If you have always enjoyed camping holidays this needn’t stop just because you have a new addition to the family. Camping with a baby means being extra organised but with a bit of planning the whole family can have a great time.
One of the main concerns for many parents is keeping their baby warm or cool depending on what the weather forecast is like. Babies are of course less able than adults to regulate their body temperature, so it is important to have plenty of warm clothes with you if the weather is cold and a means of cooling the baby down if the weather is warm. Electric hook-ups can be a godsend if you want to take a portable fan but if this is not feasible then it is possible to buy battery operated fans. Don’t forget sun protection either. Many products suitable for adult skin are not suitable for babies so either buy a specially formulated product or seek advice from a pharmacist. Wherever possible keep the baby out of direct sun.
Insects are a worry too and unfortunately camping at certain times of the year means bugs! Insect repellents are unsuitable for babies so take all possible precautions to keep the baby covered and also take camping accessories such as mosquito nets to cover the travel cot and pram.
Breastfeeding is obviously the easiest way of feeding your baby when camping but if your baby is bottle fed do not despair. An electric hook-up will mean that you can bring a small camping fridge and steriliser.
Other things you may like to pack include extra camping mats, a large washing-up bowl for using as a baby bath, a head torch so that you can see to change nappies in the middle of the night, and a portable playpen if your baby is mobile and you are concerned about keeping him or her safe.