Packing up your tent or campervan with a tiny human in tow can feel daunting. Where do we put all the stuff? What about sleeping? What can I feed them?!
Camping with a baby is much more realistic than it sounds and really doesn't have to be daunting. Yes, it does have its hard bits, and yes, you’ll need to adjust from the normal routine. But it really can be a relaxing break for you all, and the perfect opportunity to spend as much time outdoors as possible!
Last month, we packed up our things (and the dog) and went in search of adventure in the Lake District for Remy's very first camper experience.
I won’t lie, by the third morning I said I was going home - I’d had no sleep the night before and my back hurt from carrying him in the hills. My moaning wasn't met with enthusiasm but we agreed to have a steady morning out and head home after that.
Low and behold, after a morning of exploring, a big lunch and a strong coffee, I decided to try one more night and the little man slept the best he ever has (and ever will again), and so we stayed for the rest of the week, and it was brilliant.
We climbed up fells, ate fish and chips by the lake and generally took life that bit steadier for a few days. I didn't come back as refreshed as I did from holidays pre-baby, but are we ever really refreshed until they leave home?! I did however have the hills in my legs, the sun on my skin and some lovely family memories to take home with me.
Here are a few things that I learned about a successful camping trip with a baby:
Lower your expectations
Your adventures may be a bit different than they were, so don’t go into it expecting it to be like it was before you had a baby, as you’ll end up feeling that you haven't had a successful trip. Go with the flow, adapt and enjoy a new kind of adventure.
Bye bye routine
As with any holiday, your usual routine will go out of the window. Don’t worry about it, it’s amazing how babies can adapt! If they get too tired they’ll sleep, and a week of change doesn’t mean that your home routine will be disrupted. Don’t get fixated on plans, as they may change. But equally, don’t get panicked by changes to the norm - this is a whole new experience for baby too. They may fight sleep to take it all in, or they might be clingier than usual, but know that quality family time in the great outdoors is benefiting their development hugely.
Pack ALL the snacks
If your baby is on solids, throw all the snacks you can at them. They’re on holiday too, so don’t worry about trying to have enough homemade food with you. Improvise and bring food that will travel, and little treats they can associate with being on holiday! If you’re breastfeeding your baby, you’ll inevitably need to feed them outdoors at some point, so think about the weather and if it’s chilly, make sure you and baby are warm enough. If you formula feed your baby, you’ll need to plan for the same for outdoor feeds. It may also be trickier to sterilise bottles and mix up formula if you’re camping. Most campsites will have sockets and charge points, but it’s worth planning ahead to check. You may also want to think about cool bags and ice packs if you’re planning to be out and about for a few hours.
Embrace the smell
Let’s be realistic, your baby isn’t going to have a leisurely bubble bath every night, and neither are you. Wet wipes are your friend. They’ll survive a week without a bath, even if their hair is full of cream cheese and bread crusts. And if they really need one, make it fun, get them in that washing up bowl or a campsite sink!
Make fun out of the everyday
You don’t need to pack all the toys. Little people are fascinated by “stuff” - tent zips, pots and pans, cups, wooden spoons, lamps - they can provide plenty of fun on soggy British days. If you’re out and about during the day, there’s plenty in the great outdoors to fascinate little ones - it may just give you a new sense of wonder for nature too.
Pack for all weathers
Sun hats, warm hats, rain suits, sun cream, midge repellent - pack it all! There are some great baby friendly sun creams and midge repellents available, so do your research before you go.
Above all, enjoy it! Family camping trips are the perfect way to explore the outdoors with your little ones and create memories that last a lifetime.
Have you ever camped with your little one? We’d love to hear your top family camping trip tips!