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Blog - Kids Camping

Our Guide to Camping with a Baby

Camping with a baby requires some essential items and need-to-know tips. To help you prepare for your camping adventure in the forest, take a look at these top 15 tips and must-have items that will make your trip easier and enjoyable.Father holding baby in forest (Shutterstock, Lucky Business)

1. Do a ‘camping with a baby' trial run

Pitch up your tent in your back garden and try a night outdoors. It’s a great way to road test your upcoming trip and figure out what baby camping gear you'll need. You may even need a baby-friendly tent (see tip 9).

The great thing is, if you forget something while you’re in your back garden, you can pop back into the house and get it, but you know you’ll need it when camping properly. A trial run will also help you to figure out any items you don’t have but will need to purchase.

2. Choose a campsite close to home

If it’s your first time camping with a baby, choosing a campsite close to home is a good option, just in case things don’t go according to plan. You can pack up and quickly return to home comforts, without having to worry about travel times. You can always venture a little further on your camping trips when you get the hang of camping with your little one. Take a look at our campsites to find out which one is closest to your home. 

3. Check the weather forecast

It might be a given, but checking the weather forecast before you pack can be the difference between a successful camping trip and a cold and wet one. Although the weather is infamously unpredictable in the UK, the weather forecast should give you a general idea of whether you can expect blue skies or rain showers. Once you have a better idea of the forecast, you can pack accordingly. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to pack some waterproof and thermal clothing, because things can change in an instant! If the forecast is predicting wet weather, read our guide to camping in the rain. 

4. Pack plenty of nappies, nappy sacks, and wipes

Nappies weigh nothing when they’ve not been used so pack plenty. Equally, pack plenty of nappy sacks to dispose of used nappies quickly. You will need plenty of wipes too because you will use them for more than just changing time. They’re handy to have at feeding time, too. Make sure you've packed all of the essentials with our comprehensive camping checklist.
baby in pushchair (shutterstock, FamVeld)

5. Pack portable ‘everything’

Portable baby camping gear will make your outdoor adventure much easier. Items that are quick to set up and take down are a great time and space-saver. Here’s some essential, portable gear you will need when camping with a baby:
  • Baby camping chair
  • 3-in-1 bassinet, nappy bag and changing station
  • Pop up playpen
  • Changing Mat
  • Travel Cot

6. Make time to do nothing

Although camping with a baby can be a fantastic, memorable experience for the whole family. There’s no doubt that it can also be very tiring. While it’s important to make sure you’re doing lots of fun activities and exploring the local area, it’s equally important to set aside some time for doing absolutely nothing. Whether you’re napping, relaxing or just reading, having some downtime will give you a lot more energy for the rest of your trip. 

7. Pack ‘breathable’ clothes for baby

Babies can’t regulate their temperature well and will get sweaty during the day, especially if attached to mum or dad in a carrier. At night they can quickly cool down and will need to be clothed to keep warm. Either scenario requires ‘breathable’ clothing. On a hot day, dress your baby in light clothing and on a cool night, start light, but add layers as needed. It’s advised that you pack a baby sleeping bag, some mid-weight sleeper suits, a hat and some baby mittens for those cooler nights.

8. Pack baby’s comforter and their favourite toy(s)

Soothing your baby while camping can be made easier if your baby has a comforter or favourite toy that helps to settle them. It gives them a little bit of familiarity when in a camping environment. Don’t forget to pack a dummy, blankets or cuddly toys, whatever it may be that puts your baby at ease.
 mother and baby delamont

9. Get a baby-friendly tent

Camping with a baby requires a tent that’s roomy enough to store your baby camping gear and sleep the family! Be mindful of how many your tent sleeps, and make sure it has plenty of space outside the sleeping areas to ensure that you get the best family tent for your trip.

10. Choose a quiet pitch on the campsite

To prevent your baby from being disturbed, or disturbing other campers, try and pitch your tent as far away from on-site facilities as possible. This will help you and your fellow campers enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

11. Take a travel cot

If a baby sleeps all through the night, then usually the parents do too. That’s why it’s important to have a portable travel cot. Boasting a flat waterproof mattress with a strong frame and base, travel cots are worth considering to ensure your baby has a comfortable sleep. When choosing which model is best for you, remember to find one that will fit comfortable in your camping unit.

12. Get to know your neighbours

Chat with your camping neighbours to give them the ‘heads up’ that you’re camping with a baby. No parent should have to justify or be made to feel guilty about bringing their baby camping. You could bring packs of earplugs and hand them out to your fellow campers as a considerate gesture.
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13. Make sure mum is comfortable

Feeding a baby whilst camping can be uncomfortable, so make sure Mum has everything she needs to make feeding time a little more relaxing. A sturdy camping chair and cushions are certainly worth packing.

14. Pack a baby carrier

There are few better ways to explore the Great British countryside than on foot. If you’re thinking of doing some walking on your next camping trip, take a look at our guide to our favourite walks in the forest. If you’re planning to do some walking with your baby, owning a reliable baby carrier can make the whole experience a lot better. Lightweight pushchairs can be handy when visiting local attractions, but when heading into the country, the baby carrier is a handy option. 

15. Don’t stress

Babies can pick up on signs of stress from their parents, so keep calm and remember that your baby is extremely adaptable and resilient. Rather than trying to get them to fit around your camping routine, you will need to adjust your camping style to suit your baby’s needs. Whatever happens, keep it fun!

Camping with a baby is easy on our campsites

Our family-friendly campsites are a haven for new parents and make camping with a baby stress-free. We invite you to enjoy a forest camping adventure with your little one and introduce the next generation to the wonder of Britain’s woodlands. We look forward to seeing you!
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