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Here are some top tips for Camping with a Baby. Most people I chat to start with the premise that it can’t be done, shouldn’t be done, or that they simply wouldn’t do it! However here are some Camping with a Baby tips from me and some other travel bloggers who have all done it.
1. Choose the right location: For your first outing, pick a place that’s not too far from home and offers some basic amenities, like a bathroom. And, if you can, find a shady campsite that’s not too close to others.
2. Pack a travel cot/Moses basket/Sleepyhead when camping with a baby. As you know if your baby feels comfortable and safe, they will sleep better!
What is the best baby camping bed?
Baby camping bed – We have a couple of Travel Cot reviews here both of which would be great for camping with a baby – Baby Hub Travel Cot and Travel Cot
2. Camping with a baby in cold weather can be trickier. Keep them warm with layers, a sleeping bag, extra blankets, even the barmiest summer evening in the uk can be cold in the middle of the night.
3. Breast fed babies need nothing extra, but for formula fed babies why not consider using ready made formula and take Milton cold water sterilising tablets for bottles.
4. Stick as close to your usual sleep routine as possible when Camping with a Baby.
5. Have a bottle prepared for the middle of the night if needs be, or for breastfeeding make sure there is easy access to you!
6. Pack their favourite comforter when camping with a baby, and a couple more favourite teddies so the cot feels like home.
5. Consider parking the car in an accessible spot if a quick drive round the block is necessary to calm a crying child.
6. Toilet blocks usually offer a warmer space and a door to stop the crying travelling if your baby can’t be settled in the middle of the night.
6. Remember if you choose you site well then most people will have been in your shoes and won’t be worried about a crying baby. They don’t cry as loud as you think they do!
7. Weaning? – pouches, ready made food or home made pots can all be warmed easily on a camping stove.
8. Pack twice as many outfits as you think you will need, particularly if crawling as morning grass is wet whatever the weather.
9. Pack extra nappies and wipes. Wipes are useful for everything and everyone.
10. Katy at Otis & Us recommends packing a separate small bag with a few toys/books in and pjs, comforters and bottle just incase you arrive late – saves hunting for everything in the dark !
11. Using a Flexi-Bucket as a bath is a top tip from Claire at Tin Box Traveller, easy to fill and you can use it to pack things in in the car too. It will also double up as your washing up bowl.
12. Relax – babies feel your stress. If you’re relaxed they will be too. Enjoy it – have fun – after all that’s what it’s all about!
For more posts on Camping with a Baby why not check out:
5 Tips for Camping with a Baby from Kiddie Holidays
Camping with a Baby from Travel Mad Mum
Babies on Board at a Festival from Muchies & Munchkins
Keeping Baby Cosy Whilst Glamping from Sidestreet Style
How to Survive and Enjoy Camping with Young Children from Travel Loving Family
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Thank you for sharing this. I love camping but ever since I got pregnant with my little girl, I stopped for a year. So, I think it’s a great time to share that hobby with the little one. Anyways, good read and informative. Thank you for this!
Great list! I know that parents in some nordic countries leave their babies out in the cold for an hour or so at a time, it’s apparently good for them. So don’t feel TOO bad about camping out in the cold. Plus it’s awesome to let a baby experience the outdoors so they grow up more comfortable there and more appreciative of nature. Great job all around!
This list might become handy! Definitely something we will be using.
Nice tips for camping with baby. I also think you could say pack more food than usual because the breastfeeding mom is going to need it. See, she has to have energy for her outdoor activity as well as make milk for baby. Right? But then, I am just a man …
Sometimes taking your baby outdoor to experience the world is good for their health. It can increase their sensitivity. but their safety is the first priority. You have given the best tips to make sure a baby can enjoy camping. Parents should pack a portable humidifier with them. It can purify the fresh air and make it much healthier.
Great tips.Next months I am planning a tour with my baby. I hope this tips will help me.Thank you for sharing this.
It’s really great idea. This is very helpful information. I like you all tips. Thank you for shear a great information.
Thanks for sharing. Yep – prep is everything when it comes to camping – especially with the little ones! Took me years to perfect our checklist and I recently put that on my site to help other fellow campers.
great post, you covered almost everything of the camping.