What Do You Need for Camping With a Baby?

If you and your spouse have always enjoyed camping and are concerned that your love for the outdoors will have to be put on hold because of a new baby, don’t fret.

There are many items to help make your camping experience with a baby fun and enjoyable. Bring your little one with you, but be prepared with the appropriate baby camping gear.

Let’s learn more about making your new adventure pleasant for everyone!

Is It OK to Camp With a Baby?

It’s certainly OK to camp with a baby or young child. It just makes the experience different. It can also make the experience more difficult because you need more gear.

This goes for any kind of travel, whether you catch a flight to a big city or pack up the minivan to go to the beach.

When you travel with a baby, there are more essentials you have to take with you.

What Age Should You Take a Baby Camping? 

There’s nothing unsafe about camping with a baby unless you’re tent camping in a remote area. This is more dangerous in itself, even without a young child.

You’re farther away from emergency help and putting yourself in the middle of wildlife. Plus, you have to deal with changes in weather and temperature that could potentially be dangerous to you and your baby.

But if you’re RVing, don’t let a small child keep you from making memories together!

Head out to the Grand Canyon and take a selfie overlooking the South Rim. Visit Shenandoah National Park and hike along the trails with a backpack carrier.

You’ll want to make sure you’re in shape and can physically handle the extra weight of hiking with a baby. But there’s no reason to pass up those opportunities unless you just want to wait until your child is older.

Just remember to bring the baby camping gear!

Pros of Camping with a Baby 

One advantage of camping with a baby is getting your child accustomed to the outdoors at an early age. This fosters an appreciation for nature that you hope will grow as your child ages.

You hope this will encourage conservation and preservation. It will also reduce the potential for conflict down the road when you announce your family is going on a weekend camping trip. There won’t be much push-back if your child is used to this type of vacation.

Another pro is developing skills your child won’t otherwise learn. A baby is too young to learn survival skills or camping etiquette.

However, as your child grows up, they will develop skills beyond the academic classroom and virtual reality world. You hope your child won’t be so attached to devices and will enjoy playing outside more than sitting in front of a screen.

Finally, camping with a baby creates bonding experiences. Whether going for a hike with your baby, pushing the stroller around a campground, or swinging them to sleep in a hammock, you’ll cherish these moments.

There’s something powerful in nature that creates connection.

Cons of Camping With a Baby 

One disadvantage of camping with a baby is not being able to adhere to your daily routine. It’s important to stick to a routine when your child is very young, and camping can disrupt it.

It’s still possible to maintain the same habits and activities, but camping can also throw a wrench in a schedule you’ve worked hard to establish.

Another con is all of the stuff you have to pack. Although your baby is small, the camping gear is not. If you’re camping in a small trailer, your baby’s things can take up almost all available room inside.

It can be difficult to prepare a meal when your baby’s bassinet is in the middle of the kitchen.

Pro Tip: If you will be traveling with kids older than a baby, you’ll want to keep them entertained with these Camping Activities for Kids That Don’t Involve Screens!

What Do You Need for Camping With a Baby?

If you’re going to take your baby camping, there are some items you’ll want to make sure to pack. Baby camping gear is essential to having an enjoyable experience for everyone.

If your baby is happy, the parents and other siblings are happy.

Backpack Portable Travel Crib 

This travel crib is lightweight and won’t take up a lot of space. It folds into a backpack, making it easy to transport even from campsite to campsite if you’re visiting friends.

Set it up in 15 seconds, and you’re ready to put down your baby for a nap. If your young child needs you to sleep nearby, the side zipper offers that assurance of your presence.

Outdoor Playpen with Sunshade 

If you plan on camping, you plan on spending time outdoors. This outdoor playpen with sunshade is a must to add to your baby camping gear. It’s a safe space for your child to roll around, play with toys, or nap.

Plus, the sunshade offers protection from UV rays. The 14 square feet of space is ample room for children up to 2 years old.

Baby Backpack Carrier

One of the best backpack carriers on the market is this ClevrPlus model. The adjustable seat grows with your child, and the frame only weighs a little over 5 pounds.

The padding of the straps and hip belt provide comfortability for you. A sun canopy/rain cover is included to fully protect your young one. 

Pro Tip: Looking for the perfect gift for the little camper in your life? Then you have to read The 7 Best Camper Themed Toys for Kids!

Camping Chair for Babies

You don’t want to pack up your high chair and bring it along. High chairs are too cumbersome for camping. Instead, add this camping chair to your baby’s camping gear to provide a safe place to eat.

Plus, it grows with your child up to 75 pounds. Just remove the tray when your child is older.

Pro Tip: Looking for camping chairs for your little campers? These are the Best Camping Chairs for Your Kids!

Extra Long Camping Wagon 

When you need extra hands to carry everything to the pool, this camping wagon comes in handy. Throw in the towels, swimmies, floaties, and whatever else you’re bringing along.

You have one arm to carry your baby and one hand to pull the wagon. No need to carry around a heavy bag that may slip off your shoulder. 

Swim Diapers 

Most public swimming pools require swim diapers for babies, infants, and toddlers. So don’t forget a pack when you go camping.

Otherwise, you’ll be running to the nearest store to buy a pack, which might be miles away. That’s precious time lost when you could be making memories.

Baby Sun Hat

The outdoor playpen with sunshade and backpack carrier with sun canopy is designed this way for a reason – sun protection.

Your baby’s skin is sensitive. Protect it always. A baby sun hat like this one offers 50+ UV rays protection for both the head and neck.

Plus, it’s easy to hand wash and air dry.

Baby First Aid Kit

You should always carry a first aid kit with you when camping. But a first aid kit for babies is another good addition to your baby camping gear.

This particular kit contains 33 items, including a pair of vinyl gloves, a single-use thermometer, and a bottle of Saline wash.

You hope to never have to use it, but if you do, you’ll certainly be thankful you have a baby first aid kit.

Baby Sleeping Bag Sack with Sleeves

If you choose to go tent camping with your baby, this sleeping bag sack is an essential item.

The water-resistant material is ideal for camping, and the removable sleeves mean your baby can be comfortable in all temperatures.

This sack is also great for stroller walks around the campground.

Mosquito Net for Stroller, Car Seat & Bassinet

You never know when you’ll encounter a swarm of mosquitoes. Most of the time, they enjoy stagnant water.

Other times, these insects are annoying even in perfect conditions. Protect your baby with a mosquito net.

It’s a cheap and safe way to keep mosquitoes from bothering your child and protect them from possible diseases.

Don’t Forget Your Everyday Items 

Although these are all items to add to your baby camping gear, don’t forget your typical everyday items like diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, and such.

Pack your baby’s favorite blanket and toys. If your child needs a sound machine to go to sleep, don’t leave home without it.

Remember, routine is important. Try to keep your surroundings the same as much as possible, even when your activities may be a bit different.

Keep in Mind: There are so many RV accessories out there, that it can be hard to know which are worth avoiding! We found The Absolute Worst RV Accessories for you to skip!

Start Them Young With the Right Baby Camping Gear

Camping is a great family bonding experience. These weekends also provide memories that parents will remember for a lifetime. Traveling with a baby can be difficult.

Hearing your baby’s cries at night and hoping the neighbors don’t wake up is every parent’s fear. But don’t stay home just because you’re worried about what might happen.

Head for the forest or beach with your baby. Be flexible but be prepared!

Do you have all of these items in your baby camping gear essentials?

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API