see your breath, that’s equivalent to sweat (water leaving your body). Think about fun drinks like hot chocolate or tea. It’s easy to forget hydration when it’s cold out.
Get creative – There is a new trend with fat-bikes. Fat-bikes allow you to bike in winter terrain on snowmobile tracks using balloon tires. You can hook up a Chariot Child Carrier with the bike/ski kit and blast by all those skinny skis!
Ride on!
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Jen Charette, Kristen Lummis, and Erica Lineberry are The Adventure Moms, blogging on family-friendly adventure here at WomensAdventureMagazine.com.
Got questions for the Adventure Moms? Leave a comment below or contact them at their websites: Jen Charette, velomom.com, Kristen Lummis, braveskimom.com, and Erica Lineberry, cragmama.com
I have to admit, the primary reason I am so petrified to have a child is because I don’t want to give up my independence and adventure lifestyle. I have seen too many of my coworkers and friends “lose their identity.” Additionally, I don’t want to end up being in a relationship where one of us has to stay home while the other goes out; not my idea of a happy life.
My hubbie recently found a blog called Adventureparents and has been perusing it with greater frequency (think he’s more open to the kiddo idea than I am). Between the blog he found and all of your stories/advice I have found a sense of peace from a likeminded crowd. I can not tell you how comforting it is to know that while there would be some tweaks to just how much we can take on in one day and logistics, I don’t have to sacrifice my two loves; adventure and my best friend/spouse. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of us, they are truly inspiring!
Not to worry, Kate, having a kid doesn’t change your life that much if you don’t let it. You have to figure out new ways of doing some of the things you love, but you can still do them. My husband and I are passionate rock climbers and we continued to climb and travel even after having a child. We took her with us to many countries to climb and even lived in Europe with her for 5 months when she was 2-3 years old. Sometimes you need to get help from family if you want to keep doing things together, but kids are more portable than you might think.