Taking a baby camping

Liz - posted on 07/27/2010

yea it's all good ay both my babies have been crazy places wail very young,

Erin - posted on 07/27/2010

i know people who have taken kids as young as that camping...and they were about an hour from the nearest town but they made it work and had a great time!!!!

Lindsey - posted on 07/27/2010

Our little man was 5 weeks old when he went on his first camping trip. We love camping/the outdoors as well and so does he! Certainly things are wayyy different with a little one, but it can be done. We ended up sleeping in our car, actually (all three of us- hubby, baby, and me) since it got pretty chilly at night and started raining. Worked pretty well. This summer (he turned 1 July 9), we bought a new tent (one with a hinged door for quietness), a heater, and more things to make camping easier on a little one. Though it is different than before (I loved backpacking and more remote camping), it is still great and the family time is unrivaled. Enjoy!

Alicia - posted on 07/27/2010

Go for it! My husband & I love to tent camp & we go all the time. I first took my little girl when she was 2-3 wks old. We would just take the pack n play for her. In my opinion, the sooner you start them the better. She's now 2 & absolutely LOVES to go! Have fun!!

Sarah - posted on 07/27/2010

I would go, but I would get a trailer, it's the safest bet to make sure the little one doesn't get attacked by bugs, has a safe place to sleep, and is out of the elements. Trailers also have bathrooms (tub to washthe little one in) and sinks stoves, and fridges (for formula or pumped milk) hope I helped!! have fun camping!!!! ( I know camping isn't the same in a trailer, but it's better than nothing!! LOL)

Liz - posted on 07/27/2010

Go camping, my baby is 10 weeks and we are going this weekend. We would have went earlier but we didn't have a playpen, and I live in Montana so I know what it's like to only be able to get out in the summer. Just make sure you have what you need. All my kids love camping and have been in the mountains as babies, HAVE FUN.

Flo - posted on 07/27/2010

Why couldn't you take a 5 week old camping.. Just make sure you have everything you need but I took my son as soon as I could meaning the weather. I took a playpen and I breast fed him so all I needed to worry about was diapers, wipes, blankets, and well babies are portable lol. Go for it and have fun.

Kristen - posted on 07/27/2010

go for it, be sure to get a camping ground with a elctricity option, so incase you need to run a electric heater for the baby, and bring all that you need, figure out how much diapers you need, and formula, milk ect. the psssibilties are endless, if your baby can crawl, walk around hwer while she is crawling, let the baby be a nature baby.

A - posted on 07/27/2010

It honestly depends where you are going and your childs personality. Here are the biggest factors to consider:

1) Sleeping arrangements (pack n play or air mattress, suffocation risks with sleeping bags, etc)
2) Weather-Getting too hot during the day and too cold at night (is there shade?, will you have an RV for heat at night?, what about rain or wind)
3)Are insects a problem and what can you safely use to protect your baby?
4) Food- if you're breastfeeding its only a matter of whipping it out and bringing decent food for yourself. If you formula feed preparing bottles and spoiling and washing bottles and bringing safe water, etc, could be troublesome.
5) How does your baby do in a new environment? If your baby doesn't like new surroundings, reconsider going.
6) How far away will you be camping? If its a long drive the drive can be a problem or it makes it hard to pack up and go at night if things aren't working out.

We attempted a "Day camping" excursion when my son was about 2 months old. It was a complete disaster. The whole family had gone up in the mountains and we decided to go for the day and come back. Its about an hour and a half away. First off, my son doesn't like being confined in a car seat. Cried the whole way back. When we got there, since the elevation is about 7,000 feet up and lots of trees it was cold up there even though it was in the 80's at home. About 55 degrees. Next, it was windy. My son didn't like the wind and cried the whole time we were there. We spent at least a good hour packing up everything and we only stayed an hour (not counting the 1.5 hour drive there and 1.5 drive back!). IT was horrible and not worth it. I was stressed out the whole time.

