All You Need to Know to Camp with Your Babies and Kids: Camping Activities with Babies
So you are considering going camping with a newborn? I can assure you it is a crazy journey. The thought of fresh air, speakers outdoors, and the sight on your baby’s face in all walks of life. Sounds magical, right? However, before you put your suitcase together, here are a few fun things to do with your little one, so he/she has as much fun while traveling.
I was initially apprehensive when I took my baby camping for the first time. Would they enjoy it? But would it be better than stressful?
SPOILER: It was a ton of fun, but it also sparked a couple other issues. But hey, that’s part of the joy! So here are some tips and activities that we did to make our camping trip as pleasurable (GCF) as possible.
Exploring Nature
The best activities are just going outside and exploring nature. Babies are amazed by everything—the swaying of leaves, birds’ holi cries, and even the feel of grass. Spread out a quilt, turn your tiny one loose on it, and enjoy the glistening eyes of wonder. Make sure to watch out for bugs and stuff.
Baby-Friendly Hikes
Go on a baby-friendly hike with your little one if you are feeling adventurous. Put your baby in a carrier and go for a walk. Take easy, shaded paths and rest as necessary. I even recall one hike when my kidnapped with the encouragement of nature—you know how better a walking stroller can work than any rocking chair!
Water Play
Water play Water at your campsite provides hours of fun, whether it’s a lake or stream. Allow your baby to play in the shallow areas while you supervise. However, it can be made even more entertaining if you include some bath toys. Oh, and Swimmi with an ‘i’ just because trust me about the diapers—no regular ones.
Campfire Songs and Stories
Campfires at night are made for singing and storytelling. To help end the day, it’s time to sing some lullabies or soft storytelling. The way he gazed at the flickering flames and listened to my (not-great) singing. What a cuddly way to go to bed and make some memories with the wife.
Plus excitement and serendipity of camping with the baby against Dara walk bushwhack duty And the correct exercises and a little humor It can be an amazing journey. Pack up, be adaptable, and prepare to go on a journey that you will remember with your baby forever.
How to Camp with a Baby
When you have a baby, camping can seem like the last thing in the world that would make for a great time. Scratch that… it is an amazing adventure if you prepare just enough! I get it; I really do. It is oh-so challenging to take a little one outside and keep them happy. From obvious tips to musings that are sure to make you laugh, this straightforward guide will help you with your planning when camping with a baby.
Choose the Right Location
Location: Choose the right spot. You do not want to drive for hours just to get a crying baby and overwhelmed parents.
Let’s stop driving now, for good ambiance. Upon arrival, seek out campgrounds with extras such as bathrooms and water sources.
If you can, try to distance yourself from the other campsites as well. Babies are loud, and everyone needs their own space. And also don’t forget to keep cool and in the shade—no one wants a baby with an uncomfortable sunburn!
Bring a Large Tent
Next up, bring a large tent. This means you will need a lot of space to make room for your baby gear. If possible, keep your configuration flexible by using a portacrib or pack-and-play. This is the sleepsack that will change the way you think about safe sleep and make your brain worry a little bit less so you can get some good rest. Make sure to pack a few comforts from home, like like your favorite blanket or stuffed animal. So when it feels weird and uncomfortable to be in a new place, having these familiar items around can make you feel more at home.
Keep Baby's Meals Simple
For meals, keep meals simple. Shaw says meal planning is all about portable, easily-served finger foods. Namely, baby cereal, fruit pouches, or little snacks. Another—less glamorous but more portable—way to get around: Bring a booster seat and lots of communication. Take along quick-to-eat foods. I attempted to cook one very elaborate meal at the campsite—and discovered that this was not ideal.
Dress Baby in Layers
So how can you dress your little one for a walk in the great outdoors? Layer up, BabyKeep baby in layers to accommodate for varying weather conditions. Avoid cotton; it doesn’t dry well and your child will feel clammy. There is the concern of not overdressing your baby also—you do not want them to be overly warm. And of course, diapers as usual and plenty of extras in the bag.
How to keep bugs and sun off you Factory Girl Bot Protect Eyes Baby.
Lastly, keep bugs and sun away from you and your baby—cover up when possible to avoid bug bites and sunburn. A baby-safe bug spray is an absolute must, as well as those long sleeves and pants. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible to make your baby comfortable.
