Camping With Infant

Taking an infant camping can be a rich and rewarding experience for the entire family, instilling deep love and respect for nature at an early age.  Camping with a baby can be a little challenging, but certainly does not need to be difficult. Many people camp with infants and so can you.  With a little planning you will be a pro in no time at all.  To be sure that all your babies' needs are fully met, you may want to practice camping with them out in the backyard before venturing someplace else.  This is recommended so that you are aware of expect and what to bring.  Preparation will help ensure that everyone will have a great time and really enjoy the experience. A little planning and organization will help the trip go smooth and everyone to enjoy themselves that much more.  The effort is worth it for a fun family experience. grow up and appreciate the great outdoors and well as learn Checklists can be especially helpful when taking an infant camping.  Any kind of family travel can be stressful enough, causing all sorts of important things to be forgotten.  To help get you started I have included some basic camping with infant checklist.  You will want to add or cross out according to your own personal needs of course.  So let's get started ... 

To Do

• Practice camping in the backyard.
• Many mothers prefer a flat camp site because it helps them to get around, so you may want to choose one as well before setting camp.

To Pack

• Baby carrier (This is an important item, especially if you plan on hiking. Be sure to test it out before you take it camping.)
• Baby swing
• Bottles (extra bottles)
• Nipples (extra nipples)
• Bibs (If possible, bring a bib for each meal.)
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt (to protect baby from the sun and bug bites)
• Extra socks
• Umbrella for shade
• Diapers
• Lots and lots of layers and extra clothes for all possibilities of weather. 
• Lots of hats - cold weather hat, sun hat, etc.
• Extra clothes
• Properly fitted life jacket (for babies 20 pounds and up)
• Cloth diapers (For nursing, etc.)
• Pacifier with clip and ribbon or string
• Extra pacifier
• Diaper bag
• Baby wipes
• Play tent
• Hat, helmet or glasses with built-in light (for mom)
• Portable high chair 
• Baby food
• Pajamas with footies
• Formula (ready-made rather than powder)
• Disposable utensils (Don't worry about Mother Nature. You can wash and reuse disposable utensils when you get home.)
• Mittens (You can double up socks if necessary.)
• Waterproof Ziploc bags
• Hand sanitizer (for mom)
• Baby eating utensils
• Battery operated baby monitor
• Extra plastic bags (for soiled diapers, trash and laundry)
• Clothes line and clothes pins        Plastic tablecloth or drop cloth (For baby play area)
• Favorite toys
• Stroller
• Baby thermometer
• First aid kit for baby
• Good sunscreen that is safe for babies    
• Outside toys and beach toys
• Sippy cups
• Disposable changing pads
• Portable bassinet or pack-and-play
• Portable playpen (for keeping baby clean, occupied, and out of trouble. A playpen also make a nice place for baby to sleep.)
• Baby blankets (extras for cold nights)
• Tummy tub or bath for baby (You can also use a plastic storage container for bathing baby.)
• Mosquito netting to put around playpen or pack-and-play
• Bedding for baby
• Snacks

          
Camping is one of the best ways to for a family to share time and create memories.  Have Fun!