Birding with baby and toddler- wear them!

We don’t use a stroller, although I could see a stroller working in some birding situations. Instead, we use baby carriers. Cloth wraps worked when baby was light and small, and we switched to baby carriers with back support and strong straps as baby grew into toddler.

Wearing our baby allowed us to walk trails that a stroller would struggle with. It also allows hands-free walking for pulling binoculars to our eyes.

Nap time is a serious schedule issue for parents. Our baby napped on us while we walked. Especially after age one, I got some of my best birding done while my kid was asleep on me. I necessarily had to slow down my walk with the added weight and nap to protect, but that allowed more careful combing through areas I planned to be in for the nap. I am huge advocate of slow birding (although I enjoy all types of birding) so this fit my style of meandering slowly and methodically.

Carriers and wraps also pack up easily and lightly, so they are not encumbrances while on the trail. Often our kid did not want to be in the carrier when awake, so she is developing strong legs by walking, though I still carry her a fair amount when she tires.