I just bought a Deuter Kid Comfort pack & am a little nervous about bringing my daughter to the crags. She'll be one on the 23rd. My husband would be carrying her & he doesn't climb. So he would be playing with her & watching her during climbs.
It's kind of a way for him to be involved so he won't get as shitty at me for going to the red so much.
Do you think it's too dangerous up there for her? Or as long as she's supervised & kept out of harms way (and off the rope) it should be ok? Anyone brought babes this young with them?
Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha
I think it's cool you're planning to take her out with you. I plan to do the same and know that others have done it many times without problems. Just use common sense, your good judgement on what's safe for her, etc. With your husband there to watch her the whole time you're a step ahead. Usually it's a climbing couple and they need to find a third just to watch the baby. You'll all be fine and have a fabulous time. Just don't forget the camera. oh yeah, get that baby harness. She's gonna want to give it a try when she sees you!
See the mom carrying a baby in this picture (right)? I think the baby was not even a year old. The whole family was there for the Gathering at Muir Valley last September. They worked on the trails Saturday and climbed on Sunday while one of them carried the baby in a harness thingie..... It'll work out. That's gonna be great exposure for your little girl - before you know it, she'll be the one dragging your butt down to the Red. A couple more years and she'll be hanging out with Rowan and Sierra!
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our mind. ~Bob Marley
Friends of mine used to take their daughter when she was an infant. The had a lightweight covered playpen and she did fine. It was back when the arena was open and the parking to crag factor was small.
My first hike with my son on my back in a baby carrier was when he was just a few months old.
Cincysam makes a great point. Be wise as to what crag you take her to. If there isn't much room at the base, you may want to go someplace else where you can sort of spread out a little. In newer developing areas, there will be more opportunity for holds to break off.
Enjoy the time. It can become one of those special things shared between parent and child.
