Minimalist Camping With a Baby

The feeling of itching to get back outdoors after having your baby is totally understandable. It’s exciting to introduce your children to the hobbies and experiences that bring you the most joy. However, the thought of planning a camping trip with a baby can be daunting, to say the least.

To go minimalist camping with a baby, follow a few simple rules. Find a campsite with lots of amenities and shade, bring a large tent and a portable crib, plan easy meals ahead of time (bottles, banana, avocados), and ensure your baby will be comfortable by bringing lots of synthetic layers.

You probably already know that bringing a baby along doesn’t make camping any easier. This article will outline a few important things to consider as you plan your baby’s first camping trip, such as the best type of campsites, tips for sleeping with a baby in a tent, and more.

Where Should You Go Camping With a Baby?

There are tons of different types of camping; there are RV and van camping, tent camping, car camping, survivalist camping, canoe camping, and even glamping. There are some types you should avoid while toting a newborn, but some are perfectly safe and practical for bringing along your new baby.

RV camping is probably the easiest way to camp with a baby, given the access to clean water, beds, and bathrooms. You can even store and prepare food pretty easily. RV camping is definitely a great first step into the camping world for you and your baby, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, you should ensure you have access to cell phone reception in case of an emergency. Otherwise, it’s not very different than being at home.

Tent camping, the most popular type of camping, is a great way to introduce your child to the great outdoors. However, it poses a few challenges that you might not encounter while RV camping. When considering where to go camping, here are a few simple rules to follow:

Avoid traveling too far from your home. Your first few camping trips as a new family can be a type of test run. Keeping it close to home makes it easier to work out the kinks of camping with a baby and gives you the option to go home if it doesn’t go well. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the wilderness without a backup plan!
Find a campsite with amenities. When camping with a baby, you want access to clean bathrooms, fresh water, and maybe even a playground if your child is old enough for one. This may not feel like your ideal camping scenario, but it could be a lifesaver as you learn how to camp with a baby in tow.
Choose the most suitable campsite. The right campsite for a baby could mean that it’s close to the bathroom, or maybe you want to be as far away from others as possible. Another thing to consider when choosing a campsite is shade. During hot and sunny summers, your baby will love the relief from those sizzling rays.

How To Sleep With Your Baby in a Tent

It can be challenging for even adults to get a good night’s sleep in a tent. So, how can you ensure your baby gets the best rest possible during your exciting outdoor excursion? There are a few ways to maximize your chances of a baby’s pleasant slumber while you’re camping.

Choose a Nearby and Quiet Campsite Location

First, your campsite location can have a significant impact on your baby’s sleep. As mentioned in the previous section, a campsite’s distance from others can make or break the experience. Some people view camping as party time, so it’s best to avoid this type of camper as your neighbor.

Get a Big Tent

You’ll be grateful for the extra space, given all the extra stuff your baby needs daily. A large tent will also allow space for a portable crib or playpen, which will be especially helpful if your baby sleeps in a crib at home. If you want to stick with your current tent, you and your baby may be perfectly comfortable snuggling up in a sleeping bag.

Make It Feel Like Home

Does your baby have a favorite blanket or teddy bear? Bringing a few things from home can make the experiences feel a little more familiar and less daunting for you. Like any new environment, camping might make your baby feel a little uneasy at first. Having some of their favorite toys will be a great comfort during those stressful moments.

How To Meal Plan for Camping With Your Baby

Meal planning for a camping trip might seem a little daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Of course, it can look very different depending on the child’s age. Check out these tips for delicious and nutritious camping meal ideas.

Breastfeed

For younger children, breastfeeding is the easiest way to “meal plan” for camping. It requires the least amount of planning, as you don’t need to bring extra dishes or supplies, and your baby gets all the nutrients they need. Voila!

However, breastfeeding is not an option for all families. If you’re still bottle-feeding, make sure you bring all of your supplies for keeping the bottles clean. This is where having access to clean, running water at your campsite comes in handy.

Bring Easy-To-Pack Fruits

If your baby is a little bit older and has started eating solid foods, this will take a bit more consideration. Avocado, banana, and chopped-up strawberries are all easy options. Apple sauce and beans are also super convenient baby foods and travel well. You’ll also be grateful for collapsible camping bowls and cups on this adventure. The GUANCI Silicone Collapsible Cups are perfect for camping with a baby.

How To Dress Your Baby for Camping

The best advice on dressing your baby for camping is this: layers! Depending on your location, the weather might change drastically overnight, so it’s best to be prepared for all harsh element possibilities.

During the day, your baby might wear their everyday clothing. However, if you anticipate extremely hot, cold, or wet weather, you should bring baby clothes made of synthetic materials. Cotton absorbs all liquids and won’t help with cooling during hot weather or warming during cold weather.

You should also bring a light blanket and a buffy coat for the evening, as it can get quite cold at night. This Cecorc Winter Coat is the perfect outer layer for your baby during their first camping trip. Another essential item is a hat. A UV protective sun hat, like the Sunday Afternoons Girls’ Kids Play Hat, will protect your baby’s face, head, and neck from sunburn. You should also carry a lot of sunscreen as well as bug spray for yourself and your little one.

Wrapping It Up

If you’ve been looking forward to getting back to your outdoor adventures since having a baby, then you’re in luck. Camping is a perfectly safe and enjoyable activity for you and your new family, even in the first week of your child’s life.

If you decide to take on this exciting adventure, there are a few essential things to keep in mind: