Planning a Camping Trip: Camping with Babies

If you were a camper and hiker before the birth of your son or daughter, chances are you can't wait to get back outdoors and share the experiences with them. The most common question related to camping with babies is, 'When is the perfect time to introduce them to camping?'. The answer will be different for everyone depending on their camping experiences and the temperament of their baby. But know that camping with a baby can not only be done, but it can be fun as well! You don't have to cancel memorable yearly family trips once the new family member comes along. Instead, plan to introduce them slowly but surely and before you know it your baby will love being outside and love camping with you!

Camping with kids always calls for adjustments. Camping with babies certainly calls for even more. The key to successful outings with a wee one is to A) lower your expectations and B) go with the flow and plan for everything! A rigorously planned camping trip is not going to be fun for anyone. Baby has his or her own way of doing things, and when something needs done, they need it done! Diaper blowouts, spit-up and teething are all things that have to be considered when planning a camping trip with them. Babies also call for additional packing needs. Below are some tips to keep in mind to help you plan a memorable outing together as a family with baby on board!

• Take baby camping when YOU are comfortable - Deciding when to take a baby on a camping trip is more of an issue for the parents and other family members than it is for the baby (bad weather aside). Babies really don't care if they are outside all day (in fact, most PREFER it), but you have to be comfortable with the care that's involved outside of home. Changing diapers, calming a fussy baby, entertaining, cooking and naps all need to be considered. That being said, most babies can begin camping immediately, or as soon as mom has healed enough from delivery to feel up to it.
• Plan for everything- Make sure you bring extra clothes, extra blankets, extra food and of course, extra patience! Try to mimic the sleeping environment that your baby currently enjoys. For example, at the time of our daughter's first successful camping trip (3.5 months old), we packed her travel swing since she loved sleeping in that. It didn't take up much room in the tent, and she was able to sleep soundly on her first trip out. We also made sure to bring her favorite pajamas, blankets and special toys to help make her feel more at home. As a nursing mom, I also brought the boppy I used everyday and made sure to pack a camp chair that was comfortable for the long nursing sessions our daughter enjoyed.
• Bring layers- Make sure to bring clothing for all types of weather - hot and cold or dry and wet. On our camping trip, the weather started out fairly warm, but the temperature dropped significantly at night. We had plenty of fleece clothing for our little one, as well as extra blankets and jackets, so it wasn't a problem. Remember to check both the temperature highs and lows for your family camping trip so you won't be unprepared.
• Be Flexible - You won't be able to do as much with a baby in tow, so remember to be flexible and take things slower. If you planned on setting up camp in just 30 minutes, adjust your expectations for things like unexpected diaper issues, crying or feeding times. Babies need to eat often, so remember you will have to take more breaks than usual.
• Choose a location close to home- Sometimes, that first camping trip just doesn't work out. Whether it's because someone forgot something, bad weather or baby just not being cooperative, it is normal to have to leave early on a family camping trip, especially if it's your first. The first time we tried to take our daughter camping, we only lasted 2 hours. That summer we experienced record-breaking heat well into late September. The location we choose for our camping trip was right by a lake, very scenic and pretty. All these factors caused a terrible humidity to form over our camp once the sun went down. Our daughter did not like it, and she began a terrible screaming fest. In respect for the nearby campers, we quickly packed up and went home. Luckily we had chosen a spot only 20 minutes away in case something like this did happen!
• Pack Accordingly- Babies bring with them a lot of gear. Don't forget to bring with you things like extra diapers, wipes, a change pad, a playpen or small kid's tent (if they are mobile), bottles, formula or breast-pump. Pureed baby foods and finger foods should be brought as well if you baby has them regularly. A special carrier for baby is also extremely helpful, such as the Kelty TC 2.0 carrier or Moby Wrap, depending on the size of your baby.

Taking your first camping trip with a baby can be daunting and overwhelming, but chances are, as long as you have planned properly, the trip will be memorable and low-stress for all.