Family camping can be a wonderful experience, building very strong connections with loved ones and the natural world. Camping helps mold values in children and adults alike. The memories last a lifetime and are often told time and time again at family gatherings. Camping helps the family reconnect to the natural rhythm of themselves, each other and to life. Camping with a baby does not need to be difficult. Lots of people take their baby camping and you can too. It just takes some extra special, loving organization and planning to ensure all the babies needs will be fully met. This will help ensure that everyone will have a great time and really enjoy the experience. Introducing your baby to camping early helps them establish a connection to the natural world and themselves at a core level from an early age. It allows the family to enjoy years of outdoor fun and togetherness. So let's get started.
Preparation: As with all checklists you might want to add some items to this list or scratch some off. Use this list as a guide to creating your own camping checklist.
Double Unbrella Stroller
Camping With Baby Checklist:
Baby carrier (This is an important item, especially if you plan on hiking. Be sure to test it out before you take it camping.)
Baby swing
Story books
Bibs (If possible, bring a bib for each meal.)
Diapers
Properly fitted life jacket (for babies 20 pounds and up)
Cloth diapers (For nursing, etc.)
Pacifier with clip and ribbon or string
Extra pacifier
Diaper bag
Portable high chair
Baby food
Formula (ready-made rather than powder)
Bottles (extra bottles)
Nipples (extra nipples)
Disposable utensils (Don't worry about Mother Nature. You can wash and reuse disposable utensils when you get home.)
Mittens (You can double up socks if necessary.)
Waterproof ziploc bags
Hand sanitizer (for mom)
Mosquito netting to put around playpen
Portable bassinet or pack-and-play
Bedding for baby
Clothing for all temperatures
Clothing that can be layered
Extra clothes
Good sunscreen that is safe for babies.
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt (to protect baby from the sun and bug bites)
Extra socks
Umbrella for shade
Play tent
Hat, helmet or glasses with built-in light (for mom)
Extra plastic bags (for soiled diapers, trash and laundry)
Battery operated baby monitor
Plastic tablecloth or drop cloth (For baby play area)
Favorite toys
Stroller
Pajamas with footies
Clothes line
Clothes pins
Outside toys and beach toys
Sippy cups
Snacks
Baby wipes (You will need lots of these.)
Hat (for protection from the sun)
Baby eating utensils
Disposable changing pads
Portable playpen (for keeping baby clean, occupied, and out of trouble. A playpen also make a nice place for baby to sleep.)
Baby blankets (extras for cold nights)
Baby thermometer
First aid kit for baby
Tummy tub or bath for baby (You can also use a plastic storage container for bathing baby.)
Camping With Baby Tips:
Consult your pediatrician before planning the camping trip, especially for an infant with special needs.
Test the waters with a short one-night or weekend-only trip with baby. You might even want to try camping out in the backyard first.
Choose a site close to the bathrooms and washing areas. This will not only be very convenient for changing diapers, cleaning up, using sinks etc., but it also will give you and baby a way of stepping away from camp for a moment.
Be extra vigilant about what baby is putting into their mouth. Try a pacifier to keep baby from looking for things to eat. Keep it clipped on babies chest with a short string or ribbon to prevent it from getting too dirty, too often.
When getting together babies wardrobe remember that layering is key to keeping baby both warm and cool. Long sleeves and pants protect baby from the sun and bugs.
Always pack more than you think you will need of everything; clothing, socks, diapers, formula, food, etc. You will especially need lots and lots of baby wipes. Babies can get very dirty out there and so can you and the rest of the family. Baby wipes will keep the entire family clean.
A portable playpen with mosquito netting will keep your baby out of trouble, clean and protected from mosquitoes.
If you bottle-feed, ready-made formula is much easier than powder. No mixing or refrigeration is required. Use bottles with disposable plastic liners. Store sterilized nipples, pacifiers and bottles in Ziploc bags until use. Try to bring enough clean, sterilized bottles, nipples and pacifiers for the entire trip if possible. You can always sterilize them when you get home. If necessary you can sterilize baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers in boiling water at camp.
Follow baby's normal sleeping schedule, if possible. Be sure to follow safe sleeping instructions for baby to avoid SIDS risk. Consider investing in a pack-and-play.
Bugs can be vicious while camping. Dress baby in ways so that there is as little exposed skin as possible. Most mosquito repellents are not suitable for small infants. Ask the pharmacist for baby safe insect repellent. Use mosquito netting over top of playpen and stroller.
Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and set it beneath a shady tree or an umbrella. You and baby can lounge around, relax and eat lunch together. Double-layered, waterproof backing picnic blankets make a great choice.
Keep baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Long pants and longs sleeves help keep the sun off of baby. Cotton is both cool and comfortable for your little one. Use sunscreen that is safe for infants. Sunscreens may cause an allergic reaction in very young babies. Keep baby in the shade or create your own shade with an umbrella. Baby hats are very effective for keeping sun exposure to a minimum.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring extra baby blankets, extra warm clothing, hats and infant rain gear.
Choose a campground that is close to a hospital so you will have access to help in case anything goes wrong.
Never let the baby out of your site. You need to be constantly watching them. Keep your eyes and ears open for immediate danger or problems or potential hazards that baby can get into.
Camping with other loved ones, family or friends who can care for baby and give you a break will help tremendously. Another pair of hands will help you keep babies needs satisfied and ensure that your needs are not being neglected.
Closing Notes: Camping is one of the best ways to connect and bond with your baby and your family. Although it takes a little more preparation, camping with your little one can be a very fun and safe experience. Being outside has a positive effect on the quality of one's life. Studies show that babies develop much faster and learn more social skills while being out in life, as opposed to inside the house and in front of the television. Outdoor air is also statistically safer than indoor air. This is good for baby, for you and the rest of the family. So get out there and breathe in the fresh air while giving your little bundle of love a very rich and rewarding experience that only mother nature has to offer. Wishing you a fun, safe, stress-free and relaxing camping trip with your little one.
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JL Childress Gate Check Bag for Umbrella Strollers, Red Feature
- Protects compant and umbrella strollers from dirt and germs
- Not recommended for baggage check
- Measures approximately 15.5" by 12" by 45"
- Compact travel pouch measures 4.5" by 1.5" by 7"
JL Childress Gate Check Bag for Umbrella Strollers, Red Overview
Use this handy, compact travel bag when gate-checking a stroller to protect it from dirt and germs. The bright red color and large graphics easily identify your item for return to gate. Fits and covers most umbrella-style strollers easily with draw-string closure and adjustable lock. Stuffs quickly into attached 5" x 7" pouch for traveling convenience. Compact to fit in travel bags. Webbing handle. Personal identification box. Easy care. Wipe clean with mild soap and damp cloth. Not recommended for baggage check. 43" x 12" x 12".Available In Stock. |
