If you have kids, especially little ones, you could probably use some baby camping hacks to help your next outdoor adventure run smoothly. After all, the prospect of going on a camping trip with your kids (or even a newborn baby) might be a little overwhelming. What do you pack? How much do you need? What if you forget something?

It’s okay, take a deep breath, with a little planning and the right know-how, you can take your kids on a fun outdoor adventure everyone will love. Remember, you’re trying to create memories here, not stress. With that in mind, we’ve put together some camping hacks to help you on your way!

Wait, Can I Really Go Camping With a Newborn Baby?

If you’re a new parent, we know how you’re feeling. With a newborn baby in the house, sleepless nights, and a load of new responsibilities, going on a camping trip with your baby may be the last thing on your mind. However, having a baby does not mean you have to give up your fun, outdoor lifestyle. Quite the opposite, actually! An outdoor adventure may be just what you need to rejuvenate and bond as a family. 

However, on your first trip, you’ll likely be worried about forgetting something. You’ll probably pack too many diapers, milk, and toys. Not to mention clothes, socks, fleece slippers, and every blanket in the house. After all, taking your baby anywhere can be stressful, let alone camping!

For this reason, we’re sure these fantastic hacks, tips, and tricks will not only keep your baby warm but also make camping with a baby and the kids the enjoyable outdoor adventure it’s supposed to be. 

5 Baby Camping Hacks

Organization and simplicity are the names of the game when it comes to keeping your camping trip running smoothly. When packing everything for the trip, keep these baby camping hacks in mind.

1. Pack Supplies in Versatile Containers

When packing, it helps to think about the containers you’re using just as much as what you’re putting into them. For instance, a sturdy milk crate is perfect for bringing a couple of board books and a few toys. Then, once you’ve reached your camping destination, it doubles as a toddler chair. Also, consider large plastic bins. Not only can you use them to store your camping gear and keep everything dry between trips, but they also make a handy kid bath. 

2. Bring Simple and Interactive Things to Keep Kids Occupied

One versatile toy you can bring is colored chalk. You can draw things on the road in front of your campsite and the children will love drawing on nearby rocks and trees (don’t worry, it’s harmless and washes off). Another toy to bring is bubbles. Babies and young kids both love bubbles. They are inexpensive and can provide hours of entertainment. For nighttime, glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces are fun to play with and wear. Your kids will love them. Plus, they make your kids more visible at night. 

3. Consider Camping Somewhere Close By

Consider camping somewhere close to where you live. This is particularly good advice if this is your first time camping with a baby. Long car rides can be hard for kids of any age and stressful for you. What’s more, if the weather gets bad or things aren’t working out, you can always just pack up and go home.

4. Use Compostable and Biodegradable Diapers to Reduce Waste

Diapers are another major issue. Your typical disposable varieties are messy, bulky, and create a lot of waste. For this reason, consider some alternatives. Biodegradable diapers, or liners you can use in combination with cloth diapers, are not only better for the environment, but are much easier to dispose of while camping. This is especially important when backpacking, as having to carry around a sack of stinky diapers is not much fun. 

5. Bring a Safe Pad for Your Baby to Sleep On

One of the biggest worries for a lot of parents considering a camping trip is the sleeping arrangements for your baby. It’s important to bring something that is not only comfortable for your baby but also safe. Inflatable mattresses can be dangerous, so bring a foam pad for your baby to sleep on. Cutting an adult-sized foam pad in half is the perfect solution. 

Have Fun Camping With Your Baby!

When it comes to camping with babies and kids, if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. Camping trips are supposed to build memories, not stress. With this in mind, consider these 5 baby camping hacks to help keep your next outdoor adventure organized and fun:

1. Pack supplies in versatile containers. 
2. Bring simple and interactive things to keep kids occupied.
3. Consider camping somewhere close by.
4. Use compostable and biodegradable diapers to reduce waste. 
5. Bring a safe pad for your baby to sleep on.

What have you learned from camping with your baby and kids? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!