Camping with toddlers and babies

Camping with a new addition to the family may seem daunting, but with some mental and physical preparation, it can really be rewarding.

Prepare well ahead.

If you've had any experience with children, you know something that others have yet to learn. Children need time to adjust and make the mental transitions. If your child can understand anything, it helps to begin talking about and sharing the idea of camping. Making a fort with blankets in the play area, setting up a children's tent or "day camping" in the backyard can make a huge difference in a child's reaction to the newness of camping. Taking them outdoors in the park or for walks in nature help make the transition. Watching a children's movie or reading a children's book that has a comfortable setting can help keep your baby or toddler comfortable throughout the trip, contributing to a good experience for the entire family. As long as you are prepared, it’s never too soon to take your baby camping.

Taking children out of the home for the day or overnight while they’re young gives them a chance to get used to sleeping in strange new places. A location close to home for your first camping trip, perhaps one in a familiar area with quick access to needed or forgotten supplies will take some of the stress out of your trip. Include other friends or families for company and extra hands to help out around the campsite.

Arrive in plenty of time to checkout the campsite.
Look around for litter, hot ashes or other objects and plants that may attract your child, returning the area to a place suitable to your comfort and safety.  Arrange the toddler area away from the kitchen, water, and fire or cooking zone.

Prepare a bag with your child's special needs, including first aid, medications, baby sunscreen, hat and basic essentials.  Have this bag in easy reach and well organized. This way, anyone helping will also have an easy time finding what you need as well.

Keep a slower, flexible pace.Especially the first few times, you will spend more time at the campsite cleaning, preparing food and changing diapers. Giving your baby more time to explore the environment around them will increase their comfort level and enjoyment. Babies and toddlers who play in the dirt, grab leaves and other bits of nature, tend to be healthier babies in the long run.

Babies under six months old enjoy watching the activity around them. Go for walks with a back or front carrier and let them watch the view. Bring a playpen to create a safe area for your baby or toddler to watch you prepare food, setup the tent, or just give you an occasional break. Toddlers do require constant supervision, so it is very important to have one adult on toddler duty at all times. If you can, engage other children in creating games with them.

Campground chores can be fun for your child. Collecting firewood can be a scavenger hunt, even if they only bring back a few small twigs. Washing dishes and laundry is a great opportunity for a water fight!

While dressing your child for the weather, remember to consider peak sun times (between 11am and 3pm) and the time of day when bugs are the most annoying (around dusk). Most bug repellants and sunscreens are not safe for children under six months old, so hats and other protective clothing are necessary. Loose, breathable cotton clothing is best for hot weather camping, while warm layers will help to keep your child comfortable in cooler climates. Hats that drape over the neck and have a large bill will provide face and neck protection from the sun.

Breastfeeding mothers don’t need to worry about bottle sterilization while camping, and formula feeding parents can make this an easier task with the right supplies. Disposable bottle liners and pre-mixed formula make for easier feeding and clean up. Boil nipples after each use. Bring plenty of bottled or good tap water for cooking, drinking, mixing juices and washing dishes if you question the water provided at the campground. You can always boil more if you run out.

Save space by use a large pot both for cooking and dishwashing. Wash it out last, after the dishes and bottles are cleaned.

Placing your cooking area away from your sleeping area to reduce the risk from a curious animal looking for a snack. If a wild animal does make an appearance, respect their space and remove the child from the area immediately. You can always go back and clean up any mess later. Avoid the danger of tangling with a raccoon or bear, especially when small children are present.

When hiking with a toddler, bring plenty of snacks and fluids. Plan a shorter, comfortable walking distance for a toddler. Younger babies love the view from a back carrier as you trek across the countryside. Avoid slippery slopes, unsteady rocks and open water to keep the hike safe and enjoyable.

To ease bedtime concerns, provide a comfortable, quiet area for sleeping. Be sure to keep tent screens zipped all the time to prevent insect invasions. Set up a playpen for the baby to sleep inside the camping tent, if you have room. Provide babies with familiar scents, a favorite toy and blanket to provide a sense of security and familiarity. Layers of light blankets to keep them warm and can be more easily adjusted if the weather fluctuates. Young babies should wear a light cap in warm weather or a knit hat with ear flaps to bed on cooler nights.

Make the time enjoyable, keeping a sense of humor, and your child will likely relax and look forward to the next adventure. Dirt washes off from your child and their clothing. Let your baby crawl and explore in the safe zone you’ve created for them. Explain to your child what you are doing and why. Set a good example so they learn from your actions. Explain why and how you are thinking about your actions so they will learn your reasoning and thinking patterns. Teach them to respect the campsite environment by removing your garbage, respecting safety rules around the campfire and cooking area. Family camping should be nurturing and provide teachable moments for everyone's enjoyment.

Take pictures and video so you can enjoy the memories for years to come!