High-Altitude Baby

Question:

I’m having my first child this summer, and I plan to hike and camp with her in the mountains as soon as she can hold her head up. How will I know if she’s acclimatized to the altitude?

Submitted by – Brian, Chinle, AZ

Answer:

Congrats, and welcome to the club! (My son hit 10,000 feet before his first birthday.) You’re right to be concerned. Babies can get altitude sickness, just as adults can–and they can’t tell us when they’re suffering. Watch carefully for symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, an upset stomach, reduced appetite, or unusual irritability, and descend to a lower elevation if you see them. Better yet: Prevent altitude problems in the first place. Kids tend to acclimatize just fine when you keep them hydrated and give them time to adjust. Take a few days to reach an elevation of 8,000 feet; limit your ascent to 1,000 feet per day after that.