Spring/Summer safety for activites!

[sosurreal09]

Need some advice! DD is 17m/o and I am pumped b/c I feel like we can finally do things this summer but DH is not on board. He thinks she's too little to do hardly anything...so

Do you think she is old enough/what age to do the following safely (and any product recs)

1. Hiking (woods, chasms) Can I just wear DD in a high back carry in a wrap? (also what do you use to keep ticks at bay)

2. Camping

3. Kayaking

4. Fishing

[mama2soren]

We took our DS camping for the first time soon after he turned 2.  I would have done it earlier but we didn't have a chance to go for other reasons.  It was great!  We had a nice campground with running water, which made things easier.  We went on several hikes every day with him.  We brought the Ergo for back carries, and he walked on some of the easier trails.  He loved it, and asked to go on "ikes" for weeks afterwards.  We protected him from ticks the same way we'd protect ourselves: with light-colored clothing, socks over the pants, thorough search after the hike for signs of ticks, etc.  

We have not done much around the water, since there are fewer opportunities to do water activities where we live.  I'd get her fitted for appropriate floating device at a knowledgeable store and have go have fun!  Perhaps wait on the white water rafting for a few more years  , but fishing and kayaking on calm waters would be fine by me, if my child was one who would be content sitting in a boat for a while.

[LaughingHyena]

We took DD camping at about 9 months and have been lots of times since, both kids love it. We took a booster seat (the kind that attaches to a dinning chair) for her to sit in a meal times or when we were busy. We took several thermarests to cover the tent floor. When she was very small I had her in my sleeping bag but around 2 we bough her one of her own.

Actually the first night I remember her sleeping through the night was when we were camping. IT was jsut a shame it was such a stormy night I was up several times to re peg down the tent :lol

We've done short hikes with the kids, DH usually carries them in a frame backpack but if you are comfortable with back carrying in a wrap I don't see any reason not too. Personally I wasn't comfortable with steep or narrow trails but I'm a worrier by nature.

Both ours have enjoyed bike rides, either in a seat or in the bike trailer. I'm hoping we can do that a bit more this summer now DD can ride on her own.

[TheGirls]

1. Hiking (woods, chasms) Can I just wear DD in a high back carry in a wrap? (also what do you use to keep ticks at bay) 

Definitely!  We hiked with DD from birth (or as soon as I was recovered PP).  Just be sensible and pack snacks & drinks.

2. Camping

We're camping this summer with two 6mos and a 3yo...  I can't see why not.

3. Kayaking

I took DD last year at 2 - she sat in the storage compartment in front of me. She was great!  I think she'd have been ok a little younger, as long as you can trust her to not try tto climb out.

4. Fishing

We don't fish,so no advice here!

I have also done canoeing and biking with a kiddo thaat age.

[sosurreal09]

We biked last year so I know she will be fine with it this year. We live on the water now (but it's polluted!!!!!) but I totally want a kayak, I am trying to convince DH.