Bushcraft with babies

In my many years of having babies and being married to a wildman, I've learned a few tips for surviving with babies. Survival situations with babies is no joke.

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
- Matthew 24:19, KJV

Babies have the same basic survival needs adults and children do (food, shelter, clothing, sleep) but they need them in larger quantities and are solely dependent on their mother for these things. Their immune responses and ability to cope is actually rather amazing, all things considered. And we all know that a baby raised out of doors, exposed to air and dirt will be much healthier than a baby raised in a bubble inside.

If your baby is not yet walking or crawling age, all the better for you. A good sling is a great thing to have, and since you will be in "uncomfortable" surroundings I recommend a wrap-style carrier over a sling. The wrap is more secure and easier on your back, and considering that you will be moving around quite a bit and hauling things around.

Even if he is walking, he can happily stay in a wrap for long periods of time.

I personally prefer a woven wrap over a stretchy wrap. In a survival situation a long woven wrap will come in more handy (baby hammock?) and last longer. It will also carry the baby for longer periods of time since it holds heavy weights. A woven wrap will keep baby cool in the hot southern sun.

Babywearing is not easy and only gets better with practice, so practice, practice, practice until you find a good wrap style that suits you. You need a good backwrap and a good front wrap style that works with your body type. Practice around the house until you are comfortable.

The only other necessary piece of equipment is some netting-- mosquitos, especially in the south, love babies. If you decide to use a baby hiker (one of those backpacks with a metal mold) you can use the netting over it to keep baby safe.

Hopefully, you are breastfeeding your infant. If not, you will need a supply of milk. Formula cans are hard to carry and heavy.... I would probably want to have a goat (goat's milk is a good formula substitute.. although bear in mind that it needs additional iron supplementation.) On the other hand, A goat might be harder to carry around than some formula. ;)

When baby needs to nurse, it's a good idea to have some kind of blanket or tarp you can lay down. Make sure to stomp around the area you are going to sit first to get rid of any spiders or snakes under the leaves. They don't make good surprises when you're sitting there peacefully nursing.

As I said, babies are extremely resilient, and don't have a great many needs at first outside of food, shelter, warmth, diaper changes, and mom. Not getting too stressed about
 how entertained they are is pretty liberating.... I find that entire days pass very quickly with content babies when we are outdoors. Nature is fascinating to children, always.

Weather extremes can make it really hard to get outside when you have little ones. Use caution, of course, but don't let the heat or cold deter you either. My babies have often gone clothes-less in a woven wrap during the summer months and been worn UNDER my shawl (I like heavy shawls instead of sweaters and jackets) in the winter months. Determination is everything.

I find that up to about age 2.5 or 3, Keeping those simple things in mind and having a positive attitude about getting outdoors has been the most helpful advice I have received. You will only find what works for you when you try and fail, so don't be afraid to just get out there and have a miserable time so you can really gauge your own needs.

Have fun!