Camping with a baby takes some extra forethought, but it can absolutely be done and is well worth the time. Pack your bags, remain adaptable, and let the journey of time commence. And like those diapers in the great outdoors, a little humor can go a long way!
Camping with new borns and Infants
There is nothing quite like camping with a newborn or an infant, and at first blush, the very thought of it might seem overwhelming, but so long as you have the right gear and attitude, it can be an amazing experience for the whole family. How to camp with a baby: tips and essentials
A Crazy Creek Chair
For starters, get yourself a Crazy Creek chair. Nofred Mouse Chair The perfect tiny seat for the moments when you need to feed, sit, or just take a breath holding your baby. Let me tell you, when you are out in the wild, it is going to make a BIG difference having somewhere nice to sit. Introducing also quite light and portable — a very small beginning to win!
A Barrier Between You and Your Baby
You then need something to keep you from rolling over and crushing your baby while you are asleep. You just need a portable crib or a travel bassinet. It means you can both sleep soundly in safety and comfort without the fear of rolling over or encroaching on your sides within the confined walls of the tent. They also set the stage for your baby to get acclimated to sleeping on his or her own, which is a win!
An Extra Layer to Keep Your Baby Cozy
Your baby needs to be warm at all times, and even more so when the temps drop at night. Bring lots of blankets and a warm sleeping bag to keep your kids warm. Because nothing is worse than a cold, mad baby at 3 AM in the woods.
Layer it: Bring a variety of items that can be layered.
A Carrier
A carrier is non-negotiable. A carrier lets you keep your baby close while keeping your hands free to tackle. just about everything from hiking a trail to strolling around the campgrounds. Babies also enjoy feeling their parents move and hearing their heartbeat, so it can be very comforting for them as well. Make sure this is a carrier both you and baby will be comfortable in, or you might get traded some angry baby vibes or an emergency chiropractic visit for all of the back restraints.
A Warm Nursing Top
For those cold mornings and nights, a warm nursing top will save you. The quick access to nursing is great, and if you plan to use the sweater as a winter layer, it will make nursing easier and warmer for both you and your baby in cooler places or seasons. It’s an essential piece for the week, helping you keep your baby content and cozy without the need for extra layers. Plus, you’ll avoid those moments of frustration with a hungry, impatient child.
A Sound Machine
Then go on your way and grab a sound machine. The repeated white noise he or she is used to will help them feel “at home” and sleep better through all of the unfamiliar sounds nature is bound to impose on their sweet little ears. Grape Juice It obscures the rustling leaves and once-in-a-while owl hoots that could wake our small baby. And it’s a little slice of home you can carry around with you.
How to Keep Your Baby Clean While Camping
Camping with my baby means trying to keep them clean… or not dirty, more like! Initially,
I maintain normal routines to the extent that I can. As long as I can keep on a schedule with washing it, it will be in good shape. And as for those annoying bugs, I dress my kids in lightweight clothes that cover their skin because we all know a happy baby is a bite-free baby! And the tent along with sleeping pads. I always have a soft mattress and try to keep the tent as clean as possible so the baby does not turn into a filthy child.
Picture this: “Look, mom! I’m a camping raccoon!” Nope, not on my watch! Some planning means I can avoid having (and giving) a piggy-in-mud wrestling baby!
Here are a few of my favorite tips… for sleeping in a tent with a baby
It can be kind of a circus sideshow trying to balance camping with a baby, but once you figure it all out, you are in good shape. Getting a good night’s sleep in a tent is one of the challenges. Believe me, I have made every mistake in the book, and I am going to give you my top tips for keeping an organized sleeping tent firm when camping with a baby.
Be Flexible
Start with this: adjust. When you camp with a baby, flexibility can become your middle name faster than you can say ” s’mores. They loom in the back of my head, but I learned to just go with it because let’s be real—the baby doesn’t give an eff about what kind of quiet night under the stars I had planned. There are nights I will sleep through like a rock, and then there are the musical chairs kind of nights just to feel comfortable, thereby moving around this way and that. Embrace the predictability! Don’t forget, in case your infant desires to play at 2 AM, this too shall pass. And in the end, it could make for a good story!
