How to Feed Your Baby While Camping

Don't let the fear of not being able to feed your baby properly deter you from camping. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the great outdoors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Bottle Nipples
• Baby Bottles
• Pacifiers
• High Chairs
• Baby Food
• Baby Formulas
• Bottled Water
• Rice Cereal
• Antibacterial Soaps
• Baby Spoons
• Coolers

1. Consider using prepared rather than powdered formula if you are bottle-feeding - no mixing or refrigeration is required, and cleanliness is assured.
2. Bring distilled, bottled water to mix powdered formula.
3. Breast-feeding? Just find a comfortable spot.
4. Store sterilized bottles, nipples or pacifiers in new, sealable plastic bags; this will help keep them clean until you're ready to use them.
5. Discard half-eaten portions of formula or baby food rather than saving them for later; bacteria will grow in them quickly if proper storage conditions aren't available.
6. If your baby is already eating solids, bring food that's easy to mix or prepare and doesn't require refrigeration. Powdered rice cereal, fruit that you can peel and mash, or vegetables from your own dinner all work well.
7. Be sure to bring a cooler and lots of ice so you can safely store formula and other foods.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're nursing a baby who likes to eat frequently, use a sling to nurse. This will allow you to nurse anywhere, even on the move, and will leave your hands free for other things.
• Bring some antibacterial soap or a hand sanitizer to use before you prepare your baby's meals.
• If your baby eats solid foods, bring a portable high chair that you can clip onto a picnic table.
• Bring the right utensils! Be sure to throw in at least one baby-size spoon if your baby is eating solid food.
• Avoid introducing new foods on a camping trip, in case of an allergic reaction. Be especially wary of known allergens such as nuts and some berries.
• If you are warming bottles or solid foods over a campfire, check carefully for hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth.