BWA mom camping with baby !
The outdoors was one of the best schools in my life for learning to let go and developing my ability to adapt in the face of unpredictability!
Summer 2021, when Robin was 2 weeks old, we were already camping! Please note that this is my fourth baby and I would not have had the courage to do this so early with my first baby.
In truth, the smaller the baby, the simpler it is. Don't wait too long! All he needs is to sleep, eat, cuddle, no matter the location. It's as you get older that it gets a little harder. If your coconut is already accustomed to the outdoors, it will adapt more easily.
Whether you are in a tent or in a trailer, you will definitely have plenty of stock to transport and prepare. If you prefer simplicity and a gentle introduction, ready-to-camp kits are great. Available in several campsites, notably in the Sepaq and Parc Canada parks, they are very well equipped. So you have a lot less things to carry around.
Little advice to preserve your mental health: don't be rigid about routine and naps. When camping, don't look at the time, look at the sun!
Now what to bring?
I especially mention “the musts.” » 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'm used to camping in a tent trailer, but the items on my list would be very similar if I was in a tent.
(download the full list below)
To sleep:
- Tent (whether you are a tent or a trailer… But you don’t risk forgetting your trailer!)
- Floor mattress
- Sheets/sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Tarpaulin and stakes
- Electric heater and extensions
- Here is an overview of my storage in the trailer tent (family of 6 people) before it got out of hand...
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 type stove
- Essential for cooking (pot, frying pan, spatula, wooden spoon, etc.)
- Dishwashing tray, soap, sponge, dishcloth…
- Container for compost (for the more eco-friendly)
- Aluminum foil
- COFFEE MAKER (for the survival of waking up to rooster crows)
- Bottle opener and corkscrew (for survival too)
Take care of yourself and wash yourself
- First aid kit: tylenol, benadryl, polysporin cream, diachylon, nail clippers, eyebrow tweezers (for splinters)…
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
- Lip balm
- Shower kit: Soap and shampoo bar
- 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 the trick for baby bathing
For baby
- Baby playpen or pram
- Muslin type comforter in a fairly large format (also useful as a nursing apron)
- Warm cuddly toy
- Stroller with mosquito net and rain cover
- Extra bench for meals
- Bib (I only bring a silicone one which washes very well)
- Baby carrier, hiking bag
- Baby bottles, cup
- Diapers and wipes
- Very practical and compact nursing sleeve (or use a pillow)
- Snacks
- Small toys
IF YOU HAVE SPACE LEFT:
- Rocking camping chair, yes yes it exists!
- Small moses bed or playpen for sleeping. The most minimalist option would be to create a security perimeter with bags or bins and have your baby sleep on a small mattress on the ground or with you in the bed if you are in a trailer.
Please note that “transit” chairs for putting babies (0 to 6 months) down 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 sleeping shell. car to drop it off.
To dress
- 5 in 1 set Peakbwa with integrated mittens and socks (cool nights)
- Onesie And pajamas en masse!
- Versatile headband Scooba And Kepeak to protect from the sun and mosquitoes!
- Grow with me pants
- Grow with me shorts
- Scooba and Kepeak to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes
- T-shirt
- Walking shoes, water shoes, rain boots
- Windproof coat & warmer down jacket
- Swimsuit
- Athletic wear
- Underwear and hot stocking
- Warm fleece type pajamas
- Seasonal clothing and accessories
For the beach
- Sand games
- Safety vest
- 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 long-lasting purchase.
- Napkins
To have fun
- Sports equipment of your choice
- Board games
- Books
- Finnish bowling
- Coloring book & pencils
To feed onself!
Items that come up very often:
- Salt pepper
- Vegetable oil or fat for cooking
- Coffee
- Bread
- Pinotte butter
- Tuna cane
- Mixed nuts
- Snacks, granola bar, muffin
- Potato chips
- S'mores
- Naan bread (to accompany dinners)
- Tortilla (to make wraps for dinner)
- Eggs
- groats
- Dried fruit
- 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)
- Camelbak backpack
- Flashlight and headlamp
- Batteries
- Matches or lighter
- Camping chairs
- Hatchet
- Power extension cord
- Ropes
- Clothespins
- Tablecloth
- Candle (this cuts the humidity in the tent if lit before bed)
- Compostable trash bag
- Wireless charger
- Small broom
Here is my complete family camping “Checklist”... I left you the Word file so that you can personalize it and add your own items.
This list is a base, but varies depending on your type of campsite, the number of children, the ages of the children and the season.
Do not hesitate to write to me if I have forgotten any items, I will add them.
In my opinion, all these preparations are worth it for stays of several days.
Happy camping!
Hyacinth
