This is the best, most comprehensive Camping With a Baby Checklist you will find on the internet.
Taking your baby (or any young children) out anywhere often involves more stuff than you ever thought you would need. So don’t get overwhelmed by the thought of taking your baby camping if this is your first time.
Instead, get organized.
Get this Camping With a Baby Checklist. Best of all, you can use it however you like – check the boxes here or download the PDF here to print!
Also, be sure to check out my tips and useful gear for camping with a baby at the bottom.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure policy here.
A Word About Using This List
This camping with a baby checklist is meant to be comprehensive yet customizable. Everyone has different preferences and different needs so feel free to cross off items you don’t feel you need. I have also provided space at the bottom to fill in items you want or need.
Camping With a Baby Checklist
Camping Essentials
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping Pads/mattress
- Sleeping place for baby – Pack-n-play, travel bassinet, etc
- Bedding for baby – sheet, pillow, blanket, sleep sack
- Headlamps and spare batteries
- Extra water or a water purifier
- Sunscreen
- Camping chairs
- Pocket knife or multitool
- Bug spray
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (for you and your child)
- Toilet Paper
- Soap
- Feminine hygiene items
- Towels
Clothing
- Extra onesies
- Extra pants/shorts
- Extra shirts
- Extra socks
- Sleeping clothes (onesies or pajamas)
- A jacket
- Booties or good shoes
- Hats – sun hats or warm hats depending on the weather
- Swim suits (optional)
- Swim diaper (if applicable)
- Gloves or mittens (if applicable)
Baby Essentials
- Diapers
- Diaper bags or extra plastic bags
- Wipes, washcloths, baby towels
- Toys (preferably plastic)
- Bibs
- Sippy cups
Medical supplies
- Allergy meds (Benadryl or other antihistamine)
- Tylenol
- Syringe for medicine
- Write down the dosage for your child’s age/weight
- Nasal bulb
- Vitamins (optional)
- Anti-itch cream
- Diaper Cream
- First aid kit
- Special medicine/care equipment _____________________
Food
- Bottles and cleaning items for bottles
- Formula (optional)
- Breakfast for ____ days
- Lunch for ____ days
- Dinner for ____ days
- Snacks (bring plenty!)
- Drinks besides water (juice boxes for kids, soda or adult beverages for the parents, etc.)
- Stove for cooking and extra fuel
- Pots/pans for cooking
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives)
- Paper towels
- Booster seat (optional)
- Thermos (optional for midnight feedings)
- Cooler
- Ice
- Dish soap, sponge, wash basin
- Coffee or Tea
- Coffee maker
Baby Extras
- A baby comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.)
- Baby carrier (for hiking)
- Wagon
- Laptop or Tablet (optional for bad weather)
- Swimming equipment – floaties, life vest, toys
- Portable training potty
- Changing mat
- Stroller
- Extra blankets
Camping Extras
- Rope
- Carabiners
- Map and compass
- Bear bag/canister
- Bear spray
- Trash can or extra trash bags
- Camera
- Entertainment – book, deck of cards, etc.
- Umbrella or canopy to block the sun
- Bug net if not using bug spray
Your Own Write-in Items
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Download the PDF of this checklist here!
Some Tips for Camping With a Baby
Now that you’ve got your Camping With a Baby Checklist, you might also like some great ideas and useful tips for camping with a baby. Here are some great ideas and the most useful tips I have found from Hike It Baby and REI.
1. Bring a Play Yard Like a Pack-n-play
A safe place to sleep is probably the first thing you want to consider when camping with a baby. A play yard or Pack-n-play alleviates any fears your baby might wiggle off your air mattress or bed. It also provides a great place to just put your baby down during the day. It’s portable so you can put it in the shade and easily cover it to protect from mosquitoes if necessary.
2. Start Easy and Be Flexible
Maybe it’s not a good idea to head out to a remote area and keep your baby in the car seat for 7 hours on your first trip with the baby. Instead, stay nearby and allow for a flexible time schedule so you can accommodate those unexpected diaper changes and feedings. Traveling babies don’t do well with rigid schedules, and neither do parents. You might even consider doing a day trip as a trial run.
3. Keep It Simple…but not too simple
Try not to over-complicate things by bringing too many extra things which is easy to do when you have a baby. Be realistic about what you’ll need and keep things simple, especially meals. At the same time, make sure you don’t forget some essentials (see list above for what I consider essential).
4. Bring a Big Tent
I’m sorry to say it, but the days of snuggling in a two person tent with just you and your partner are over. You’ll be glad you have the extra space for playing, changing, etc. It’s also convenient to choose a campsite with a picnic table and don’t forget your camp chair to give yourself a rest!
5. Be Proactive About Protection from Bugs and Sun
You’ll have a much better time if bugs and sun aren’t a major concern for you. Bug spray and sunscreen aren’t recommended for kids under 6 months so use things like long sleeve shirts, pants, umbrellas, and a mosquito net for protection. For babies over 6 months, consider natural insect repellent.
Camping With a Baby Gear
A lot of the gear you already have is going to work with your baby too. But I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces of gear that compliment this camping with a baby checklist. These items make life easier and just more enjoyable when you’re out in the wilderness.
1. Sea to Summit X-Seal and Go
It’s easy to see why these cups and bowls are sooooo convenient at meal times when you’re camping with a baby or toddler. Half finished bowl of oatmeal? No problem, cap it up and save it for later. Also, this is the perfect way to take it for a snack on a hike!
2. Osprey Packs Child Carrier
This carrier is a little pricey but if you’re considering taking your child on hikes, it’s totally worth it. I made the mistake of getting a used carrier on craigslist and my child didn’t want to sit in for long. And once your child doesn’t want to be in the carrier, your hike is soon over.
So, if you want to keep up your hiking life after having a baby, having a very comfortable carrier is the best way. Get it on Amazon or REI.
If you prefer a front carrier, the Baby Bjorn Original is the best.
3. A Pop-Up Baby Tent or Pack-n-Play
Having a portable bassinet or kids travel cot is a very good idea. The KidCo Peapod is a great option for both sleeping and somewhere to put the little one during the day. Alternatively, a Pack-n-Play is a great way to keep babies and young kids a little more secure and also have a safe place to play in the daytime!
4. A Tarp or Camping Mat
Just having a clean area to sit, crawl, or lie is key when you’re camping with a baby. A tarp works or the CGEAR Camping Mat is really nice. A cheaper option (and still very useful!) is a waterproof picnic blanket.
5. Organic Sunscreen
At a young age, you don’t want to slather your babies with chemicals but you also don’t want them getting sunburned! A good, all natural sunscreen solves both problems and provide piece of mind to you as a parent. Adorable Baby is a great brand that we use but you can read more about natural sunscreens here.
If you’re a DIY kind of person, check out these recipes for natural insect repellents made out of beautyberry bushes.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be intimidated by taking your baby on their first camping trip! You loved camping before having kids and you don’t want to form a habit of keeping your kids indoors. Get those kids outside and teach them to love fresh air and nature the way you do! And make your trips easier with this camping with a baby checklist.
If you’ve got kids, it’s probably harder to spend as much time outside as you would like. Check out my ideas for 7 Ways Busy People Can Spend More Time Outside and Be Happier Doing It
Don’t forget to pin this post so you can find it later!
