Top 10 Camping Tips for New Moms
By Jessica Boehme-Flores
Children’s Council Parent and Caregiver Education Manager
Camping with your family can be a fun adventure for everyone, but as a mom (or dad!), you need to be prepared. Just in time for Labor Day weekend, here’s a Top 10 list for a stress-free camping experience with your little one.
- Bring extra warm clothes: fleece, sleep sacks, hats, extra layers, blankets, bring it all. Don’t be worried that your baby is not warm enough.
- Nursing? Pack extra pillows for support.
- Use a head lamp. Two hands are never enough so have both of them free, and have your headlamp on your person well before dark.
- Set up when it is light out. If you must set up camp when it when it is dark, sometimes you can use your car headlights for light.
- Know your elements. Can you have a campfire? Do you need a fire permit? Will you have access to drinking water? If not, bring enough water for you and your family, 2-3 liters per day/per adult. How will you prepare your food? Over a campfire, stove, charcoal? Or will your meals be dehydrated to just mix with water?
- You may not have phone service, access to wi-fi or the ability to charge your phone. Plan ahead with directions and emergency information.
- Bring ear plugs, cotton for cold ears and noise-cancelling head phones for babies.
- You will have lots of gear! Some basics: closed-toe shoes, baby-safe sunscreen and bug spray, first aid kit and baby supplies, thermometer, baby medicine in case of a fever, cooking supplies, pots, pans, mugs, utensils, knives, plates, towels, toilet paper, wipes, trash bags, life vests (if near open water) lanterns (with batteries) and matches/lighter. Some fun extras, glow sticks, battery operated lights, stereos, cards and games.
- Your baby will cry and it is okay. Camping is a shared experience and no one should expect much sleep!
- Don’t get worked up if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned. Enjoy the adventure. Call on your support systems. Ask for help. And most importantly, have fun!
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