Bring a Big Tent
Next up, bring a big tent. Long ago, I had thoughts that a small two-man tent (something cozy) would do until it came to my senses, which was essentially like stuffing an elephant in a Mini Cooper! As you will be bringing more than one family of campers and such tents are larger, the remaining good choice is to take something bigger if space permits. A roomy tent is one where you can move about without performing advanced yoga poses every time you want to grab something. And it gives you a bit of territory relief between your sleeping space and all the gear (diaper bags, anyone!).
One way to keep a baby secure is by using a portable crib or play yard
Stash away a portable crib or play yard for naps. How many times a damn lifesaver this has been for me, I can not even begin to express. It provides a safe place to sleep for my tiny man, as well as preventing him from rolling off into the abyss (i.e., AWA: area-wide adult party). Besides, most of these portable cribs that have the vibe of a crib are a little more comforting for my child to lie in. It’s a little piece of home away from home! For the little ones, you can put it out on the ground in the morning so they can walk, crawl, and roll over it during the day exploring their new discovery before bedtime.
Pack Some Comforts of Home
Last but not least, pack some favorites from home. I always bring a few blankets and toys that I know my baby loves! Even the smallest comforts can help so much in making this completely unfamiliar wilderness feel like home. My baby had a blanket the other night that we found, and as soon as he had it, there was this instant calming effect, like they were saying, “Ohhh yes, my companion is back! Adventure can commence!” It is really remarkable how such an easy thing can have such a significant impact on their rest and comfort.
So there you have it. Camping with a baby might look and sound terrifying at first, but with a little flexibility, good gear, and some home comforts thrown in here or there, you are golden. Ok, so you may not be able to sleep all 8 perfect hours the season calls for, but who needs sleep when you have the great outdoors and laughter of your little one? Now go have fun and let the wild ride of a timeshare presentation begin. These tourists learned some good lessons from their first timeshare presentation that they will never forget.
How Did We Do?
When it comes to camping with a baby, I like to say, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew!” We began, then, by sticking close to home at merely a stone’s throw from the civilizing influences of town. We figured out a bit sooner that a 5-minute trip was way better than waiting until he and I were already over the edge! We made our trips brief, but not too brief, because we believed it was necessary to leave a good memory instead of a clean getaway. You already know that Camping with Baby is possible, so I made your campsite baby-friendly and easy to navigate. And come on, I wasn’t playing around with where to sleep. The baby felt that something was not right—and so did I. The comfort of knowing we had been provided with somewhere met both my own need to rest at night in order to care for the baby all day long.
Ek alag food supply—bacha bhookha to Jaws waali scene jaise lag raha hota hai ki chalnaa padega kucch bara ataa hi. This is like, duh, but pack another package of diapers because chances are you may have underestimated the amount of wet/dirty diapers you would be changing on your first trip.
Separates: Layers were key as well—babies’ comfort had to be the number one priority, especially when in and out of air-conditioned places where temperatures could match a roller coaster. I also packed a safe and comfortable place for my baby to sit and sleep during the day because, let’s face it, a happy baby = happy camper!
We packed a toy from home that was his favorite, and it did wonders when he needed some sort of cuddly comfort to feel close again. Also, the “just in case” toiletries because who needs an out? I went as far as to take a nightlight because sleeping in a tent with two kids at night is horror-movie-style scary! Last, I was easy on myself. I was, after all, camping with a baby, not going to the summit of Everest! After all, it was the journey that counted, right? The humor on most days (hopefully) and trying again would come when we finally packed double the amount of snacks.
Advice for Camping in a Tent with Am Infant
Camping with a baby? Now that’s an adventure! I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous about sleeping in a tent with the little one, but some of these suggestions really helped! To not repeat that, here is how to have the smoothest experience for both of us!
Be Flexible
The first lesson was to remain flexible. Babies are all about routine, but camping mostly involves rolling with the punches. If all of a sudden your little one is now deciding they need to nap, but at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are trying to set up camp, just go with it!
You just need to move the schedule around or take that nap in between parks. It´s just part of the charm of camping! I also discovered a side effect of waiting for my baby to determine our sleeping schedule—it gave me some unexpected free time. Win-win!
