Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo with My 7-Month-Old: A Summer Adventure

In the summer of 2023, I set out on a hike that would test both my love for the outdoors and my ability to embrace the unexpected challenges that come with hiking as a parent. With my 7-month-old nestled safely in a hiking backpack, we made our way through the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe. The iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with its towering peaks, was our ultimate destination. We had planned for a full day of hiking, knowing we would reach the viewpoint of the Tre Cime from the side before turning back to the refuge where we’d start. But the journey turned out to be so much more than just a destination—it was an unforgettable experience of nature, bonding, and perseverance.

Getting There and Preparing for the Hike

We parked our car near Camping Alla Baita and then hopped on the shuttle bus that took us up to Rifugio Auronzo (the road was closed for cars when we got there), where we would begin our hike. Of course, before setting off, we had to pause for a quick breastfeeding session and a diaper change for the little one (parenthood, am I right?).

Starting the Hike

Once we got started, the beauty of the Dolomites instantly surrounded us. Beby was peacefully sleeping as we set off. The first part of the trail is mostly flat, making it quite easy, and it offers stunning views as we walk along the side of the Tre Cime. Soon, we passed Capella Degli Alpini, a charming little chapel, and continued on.Our first major stop was at Rifugio Lavaredo, where we took a break to feed the baby and rest. This was the perfect spot to recharge, as the next part of the trail would be a steep uphill climb!

Uphill and Views to Remember

From Rifugio Lavaredo, we began our climb toward Forcella Lavaredo. While this part of the hike was more challenging, the views were absolutely worth it. We took plenty of photos and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery before making our way back down. At this point, we could have continued the loop around Tre Cime, a longer hike that I had previously done with just my husband. However, with a baby and a dog, we decided it was best to turn around. We were all quite tired, and the altitude seemed to make the baby extra sleepy, so we felt safer heading back to the refuge.

The Way Back

On our way back, we stopped again at Rifugio Auronzo for a final break. We used the restroom, enjoyed some well-earned hot chocolate, and then took the shuttle bus back to our car. We saw a lot of families on the hike, which was comforting and encouraging. It felt nice to be part of such a welcoming outdoor community!

A Few Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Before heading into the mountains with a little one, it’s important to consider the altitude. We were careful to make sure our baby was comfortable, but altitude can be tricky for babies. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of altitude sickness, such as irritability or fatigue, and take regular breaks. Make sure your baby is used to being outdoors for extended periods of time and has experience with the hiking backpack before attempting such a trek.