Babies aren’t spared either and the thought of taking a tiny tot out to an eatery or even a relative’s house for a visit is often met with gasps and groans and pleas to listen to the elders who know best.
Be that as it may, avid hiker Noor Maizatul Hazra Yahaya, 37, went against convention and bundled her six-month-old daughter, Nur Nayla Ardani Muhammad Arham for a hike up Maragang hill in Sabah.
And she didn’t stop there.
She has also taken the little one to Bukit Batu Putih in Port Dickson and Lata Gapi in Serendah, evidence of their fun-filled trips splashed across social media for all to see.
In fact, baby Nur Nayla, has already reached the peaks of eight hills and experienced the exhilarating sights and sounds of waterfalls across the country – thanks to her mother’s adventurous spirit and willingness to introduce her to the great outdoors at such a tender age.
“I enjoy bringing my child hiking as it’s a good way for the both of us to enjoy nature while spending quality time together.
A freelance outdoor event organiser, Noor Maizatul’s job involves accompanying her clients on outdoor activities. And the decision to take her baby along while ‘working’ was a practical solution to a very real problem.
“At times, I don’t have anyone to look after my girl. So, the best decision is to bring her on more manageable trips with me,” she told FMT recently.
Being extra vigilant in the outdoors
Having conquered the famous “G7” – the seven highest mountains in Peninsula Malaysia – the 37-year-old admitted that it was no easy feat hiking with a baby as she needed to be extra fit to ensure both her and her baby’s safety.
To do this, she regularly works out and goes brisk walking. And when running errands like shopping for groceries, she takes her baby with her too, strapped into a toddler carrier so she can get used to carrying the extra weight around.
As much as she likes having her baby with her on her outdoor escapades, she said safety comes first.
“I have to be extremely careful about the places I bring her, and take notice of the weather conditions – such as looking out for signs of heavy rain or when the altitude is thinner in certain areas.
And there is no compromise on hiking essentials such as umbrellas, mosquito repellents, and raincoats particularly during the monsoon season. A firm toddler carrier that can be strapped onto her back is equally important especially in rough terrains.
“Most times, I choose a trail that I’m familiar with so that I don’t get lost or avoid leech-prone areas,” she said, and she should know, seeing as she’s also conquered Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani and Mount Merapi.
She said timing was another crucial aspect of hiking, and this meant no dilly-dallying while on the hike or taking lengthy breaks. Discipline was required at all times as scaling the peak and heading back to base must be completed within the specified timeframe.
And in Noor Maizatul’s case, there’s baby to consider as well. “If she cries, I won’t continue the journey. I’ll stop instead and head home. Fortunately, my baby has always slept while hiking and has never cried.
She said her husband, also a hiking enthusiast, sometimes accompanied her on her hiking trips, taking turns to carry their little one.
“We both love hiking – we used to hike once every week even before I conceived Nur Nayla. And we’re glad that she’s ‘enjoying’ her outdoor activities as well.
“Of course, that means saying no to invitations to conquer mountains and having a challenging hike, but we’re okay with opting for simpler hills as it means being with our daughter, and spending time as a family,” she said.
Follow Noor Maizatul Hazra Yahaya on Instagram.