When your little one is old enough to be part of your adventure, you never want to leave them behindAt least once in a month, you’ll take them with you to a camping site as you keep track of their developmental milestonesJust before you got a baby, your packs were light and your gear list not as longBut now things have changedYou’ve got to carry many bags and everything the little one needs to be comfortable away from home.
So how do you get ready for camping with your baby?
Table of Contents
1Choose A Favorable Location
Camping spots change when you have a babyWhile you’re the kind who likes adventure, you may have to compromise a little bit to ensure the little one’s comfortEven though your toddler likes to explore, you want to make sure the pace is convenient for their playOn that note, a grassy surface would be ideal instead of dirt and gravelAdditionally, go for camping sites that aren’t far from homeWhen it was just the two of you, driving several miles wasn’t a big deal, but with the baby around, it’s not going to workYou don’t want the child to feel restless before the adventure begins.
2Get Some Help
It used to be different when you’d go camping all alone with your partnerThere wasn’t quite a lot to be done as everyone would take care of themselvesBut now you have a baby who needs attention 24/7 even as you enjoy the funIf you choose to do it alone, you may be limited in terms of the activities you’ll take part inTo ensure you have a blast, let an uncle or grandparent accompany you to the camping siteIncreasing the ratio of adults to infants can make a significant difference and give you the chance for a great time with extended family. At least there’s someone to hold the baby when your hands are busy.
3Bring Every Essential
There’s no doubt the little one needs some essentials to make their stay comfortable and as interesting as possibleYou already have a separate bag for them, and it’s essential to ensure you carry every item they’ll needSo without wasting time get your list and start packingAs usual, diapers come first with a few extra clothes you just got from the latest boutiques and accessories. Even then, don’t overdo itTry to pack as light as possible, taking only what the baby needs.
4Proper Waste Disposal
How do you dispose of used diapers? Do you dig a hole and bury them in? Definitely, not! You need to leave the camping site as neat as possibleWhile it may not be interesting to carry them home, it’s the right thing to doTherefore, bring with you a sizeable dry bad to keep the odour in and avoid any leakBring along tons of wipes too and a camping clean-up essential that everyone will find useful during the adventure.
5Have Some Toys
The strolling and climbing is all fun, but after some time, the baby may not find it intriguingTo make sure they don’t get bored by the day, carry some toys with youYou can have a few from playhouses and accessories specifically designed for campingA baby playmat, nature kit, toy trucks, and toy animal figurines are all amazing pieces for campingWhen you’re not canoeing or taking a walk, let them explore their imagination through playYou can also join them to make it livelier and more interesting.
6Spare Some Time For Sleep
After a day full of activities, both you and the toddler will be very tiredIt’s essential to take some rest as you prepare for the next dayDon’t forget your baby’s sleeping hours during the dayWhen it’s time for them to sleep, everything has to stop and you lay them to restSleeping during the day may not be comfortable for adults, but if you feel like taking a nap too, don’t wait until nighttimeJust give your eyes a little rest before the next activitySleep is also part of the adventure, and, therefore, be sure to give your bodies enough rest.
7Keep The Bugs Away
The little one’s skin is very sensitiveYou don’t want them to go back home with insect bites all over their bodyOf course, it’s difficult to keep the bugs from hunting them, but you can always protect them from the bitesYou can take some repellants with you and apply it on exposed skinHowever, be sure to take the necessary precautions – avoid the eye and mouth as much as possible.
8Leave Right Before Sleeping Time
On the day you’re driving to the campsite, be sure to leave right before nap timeIn that way, the baby will fall asleep as soon as the journey beginsIt’s much more peaceful to travel with a sleeping childBy the time you get to your desired destination, they’ll have had enough rest and ready for the activities.
9Spare Enough Time For Diaper Changing And Nursing
Back then, before you received your bundle of joy, things were a little easierBut this time around you’re taking care of a special life who needs care 24/7Ensure you’re there to change their diapers to keep them comfortable and dryAs usual, feed them at the right time to keep their stomach fullIn essence, you’ll be performing your daily routine as a mom, only that this time it’s away from home.
10Teach Them A New Skill
As you have fun, you can teach the toddler a new skill through the activities you engage inProbably they just learned how to walk but they’re still not stable enough to go for long on their ownYou can spare some time to reinforce this skill and help them achieve balanceYou can bring a ride-on toy along to help them build their motor skills and take part in imaginative play.
Get your gears ready and have nice time with your toddler at the camping site!