Is it possible to take a baby on a camping trip?

Camping with a baby can be a fun experience, but like at home, it can bring unexpected changes to your baby’s routine and mood.

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By packing smart, and possibly starting the adventures at a young age, you can create lasting memories for your family.

Can you camp with a baby?

Julie Hark and her husband are avid campers and have been camping for years — well before they decided to start a family. The couple took their first son when he was only 7 weeks old, saying, “we never thought twice about taking our boys camping, it was second nature to us.” Taking an infant anywhere has its advantages, and camping is no exception. “It’s pretty easy early on… I didn’t have to bring much, just my breasts, a place for him to sleep and a baby carrier,” added Julie.

Sleep

Whether you’re sleeping in a tent or a camper, your baby will need a safe place to sleep. The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light 2 is ideal for camping due to its compact size and ease of use. Because the Travel Crib only weighs 11 pounds, and has a slimmer profile, you can easily move it from sleep time in the tent to playtime outdoors.

Play

For infants who aren’t quite mobile or need a safe place to play, the KidCo Go Pod is a stationary activity seat — minus the bulk! This portable play area has attached toy loops, built-in drink and snack holders and has a compact, fast fold perfect for camping.

Carry

A baby carrier is a favorite essential for parents camping with Baby. The Onya Outback baby carrier is ideal for warm camping weather and hiking with the air mesh lining, which wicks away moisture. And if you bring a sturdy chair with you, or venture into town for a bite to eat, this carrier easily transforms into a high chair.

Keep your baby comfortable and happy while camping

Bring some of the comforts from home to help make your camping experience a little more enjoyable and memorable. Karli Argus and her husband took their two boys camping when they were 1 and 3. “[We] brought lots of backyard toys, a ridiculous amount of clothes (and used them all), five packs of baby wipes and our DVD player… Oh, and I slept in the van.”

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Because you never know what kind of weather you will be dealing with through the night, pack a wide variety of sleepwear and approved swaddle blankets or wearable blankets for cold nights.

Remember: Your baby only requires one layer more than you while sleeping. Never bundle your baby in loose blankets or sleeping bags.

Rachel Escalante and her husband have taken their three young girls camping a few times. Rachel’s packing list for her kids includes: “Lots of wet wipes, sunscreen, a play yard, baby carrier and an inflatable kiddy pool filled with toys — not water.”

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Keep your baby safe while camping

• When you arrive at your campground, check with the park ranger and locate the nearest first aid, emergency room and/or hospital.
• Inspect your campsite for hot coals, glass, trash, choking hazards and other dangerous items that might have been left behind from previous campers.
• Keep your baby protected from the sun, disease-carrying bugs, poison ivy and other potential outdoor hazards.

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More on family camping

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Camping checklist: 7 Things you’ll probably forget
Campout in your own backyard