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Memories made with the family out by the campfire are some of the greatest tales to tell for years to come. Camping trips are excellent for families of all ages and make for a wonderful gathering of the generations to celebrate coming together in the great outdoors.
As your family unit grows, you may find yourself in the unique situation of planning a camping trip with your little one. Camping with a baby is more complicated than a typical camping trip, but it can be delightful and simple if you take the proper preparation steps.
We’re here to help and have created a guide to all of the things you should consider before heading out on your trip. Let’s get started.
Things to Consider When Camping With a Baby
When packing for a camping trip with your little one, there are quite a few things to consider so that you are prepared for anything that could come your way.
Your Baby’s Age
Your child’s age at the time of the trip will be a significant deciding factor in the items you need to pack. Newborns will require more than a toddler would, so it is your job to consider this important detail when planning out your trip.
Want to be extra prepared? Bring along an EcoFlow Portable Power Station like the
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Station for all of your backup power needs.
Weather Conditions
A significant factor to consider when taking your baby on a camping trip is the weather conditions you will endure while you are spending time outside.
Babies have a harder time regulating temperature than adults do, so you must pack the correct clothing and cooling or heating items to keep the temperature at a safe level.
The EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC is perfect for summer camping trips. It can be set up inside the tent to keep you and your child nice and cool. Having a designated space to escape from the heat and sunshine is incredibly important for your baby’s safety.
If, on the other hand, you are planning to travel during the cooler season, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 or EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max will come in handy. These power stations are efficient and can quickly power up a portable heater to create a warm and cosy escape from the outdoor conditions.
Camping Location
Are you going to be camping out in the wilderness or at a well-developed campsite? The answer to this question will help you develop a well-thought-out packing list for all your trip’s essentials.
Your child’s needs will vary depending on the campsite you are staying at, so make sure to do your research before leaving to have a solid understanding of the amenities you will have access to.
What Essential Baby Items Should You Bring for Camping?
When packing for your upcoming trip, there is a long list of items you will need to bring. That being said, we have drafted a list of some essential items to ensure you don’t forget them.
- Home Comforts: Does your child have a favourite toy or blanket? Make sure to bring these items along so they don’t uproot their day-to-day comforts.
- Extra Clothing: Keeping your baby clean is essential for health and safety reasons. Pack additional clothes for every occasion so you don’t have to worry about running out.
- A Baby Carrier: Having a safe place to set your child down is key when camping. Pack a portable baby carrier or crib to make your life easier away from home.
- First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so you should always be prepared. Make sure to have a well-stocked first aid kit ready in your tent.
- Cleaning Supplies: Keeping things clean and sanitised can be challenging when spending time outside. Pack cleaning wipes and other cleansers to keep you and your baby healthy.
- Sunscreen: Babies are fragile, and their fresh skin isn’t equipped to handle the sun’s harmful rays. Pack some high-SPF sunscreen that’s safe for your baby and keep them protected during those days outside.
Clothing
Pack Layers
As mentioned above, babies have trouble regulating their temperature. Even if you think they won’t need any extra warmth, you should never assume. Pack easy-to-remove layers for your baby so that you can quickly adjust their temperature as required.
Comfort Over Style
While packing cute outfits for family photos may seem like a fun idea, we assure you that comfort and simplicity are far more important when on a camping trip. Pack items that are easy to put on and take off, and make your baby’s comfort your number one priority.
Overpack
More is always better in these situations. You never know when your kiddo will ruin their current outfit, so don’t let this take you by surprise. Pack three to four outfits per day of your camping trip, and you should be clear of any issues.
Food
Plan for Food Storage
Whether your baby is still on an all-milk diet or just getting into the world of solid foods, you will still need a safe space to store these items so they do not spoil outdoors.
The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator will make this easy and supply you with a chilled space to preserve your and your baby’s food items for the entirety of your camping trip.
Pack Extra Feeding Supplies
While having access to clean water is a must, you may still find it challenging to step away to clean your baby’s feeding supplies. To avoid this concern, we strongly encourage you to pack extra bottles and feeding supplies for the length of your trip. You can even consider packing additional disposable items to use if needed.
Easy to Prepare Meals
Preparing a normal meal for your baby while living out of a tent may be difficult. To ensure your child stays full and nourished, you should prioritise packing meals that are easy to prepare while on your trip.
Ready-to-eat snacks and non-perishable items are excellent options and will help to ensure your baby has a full belly every day of your camping adventure.
Maximising Sleep
Maintain a Routine
Routine is a very important element in every child’s day to day. Even when on a camping trip, you should do everything you can to keep your baby on their normal schedule. Stick to regular feeding, nap, and sleeping schedules; your child will have a much easier time adjusting to the new environment.
Have a Designated Resting Spot
When you set up your campsite, one of your priorities should be to set up a designated resting spot for your baby. It’ll help your child adjust to their new surroundings and settle in when it is time to rest.
Prioritise Safety
It is always important to take extra precautions to ensure you’re camping in a safe space, especially when your baby is with you. Find a safe and quiet space to set up your campsite so that you do not have to worry about the potentially dangerous hazards of a poorly planned campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping with a baby can be a great bonding experience for the whole family. You absolutely can camp with your child, but you must take the proper steps to prepare so that it is an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved. Contact your child’s paediatrician if you have concerns or questions before heading out on the trip.
Depending on the conditions you plan to camp in, you can take your baby along at about any age. Always make sure to check with your child’s doctor prior to leaving to ensure that spending a long period of time outdoors is safe for your child. If the doctor approves this, then you are cleared to move forward with your camping plans.
Babies should still have a crib or bassinet to sleep in while on a camping trip. To make sure you have enough room for these items, air on the side of caution and pack a larger tent. This will guarantee you have enough space to set up a proper sleeping space for your child that will not interrupt their daily routine.
There are quite a few things to plan for when tent camping with a newborn. First, you must ensure you have access to clean water and a sanitary station to clean and care for your child. You’ll also need to prepare a proper bed for your newborn to rest during their naps and sleeping times.
Final Thoughts
Camping with a baby is sure to be an adventure that the whole family will enjoy. If you take the time to prepare and pack the proper items, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time making memories with the people you love most.
By reading this guide, you are one step closer to having a wonderful camping trip with your baby! Make sure to pack EcoFlow Portable Power Stations for an all-around successful trip.