Are you an avid camper? Ever wonder if you can still go camping with a baby? The answer is yes! Do not abandon your dreams of exploring the outdoors yet.
You might even be surprised how much an infant will love camping. It will be more challenging than before, but the reward will be much more priceless. Before you head off camping, here are some things you should do before camping with your baby.
What do I do before camping with a baby?
Do a camp test run
Create a backyard camp in your garden and try a night outdoors. This is a great idea to get familiar with the things you might need when camping correctly.
Start to have short weekend trips a couple of hours away from home. You can pack up and quickly return home if something gets out of hand. Keep exploring nearby campsites and then build it from there.
Check the weather forecast.
You can pack accordingly when you have an idea of the weather forecast for your planned trip. Although there might be weather changes, it is best to be prepared for what might come, whether blue skies or rain showers.
It’s always a good idea to pack waterproof and thermal clothing. Babies can’t regulate their temperatures well, so your little one might need help staying cozy.
Get a baby-friendly tent.
Choose a tent that gives you enough space to store your camping stuff. Consider a tent that’s roomy enough to spread out and even put a portable play yard. This will keep the baby safe at night while you start a campfire or cook dinner.
Bring a play yard
Once you arrive at the campsite, your toddler won’t likely stay in the car any longer. Set up your play yard first and place it in a shaded area. This allows your baby to watch you while you set up camp.
Camping with a baby requires essential items, and there are varieties of camping baby gears to choose from, do some research before purchasing any to ensure spending money wisely.
Find the correct location.
Before pitching your tent, sweep out the area, for there might be sharp rocks, sticks, or even garbage left by previous campers. Keep an eye for potential choking hazards. Be on the lookout for any critters or insects around the area that can cause your child harm before you let them loose.
Try to get distance from other campers.
The extra space can make the whole experience more intimate and help you reduce the worry of being disturbed or disturbing other campers, allowing a restful night’s sleep.
Keep a flexible schedule and embrace the mess.
Let your toddler enjoy the sound of the birds, sand in their toes and discover their interests in nature. Being allowed to make their decisions often builds confidence in them.
Pack light but not too light
You don’t want to bring everything you use at home. Making a list will help you prioritize what are the essentials when camping with a baby.
Bring a baby carrier or try to walk them around as much as possible. Allow your baby to play with smooth rocks or simply wander around the campground, admiring the scenery and maybe even make friends with other campers.
Be mindful of what you need, but it’s also convenient to have extra wipes, clothes, and diapers. Bring some detergent if you want to wash and reuse it. Don’t forget to bring garbage bags for proper waste disposal.
Flashlights, headlights, and lots of extra batteries are must-haves too.
Almost everything is a toy to your little one. Packing a few favorites from home, such as stuffed animals or books, will help comfort your baby. Bring a hat or sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your baby’s skin.
Keep meals simple
Cooking doesn’t need to be complex, especially you need to supervise your infant constantly. In planning baby meals, consider what they usually eat at home and stick pretty close to that.
Keep everything clean and sanitize your bottles if you are bottle feeding. Make sure to have access to clean and potable water. Bring convenient food if your child is eating solid foods. Do some meal preparation if necessary.
Staying active keeps everyone cheerful, but remember to take plenty of water with you, especially when hiking.
How to keep baby warm while camping?
Babies can’t tell us when they are uncomfortable. Be watchful and pay attention whether your little one is sweating, looks flushed, or red. Feel the baby’s chest, tummy, or back to check if the baby feels hot or cold.
Just like how you dress yourself for an outdoor trip, think about what layer you can bring for your baby. Keep baby calm and hydrated during the day but also prepare warm clothing for nighttime. Ideally, you want your baby to feel as comfortable while camping as they are at home.
Here are some tips if you want to know how to keep a baby warm at night while camping.
Dress baby in layers
Even during summers, it can still get cold at night. Use layers of clothing so you can add or remove extra layers when necessary. But be careful not to overdress your baby to avoid overheating and sweating.
Bring fleece pajamas
Fleece pajamas, whether short or long, will keep in the heat.
Hats, mittens, and socks
Hats are great to keep the sun off your baby’s face during the day and provide a bit of warmth when temperatures start to cool. Another way to keep your baby warm is to keep their mittens on. Whether your baby is walking or not, little feet won’t get cold with a pair of warm socks or baby boots.
Comfortable baby bed
If your baby sleeps independently at home, bring along a sleeping bed for your baby. If you are sleeping in a tent, buy one that is rated highly for cold weather camping. An insulated camping pad is a good investment, especially if you are camping in cold conditions.
Make sure your baby has enough space throughout the entire night. Snuggle up next to your baby, and you’ll both stay warm. You can also add more blankets underneath the seeping bed to make a warm cushion for your baby to sleep on.
Having the appropriate clothing is a priority as temperatures can change from one minute to the next. It is vital to know how to keep your baby warm while camping. Some babies find it hard to settle, so expect the first night to be challenging.
There are a million things to consider keeping your precious bundle of joy safe and comfortable at the same time, allowing everyone to enjoy the trip. Remember that babies and toddlers need constant supervision.
Now that you know how to keep your baby warm go ahead and raise those happy campers!
Here’s a tip: Spend some time beforehand researching potential national parks and planning short but fun stops along the way! Make your family trips extra memorable so take lots of photos to treasure the experience.
Are you planning a memorable trip with your little ones yet?
