Walking the Camino de Santiago with a Baby (or Two!) – Kristine & Rob’s Inspiring Journey
El Camino de Santiago with one baby or two. The Decau’s share their amazing experience walking el Camino Frances and Portuguese with their family.
Originally planning only a one-week walk from Sarria, Kristine and Rob’s plans changed when Kristine lost her job. The unexpected free time opened the door for a full Camino with their son. They researched routes, invested in a rugged stroller, and mapped out supply points for food and baby essentials. The success of that first adventure inspired them to return two years later—this time with their daughter—making the Camino a family legacy.
A Family on the Camino
For many, the Camino de Santiago is a personal challenge. For Kristine and Rob Crow, it was a shared family journey – twice over. In 2017, they set off on the Camino Francés with their one-year-old son, Hudson. Instead of backpacks, they pushed a sturdy off-road stroller loaded with everything from diapers to snacks, navigating cobblestones, dirt trails, and the occasional curious local dog.
Lessons from the Road
That first Camino taught them the art of flexibility – opting for alternate bike routes when terrain was too rough, adjusting daily distances to match Hudson’s mood, and embracing the slower pace as an unexpected gift. Hudson quickly became a Camino favorite, charming fellow pilgrims with his energy and smiles.
Two years later, the Crows returned for the Portuguese Camino with both Hudson, now a preschooler, and their one-year-old daughter, Kalea. This second journey brought less stress and more reflection. They embraced the small moments: shared meals, quiet mornings, and watching their children discover the world one step at a time.
More Than a Walk
For Kristine and Rob, the Camino became a tradition, a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to stop when children arrive – it just looks different. Their story is proof that the Way is open to all, no matter your pace, your gear, or your travel companions.
Kristine and Rob are travelers from California who have completed the Camino de Santiago twice with their young children, turning the pilgrimage into a family tradition.