My son is now 14 months and I'm considering going again, but still have my reservations. My son loves being outside (its all he wants to do) so that part of it doesn't scare me at all. I breastfeed, so as long as I take nutritious food for myself thats not a problem. He'll play for hours with rocks and dirt so he doesnt need toys there. I have a sling for packing him around when he doesnt want to walk anymore. If we were just going to go for the day it would be okay, I know. But he still doesn't like those car rides. We went to the lake the other day (about 20-30 minute drive) and he cried the whole way there. So I'm still worried about the long drive. Also, we usually take an air mattress when we go and use sleeping bags. Since we cosleep I cant bring my son in the bag with me because I feel it would be unsafe. But I know I'M not comfortable on an air mattress all night...so I'm not sure how he will be either. Plus keeping him warm because he doesn't like to be covered up while he's sleeping.

My best advice is to try something close and maybe for the day or be prepared to leave at night if things get bad. Or, try putting the tent up in the back yard and give it a trial run before you go and see how your baby likes it. You could be lucky since your baby is still young he/she may sleep a lot anyway.

Vicki - posted on 07/27/2010

If you're up for it then go! I think the biggest concern is if you have the energy to pack it all, and know that you can't do as many things as the rest of the group might. Bring along some good books for you in case you spend alot of time in the tent with him sleeping. Have fun!

Tracey - posted on 07/27/2010

all dat matters 2 ur baby is dat he/she is wit u once ur happy and welfed then so will ur baby

Desiree - posted on 07/27/2010

i think go with your motherly instincts and if it is a yes to you then you should do it.once u feel comfy about anything u choose to do for your baby you should go for it. not to worry!! God bless you and ur little one.!! :)

Carley - posted on 07/27/2010

i say why not.
I took my infant daughter camping for a week. it was very different from camping without a baby. and we even took her cloth diapers and used them while camping for a week. she loved it.

Megan - posted on 07/27/2010

We didn't take our daughter camping until this year at the beginning of July and she will be 2 in August. I wouldn't take a young, newborn baby camping.

Lisa - posted on 07/27/2010

We took our baby camping twice this year, the first time he must have been 8-9 weeks old, it worked perfect, he seemed to love it, It get's chilly at night here, I had a worse night then he did lol, was worried he'd be cold, but I don't think he was! He slept just like he does at home. So ya if you can handle being out there with your 5 week old, I think the little one will be just fine:)

Tanya - posted on 07/27/2010

it's probably going to be much easier now than when the baby is older (and mobile). Just be sure that your body is ready for that strain. I know at 5 weeks post-partum I may have been ready to sleep in a tent, but hiking and other outdoor activities would have been too much.

Gretchen - posted on 07/27/2010

yes yes! take your baby camping! i took my 12 yr old on her first camping trip at 2 weeks old! and my 18 month old went at 4 months! they always do way better than u think they will as long as you dont mind the extra work! i tried to take my 18 month old camping this past month, didnt work out too well, he wanted his bed! do it now while u can! good luck and have fun!

Alana - posted on 07/27/2010

Just as long as you can keep bugs, sun, and any irritants away from the baby, I don't see why not! Have fun, just take extra measures to keep you and the baby safe and comfortable!

Dana - posted on 07/27/2010

Absolutely, but get a sleepy wrap! It will become your best friend! Whether you're camping or at home. I wasted so much money on other slings, front packs, etc. If you start young, you're baby will love it too! I got mine from sleepywrap.com. I plan on taking my 9 month old camping in a couple weeks and took my first child camping at 5 months. Have fun and be safe!

Jennifer - posted on 07/27/2010

I don't see a reason not to, unless there's a ton of predator wildlife that may 'zone in' on the baby's cries.

Lindsay - posted on 07/27/2010

also, for bug spray, do NOT use a deet spray.. some people/doctors whatever say it is okay to use sparingly on babies, but it really isn't!!! go to your local natural/health store, and get a lemongrass/lemon eucalyptus bug spray, it actually works MUCH better on mosquitos and black flies, and it is safe to use on babies!

Lindsay - posted on 07/27/2010

as long as the weather is good, and your camping equipment is really weather-proof, it should be fine, i would also bring a little heater, incase it gets colder. also, if you have or can get a wrap, they are great for keeping baby tie up close to you, so they can be nice and cosy, and extremely portable! so yeah, i don't think it should be a problem, babies just require more equipment! lol

Chantelle - posted on 07/26/2010

My daughter was just about 4 weeks the first time we took her camping. It's great for them! I brought her bassinet along because it came off the stand and so she still felt like she was at home. The fresh air is great for them to sleep!