Bring a Big Tent
Now let me tell you about the tent. What I learned, though one amongst many, is that a big tent can truly save your life. Truth be told, I initially was under the notion that it would not require that much space as one of those yuppy two-person tents, but when we tried to fit in a travel crib, blivepose, and other baby gear, it felt like playing Tetris! A roomy tent gives you room to stretch, and the baby can crawl around a bit. Believe me, you’ll need all the space you can get after a day in the great outdoors!
Use a Portable Crib/Play Yard
Our alternate solution was to use a portable crib or play yard, and that was another game-changer for us. It allowed my baby a safe space to sleep, and it also gave me peace of mind that they were not going anywhere! It would also be able to be set up in the tent and kept off of the ground, which is a plus for camping. And it served as an excellent playground by daytime, too! I literally could sit the little baby in there while making BB lunch (let’s face it, it gave me a few minutes of peace—or at least long enough to finally drink cold coffee!).
Pack Some Favorites from Home
Last, but not least, some of your own favorites from home. Plan to take things that remind you of home, and consider taking something familiar, such as a blanket or your favorite stuffed animal. At bedtime, my little one was far more comfortable cuddling up with their favorite bunny than if they were looking at a foreign tent ceiling. The littlest bit of home can go a long way in making a camping trip feel less, shall we say, campy!
So there you have it! If you can be a little bit flexible and enjoy setting up your air bed in a tent, combined with having a travel cot and some familiar things from home, camping with a baby can be ever so enjoyable. You know what? If all else fails, give yourself an extra snack. As seen below, camping is all about the food (and memories). Happy camping!
Meal Planning for a Baby
Well, for one—meal planning for a baby is no small feat, and I have discovered that cleanliness comes first. I mean, let us be honest, most babies are not the neatest when they eat. I’m pretty sure this is why baby food is called “baby food and not “baby-fly-into-your-hair” food! To save on cleaning, I bring special wipes as well as a plastic mat where I let the perturbative purées and rebellious Cheerios fly.
Trust me, it saves my sanity! In addition, I pack foods that are quick to make and eat. I have been going for pouches of pureed fruits, small finger snacks, and quick-to-cook oatmeal. And the enjoyment of seeing my baby eat while taking a sip of coffee (yes, obviously cold when I finally remember to drink it!) is just unbeatable. In other words, whether sitting around the campfire or lying in the tent, simple meals equate to more time for play and fewer stress-related snack disasters!
How to Dress Baby for Camping
When camping with your baby, dressing him requires a level of weather roulette most parents have never experienced. For starters, I always layer Super. So if it suddenly gets so much colder, I can add a sweater or some kind of jacket. This is like assembling a baby camping burrito! The next lesson was to stay away from cotton like the plague. So instead, what I hope for is apparently moisture-wicking, so it keeps my little ones warm but also keeps them dry. Nobody likes a soggy baby! I know what you are thinking: “Why not keep them bundled up? Not exactly! Whatever it is, we are in Hawaii, and it feels even warmer now that I have my little s’mores cooker raging with oven-like temps. It’s debatable what really happens in a crop of coconut palms. Oh, and we can’t leave out the diaper situation—same old, same old! If you have a baby of your own, be sure to thoroughly inspect that little bum frequently, especially after some outside expeditions. A happy camper is a comfortable baby. Trust me on that last one.
How To Keep Bugs Off Of Your Baby While Camping
After baby number one, and the first time I took a little one camping with me, I learned bark bugs and sun protection goals should be at the top of the list of necessities. Before all else, I reduced the surface area of exposed skin. I had to dress my helper in light-weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants as air would escape at the openings, making him look like a cute baby camping ninja. My baby would have won a “Adorable Bug Defender” award if there was such a thing! Secondly, I concentrated on finding shade whenever I could. I was always seeking that perfect tree or shade from our tent so my baby would never have direct sunlight. Also, who doesn’t love a nice cool shady place to chill at? So while I may have appeared as a bit of a sun hat enthusiast with all my paraphernalia, at least my baby was safe from those biting insects and sunlight (however harmful they were). It’s all just a blast being out camping, but it’s a ton more fun when your baby is safe too!
