Camping is an activity that is enjoyed the world over, and serves as a wonderful way to enjoy nature and relax with family and friends. Camping with a baby, on the other hand, can be anything but relaxing. Outdoorsy parents might be discouraged and feel like they have to eschew camping until the baby gets older, but a little preparation in advance with the proper supplies can make camping with a baby completely possible. Here are just five essentials to help you get started.
1. Cleaning Materials
Babies are messy, and you don’t even need to be a parent to know that. Many campers are in the habit of bringing wet wipes along on any camping trip due to their seemingly magical ability to clean up just about anything (but shouldn’t replace handwashing!). Be sure to bring at least twice as much as you would normally take on a trip with your baby, as well as extra paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper. A clean baby is a happy baby.
2. Baby Medications
Adults deal with slight physical discomfort much better than babies do, so make sure to bring along anything a baby might need in case of illness. Add necessary baby medications and pain relievers to your first aid kit so you both have supplies to tend to physical ailments on the trip.
3. Folding Playpen
Parents can’t hold their baby all the time, but might be understandably reluctant to just lay a blanket on the dirt and let the baby roam. A folding playpen not only ensures a safe, comfortable environment for the baby to enjoy the outdoors, it also keeps their favorite toys and blankets clean and within easy reach.
4. Warm, Snuggly Clothing
Even in the height of summer, temperatures often drop in the outdoors when the sun goes down, and a baby’s skin is more sensitive than anyone’s. Be sure to bring plenty of cozy layers to keep the baby bundled up and warm, including protection for head and hands. This is also a great way to mitigate mosquito bites, since many insect repellents are too strong to be used on babies.
5. Toys and Favorites
A change in routine can make babies irritable and fussy, so make sure to bring along their favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal. It’s a great way to keep them happy so their parents can enjoy the camping trip at the same time.
Featured Image from Janko Ferlič/Unsplash
