Camping and Tenting with Baby (+Gear List)

👉 The key facts from this guide

A baby makes family happiness mostly perfect, but also turns everything upside down. Especially when it comes to the next vacation planning.

For most young parents, a camping vacation is no longer an option once the new family member has arrived.

I want to show you that camping with a baby is possible.

If you're ready to make a few compromises, then the vacation in the great outdoors will be a lot of fun for everyone.

In addition to important tips, I will give you a packing list with the most important things that you and your little family must not forget on vacation.

Camper or Tent?

A baby in a tent probably seems wrong to you at first. Constant cold, dampness, and discomfort are often the prejudices when camping. A baby doesn't fit into the picture for many people.

But even in the tent, you make yourself comfortable with your new addition. However, please note the following:

• Always keep your child warm
• Pay attention to the hygienic conditions
• Warm water for oatmeal or milk bottle must be available
• Make your baby familiar with the new environment and the tent

Basically, most parents find a camper or caravan more suitable when traveling with a baby. A camper is much more comfortable and safer. The issue of cold weather is also less common here (with heating).

However, you can also make it cozy and warm in the tent if you follow my sleeping bag warmth tips.

Reading tip: Do you want to buy a tent? Then read this ultimate guide to tents first

Please keep in mind this - the packing list

Around Sleeping

• Baby sleeping bag (buy here)
• Insulating mat (here's my top list) or foldable travel bed (buy here)
• Night light
• Pacifier
• Pajamas
• Possibly, a hat and gloves
• A blanket if it's freezing
• Baby monitor (buy here)

Read also: Can I use a regular air mattress for camping?

The right clothing

• Body's, T-Shirts, pants, sweaters, and co.
• Jacket
• Rain protection
• Hat and gloves
• Thick socks or shoes
• Burp cloths

Food and Drink

• Mash or powdered milk (if not breastfeeding)
• Baby water
• Bottles
• Kettle or gas stove (buy here)
• Thermos bottle for keeping warm
• Possibly, a high chair

Hygiene

• Diapers
• Wet wipes
• Diaper disposal bags

Travel pharmacy

• Fever thermometer
• Sunscreen
• Plaster
• Wound ointment
• Wind protection cream
• Insect repellent
• Fever suppositories
• Disinfectant

Consider primarily high-quality camping equipment if you want to take your baby camping. In addition to a good sleeping bag, also pay attention to a waterproof and windproof tent.

A tunnel tent with a vestibule makes a lot of sense here. Especially when it's raining, the vestibule is worth its weight in gold.

Above all, you should pack enough clothing for your baby. In nature, it can happen quickly that the clothes are soaked.

I can still remember my children well: they always wanted only THAT one milk powder. So make sure to pack oatmeal and milk powder in large quantities.

In another country, it may happen that the familiar brands are not available. So make sure to bring enough from home.

A kettle or a gas stove are also important. You will need to mix baby food jars or powdered milk with warm water. However, you will have already packed the gas stove for yourself anyway.

You should also have a sufficient travel pharmacy in your luggage. Especially a fever thermometer and medication are particularly important.

Camping with Baby - the right age

Many people are surely wondering how old the baby should be when it is taken along for the first time. Usually, traveling with a baby is recommended from the 3rd month of life. Before that, most women probably don't want to leave the "nest" anyway.

You must first get used to your new roommate and get into a routine together. Only if everyday life at home works smoothly, it will also run smoothly when you are on the go.

Most parents only start traveling with their baby when the child can also eat solid food.

This is typically the case from the first year onwards. The warming of the oatmeal or bottle is no longer necessary and a piece of fruit or bread can be taken directly instead.

The travel time for camping with a baby

Of course, we campers know that we can't control the weather. We can't escape constant weather changes in the great outdoors. But generally, the baby doesn't care what weather you're out and about in.

If you have planned your camping vacation, it is of course not very advantageous if thunderstorms are approaching, temperatures are below freezing, and it is storming all the time. Therefore, you should rather consider the summer months when planning.

Mostly, you need to make sure that you have the right clothing for your baby. In case of doubt, it's better to pack a little more than too little.

If the weather doesn't cooperate at all, and it's just storming and thundering, you should consider moving your vacation to a hotel or vacation rental instead.

This can also be just for one night, until the weather situation calms down again. By doing so, you are ensuring the safety of your family.

Campsite or Wild Camping?

It should be noted that wild camping is not allowed in Germany. However, there are other European countries where you can easily pitch your tent or camper in the great outdoors.

Generally, wild camping with a baby is only suitable for more experienced campers. When planning, you have to think of everything. Sufficient water, gas, and clothing are just a small part of it.

On a campsite, you have the advantage of having warm water and sanitary facilities. Many campsites also have a kitchen and a laundry room. So you don't necessarily need gas and enough laundry here.

Means of transportation for excursions

Of course, you also want to experience something during your vacation and not just sit in the camper or tent all the time. However, you need to plan of what exactly you want to do.

It is important to know what excursion options are available and what condition the road is in. Accordingly, the stroller, buggy, baby carrier, or Kraxe should be packed.

For hikes, the Kraxe is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. The child is simply carried on the back and there is also storage space for additional things.

I have had excellent experiences with the Deuter backpack.

However, it is important that the baby can already hold its head. Otherwise, the baby carrier must be used.

When hiking with a baby, hiking poles (get them here) are essential. The additional weight can make it quite strenuous and challenging to cover long distances.

Summary

So you see: Camping with a baby can be a lot of fun if you think about the right equipment.

Don't imagine it too complicated. Your baby basically just needs you, sleep, and food. In between, a little cuddle time with you, and it will surely be very happy on your camping trip.

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What are your thoughts on camping with a baby?

Ever tried it or are you planning to?