Getting kids outside and into nature starts from a young age and honestly? Camping with a baby is not as hard as it seems. In fact, it build fantastic memories for your family and ensures that kids grow up with a greater love of nature.
How to camp with a baby
Camping with family is great and when you have a baby, it is important to introduce her to the lifestyle early so that they can get used to it. You will want the baby to enjoy the kind of calm the outdoors have to offer as well. Just know that camping with a baby requires a lot of adaptation, preparation and flexibility. Here are a few tips on how you can have a pleasant time camping with a baby.
Do not venture too far from home
If this is your first time going camping with a baby, you do not want to venture too far away from your home. This is because you will want to be somewhere close to home in case something goes wrong. After the first successful camping, you can venture further and further with subsequent trips. This will also allow you to understand how your baby adapts to the outdoors and plan accordingly for the next trip.
Bring suitable clothing
You will need to carry clothing suitable for the weather. You do not want you baby falling sick or becoming uncomfortable as this can make the camping experience stressful. Babies are still learning how to regulate their body temperatures and you can help them by bringing the right kind of clothing. Wool works just fine. Wool is able to keep warm even when outside is freezing and cool even when the environment is blazing.
Bring extra diapers
Diapers will be very useful during camping with a baby. Make sure you carry enough. They are not heavy when dry. If possible, ensure you have bio-degradable ones which can be buried and disposed of after camping. If you’re using cloth (yes, it’s totally possible!) bring the flat or pre-fold kind because they dry more quickly. You can use some five gallon buckets and a washing wand or they even make portable hand-powered washers… and to be honest when camping with a baby, that’s handy.
Bring the right baby food
If you are breastfeeding, then you do not have to do much or carry much baby food. You have all they need with you. If your baby is bottle-fed, you need to make sure that the bottle is well sterilized. Carry filtering water to keep your baby hydrated and cool. You do not want to gamble with your baby’s health. When you are nursing, ensure you get extra cushions to support yourself. Your comfort is also important as you will be taking some considerable amount of time doing so.
Ensure that the baby gets enough sleep
Sleep is important for the baby as much growth happens during this time. It is understandable that sleep patterns will be disrupted during the camping period. Let them sleep off as much as they need to. You can carry a rocking chair or create some sort of hammock and keep rocking them gently in that. Keep them occupied with toys.
Connect with other campers
It would be great to connect with other families in the campsite. We found out that talking to them and letting them know that the baby takes some time to wail just before sleep helps a lot. They will be willing to support and will not take too much offence when the baby starts to wail at night.
