Getting outside is beneficial for both baby and mama. Scientific studies show that time outdoors can be helpful for boosting cognitive function, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress. Research has found that exposure to natural light during the day may even help your baby sleep better at night!
While outdoor adventures can seem more complicated and intimidating with a baby along, being properly prepared with the right gear can help things to go a lot smoother.
Check out this gift guide for recommendations for some of our favorite things for getting outside with our babies. These items make great gifts for the adventurous mama-to-be or the outdoor baby in your life.
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Our Team Favorites
If you’ve shopped for baby items, you know that endless options abound. So, how do you know which ones are actually worth the money? After spending thousands of collective hours outdoors with babies, the Tales of a Mountain Mama Team has tested lots of baby gear. Here is a collection of our favorite things for outdoor babies.
Favorite Outdoor Baby Gear
A good backpack baby carrier is a must-have baby item for getting outdoors with your little one. When the weather gets chilly, pull the Cozy Cloak on over top to keep both baby and parent warm and dry without having to bundle up in lots of layers. A hybrid stroller + bike trailer is another essential if you’ll be jogging or biking with baby. Here are a few of our favorite things to help get outside with baby.
Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier
Deuter’s Kid Comfort Carrier fits a wide range of body types comfortably, making it a great choice if more than one caregiver will be using it. It can carry kids up to 48.5 lbs (22 kg) and has plenty of exterior pockets for all your baby gear. A suspended mesh back panel that keeps the wearer cool, comfy pillow for naps, and convenient kickstand are other features we love.
Check out our full review of the Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier here.
The Cozy Cloak
The Cozy Cloak is a fully functional adult jacket with an extension that fits over most child-carrier backpacks. It was created by two parents who love getting outdoors with their little ones, year round, but hated having to bundle them up in all the layers. Made with wind-proof, water-proof, breathable material, it keeps the parent and baby dry and warm during cold weather adventures.
Burley Encore X Stroller/Bike Trailer
The Burley Encore X is a versatile 2-in-1 stroller and bike trailer that can be used for walking, jogging, biking, and skiing. It features UPF 50 tinted windows, a sunshade, and a weather-resistant cover to keep your little one comfortable in all types of weather. It even has extra storage space for baby gear & snacks. We also love how usable the trailer can be from 6 months old (with a baby snuggling) to about 7 years old (or 40 lbs).
Warm Layers for Outdoor Babies
Layers are important for keeping baby warm and comfortable in low temperatures. TMM founder, Amelia, shares lots of great tips for layering kids up for cold weather here. These are a few of our favorite things for keeping baby warm in the wintertime.
Reima Lani Base Layer
Reima’s Lani Base Layers keep baby warm during cold weather outdoor adventures. They are made with a moisture-wicking material to keep baby dry and comfortable even when the temps drop. Sizing starts at 12-18 months, but bigger sizes are available for older kids too.
Reima Merino Wool Balaclava – Kuuraan
Reima’s cozy Kuuraan balaclava is great for protecting baby’s head and neck from the elements. It’s made with merino wool, which is soft, warm, and helps to regulate baby’s body temperature. Pom pom “ears” up the cute factor of this cold weather essential.
Iksplor Baby Adventure Zippy
Iksplor’s adventure zippy is made of soft, temperature regulating merino wool, to keep baby warm and cozy. This versatile one piece is great as PJs or for outdoor adventures. It also features a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes and hand mitts for snow and sun protection.
Check out our review of Iksplor Adventure Wear here.
Favorite Outerwear for Babies
A good outer layer is essential for keeping baby warm in dry in cold, wet weather. Water-proof booties make sure baby’s toes stay cozy. Here are some of our favorite options.
Stonz Rain Suit
Stonz rain suits are made of lightweight wind-proof, waterproof material for keeping baby dry in wet weather. Reinforced knees & bottom, a loose fit, and extendable cuffs help this suit last longer. It also comes in a variety of fun colors and is made without harmful chemicals, which is a major plus!
Stonz Snow Suit & Bunting Bag
Stonz 2-in-1 snowsuit easily transforms into a cozy sleeping bag with a few zips and snaps. Its water-resistant outer shell and cozy fleece lining are great for keeping baby warm and dry while playing and napping in cold weather. And as an added bonus, when this suit gets dirty, you can just toss it in the washing machine.
Stonz Baby Winter Booties
Stonz weather-resistant, fleece-lined booties keep baby’s feet cozy and dry in winter weather. These booties are easy to slip on & off and their two adjustable toggles secure them on wiggly little feet. Non-slip soles are another nice feature, helping to prevent early walkers from falling in slippery conditions.
Baby Carriers for Everyday Baby Wearing
Babywearing makes getting outside with baby so much easier. And it has benefits for both mama and baby too. Being snuggled up next to their parent is soothing to baby, especially when they’re tired, grumpy, teething, sick, or just needing some extra comfort. With the right carrier, babywearing also allows for hands-free, discreet breastfeeding, on-the-go.
These are a few great soft structured carriers for everyday use and short outdoor adventures, such as taking your older kids to the park, or going for short walks. For longer hikes, especially as baby gets heavier, a baby hiking backpack, like the Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier, may be more comfortable.
Líllé COMPLETE Airflow Baby Carrier
The Líllé COMPLETE is a great all-purpose carrier that allows you to carry babies & toddlers in 6 different positions. The Airflow style features breathable fabric to help keep baby cool.
Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier
Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier is a soft structured carrier you can wear in the water, making it the perfect baby wearing option for the beach, pool, waterpark, and more.
Ergo Omni Dream Baby Carrier
Ergo Omni is another great choice for an all purpose carrier that allows baby to be carried in several different positions and can be used from the infant to toddler years.
