Toddlers in Tents: 10 Essentials for camping with babies & Toddlers

You are not embarking on a vacation but an adventure, and you will make some amazing memories.

There are few truths you must realize going into this…. your baby or toddler is a creature of habit; you can maintain some routine camping but a lot will go out the window. You’ll pay for changing up their schedule with extra feelings, tantrums, clingy behavior, and a tough time sleeping. Know it’s coming and keep your cool. You are not embarking on a vacation but an adventure, and you will make some amazing memories.

10 Essentials you will need for camping with your baby or toddler (or both!):

1. Double the Wipes
   Seriously, pack twice as many baby wipes as you expect you’ll need. Think no bathtub and lots of dirt. Everyone in your family will use them.
2. Pack-n-play
   For safety and sanity sometimes you need something (pack-n-play, travel crib or play pen) to keep your baby or small toddler contained. I’ve used a pack-n-play inside a large tent for bedtime, and also en plein air (just outside in the dirt). Even if your baby does not like to be contained sometimes you need somewhere for them to be safe while you set-up camp. The transition from their carseat after a long drive will be welcome!
3. Potty Chair
   (Skip to #4 if you’re worried about this being TMI) Don’t make your newly potty trained toddler go near a vault toilet. Also, digging a hole to poop in may sound romantic to you, but all that potty training progress you made could come to a screeching halt if you count on your 2 year old to embrace the squat. When it comes to kids going to the bathroom make sure you have a plan B (and C). Bring grocery store bags to insert in the little toilet and catch #2 for easy clean-up if you aren’t able to set-up their potty chair over a hole. They might even use the little toilet roadside in a pinch.
4. Sleeping Bag and a Blanket
   Kids tend to generate more heat than adults, and a sleeping bag may be too hot (not to mention unsafe for young babies). A small blanket from home may provide your toddler comfort and keep them warm in case they want to sleep ON their sleeping bag rather than IN it.
5. Tea lights
   Especially if there is no moon, camping can be dark! Flameless LED tea lights lend your toddler some light. Flashlights can be fun too, but expect to have blinding light shined in your eyes often if your 3 year old is sporting a headlamp. Another option is glow sticks, though they aren’t environmentally friendly and you have to watch the small parts around your little ones.
6. Something Familiar
   A small blanket or animal, whether it’s special to them or not, will help your toddler settle in at camp. Something familiar will lend your little one a sense of home and routine. It might help them fall asleep and get you back out to the campfire.
7. Books
   It’s crucial to maintain some routine going into bedtime. If you read a couple books before bed at home then don’t forget to pack a couple small books for your camp trip.
8. Tent Snacks
   When the sun rises a tent can feel quite small for a family of 2, 3, 4 or more. If you are camping where it is safe to have food with you (no bear or other wildlife concerns), stash a snack in your tent before going to bed. A granola bar for your hangry toddler in the morning will buy you time to rub your eyes before you have to jump out of your warm sleeping bag.
9. No-Spill Water Cup
   I’m a big fan of the Munchkin Miracle 360° cups, especially for babies. A no-spill water bottle or cup handy inside your tent at night is crucial. You don’t want to venture out for more than a midnight pee.
10. Patience
    Camping with a newborn, baby, toddler and/or kid of any age is not easy. Parenting young ones at home, under normal circumstances is not easy. With patience and grace you will create lasting memories. You’ll be planning your next camping trip before your first is over.

photos by Emily Sierra