Riki - posted on 07/26/2010

This is probably a late reply but im sure you are a good mother and can handle decisions like this....have faith in yourself and enjoy your camping trip!

Jessica - posted on 07/26/2010

Its ok... We look Zac camping at 2 mths old up the river...
We camped in a tent, we took the porta cot and the baby bath, just heated the water up on the fire.
We went for two weeks, just have to make sure you take all the things your need for baby.
Our car was packed to nearly unable to shut the doors... It was hard feeding but it was great being able to take zac with us, We took lots of pics.
So just pack the car go have some fun as a family!

Erika - posted on 07/26/2010

I took my baby camping he was 4 months old I am sure it would be a little harder with a younger baby but we still had a blast and I would have taken him even if he was younger

Lindsey - posted on 07/26/2010

of course! my parents took me for the first time when i was like a month or 2. i think its good to explore the outdoors!

Kelly - posted on 07/26/2010

I would!! You shouldn't stop doing everything you like just because you have a baby. Camping is a family thing. Take her and enjoy it!!!

Amber - posted on 07/26/2010

I dont see a problem with taking the baby camping, as long as youre comfortable with it. If youre tent camping, just make sure its cool enough in there especially during the day if you lay the baby down for a nap. A friend of mine recently lost her baby. He was 16 months old, she was camping with camper, put him down for a nap, said she checked on him every 15 minutes, well the last time she went and checked on him, he was unresponsive. They called 911, the paramedics were able to bring him back, but he died on the way to the hospital. Theyre still investigating, but they think the air conditioner malfunctioned in the camper, and he died of heat exposure, cuz it was in the 90s that weekend. So just be very careful, I dont know what the weather is like in Oregon, but here it gets so HOT! Good luck and have fun!

Dana - posted on 07/26/2010

I say go for it! I just took my 3month old son camping. We only went for two nights, and the second night was a bit more rough when it came to sleeping for the night. Overall though, it was a great trip and I'll take him again. I used lavender lotion to keep the bugs away, and he didn't get a single bite. Skin so soft lotion will work as well. 5wks old is too young for sunblock and bug repellant, I asked my doctors. Hope this helps!

Sicily - posted on 07/26/2010

i would not in fear of bug bites,ticks, and ect. and really how much fun is that going to be for you if you constantly have to change diapers,and worry about the baby, and at 5wks i just think thats a lil risky but thats just my opinion.

Kelleigh - posted on 07/26/2010

no no no!

Danielle - posted on 07/26/2010

Well I'd consider it if my baby was a really good 5 week old. Why not? At this time of year it's nice and warm out. If you're breastfeeding it's even easier...I'm not sure how you would go about doing it if your child is bottle feeding. You can pre-mix formula and keep it in a cooler but without electricity how could you heat it up? Unless you are camping in a trailer rather than a tent...problem solved. Or even better buy the ready feed formula because you can keep it at room temperature, just pop a nipple on the bottle and your set. Definitely buy a mosquito net since she's too young for bug spray. I have one that I bought at Toys-R-Us and it protects against UV rays as well. It was a life saver last year when we went camping (my son was 3 months at the time)/ I know my son always really enjoyed being outdoors, sometimes it was the only thing that kept him happy. Have fun!

Erin - posted on 07/26/2010

I took my son camping for the first time when he was about 8 weeks... It is totally worth it, especially if it is something that you will be enjoying as a family from here out. You can't stop you life, you have to find ways to make it work with your new baby... We had to bring a LOT of extra stuff: wipes, diapers, baby lounger for him, blankets, but it was all worth it in the end...

Lisa - posted on 07/26/2010

YES! Of course you can take your Baby camping. You dont have to be cooped up in your house while there are possible opportunities outside! YOU need to be happy as well. I dont think there is anything wrong with it, just make sure your baby is not too hot, or cold, bugs and sun protected. It's the same as being at home, except you have to improvise. The baby is going to sleep most of the time anyways,... just the same as home! If you're breastfeeding,... make sure you're hydrated, drink lots of water, and eat healthy. If you're bottle feeding, just make sure you have an agaquate supply and can clean bottles properly!
Good Luck and Have Fun!

