Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children [Paperback]

Jennifer Aist (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2010

There's a lot of information out there about introducing school-age kids to the outdoors, but what about babies and toddlers? Author Jennifer Aist bridges that gap and shares her tried and tested advice for active new parents. Babes in the Woods introduces outdoorsy moms and dads to the joy and vigor of taking babies and toddlers into the woods at a very early age. Well-organized chapters offer functional solutions for appropriate gear, clothing, and food, nature games to play, and tips on potty breaks and sleeping outdoors--but most importantly, Aist explores all the reasons why introducing even the youngest of children to wilderness experiences is healthy, rewarding, and fun. Whether planning a short day hike, a car camping trip, a base camp adventure, or a backpacking excursion, Aist covers every season and climate, while confirming that babies are well-suited for the mountains, the water, and the adventures that lie beyond.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Babes in the Woods is a great resource for any parent or early-childhood educator who wants to open the door and explore wild places with kids. It s also perfect for urban and suburban parents: By reading this book, they will see that it really is possible to let their children fully experience nature through the backyard. What a gift for families and for our future! ---- Robin Dublin, Executive Director, Greenbelt Conservancy, Staten Island, NY

Babes in the Woods is a treasure! Inspiring, practical, wise, and wonderful it includes everything families need to know to open the door to outside adventures. Starting young like this fosters children s healthy development cognitively, emotionally, and physically and creates a lifetime of memories your children and grandchildren will cherish. ---- Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., President and CEO, Children & Nature Network

About the Author

JENNIFER AIST is founder and director of Providence Alaska Medical Center's parenting and childbirth education program, Parenting with Providence. She teaches classes on everything from breastfeeding to backpacking and conducts her signature "Babes in the Woods," "Babes in the Snow," and "Babes on the Water" classes every year. She has also consulted with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game on a preschool outdoor education curriculum. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, she lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband and four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (April 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594853436
• ISBN-13: 978-1594853432
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #96 in Books > Travel > Specialty Travel > Family Travel

More About the Author

Jennifer Aist has been taking her four children into the backcountry since they were each newborns. She is passionate about exploring, discovering and connecting with nature. As a family, the Aists have logged hundreds of miles on trails, rivers and oceans. Jennifer and her husband both volunteer for Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs. Jennifer works as a Lactation Consultant and the director of parent education at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Children's Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable advice and resource for active parents, April 12, 2010

By 

Thomas Twigg "tomtwigg" (Kingston, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children (Paperback)

This is a great book for parents of young kids who miss the outdoor activity of their "carefree" days before parenthood ... with it as a guide you will learn that you don't need to stop and wait for the kids to get older to resume the camping, backpacking and adventuring trips, and maybe more importantly give your kids the kind of outdoor experiences that can help shape a life.

I personally know this author and can tell you that she was an inspiration long before she decided to share her passion in this book. Jen was hitting the trails of Southcentral Alaska with her young kids (even after twins) more often than most of our active friends who were "not so encumbered" and started teaching others how to do it in classes that were in always well attended. Now you don't need to live in Anchorage to benefit from her experience and desire to share with others.

Disclaimer: I have a good number of photos published in this book, but they were given freely to the author for use here and I gain nothing by its sale -- I would not have been supportive of the author in this way if I didn't truly believe she had something worthwhile to say on this topic.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful baby gift!, May 25, 2010

By 

J. Berg (Central Coast, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children (Paperback)

I was delighted to find this marvelous book. It is the ultimate "how-to" guide for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to enjoy nature with little ones. The book covers everything from what to pack to improvising a bathtub. The author is thorough, easy to read, and obviously enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her subject. "Babes in the Woods" is the perfect guide for new parents as well as those with previous experience who are looking for fresh ideas. I have purchased two copies and given them to friends for their grandbabies. Both grandparents and parents have been very impressed with the book. I plan to purchase several more copies. Aist's book is a unique and useful gift. But don't wait for someone to give it to you as a gift. Buy your own copy. I highly recommend it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for ALL kids!, September 29, 2010

By 

jawsreviews - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children (Paperback)

Jennifer Aist has created a wonderful resource for enjoying the outdoors with kids. I was especially impressed with the section on children with special needs. This is an area that is frequently overlooked and Aist covered it well. "Including" kids with disabilities in outdoor activities is every bit as vital as including them in all other aspects of life. Kudos to Aist for being an advocate for ALL kids and providing the tools for successful outdoor experiences.