baby laying on a toki mats play mat with toys
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The Ultimate Packing List For Camping With A Baby

August 28, 2023

It’s a common misconception that once you have a baby, life as you know it has to stop. While it’s true that there’s a short adjustment period where your little one won’t do much more than feed, sleep, and soil their diapers, life quickly picks up again. If you’re someone who can’t get enough of the Great Outdoors and lives for camping adventures, you can still do what you love with your mini-me by your side. The most exciting part? Every camping trip with your little one will be an entirely new experience as they develop and grow into a little adventurer! To make your camping trip go as smoothly as possible, here’s everything you need to pack for your baby:

toki mats play mat on the grass

FEEDING

  • Baby food
  • Bottles
  • Bowls + utensils
  • Straw cup
  • Bibs
  • Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Portable Chair: This travel chair makes feeding your little one as easy as can be while camping. Featuring a sun canopy, removable snack tray, and stable frame, this on-the-go high chair grows with your little one from babyhood to toddlerhood.
  • OXO Tot On-the-Go Drying Rack With Bottle Brush: Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, bottles need to be kept clean and this travel drying rack with a bottle brush is a compact cleaning solution that lets your washed bottles dry in a sanitary way.

ON-THE-GO

  • Chicco Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller: Strollers are a must-have when walking on trails or any unpaved ground, and this heavy duty stroller navigates smoothly on rough terrain with built-in suspension.
  • Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier: While this carrier is ultra comfortable for both parent and baby, it should be noted that it’s best for short distances and not longer hikes.
  • Dreambaby Baby Stroller & Crib Insect Netting: Keep mosquitos, ticks, and other unwanted insects off of your baby with this mesh netting that fits most strollers and cribs.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellant Spritz: There’s no question that bug sprays containing DEET are highly effective in preventing insect and mosquito bites, and the good news is that DEET is safe for children older than 2 months old. Your safest bet is to stick with products that have 10% DEET or less, and this particular spray contains only 7%. 
  • Sunscreen for babies 6 months and older
  • First aid kit
  • Pacifier clip + case
  • Portable fan

DIAPERING

  • Diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Portable changing pad
  • Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser & Bags: These disposable bags are the sanitary way to store dirty diapers when you’re on the trail and also keep the smell to a minimum on the campgrounds.
  • Triple Paste Medicated Ointment: Nothing is worse than dealing with diaper rash when you’re not in the comfort of your own home, and this medicated ointment works fast to heal even the most stubborn of rashes.

BATHING

  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap: Not all soaps are created equal, especially when camping, and this biodegradable soap is safe for kids of all ages and the planet.
  • Stokke Flexi Bath: This lightweight, portable bathtub folds flat when not in use and is suitable for ages 0-4.
  • Washcloths
  • Towels

SLEEP

  • BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light: Weighing only 13 lbs, this travel crib is the lightest on the market and keeps little ones sleeping comfortably wherever you go.
  • Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine: Block out sleep-disturbing sounds with this portable white noise machine that lulls little ones to sleep and helps them stay asleep.
  • SlumberPod: If you’re camping in cold weather, this portable sleep nook is handy for keeping your baby’s sleep space perfectly dark even in broad daylight. Keep your portable fan inside for maximum air flow, and let your baby slumber peacefully in total darkness. (Note: we don't recommend using this in warm weather because of an overheating risk).
CLOTHING
  • Short sleeve bodysuits
  • Long sleeve bodysuits
  • Pants
  • Hoodies/sweaters
  • Waterproof rain suit
  • UPF 50+ hat
  • Pajamas
  • Sleep sack
  • Socks
  • Shoes/booties
  • Swimsuit/swim diaper

PLAY

  • Toki Mats Vegan Leather Mat: This foldable, portable play mat is made from thick latex foam and features a waterproof vegan leather cover so it can be used anywhere and everywhere.
  • Favorite toys
baby playing on a toki mats play mat on the grass
The Ultimate Packing List For Camping With A Baby

About the Author: Alice

Alice Mendoza is a copywriter and blog writer based in Los Angeles. She began writing for a baby brand while on maternity leave, and realized she had found her niche. Today, she writes exclusively within the baby space, using her BFA in Creative Writing and her own experience as a mother to guide her. When she’s not working, you can find her chasing down her toddler, going on walks around the neighborhood, or watching reality TV.

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