An Eryri mountain leader has reignited debate with a social media warning to parents who carry babies to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. In a post shared after a weather-affected ascent, the former Commando said infants should not be given summit selfies because they cannot tell anyone they are cold.
The message, headed "What Not To Do On Yr Wyddfa", also criticised walkers who were inadequately dressed for the conditions. But it was the sight of parents carrying babies in carriers that drew his strongest concern.
He wrote: "I'll probably upset a few people, but so be it. Your baby doesn't need a summit selfie."
"They can't tell you they're cold, they can't regulate their temperature like you can, and while your body keeps their core warm, their hands and feet are exposed to the elements. Just because you can take a baby up a mountain doesn't mean you should."
Why babies are at greater risk
Climbing the highest peaks with babies is generally discouraged because their lungs and bodies have not fully matured. Yr Wyddfa, at 1,085 metres (3,560ft), is usually considered below the altitude at which thin air becomes a danger.
Safety experts still advise against taking a baby up the mountain because of unpredictable weather and the risk of slipping on steep, uneven ground. Even in summer, strong winds and sudden temperature drops can be dangerous for an infant who cannot generate body heat by moving around. As a result, babies can become cold much faster than adults who are walking.
Mixed reactions from other hikers
The post provoked strong responses. One woman asked: "Who the hell hikes up Yr Wyddfa with a baby? Madness!"
A man added: "Got to be the dumbest thing to take a newborn up there, or on any climb. Irresponsible and dangerous. One slip and the baby is a living crash mat."
But some experienced hikers believe babies can be carried safely in specialist backpacks with the right expertise and preparation. They argue that introducing children to the outdoors early can bring benefits later in life.
One man said choosing the right carrier was essential, noting that not all are designed for difficult terrain. "Many of the manufacturers specify this in the carrier manual," he said. "Imagine, you are carrying your child in what is essentially a very large and heavy rucksack. If you trip or slip, the weight will throw you off balance, leading to a fall where you may land awkwardly on an uneven surface."
"You might be able to protect yourself, but your child's head might be dashed on the ground, or you might roll on top of the carrier, crushing the baby. If you must use a carrier on this kind of terrain, use walking poles for additional stability."
Mountain leaders who take their children
Two other Eryri mountain leaders, both raising young children, stressed that preparation was key. One said they "potentially" would take a baby up on the right day in the right conditions, having learned how to layer infants to avoid overheating while keeping extremities warm.
"It's about being prepared – not heading up in shorts, t-shirt and trainers with a Co-op meal deal for snacks and hydration," they said.
The other, a father who regularly takes his daughter into the hills, said he and his family take many precautions and invest in quality equipment. "Before we leave the house, we're checking the route and weather – mountain forecast as well – choosing the right equipment and clothing, taking the correct emergency kit, food and water for day."
He added: "I believe we're very good in managing her temperature, which can be controlled with the correct equipment and planning. In the colder weather we don't have any limbs exposed - obviously - and they are covered in high rating insulation."
"On a personal level we've noticed her enjoyment for the outdoors grow from a young age and the excitement follows for every adventure we take. So perhaps I can offer a suggestion: let's risk manage, not risk avoid."
A mother's view and the safest route
August is the busiest month on Yr Wyddfa, and during heatwaves high temperatures have been the main hazard. But conditions can change quickly, and anyone taking a baby should be ready to change or abandon plans, according to an ultramarathon-running mother.
"My kids did their first ascents in baby carriers," she said. "I've seen other parents do it well – they prioritised their kids needs. It does take more planning and experience, but it isn't a definite no."
One man argued that babies are tougher than people think. "In Scandinavia it's common for them to sleep outside in temperatures way below zero," he noted. "So rather than tell people not to take their babies up mountains, it's better that they learn how the risk is managed. Babies don't need a summit selfie, but no one 'needs' to go up Yr Wyddfa at all."
The debate can even split couples. One parent said they had refused to carry their three-week-old son up the mountain after being accused by their partner of "bubble-wrapping" the infant. They explained: "I said no as he doesn't need to go up a mountain, he can't even see more than a couple of feet yet. If he needed any medical help it wouldn't be there and it wasn't worth the risks."
"He had me in tears... all because he couldn't use our baby to garner attention for himself. Our baby is now 19 and takes himself up mountains safely as I taught him when he was older."
Experts at snowdoninfo.com advise parents to "think carefully" before taking babies up the mountain and to "take extra care" not to trip or fall. They name the Llanberis Path as the safest route for families because it lacks "clambery or exposed sections".
