Camping With Your Baby
I love to camp. I have fond memories as a child sitting around the campfire with my family cooking hot dogs and s'mores. This last weekend, my husband and I took our 6 month old daughter camping with us for two nights at Goblin Valley State Park. When we were first planning this trip, I have to say I was very hesitant. I was nervous about how was I going to take care of our daughter with ease when we’re camping in the desert. Despite my concerns, the trip went really well. I also learned from my mistakes and learned how I can improve for our next camping trip. Here a some tips and ideas you can use when you’re planning your summer camping trip with your little ones:
Bring your playpen
Whether you’re camping in the woods or the desert, it is not ideal for your baby to play on the ground. A playpen allows your baby to have somewhere to play. It is also a place for them to sleep, especially if it is a playpen with a bassinet feature.
Bring your Bumbo, portable high chair, or jumper seat
Even if your child can already sit up, a Bumbo (or the like) is a great place for them to stay put while you’re setting up camp or starting dinner. It’s also great for meal time!
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Babies have very sensitive skin. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but it comes with a price. I recommend lathering on the baby sunscreen every couple of hours. Also, make sure to bring hats! Bring beanies for when it is cold at night, and sun hats for the daytime. Also, provide shade as much as possible for your baby, whether it is a canopy or a tree.
Stick to your baby’s diet
If feeding your baby is a concern for going camping, don’t fret! If your baby is breastfed, there isn’t much to worry about. If you’re baby is on formula, it may be a good idea to make bottles ahead of time and put them in your cooler. When it is time to feed your baby, heat up a cup of water in the fire or portable stove and use it to heat up the bottle. If your baby is on solids, bring more food that you know they will eat. Knowing your baby is fed and happy will ease your mind.
Don’t skimp on the diapers and wipes
The last thing you want is to run out of diapers when you’re 30+ miles from the nearest convenience store. If you think you have enough diapers, pack more. Stash them in your glove compartment or other places in your car that doesn't take up a lot of space. You won’t regret it.
Help your child feel comfortable
Your child doesn’t know why they aren’t at home, and that may be stressful for them. If they have a binky, security blanket, or toy, make sure to bring it. My daughter has a stuffed moose she sleeps with. When it was time for bed, her moose helped calm and comfort her to sleep.
Bring a carrier
If you plan a hike on your trip, you need to bring a carrier! Whether it is a front carrier or a fancy backpack one with a shade, you’ll be happy you brought it. 
Here's a glimpse of Goblin Valley State Park. I highly recommend going there to see it yourself!
we camped with my then 1 yr 4 month old boy. It was our first camping trip and we thought we were prepared. We left the campsite earlier than expected because it just didn't work for us. For one, we did not take enough (thick) blankets so in the mornings, we were cold. So the next time we go, I will make sure to pack extra warm beddings/sleeping bag. Also, our campsite had a lake but our little one was not very keen on bathing in the lake. Good thing we had an inflatable kiddie pool with us and it was a big lifesaver. He loved his own swimming spot. Now with two kids, we are still not so sure about going but we would definitely give it a try again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas for families with bringing extra blankets and a kiddie pool!
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