If you love adventuring in the outdoors, don’t let having a baby or toddler keep you away. Taking a family camping trip is a great way to spend quality time as long as you are adaptable. Here are a few tips to make your trip successful.
Pack the Necessities
No matter where you decide to camp, there are some baby items that you absolutely must have. Things such as diapers and wipes might be things you grab every time you leave the house, but it’s necessary to bring more than you think you need because restocking may be difficult. The same goes for infant formula; always bring more than you think you need. Don’t forget your baby’s blankets, warm sleepers, baby pillows, and extra clothing since the temperatures may change drastically during the evening. If you have room for extra supplies, there are camping cribs, high chairs and activity chairs that are lightweight and fold down quickly.
Choose Child-Friendly Accommodations
Camping as a young couple may have been as simple as grabbing a sleeping bag and heading out into the wilderness. Once you have children, having a safe place to set them down may change what works for you. There are many options available to rent, such as yurts, cabins and trailers that allow you to experience camping while still providing some safety from the elements. Tent camping is also an option with a baby and gives you a place to change, feed and rest with your infant. Having a spot for napping and early bedtimes makes the trip more enjoyable for mom and dad.
Pick a Safe Location
As an adult, a campsite next to a winding river may be a dream. As a parent, this may only cause anxiety for the trip as your baby or toddler begins to explore. Look for sites that are away from bodies of water and busy roads. It’s also a good idea to find a location with plenty of grass, which is much nicer to crawl and walk on than gravel and dirt. Staying closer to home for the first few trips is also recommended, so you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying nature. Plus, you are closer to home if the weather decides not to cooperate, and you have a short trip home if you choose to cut the trip early.
Relax From Your Schedule
Being away from home makes it challenging to stick to rigid schedules. This is a great time to focus on relaxing and enjoying things as they happen. Feed your baby when they are hungry and allow them time to rest at their leisure during the day. In the evening, when it’s still light outside, it may be difficult to convince your child it’s time to sleep. A crowded campground is not the place to allow your infant to cry it out. Putting them down with a bottle, nursing or with you laying next to them may not be what you do at home, but if it helps them calmly fall asleep and keep your neighbors happy, then it’s the way to go.
Camping is a great family experience. Follow these suggestions to make it enjoyable for you and your baby.
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