When a baby is born, parents are engulfed with countless fears and questions about hiking.  What kind of gear do I need? How long a trip should I plan? And most importantly, how old should my baby be before I start hiking with him or her?

Here are some steps that would come in handy if the new parents are planning a hike.

Go slow: You don’t need to plan an exhaustive adventure with a toddler beside you. Pick trails which can be accessed easily and are comfortable.

Don’t go for a higher elevation right away: Although babies can adjust to high elevation, but it’s better to increase the elevation slowly and gradually as this would let you know how your baby’s reacting to elevation.

Carriers do matter: Before your baby’s first trip out on a hike, it’s always good to test your carrier and to learn and know how to adjust it. If the baby isn’t comfortable, you’d be subjected to thunderous screams and hauls for much of the hike. Make sure the baby’s legs aren’t dangling in the carrier on a windy day.

Family comes first: Go with your family or with a friend when you start as it’d be much easier to control the baby. Going with the entire family allows you to have someone to fall back onto.

Bring a good amount of baby wipes: It is advisable to carry a small bag containing at least 10-15 wipes even if you’re only undertaking a two-hour hike. These will come in handy while dealing with dirt that might fly up, dirty hands or an unexpected nappy change. It's best to replenish your inventories before every hike.

Don’t let a bad day get the better of you: If you’re having a day that is not going the way you want it to go, don’t let it demoralise you. Try again for the next day and keep pushing the envelope. Set a date for your next hike immediately after a bad day so you don’t delay.

Don’t overload the backpack: Don’t flood your backpack with unnecessary luggage, but don’t forget the necessities for instance, a lightweight rain jacket, an energy-boosting snack, and water. It could be good to consider carrying a small fanny pack or a lightweight backpack, which can be carried easily. Take a small first-aid kit with you as well in case of any accidents.

Mobile networks are a must: Start with trails that have access to mobile networks in case of emergencies. Even if you don’t think you need the cell service, your loved ones would feel happy if they get to know you’ve returned safely.

Don’t worry too much about the weather: You can bring a few layers if you feel the weather’s treacherous. That said, if there’s a heavy downpour lurking behind the grey skies, think about hikes with shelters along the way. Also, as you’re planning your trip, keep a close eye on the forecast to plan the future course of action.

You can take help from strangers: Now, this might sound a bit difficult if you’re an introvert, but people are likely to soften if they see you carrying a baby on the hike. There’s absolutely no harm in asking random people to buckle up the back of your carrier.

It’s all about goals: Look for groups like Women Who Hike, Girls Who Hike, Adventure Mamas and more.