Camino with Baby

[caminoee]

Hi all,

I am thinking about taking my baby (she will be about 4-5 months) on the camino this spring.

I have walked quite a few caminos and I think the Frances or Portuguese would be a good choice since they have good infrastructure and allow for short distances. Is there anyone who has experience with a baby on the camino?

She is a very relaxed baby and so far has slept through every night. What would you guys think about having to share a room with us in an albergue?

Opinions are appreciated!

Best
Kathrin

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I'm assuming this is your first child.

If my calculations are correct, you are the mother of a newborn. The first few months are no indication of what your baby will be like at 4 or 5 months. Right now, you can put that kid in a carrier and go about your life with minimal disruption. At least I could and did - everything from vaccuuming to 5 star restaurants. Your newborn is really just a sponge at this moment, discovering toes and fingers, not yet the world around it.

In a few months, you will have a completely different child. One that reaches and grabs and is trying to crawl (away -- always away), that now recognizes what makes her hungry or angry or wet or uncomfortable and knows how to let you know that. One that has ever changing needs, ever changing biological clocks, and so, so much more.

At 5 months -- Day hikes -- great. A hotel room for a couple of nights -- great. A camino and albergues -- so "not great." Trust me.*

*Me being a single mother by choice who started traveling with their child when that child was 3 months old and thereafter traveled with said child to over 60 countries, including "hard" travel to places like India, Bhutan, Laos, Egypt, Tanzania, etc., by the time that child was legally an adult.

 

[C clearly]

@ShoshTrvls expressed exactly my thoughts and better than I would.

 

[J Willhaus]

As a hospitalera, I've hosted several moms and dads with children of varying ages. They were always fine and welcomed by others. I would be careful not to walk when it is too hot. Dorms are often sweltering in summers.

 

[nycwalking]

On my first camino a young woman brought her baby daughter about six months old more or less on CF.

The young mom drove them from albergue to albergue until last 100kms then walked remainder into Santiago.

Everyone loved baby Sana.

The only problem was every single time the baby cried, made baby noises, coo-coo sounds, et cetera at night most of us sleeping close to baby Sana awakened just long enough to ensure baby was okay, making for a fitful nights sleep.

After awhile baby and mommy usually had a bunk bed island within the dormitory. Sometimes all beds immediately next to theirs were empty. Thus allowing all to get unbroken rest.

Otherwise, baby peregrina and older peregrinos were fine.

Buen camino.