When spring flowers begin to peek through the snow, many begin to think about the first camping trip of the year. Camping can bring together family and friends in the great outdoors. When camping with a baby, there are a few things that need to be in place first. Accommodating for an infant ahead of the trip will assure that his needs are met and everyone enjoys the experience.
Camping can often involve having to pack more items than any other type of trip because of needing all of the day-to-day living essentials. When packing for baby---almost everything needs to be brought along. First, take into consideration how many days the camping trip will last. Clothing is essential and extra outfits should be brought along, especially if the camping will be rustic. Take into consideration that at night, even in the summer, the nights will likely get cold. A sleeper with feet and extra blankets for baby are essential. Diapers, bottles, a baby bed, wipes, ready-made formula and baby food are all important items to bring along on the camping trip. Packing disposable utensils and prepackaged food items keep feeding time as sterile as possible.
Select a campground and make reservations. Choosing an area that is kid-friendly is important, especially for parents with babies. Campgrounds that hold planned activities, including parades, hayrides, petting zoos and face painting, are great incentives for babies and young children. Even if the baby is only a few months old, the noise and distraction is a great environment for both the baby and the parents.
Choosing a campsite that meets the needs of a family with a baby is essential to a satisfying trip. When making the reservation, request that the site be located near the bathrooms and showers. This will make it easy to carry the baby to the shower room for clean-ups and provide short breaks from the campsite as well. Having a site that is close to the campground store can be a huge convenience for the entire camping group. When traveling with a baby, there is generally always something extra that is needed or a supply that becomes exhausted.
Having a baby at a campsite is not always practical. If staying in a tent, it can be even more of a challenge. There are some solutions to this issue. While a baby cannot be held 24 hours a day, a portable interlock floor such as Duragrid, may be the solution (see Resources). Duragrid transports easily in a compact carrying case and will cushion the baby's back and knees. A mesh tent can also be implemented for hot days and to keep bugs away from baby. A shoulder carrying harness is a great item to take camping. With the harness, baby will always be with someone and the adult's hands will be free to perform chores. The classic playpen is an essential item to bring camping. Baby can sleep as well as play, while staying out of the dirt and away from choking hazards. Bring a stroller or cart for the bike---exercise and a change of scenery are always welcoming to a restless baby.
Having access to an electrical outlet is essential. Most modern campgrounds have these. Bringing along a heater, fan and a radio are essential electronics for the trip. The heater is for chilly nights and the fan is to keep baby cool and drown out outside noise. The radio is also a great device for blocking noise in the background while baby is sleeping. Never leave a baby unattended or exposed to weather elements while camping---this could result in serious injury or death.
