For many, camping with a toddler might seem like a recipe for disaster waiting to happen. However, some parents love and thoroughly enjoy the adventure, even with their little ones in tug. The open sky, fresh air, smell of woodfire, or the warmth it provides can provide great stimulation and a solid and lasting impression. More importantly, the unlimited fun and precious memories you can create as a family while exploring nature together will be forever cherished.
Camping with a toddler isn’t only possible; it can be tremendously fun too. Below I have shared some fool-proof camping tips to help you make the most out of your expedition into the wild.
Create a Camping Checklist
When camping with a toddler, the first thing you should do is to create a camping checklist ahead of time, as it can significantly help when you’re packing for the trip. Keep in mind; this young age group loves to help, so try to get them involved in the process as much as possible. Moreover, getting your little ones involved will also give you a bargaining chip when they’re losing it.
Below, I’ve shared a list of things that you can pack for the trip.
Camping with a Toddler Checklist
Here is a detailed checklist of what you should bring when camping with a toddler or baby. You do not have to take everything on the list. However, I just want to highlight everything that may for your little bundle of joy (and chaos):
CLOTHES
- Onesies
- Shirts and pants
- Jacket or hoodie
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Shoes and socks
- Sleepers
- Bathing suit
GEAR
- Baby carrier/wrap
- Bouncer
- Portable play-yard
- Blanket
- Toys and books
- Mosquito net
FEEDING
- Feeding bottles
- Formula milk
- Pacifiers
- Bottle warmer
- Highchair
- Snacks
- Burp cloths
SLEEP
- Waterproof pad
- Bassinet
- Sleepsack
- Fitted sheets
- Noise machine
- Receiving blankets
DIAPERING
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Swim diapers
- Diaper cream
- Wet bags
BATH
- Washcloths
- Bin or tub
- Shampoo
- Towel
FIRST AID AND CARE
- Infant Tylenol
- Sunscreen
- Benadryl
- Bug spray
Here are some tips that can help you a lot throughout the trip:
Tip #1: Pack smartly
Pack whatever you’re planning to take with you in gallon-sized Ziploc bags, and divide them into days. For example, you can out all apparel items for the first day in an individual bag and the stuff for day two in another.
URGENT NOTE!!!
Don’t pack any cute clothes or shoes as they would inevitably get dirty. Pack the cheap, disposable ones.
Tip #2: Pack wipes (lots of them)
Baby wipes are your savior in disguise when it comes to camping with a toddler. They come in handy for multiple uses, such as diaper changing, cleaning off dirty hands, wiping off high seat trays, brushing away baby boogies, etc.
Tip #3: Pick a campsite close to a restroom
Make sure you pick a campsite that’s close to the restroom, as your little one will make several, if not dozens, of loo visits in a day. Toilet time, hand washing, showering, teeth brushing, and run-ins with piles of dirt would definitely merit restroom trips. This is especially important if you plan on tent camping.
The list can certainly go on; just remember that every kid needs to be dealt with differently. Therefore, plan and prepare for the trip accordingly. Camping can be super fun even if your kid is up at four in the morning, crawling around, or playing in the mud.