The Mumsie Baby Wearing Overalls
The Mumsie is a cute pair of overalls and a baby carrier all in one! It can also be worn during pregnancy, as the adjustable straps easily accommodate a growing belly.
Portable Tents & Beds for Outdoor Naps and Play
Portable tents and beds are a game changer for trips to the beach, camping, outdoor outings, and travel. They provide sun protection and keep bugs from bothering baby while they nap.
Once baby starts crawling, portable tents are a contained place for them to play so that they can’t eat sand, rocks, or anything else they might find on the ground. Portable beds are also a safe place for baby to sleep while camping or traveling.
Check out these portable tents and beds we love.
KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed
The KidCo PeaPod is a lightweight travel tent that packs up into a carrying case making it easy to bring along on outdoor adventures. Check out our review of the KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed here.
The California Beach Co. Pop ‘N Go Playpen
The Pop ‘N Go Playpen pops up easily and is nice & roomy, so baby has space to crawl around and play, but can’t get to all the sand, dirt, rocks, etc. that roaming babies love to put in their mouths.
Lotus Travel Crib
The Lotus travel crib is lightweight and packs into a backpack carry bag for easy transport. It features a side zipper for quick access and can be used for sleep or play on the go.
KidCo PeaPod Camp Tent
The KidCo PeaPod Tent is easy to pop up for outdoor naps or play and can be used by children 6 months to 6 years old. Check out our review of the KidCo PeaPod Camp here.
Outdoor Hats for Babies
Hats are essential when going outdoors with baby, providing warmth and protection from insects and UV rays. Here are a few we love.
Sunday Afternoons SunSprout Infant Hat
Sunday Afternoons sun hats are the best! They are cute, durable, and have a nice, wide brim for good sun protection.
Patagonia Furry Friends Hat
Cute & cozy, the Furry Friends hat from Patagonia is perfect for keeping baby’s head warm in cold weather. Read more about the TMM team’s favorite winter hats for kids here.
Iksplor Baby Beanie
Iksplor’s merino wool baby beanie is a comfy all season hat that provides UV protection (50 UPF) and helps to regulate baby’s temperature. It’s available in larger sizes too, for bigger kids and adults.
Cozy Layers to Keep Babies Warm Outside
It’s helpful to have options when it comes to warm layers for outdoor adventures with baby. These are a few versatile items that can be used alone when the weather is mild, or layered when temperatures plunge.
Baby DeeDee Baby Bear Furry Bunting
Baby DeeDee’s Baby Bear Bunting is a cute and cuddly one-piece that can be worn on its own or under warmer layers in colder temps. Check out our Baby DeeDee bunting review here.
Ella’s Wool Tubes
Ella’s Wool Tubes leggings are soft merino wool and can be worn as a second layer or as PJs to keep your little one cozy during cold weather camping trips. Check out our review of Ella’s Wool Tubes here.
Bowbear Baby Leg Warmers
Leg warmers are an under appreciated way to help baby stay warm during cold weather diaper changes.
Best Baby Coats
A warm jacket is a staple in baby’s wardrobe during the colder months. Here’s a few good options.
Patagonia Furry Friends Hoodie
Patagonia’s Furry Friends hoodie is cute and cozy, perfect for cold weather adventures with baby.
North Face Baby Reversible Mt Chimbo Full-Zip Hooded Jacket
This reversible North Face Mt Chimbo jacket is nice and versatile, featuring a water resistant side and a soft, cozy side.
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Colorblock Fleece
L.L. Bean’s Mountain Classic Colorblock Fleece is a cute and colorful option for keeping baby warm.
Sleep Sacks for Outdoor Babies
Sleep sacks and bags can be used instead of loose blankets and are said to be a safer option for keeping baby warm during the night. They make a cozy extra layer for cold weather naps, or early or late season camping trips. Here’s a few good options.
Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Original Sleep Sack
Baby DeeDee’s Sleep Nest is a quilted wearable duvet that is designed to keep babies and toddlers cozy while they sleep.
Woolino Merino Wool Ultimate Baby Sleep Sack
Woolino’s sleep sack features merino wool, which helps to regulate baby’s body temperature and can be used year round to keep baby comfortable during the night.
Gunamuna Long Sleeve Baby Sleep Sack
This Gunamuna sleep sack features long sleeves to keep baby’s arms warm and a wide bottom so there’s lots of space for active sleepers to move their legs.
A Few More Things We Love for Getting Outdoors with Baby
A few more things that make getting outside with a baby a little easier!
Haakaa Silicone Fresh Food Feeder
This Haakaa feeder is perfect for feeding baby on the go! Fill it with any soft food (fresh fruit works great) and pop it in your backpack for an easy snack.
Iksplor Adventure Blanket
This cozy merino wool blanket from Iksplor is a TMM team favorite! Read our full Iksplor adventure blanket review here.
First Peak The Original Adventure Long-Sleeve
The First Peak adventure tee has long sleeves with thumb holes and is made with UPF-rated fabric that blocks 99% of UV rays.
AlvaBaby Wet Bag
Wet, dirty clothes and diapers are inevitable on outdoor adventures with a baby along, so keep a wet bag (or two) on hand to toss everything into until you get home.
Getting Outside with Babies
Getting out with the littlest members of your family can feel dauting sometimes, but so much fun can be had. We hope these gift ideas will make it easier for you or a loved one to get outdoors with their baby!
Looking for more gift ideas for the whole family?
Related articles
- 9 Tips for Postpartum Mamas Getting Outside After Baby
- Hiking in Cold Weather with Babies
- Diapering in the Outdoors
- Best Bras for Breastfeeding on Adventures
Gifts for Outdoor Babies
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