Camping Tips with a 1-Year-Old
Camping with a 1-year-old is quite the experience. Listed below are the top five tips on how to keep your adventure fun and manageable:
- Sleep Tip: Sleep Matters Even in the Wild! I realized the importance of creating a bedtime ritual to tell my baby — it is time to sleep now. I will typically sing your favorite lullabies ( sorry for singing you in the voices of a cat stuck in a blender) and that usually does it!
- Nap time: Nap times are tough while camping. Image from Koffeecup: Timing is everything Take hubby or a nanny, let them sleep in the carrier if need be, and/or plan hikes or activities for noonish when you have an easygoing 2-year-old napping or playing on her own. Plus, a free pass to have a quick rest!
- Clothing for Baby Wearing layers on my little one was a lifesaver! I packed loose-fitting, breathable- Fabrics for the day time and warmer layers for the evenings. Also, lets face it, its always better to over pack layers than be the parent wearing a tiny baby jumper incased in your huge ski jacket as you forgot the babies sweater!
- Simplicity is key, you guys!! Meal Planning: When it comes to food. I packed finger foods that my little one could eat easily and conveniently; I took some slices fruit, cheese cubes, and a few of their favorite snacks. Mess(less) Meals: Additionally, I am all about cleaner meals (Ha. as if). Don’t forget that the whole point of camping is getting into it with nature, not spending hours scrubbing dried peas out of the tent!
- 1-Year-Old Camp Trip Packing List: I packed ALL the things: diapers, wipes, baby food, and a folding high chair (or something that can be used as one). Pack some favorite toys so they can have fun While you try to pitch the tent. Oh, and I JUST might have snuck in a couple of my own.
- Camping safety (1 year old)—your number one concern! I never took my eyes off of my little explorer. I set up a place where there was no danger and kept things like firewood, sharp devices, etc. out of the way. When this happens, use caution to avoid creating a camping mess!
Caring for a 1-year-old while camping can be all the more stressful, but with this list of hacks, camping with your 1-year-old will become truly memorable! Happy camping!
Factors to Consider Before Camping with a Baby
As I prepare to delve into the crazy world of camping with my baby, I realize there are a few major things I must take into account, or we will be in store for a type of glamping that looks more like a sitcom episode. Baby age and stage — different stages have different needs. This phase is entirely alien to a newborn, rather than a wandering toddler. I had to wonder if my child could fathom the actual outdoors or if they would simply sleep their way through it (which, you know what, doesn’t sound so bad some days). Believe me, you do not want to get stuck in a downpour while dealing with a child having a bad day. Realized just how important checking the forecast is in advance. It is called fresh air, not an automatic water park! Eventually, I had to ask myself, Do I want to be comfortable? Because, let’s be honest, if I’m not comfortable, a good time camping will never be had. Therefore, I made sure to bring the proper gear for both of us so we could get out in nature and not have to be super uncomfortable. Remember, this is camping, not a survival reality show!
Tent Camping with a Baby
Camping in a tent with a baby is one of the most epic adventures there are, complete with
excitement, obstacles, and memories. Well, that was my strategy on this adventure so you don’t end up sleeping in the car!
- This is how we adventure in Choosing a Campground and Campsite The ideal setup is that it’s a family campground with a restroom and picnic table available. Having a site that’s only an hour or two away could spare you from several hours of hell in the car with a screaming baby. Oh, and find some shade. No one wants to be sitting in the sun roasting while the little one is asleep!
- WHAT TO BRING: I always get super overwhelmed with packing, but was strategic about it this time around. I create a list and am strictly sticking to a great blowing as big tent as my friends with a portable crib (so the baby does not have to sleep in it for long naps) and OF BUSINESS diapers there are you wanting! And bring a couple of baby toys and comfort objects. You never know they could be the magic to prevent a full-on meltdown!
- Maximizing Sleep Strategies: We all know that precious sleep is so important, right? I have discovered that making a cozy, familiar sleep space in the tent is critical. Bring along dark sheets to cover the windows and also pack a travel sound machine. It works wonders! My baby sleeps as if he is in a luxury 5-star hotel. (Well, that is what I like to think of while losing sleep over it!)
