How to Camp With a Baby: Your Essentials Checklist

Exploring the great outdoors with your baby can be an enjoyable experience for both of you, and the rest of your family too. Camping with a baby can offer an escape from reality, but you’ll want to be well-prepared before taking up the adventure. Whether you plan to go tent camping with a baby or road-tripping in an RV, you’ll need to prepare properly. From hiking to sitting around the campfire, babywearing can make camping with a baby more enjoyable for everyone, especially if you have a clingy toddler or baby.

The Tushbaby is the ultimate baby carrier for active parents and caregivers on the go who are looking to go camping with their kiddos. Thanks to its open-style hip seat design, it’s easy to pick your baby up and down. Gone are the days of complicated straps and assistance getting your baby settled in, only to find out they want down the next minute. With the Tushbaby, simply buckle it on high and tight around your waist and sit your baby in one of the four carrying positions. It’s comfortable and stylish whether your baby is in tow or not—better still, you can enjoy the extra storage it offers with five roomy pockets.

Keep reading for more pro on camping with a baby.

Tips for Camping with a baby

Choose the right camping location: Location is key, especially when camping with a baby. Some campsites will have more amenities than others, which can come in handy. Campsites with showers, clean bathrooms, and even a convenience store can be more ideal for camping with a baby. You may also want to consider the drive time, as some babies are not fans of long drives. Calming a fussy baby is bound to be a part of your camping journey, but it’s not the most ideal way to kick things off. Another factor to consider in terms of location is the way out in the event of an emergency. Perhaps an extremely secluded location is not the best option.

Tent camping with a baby: If you’re planning on tent camping with a baby, you may be wondering, what size tent do I need? Most tents are advertised by how many people they can sleep; with a baby, you may want a little extra room for the necessities that come along with your little human. You may also want some free space for changing or feeding your baby. Consider how many people you’re camping with, including your baby, to choose the right size tent. You may also want to consider getting a separate tent for you and your baby so they’re not overstimulated. This can also help the rest of your friends or family get a good night’s sleep, as you may wake up with your baby throughout the night. Your Tushbaby changing pad can also be a helpful sidekick for changing your baby in your tent if needed.

Keep baby’s meals simple: Simplicity is key when camping. With a baby, you’ll already have extra items to pack along, so keep meals (and anything you can) as simple as possible. If your baby is breastfeeding or bottle feeding, bring what you need to feed comfortably without overdoing it. The Tushbaby can offer breastfeeding support, so be sure to bring it along for your next camping adventure to get that extra support for you and your baby. It can even fold up for easy storage to maximize the space in your tent.
Dress baby in layers: When you’re spending 24/7 outdoors, the weather can change. Pack plenty of clothes for your baby and do your best to check the weather and prepare. Keep in mind, though, that weather can be unpredictable. Bringing along clothes you can layer is a good way to make sure you’re ready for the hot or cold or anything in between.
Protect baby from bugs and sun: Keeping your baby safe is a top priority, so packing products or clothing that can help protect your baby from bugs and sun is essential. Be sure to check product labels to ensure they’re safe for your baby. When babywearing with your Tushbaby, you can use one of the five storage pockets to keep protectants within arm’s reach at all times. You can even fold up your changing pad and slip it in your pocket or stash it in one of your Tushbaby’s pockets. A safe place to change your baby can help you keep them clean and safe from the elements.

Choose baby-friendly camping activities: Make your camping trip one to remember with family-friendly activities to pass the time. Before heading out on that hike, check for the difficulty and terrain. After all, if you’re babywearing, you’ll want to ensure the trail is safe and manageable based on your skill level. Before you head out camping, make sure you have a baby carrier for active parents nearby. Thrill-seeking hikes and wildlife hunting may not be on the list of activities anymore now that you have a baby, so do your research before camping to fill your time with baby-friendly activities.

Where to go camping with a baby

When choosing the perfect location for your camping experience with your baby, here are some things to consider:

Choose campsites with amenities: While a campsite is no hotel, some do offer more amenities than others. From bathrooms to cooking amenities, some campsites can even be kind of glamorous. Read reviews and check out pictures to find a campsite with amenities to help you enjoy your time camping with a baby.
Limit driving time: Choosing a camping location that is relatively nearby can be a game changer. Use your judgment to choose a distance you feel is manageable to travel to with your baby. After all, no one wants to start their trip with a fussy baby.
Give yourself some distance from other campsites: Crying babies are loud. Be mindful that other campers may not be immune to crying babies as part of their daily lives. Choosing a campsite with a fair distance can make the experience more enjoyable for you and your fellow campers. Calming a fussy baby while camping may not be as easy as calming a fussy baby at home, so pack the necessities that you’ll need to keep your baby happy and calm them in the event of a meltdown. The Pod can also be a great way to keep your baby’s pacifier close by clipping it onto your Tushbaby’s toy loops.

Try to choose a shady spot: If possible, request or hand-select a spot with some shade. Shade can keep it cooler while protecting you and your baby from harmful sunlight.

Adventures with your baby create memories to last a lifetime. Shop Tushbaby today for products that make life on-the-go with a baby easier!