How to Plan a Camping Trip With a Baby

You can still go camping, even if you have a young baby. In fact, it's a good idea to introduce your baby to the outdoors as early as possible - especially if you plan on family camping trips in the future.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Slings
• Baby Socks
• Baby Monitors
• Infant Carriers
• Baby Wipes
• First Aid Kits
• Plastic Tablecloths
• Play Yards

1. Pack lots of baby wipes. Babies get dirty on camping trips.

2. Bring a large plastic or canvas tablecloth or drop cloth ' this will make a play area cleaner and safer.

3. Consider a portable playpen, even if you don't use one at home; this is great for keeping your baby clean and out of trouble while you build a fire or cook nearby. Some also double as porta-cribs.

4. Consider using prepared rather than powdered formula ' it's easier to keep sterile. If you're breast-feeding, you won't need any special supplies.

5. Bring clothes that you can layer on your baby to provide extra warmth if necessary.

6. If your baby sleeps with you at home, he can sleep with you on a camping trip. Just make sure that he is positioned safely, with no risk of heavy sleeping bags or blankets covering his face.

7. Pack a good supply of waterproof or Zip-loc plastic bags; these are great for used diapers and other garbage, especially if you will need to carry your garbage with you.

8. Bring a battery-operated baby monitor; this means you don't have to go to bed at the same time as your baby.

9. Bring a first aid kit containing any medications and supplies your baby may need.

10. Remember to pack your sling (for tiny babies) or baby backpack (for babies who can hold their heads up) if you will be walking or hiking.

Tips & Warnings

• Baby socks can double as mittens to keep tiny hands warm.
• Bring a large piece of mosquito netting to drape over the playpen, if you use one. This will help to keep your baby bug-free.
• Throw in a bottle of hand sanitizer ' this is great for quick cleanups when running water isn't available.
• Remember that some sunscreens aren't safe to use on babies younger than 6 months old. If you are concerned, ask your pediatrician, or just bring a large sun hat for your baby, and keep his limbs covered.
• If you plan to do some serious hiking, remember that your center of balance is different when you are carrying a baby. Be careful, especially on steep trails.
• If you are bottle-feeding your baby, make sure your supplies are sterile, and that any open cans or bottles of mixed formula are kept cool.

[bchicobraun]

on 10/13/2009 Thanks - great advice ;-)

on 8/8/2006 Rather than packing awkward and expensive baby food jars, bring a portable manual baby food mill with you. These food mills make the healthiest and easiest to prepare food and can be rinsed out in the campground sink. Your baby can eat your food, ground to baby texture.

on 11/22/2005 Pack your food and kitchen stuff into large rubbermaid containers, then use one as a bathtub. This works great for toddlers! That way, you don't have to pack a separate bath.

on 11/22/2005 Pack a small blowup swimming pool to bathe your baby in when a shower house is not available.

on 11/22/2005 Take along a laundry basket
to use as a baby's crib; this way you are taking up less space and you don't have to worry about rolling over on the baby. This is good if you have a small baby.