Infants and Geocaching

[EnergySaver]

Any one that has gone geocaching with infants … what suggestions would you pass on to others. Example … baby carriers, dealing with brush, dealing with hills, etc, etc. “Lost Boyscout”, I know from a listing at one of my caches, that you’ve got some experience in this area.

This info is not for me, but a potential new cacher (JohnRobie) that indicates they have a 4 month old. I’m assuming that there must be others out there too, that could use suggestions with the wee ones.

[AuntieNae]

Another Team to contact would be House of Brew. Gingersnap was pretty much out on the trails the day after she was born (okay, so I am Exaggerating a bit but close enough)

[My_Ashke]

We first started geocaching when our daughter was about six months old. At first we used a stroller which works in some cases but in general was a real failure because someone had to stay on the trail while the other went for the cache. So then we just started carrying her. I was very surprised to see how a little twenty pound person can completely wear out your arm.

What the saving grace for us was that I found a “baby backpack” at a rummage sale for $30. It was the best $30 I ever spent. I’d strap her her and throw her on my back and she would be good for as long as it took. A bunch of times she even fell asleep. The only drawback is that she thinks it is funny to take Dad’s hat off and throw it on the ground. On the up side she does say “Oh-oh.” We’ve probably done half to two thirds of our caches with her and she seems to enjoy going. I think it would be fun to ride around on someone else’s back.

Now that she is starting to able to walk we like to let her walk when she can although the trip is a bit slower. She really enjoys being outside (even in this cold) and I think a good deal of it has to do with how much time we spent outside with her this summer. And without the backpack it wouldn’t have been nearly enough.

The other big benefit is the extra exercise. It really makes me not want to gain that extra twentyfive or thirty pounds.

[Todd Bloomingdale]

Heres a great article that I remember reading about this exact topic from the July 2004 edition of Today’s Cacher. They also have a excellent kids section for geocaching with kids each month.

http://www.todayscacher.com/2004/jul/kids4.asp

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“Be safe and Keep on Searchin”

[This message has been edited by smokey & the teacher (edited 01-27-2005).]

[GeoPink]

We have had great luck with a baby/child carrier that one wears. We have one for small infants that you can wear on your front and one for kids up to 2 or even 3 years (depending on size). I can’t say we’ve taken them out caching in the winter as it gets to be too much pecking around. I usually go by myself. But once the Spring thaws roll around, they absolutlely love the outdoors and of course, riding on daddy’s back! The hat game seems to be a common activity for kids too.

I will find out a little more about geocaching with a little one this year at the campout as our newest will be around 3 1/2 months old. I hope its a nice weekend!

Hope that helps…

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later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place…

[skarolek]

quote:

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Originally posted by EnergySaver:
Any one that has gone geocaching with infants … what suggestions would you pass on to others.

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The only thing that comes to mind is a horrible memory of a family that went cross-country skiing for a few hours with infant in a baby-back-pack and the infant froze. Otherwise I have no personal experience or useful suggestions. We weren’t very adventurous with our infants, both born in the winter.

Steve K

[Author]

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