Tips to Go Camping With a Toddler [Different Weather]

Camping with a toddler is similar to camping with a baby, but now your little one is mobile, faster, more inquisitive, and more aware of their surroundings. Make sure you set up camp to be safe for your adventurous little one. Use a playpen or corral for them to protect them from the fire, nearby roads, water sources, and, of course, from wandering away in general. It only takes a few seconds for a toddler to make it out of your sight, so be extra vigilant and do all that you can to prevent this. 

Going camping with a group of fun, responsible, trusted adults who will watch out for you and your baby can make all the difference. 

Hot Weather

If you will be camping in hot weather, you should camp in a shaded area, preferably near a cool water source, with the right gear. Baby will need a sunhat, protective clothing that is breathable, and frequent well-being checks from you. It's also okay to slather your little one with bug spray and sunscreen and allow them some naked time in the shade. Going sans clothes and diaper feels more natural to newborns anyway, and will quickly cool them off, granted they are in the shade. 

Even if you were never the type of camper to bring an AC with you, consider doing so now, at least until your baby or toddler is old enough to regulate their temperature better. 

If you can't bring AC with you, go for a drive in the hottest part of the day for your vehicle's AC, or go somewhere where there is AC for the public. 

Pay close attention to signs of sunburn, dehydration, or discomfort with baby. Crying, fussing, redness, splotchy marks on the skin, and whining are all signs you need to take seriously. Sunburn is very serious in young children. Call your child's pediatrician right away if they burn at all. 

Cold Weather

Wondering what to bring camping with a baby in winter?

Cold weather is objectively better for camping with a baby or toddler.

It is a task to dress and undress them for diaper changes and for switching between inside the tent and outside, but you generally don't need to worry about overheating, sunburns, or their milk going bad. It's much easier to thaw frozen milk than it is to prevent the curdling of it in the midst of summer. 

Check on their fingers, toes, ears, and nose frequently, and make sure their head is always covered by a hat. If your little one doesn't like this gear and won't keep it on, use the type that velcros or snaps on, or consider postponing your trip until they are able to keep these items on. 

Babywear a lot, especially using carriers that encourage you to share body heat. You and baby should wear waterproof clothing that will stay warm and dry. 

Humid Weather

Humid weather is generally not an issue for toddlers and babies; they tend to do well in high humidity climates, and most pediatricians recommend fifty to seventy percent humidity for them. The only real issues that may be presented are mold and bacteria. Keeping your child in well-ventilated spaces away from mold and bacteria is all you need to do to ensure their safety. 

Windy Weather

Wind can steal moisture from baby's skin and also wind-burn them, especially on their faces where their skin is very thin. Keep their faces out of direct contact with the wind, cover their hands, and feet, and try to limit their overall exposure. Wind does not cause ear infections, but it can be rather uncomfortable, especially when it is noisy or especially fast-moving wind. 

Moisturize frequently and keep them as covered as possible and baby should stay happy and healthy. 

What to Bring when Camping with your Baby

The tables below will show you what are some of the essential things you should bring with you when camping with your baby/toddler by the different types of weather:

Essentials	Hot	Cold	Humid	Windy
Sleeping Gear	Pop-up tent with mosquito net	Baby will sleep in bed as usual, but consider adding a tent-safe heater so less clothing is needed.	Pop-up tent with mosquito net	A humidifier to restore moisture. 1.7 L Ultrasonic Humidifier
Clothing	Breathable Cotton Onesie	Merino Wool Overall Romper	Breathable Cotton Onesie	Merino Wool Overall Romper
Containment for Baby	Pop-up play yard	Baby Carrier Wrap	Pop-up play yard	Baby Carrier Wrap
Miscellaneous Gear	Sunscreen	Warm Hat with Earflaps	Dusting Powder, to reduce chaffing	Lotion to Rehydrate Dry Skin and Prevent Windburn

Hot Weather

Sleeping Gear: Pop-up tent with mosquito net

Clothing: Breathable Cotton Onesie

Containment for Baby: Pop-up play yard

Miscellaneous Gear: Sunscreen

Cold Weather

Sleeping Gear: Tent-safe heater

Baby will sleep in bed as usual, but consider adding a tent-safe heater so less clothing is needed.

Clothing: Merino Wool Overall Romper 

Containment for Baby: Baby Carrier Wrap

Miscellaneous Gear: Warm Hat with Earflaps

Humid Weather

Sleeping Gear: Pop-up tent with mosquito net

Clothing: Breathable Cotton Onesie

Containment for Baby: Pop-up play yard

Miscellaneous Gear: Dusting Powder, to reduce chaffing

Windy Weather

Sleeping Gear: 1.7 L Ultrasonic Humidifier

A humidifier to restore moisture. 

Clothing: Merino Wool Overall Romper 

Containment for Baby: Baby Carrier Wrap

Miscellaneous Gear: Lotion to Rehydrate Dry Skin and Prevent Windburn

How to Pack for Camping with Your Toddler

When packing to camp with a baby, make sure that their items are the most easily accessible. I think it's easier to bring a diaper bag (especially the backpack kind) because all of their gear is in one easy to reach place. If you will be sharing a bag with your baby though, make sure that their diapers, wipes, and clothing are on top.

When you pack your vehicle, the containment system (such as the pack and play) should go in last, because it should be the first item you grab when you get out. 

Bring extra bags with you too, you'll be amazed how many you need when you bring baby along. If you won't be sterilizing bottles on site, you'll need a bag for bottles, a bag for dirty diapers, a bag for dirty baby clothes, and a bag for your clothes that your little bundle of joy will also manage to dirty. 

Lastly, make sure you don't forget to pack baby's personal hygiene items (shampoos, lotions, nail files, toothbrushes, etc) and a first aid kit. 

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