Iolanda - posted on 07/26/2010

Absolutely YES!

Allison - posted on 07/26/2010

I say yes. You just have to pack more stuff than you are used to lol. Bring a pot to boil water so you can heat bottles, bathe the baby etc. Since you can't use bug repellent you can get little mesh covers for the car seats. You can see through it to check on the baby, but bugs can't get in :) Have fun!

Tyrae - posted on 07/26/2010

We just had a family reunion this weekend actually and we had babies ages 12 days old to 2 years camping with us. As long as you can keep them in the shade, and don't use bug repellents or after bite or anything unless its for babies you should be fine. Make sure you bring a playpen with you and a car seat for sleeping in. They love the outdoors too

Melanie - posted on 07/26/2010

I went camping for the 4th of July. My daughter was born June 13. I'd say yes, but be very careful about how much exposure to the weather baby gets. It is good to let them breath fresh air, but not to breath smoke from a fire or get bit by bugs.

Lyndsey - posted on 07/26/2010

two words - TRAVEL COT!!!

Christina - posted on 07/26/2010

Taking a baby camping, nothing at all wrong with it, my son and my best friends two sons always go camping, I would rather have my son out of town, having fun with family where he away from the violence and safe then having a baby sitter watch him. As long as you take care of the baby, Ide say TAKE you baby :) Have fun

Rebecca - posted on 07/25/2010

i took my 8 wk old camping at easter which for me living in central otago new zealand was just at the end of summer/start of autumn. take plenty of clothes keep bubs out of the wind.

Jennifer - posted on 07/25/2010

5 WEEKS.....children under 3 months shouldn't even be outside very often or around other people. NO.

Skyla - posted on 07/25/2010

we started taking our son camping at 2wks old preparation is all you need its your life have fun!

Jamie - posted on 07/25/2010

Women all over the world take their babies everywhere with them, a good number of these people spend a lot of time outside in pretty harsh environments. I think that you should take your baby anywhere you feel comfortable going, i don't think having a newborn should be a reason to close yourself up inside, and in fact, i believe it to be somewhat detrimental for babies to spend so much time indoors and out of the world.

Take your baby camping. When my son was 15 days old and his cousin was 25 days old we took a huge family camping trip and everyone came. We had bouncy chairs and portable play pens and shade to protect babies who were still too young for sunscreen. Everyone had a great time, and even with 5 kids on a pontoon boat at the lake we had no problems.

Do what you're comfortable with, be safe, and bring everything you think you might need.

Alicia - posted on 07/25/2010

Absolutley yes! I took my 3 week old son camping last year in the north carolina appalacian mountains and we had a great time. I don't know what oregon's weather is like but in the nc mountains its very mild, but being away from a climate controlled enviroment can be tough on a little one, so just keep a close eye on his temp. I even hiked up a mountain with my 3 week old hanging from a sling around my neck. Stopping periodically to rest my neck and make sure he was comfortable. Absolutley go for it:)

Jennifer - posted on 07/25/2010

Bring her with you, but be very well prepared.She could get sunburn but if you watch out for sun and everything it should be fine.Bring a pack n play so she can sleep.Lots of clothes that cover her from head to toe.Bring flashy clothes so the mosquitos will not get at her...

Carlene Joy - posted on 07/24/2010

I took my babies camping at that age I just took a pac n play with me for the baby to sleep in. I didn't have any problems with camping with a baby.

Erin - posted on 07/24/2010

my son was about that age when he went camping the first time. he did great! as long as mom and dad are there...little ones don;t really care where they are!

Jackie - posted on 07/24/2010

I would go! My boys were born in Janurary and March....we were camping by early June....would have been sooner but there was too much snow :O) Just be sure to take everything you will need. We usally take two cars cause our youngest one has asthma pretty bad so I can leave with him if I have to. You should go and enjoy your self but be prepaired to leave if you have to!!