Take the time to look carefully at the map and its contours or carry out a reconnaissance of the route.Take the opportunity to check out the orientation and try to choose shady trails in summer - the whole family can keep cool and it will be more pleasant when you take a break.
Take the time to look carefully at the map and its contours or carry out a reconnaissance of the route.
Remembering that a child aged 3-4 walks at about 1 to 2 km/h (and takes a lot of breaks), the topoguide estimates will not be of much help to you because the schedules they provide are for an adult walker. Plan for some contingency, so you can enjoy your hike without worrying about the time.
Don't forget to check the local weather and don't worry about postponing your plans if the weather is bad or it's too cold. Children are much more sensitive than us and hiking should remain a pleasant activity for them.
Start with a few short, easy walks, and if you see that your child is doing well and getting the hang of it, gradually increase the difficulty of the route. In general, avoid excessively high altitudes (it is not recommended to go above 2,000 m).
Here are a few markers about the elevation and the mileage of your excursion that you can of course adapt to your child's abilities:
0 - 18 months: no limits since it's the carrier who puts in 100% of the effort. But still think about limiting the duration of your excursions because children need to move and take breaks. Remember to limit altitude and exposure too (to both sun and cold).
18 months - 3 years: depending on how independent your child is, they might want to start doing part of the route themselves. But they will quickly become tired and will still need to take naps. Plan for fairly short routes (100-300 m of height difference) and a carrying method.
4 - 7 years: you can consider trips of 400-500 m in elevation / 6-7 km in distance, to be adapted to suit the age and level of independence of your child.
If they feel they have a "mission" to complete your children will be much more willing to walk.
It is recommended that children do not carry more than 10% of their body weight (compared to 25% for an adult).