- Night Feedings: The fun of night feedings! At the entrance of our tent is a little caddy-o-essential-baby-poops, aka. That way, I am not stumbling around in the dark like a toddler lost searching for their shoes. It makes those middle-of-the-night wake-ups a little less scary. But hey, that’s part of the charm of camping, right? (At least this is what I am telling myself).
- Feeding Older Babies: Once your kiddo is out of the bottle stage, you may be wondering what mealtimes really should look like. Pre-mix bottles or the right supplies for formula-fed babies. Pumping moms—cooler with ice packs to the rescue! And if your little one likes to eat the solids, pack some small food so he can handle it. You would be amazed how much they could consume in a camp chair, acting like little kings and queens!
So basically, tent camping with a baby is a crazy, messy whirlwind adventure. Lean into the madness, get ready, have fun, and make every moment awesome. And who knows, you might just enjoy it… But don’t forget the important stuff, like marshmallows!!
What to Pack, Baby Camping Edition
The most important thing to include when packing for a camping trip with a baby is clothes and lots of them! Here are the items that I found necessary to make our less ‘just getting by’ and closer to what can be considered comfortable:
Lounging/sleepwear: First things first, comfortable lounging/sleepwear. Soft pajamas that are perfect for my little one to snuggle in, as well as me, during those nights softly encapsulated by the stars. I never leave home without a couple of backups anyway. (Am I the only one who has had to go back at midnight because of a diaper blow-out that ruined my favorite outfit?!)
- Layers for Protection: Next, I always exceed layers for protection. Maybe weather is not always in our action, especially when it comes to playing outside but I like layers that are comfortably put together for my baby. A nice long-sleeved onesie and a lightweight sweater over it is perfect! And I think multi-layered attire gives me more choices for those casual shots. What do you think? Instagram-worthy?
- This reinforces it as a camping essential category and also applies to the following: Waterproof Jacket—If not already part of your list, add it! Sun shines, skies are blue and summer is at hand — or so the weather report would predict (say goodbye to your plans for that barbecue in the park). I finally learned this the hard way when we got caught in a drizzle and my baby was not the only thing soaked. This helps to keep your baby dry and prevents you from getting soggier!
- Diaper Changes: Last in the line, and don’t forget about these. Pack lots of outfits that can be easily removed without too much trouble from… I know you would think this one speaks for itself! I am all about stretchy waistbands and snaps, which are so much easier during a late-night change in the middle of a campsite. I mean, who wants to wrestle with a baby who is squirming all over the place while you are trying to put his diaper on? Believe me, you get a workout doing this.
So there you go—a few key clothing essentials that can make camping with a baby brighter and lighter. The best kind of gear is the type that lets me focus on creating memories and less on clothing my kiddos appropriately! Happy camping!
Tips for making your baby camping More Enjoyable
- Keep Busy: One of the first things I learned is that sitting still absolutely cannot happen. Small babies are adventurers; they like to explore. I took care to schedule some fun stuff, even if it was only a brief hike or a mini-picnic at the campground. Believe me, a baby who is busy is always a happy baby. If they are happy, then I can fake smile while drinking my by-cow coffee (faux, however), which is now cold.
- Step 2: A one-sentence reminder about not overdoing it On the other hand, do not overdo. I learned very quickly that less is usually more when you are camping with little ones. We also found that a simple, easy-to-follow itinerary reduced the time spent packing up the car for a day out. So, instead, I chose sheer enjoyment and did not worry about fitting everything in, though who needs events scheduled when you can spend an afternoon watching ants at work?
- Expectations vs. Reality: Last but not least, we need to talk about expectations vs. reality. it sounds like an 2018 thing, right? Here’s the thing, I had it all in my head: all of us smiling at sunset, perfectly behaved children while we slept soundly under a sky so clear with stars; it was almost like I dared the universe to make me wrong. Spoiler: my baby had other ideas! There were meltdowns, nap oversights, and even bugs for an entirely new horror movie. But you know what? Half of the adventure is getting lost! The fun part is that while entrusting the mess, I got some really good stories and chuckles out of it
Get started, and be prepared to make memories of a lifetime. Camping with a baby will not always be Instagram material, but it will be filled with love, laughter, and maybe some dirt. Happy camping!
