Camping is an amazing experience loved by countless people. Unfortunately, many of those people find themselves letting go of their love of camping as soon as a new little member joins the family.
While we do understand this way of thinking, we also know from experience that there is absolutely no reason camping can’t remain a part of your life after having a baby. In fact, bringing a baby along adds a whole new layer of adventure and fun that makes the experience even more special!
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That said, if you’re bringing your little one along, you are definitely going to want to have the right gear. After all, a tiny newborn does not yet have the capability to do anything for themselves, and things don’t get much better when they become toddlers. The gear you choose to bring can make an enormous difference in how much fun you and your family have on your camping adventures.
Check out the options below for some great ideas for what you might bring along!
1. Co-sleeper
Sleeping is an important part of a baby’s life. Finding a place for your baby to sleep in the camper can get a bit tricky though. After all, a newborn or toddler shouldn’t be left alone on a bed without some sort of barrier to keep them from rolling off.
This almost always means purchasing some sort of separate sleeping space for the little dreamer.
One good option for the tiniest babies is the SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper by Summer Infant. This nifty little bed offers babies a highly portable yet safe place to rest their head. It can be placed on your bed as a co-sleeper or put elsewhere as a small bassinet.
Additionally, because the sleeper folds up, it is incredibly easy to place in storage at the end of a trip.
2. Freestanding bed
Unfortunately, the little sleeper above won’t work forever. If your baby is too big for the sleeper, you may be wondering what your options are. One of the best ways to take care of this problem is through the use of a mini portable crib such as the Graco Travel Lite Crib.
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This awesome sleeping option is much smaller than your typical portable crib. Clocking in at just 22.8” x 32” x 29.2”, this crib can fit into almost any mid to large-sized trailer or motorhome. Additionally, it folds to fit into a convenient carry bag and weighs only 20 pounds, making it easy to store.
3. Pop-up play yard
Toddlers love to play outside. Unfortunately, they also love to find trouble. From eating dirt and worms to tumbling down a hill, there is too much mischief for a baby to get into when camping. This is where a play yard steps in.
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Most play yards are large and bulky. However, the Summer Infant Pop n’ Play Portable Play Yard is both super compact and easy to set up. This nifty little baby playspace is incredibly lightweight and fits into a relatively small bag with a shoulder strap for easy travel.
As if all those great features weren’t enough, there is also an option to purchase the play yard with a canopy, making it ideal for outdoor play at your campsite or anywhere else your adventures might take you.
4. Portable swing
Little babies can’t sit up on their own, and few little guys and girls are happy being left in their car seats or sleeping spaces all day. While the Tula carrier listed below will help with this, you are likely going to want to have somewhere to set your baby down from time to time. A travel swing is the perfect option for this.
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So which swing should you get? Well, there are a ton of options to choose from. Based on the features and portability offered by the Fisher Price Take Along Swing, we believe this is the number one option for RVers. The swing works while plugged into a wall, but can also be run on batteries.
It folds up to a compact size, but is roomy enough for slightly older babies to use. Finally, we love the fact that this swing converts to a stationary, vibrating seat.
5. Baby carrier
Trekking through campgrounds and hiking the trails with a baby in your arms is a quick way to wear yourself out. Instead of using camping as an opportunity to build your arm strength, why not invest in a high-quality baby carrier?
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The Tula ergonomic baby carrier is the ideal solution to this problem. The carrier is lightweight, breathable, and very versatile. Whether you are looking to carry baby to Bingo Night at the clubhouse or head out on a multi-mile hike, you are sure to appreciate your Tula carrier.
6. All-terrain stroller
Of course, some situations call for a stroller. However, strollers can become quite cumbersome on rocky, bumpy campground roads and trails. For this reason, all serious campers should look into purchasing a good, all-terrain stroller.
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In our opinion, the best all-terrain stroller on the market is the BOB Revolution Flex Stroller. This stroller includes an adjustable handle, adjustable seat, large canopy, and spacious storage basket. It can also be turned into a travel system for babies who are not yet big enough for the typical seat.
It’s also very good at going off-road, and gives your little one a smooth ride no matter how bumpy things become.
7. Folding highchair
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Everyone has to eat, and your baby is no exception. However, babies tend to have a pretty rough time sitting at a picnic table, and holding them while you attempt to eat is never a fun experience. Fortunately, you can now pack a folding highchair to save the day.
The Ciao! Baby Portable Travel High Chair is the ideal camping solution. This chair folds up to fit inside a carry bag just like a camping chair. It is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to clean. Additionally, this awesome travel high chair gives users the option of a clip-on sunshade, perfect for beach days or even afternoons at the lake.
With a few of these nifty accessories, you can easily continue your camping adventures after the baby arrives. Just remember to take joy in the little things and try to relax as you make amazing memories with your family.
