Mom goes camping with her (very) little one!

The outdoors was one of the best life school to learn to let go and develop my ability to adapt to unpredictability!

Summer 2021, when Robin was 2 weeks old, we were already camping! Note that this is my fourth baby and I would not have had the courage to do this so soon with my first infant.

In reality, the smaller the baby, the simpler it is. But don't expect too much! All he needs is, to sleep, to eat, to cling, no matter where. It's as you grow up that it gets a little more difficult. If your coconut is already used to the outdoors, it will adapt more easily.

Whether you are in a tent or a trailer, it's sure that you will have a lot of things to transport and prepare. If you prefer simplicity and a gentle introduction, a ready-to-camp option is great. Available in several campsites, notably in the Sepaq, Ontario Parks and Canada parks, they are very well equipped. So you have a lot less to lug around.

A little advice to preserve your mental health: do not be rigid about routine and naps. When you camp, you do not look at the time, you rather look at the sun!

So now, what do you bring?

I especially mention to you “the must have". What you have to remember is that you always bring too many clothes. The more often we camp, the more we recognize our needs. I usually camp in a tent trailer, but the items on my list would be very similar if I were in a tent.

You can download the full list at the bottom of the page.

To sleep:

• Tent (whether you're more tent ou trailer… You probably won't forget your trailer!)
• Mattress pad or sleeping mat
• Sheets/sleeping bag
  
• Pillow
  
• Tarp and stakes
• Electric heater and extensions

To eat

• Reusable dishes, utensils
• Reusable water bottle and large water container
• Snack bag
• Portable BBQ and/or grill for cooking over a fire
• Coleman stove
• Essential for cooking (saucepan, frying pan, spatula, wooden spoon, etc.)
• Dishwasher, soap, sponge, dish towel...
• Container for compost (for the most eco-friendly)
• Aluminum foil
• COFFEE MAKER (for surviving rooster alarm clock)
• Bottle opener and corkscrew (for survival too)

Taking care of yourself and clean

• First aid kit: tylenol, benadryl, polysporin cream, bandage, nail clippers, eyebrow tweezers (for splinters)…
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Lip balm
• Shower kit: Bar soap and shampoo
• Hooded towel or compact ultralight towel that is useful for the whole family.
• Brush and hair elastic
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Portable toilet
• Toilet paper & Tissues
• Dry food tray with smooth bottom to use as a bathtub or the cooler will do for baby's bath

For baby

• Baby playpen or pram
• Quite large muslin type cuddly blanket (also useful as a nursing apron)
• Warm comforter
• Stroller with mosquito net and rain cover
• Side bench for meals
• Bib (I only bring one in silicone which washes very well)
• Baby carrier, hiking bag
• Bottles, cup
• Diapers and wipes
• Very practical and compact nursing sleeve (or use a pillow)
• Snacks
• Small toys

If you still have some room:

• Rocking camping chair, yes yes it exists!
  
• Small bassinet or playpen bed for sleeping. The most minimalist option would be to make a security perimeter with bags or bins and have baby sleep on a small mattress on the floor or with you in bed if you are in a trailer.

Note that the "transit" chairs to put baby down (0 to 6 months) are not essential when camping, because baby will often be in everyone's arms and if necessary use the stroller, a blanket on the ground or the car seat.

 

To get dress him or her up

• Kit 5 in 1 from Peakbwa with integrated mittens and socks (for colder night)
• Lots of onesies and pajamas et pyjamas!
• Multi use headband and Kepeak to protect from the sun and mosquitoes! 
• Pants (grow with me)
• Short (grow with me)
• T-shirt
• Shoes, water boot
• Wind breaker coat & warmer cuddle blanket
• Swimsuit
• Sport clothes
• Warm underwear and socks
• Pajama (warm one type polartech)
• Seasonal clothes and accessories

For the beach

• Toys to play in the sand.
• Floating jacket.
• Shelter for the sun, I like the XL model from Decathlon, because the shelter is big enough for the whole family. Very useful at the beach and it is a durable purchase over time. 
• Towels

For fun 

• Sports equipment of your choice
• Board games
• Books
• Finnish bowling
• Coloring book & pencils

You still have to eat!

It's always easier if you think ahead for your main meals. Still these things come up often:

• Salt & pepper
• Vegetable oil or fat for cooking
• Coffee, tea
• Bread
• Peanut butter
• Can of tuna 
• Trail mix
• Snacks, granola bar, muffin
• Potato chips
• S'mores
• Naan bread (to accompany dinner)
• Tortilla or pita bread (to make wraps at dinner)
• Eggs 
• Oatmeal
• Dried fruits
• Pasta, rice
• Pancake, bannock and muffin mix
• Frozen marinated meat, frozen tofu
• Frozen spaghetti sauce
• Soup
• Fruits and vegetables
• Condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)

To survive all eventualities (various)

• Camelback style backpack
• Flashlight and headlamp
• Batteries
• Matches or lighter
• Camping chairs
• Hatchet
• Power extension cord
• Strings
• Clothespins
• Table cloth
• Candle (it cuts the humidity in the tent if lit before bedtime)
• Compostable trash bag
• Wireless charger
• Small broom

Here is my complete family camping “Checklist” for download... I left you the Word file so that you can customize it and add your own items.

(Word file or PDF file)

This list is a basic one, but varies according to your type of campsite, the number of children, the age of the children and the season.

Do not hesitate to write to me if I forgot any items, I will add them.

In my opinion, all these preparations are worth it for stays of several days.

Happy camping!

 

Jacinthe