First-time parents Haruko Barcelona and Mar Broñola wowed netizens when they shared that they hiked Mount Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon, with their 7-month-old son Adam Ridge in tow.
In an interview with Smart Parenting, the proud mom shared how they prepared for their "most challenging adventure so far" as part of their Mother's Day celebration.
New parents hike Mount Pulag with a 7-month-old baby
"We are travelers and hikers before I got pregnant. Yung traveling or hiking is my way to feel more alive and also to learn," Haru said.
"Before our hike, honestly, it is not really a hard decision for me kasi una, inaral ko munang mabuti yung mountain. I chose Mount Pulag because it is good for beginners."
She continued, "Me, Adam's Papa, and his godfather are also trained in Basic Mountaineering. We also have a Pedia Nurse on trail. I also took Basic Life Support training, so we were confident in climbing Pulag."
"We will not take risks with our child's life for the sake of fame. We shared it to motivate others that they can still do the things they love even if they are already parents." Haruko Barcelona
Now a breastfeeding mom, Haru mentioned that they received clearance from her son's pediatrician before the hike, and she had fully recovered from her C-section surgery. As an experienced mountaineer, she missed the thrill that hiking provides.
"Okay na okay ako. Na-recharge ako after 1 year na walang outdoor/travel. Nakakapagod, oo, pero namiss ko talaga yung feeling," she told Smart Parenting.
Haru then shared the challenges they encountered during their climb, "The hardest part was when we reached Camp 2, where the temperature dropped to 7 degrees Celsius. We added more layers to Adam's clothes, and we needed to add more for ourselves as well."
Pediatrician's advice before hiking with a baby
While many netizens expressed their concern for the baby, doctors confirmed that hiking with a baby is okay, as long as you observe safety precautions.
"Infants older than 3 months who don’t have heart and lung conditions will have the same level of tolerance to high altitudes as adults," said Dr. Faith Alcazaren, a pediatrician and a member of the Smart Parenting Board of Experts.
"Although the lungs are fully developed at that age, I would say, its safest to bring baby for a hike after 6 months old so that the baby has better control of their neck and trunk. This makes the trip more enjoyable for the baby too," she added,
Even Dr. Alcazaren was amazed with this family's achievement. "It may be risky talaga to go very high, as the higher you are, the farther you are from the hospital."
Tips before and during the hike, according to a pediatrician
For parents inspired by Haru's family and are considering hiking with an infant, Dr. Alcazaren provided these reminders in addition to obtaining consent from a doctor.
1. Always choose to go with experienced hikers, who know the trail and can provide better assistance.
2. Ensure that your baby has at least received his primary series of vaccination.
3. Give more fluids than usual. Fluid requirements increase as you go higher, so it is recommended to breastfeed more frequently, or if the child is 1 year old and up, offer water more frequently.
4. Make frequent stops along the way to allow for your baby to adjust to the changes in altitude. Consider adding layers as you go high up and as the temperature decreases.
5. Bring a bonnet, socks, and mittens. The head of infants have the highest surface area compared to the rest of the body, so remember to bring a bonnet to keep baby warm, socks and mittens to protect baby’s extremities.
6. Monitor your baby's temperature. Don’t keep on too many layers if it’s still warm. Add layers as the environment gets cooler so baby doesn’t overheat. Use a thermometer to make sure baby’s temp is between 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius.
7. Make sure you are also familiar with your baby carrier - how to adjust it safely, how to keep baby in a comfortable and safe position.
8. Bring a complete first aid kit to include medications for allergies, bites, wounds, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, cough and colds.
9. Make sure you know where the nearest hospital is, keep your pediatrician's contact details as well, in case of accidents.
10. Have a nurse/medic/doctor in the team. In case there's no health professional who can accompany you in the trail, choose a safer and easier trail.
Hiking with a baby: is it worth the risk?
Haru shared with Smart Parenting why she and her husband took the risk of hiking with their son.
"Hopefully, one day, when Adam can understand, he will be proud of himself and us for conquering the highest mountain of Luzon." Haruko Barcelona
"I know the capacity of my child. I understand that some may don't like the adventure we did and I appreciate their concern but I just shared the trip online to share our simple family Mother's Day celebration. We didn't even expect it to reach thousands of people."
"We will not take risks with our child's life for the sake of fame. We shared it to motivate others that they can still do the things they love even if they are already parents," she maintained.
She said, as early as now, she is exposing Adam to outdoor activities, such as swimming and hiking.
"Soon we will also introduce outreach programs to him, and sigurado na maglalakbay pa sa mga susunod na panahon," she added.
Haru concluded, "I understand parents who are anxious about bringing their children on a hike but this is how we want to raise our children.
"Hopefully, one day, when Adam can understand, he will be proud of himself and us for conquering the highest mountain of Luzon," she said.
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