What Does a Baby Sleep In While Camping? (Safe Sleep Options for Babies Outdoors)
This was probably our biggest question before taking Parker camping for the first time.
Where does a baby actually sleep?
At home, safe sleep is pretty straightforward. But once you're sleeping in a tent, things suddenly feel much less obvious. Can they sleep on an air mattress? Should they share your sleeping bag? Do they need a special camping bassinet? After several camping trips with our baby, here's the setup that worked for us, what we learned, and what we'd do again.
Is Panama Worth It With a Baby?
Before Parker was born, Panama probably wouldn't have made our shortlist of dream destinations.
But after spending time there with a baby, we came away genuinely impressed.
It isn't perfect, and there were definitely some challenges, but if you're looking for a destination that's warm, easy to navigate, and a little less crowded than many Caribbean resorts, Panama deserves more attention than it gets.
Would we go back?
Absolutely.
Here's why.
Camping With a Baby: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
We recently did a camping trip with Parker, and before going I did what most parents probably do - I tried to plan for every possible scenario.
In reality, what ended up mattering most wasn’t the “perfect checklist,” but a few key pieces of gear that actually made life easier.
Here’s exactly what we used, what worked really well, and what we’d change next time.
Diaper Changes while Camping in the Cold
One of the biggest things I worried about before our first camping trip with Parker wasn't sleeping in a tent or feeding him outdoors, it was something much less exciting.
How on earth do you change a diaper when it's only a few degrees outside?
I pictured him freezing while I fumbled with wipes and diapers, trying to get everything done as quickly as possible.
The reality? It really wasn't that bad.
After a couple of chilly mornings at the campsite, we found a routine that worked well for us. If you're planning your first camping trip with a baby, here are the three things that made the biggest difference.
Should You Rent Baby Gear When You Travel? Our Honest Experience
Traveling with a baby often feels like moving house for a week.
Before our first trip with Parker, I was convinced we needed to bring everything: the stroller, the playpen, the high chair, the bathtub, the toys... the list seemed endless. But after a few trips, we've learned that packing less can actually make travel easier.
One of the biggest travel hacks we've discovered is renting baby equipment at our destination instead of hauling it through airports, taxis, and hotel lobbies.
Not only does it save luggage space, but it can also make your travel days significantly less stressful.
Here are the baby items we would rent again in a heartbeat.
Koh Samui With a Baby
When we started planning our parental leave trip to Thailand, Koh Samui quickly rose to the top of our list. Beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, warm weather, and a relaxed pace made it seem like the perfect destination for traveling with a baby.
After spending time exploring different parts of the island with our son Parker, we can confidently say that Koh Samui exceeded our expectations.
If you're considering visiting Koh Samui with a baby or toddler, here's everything we learned during our stay.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui with a Baby
One of the things we loved most about Koh Samui was how different each area felt. During our month in Thailand, we stayed in three completely different accommodations around the island: a beachfront mud villa, a private pool villa, and a budget-friendly beachfront hotel near Fisherman's Village.
Each offered something unique, and each suited a different style of family travel. If you're planning a trip to Koh Samui with a baby or toddler, here's our honest experience at all three.
Thailand With a Baby: Complete Family Travel Guide
Thailand is one of those destinations that looks perfect on Instagram: turquoise water, beachside massages, incredible food, and affordable luxury.
But when you’re traveling with a baby, the real question becomes: is it actually worth it-or just too hard?
We recently travelled to Thailand with our baby, and I’m going to break down exactly what it was like—the good, the hard parts, and whether we’d do it again.
International Travel With a Baby
Traveling abroad with a baby takes extra planning, but with the right steps, it feels manageable. Here’s how we prepared for our first big trip with Parker — from paperwork to health checks to packing.
Traveling With a Baby Starting Solids: Tips for Stress-Free Trips
Introducing solids is a milestone — and doing it while traveling adds a whole new layer of adventure.
Our son Parker tried his first foods while we were in Panama. It was mostly fruit, and he didn’t really swallow much — just explored textures and flavors. Pineapple quickly became a favorite: sweet, juicy, and perfect for tiny hands.
Before heading to Thailand, we made sure to introduce all the common allergens several times at home. It gave us peace of mind knowing he’d already tried everything safely. We also packed Benadryl for emergencies — even though there’s no infant dosage, having it on hand helps us feel prepared.
Travel Injuries With a Baby
Family travel isn’t just about beaches and sightseeing. Sometimes, things go wrong — and you have to figure it out in real time.
On our trip to Panama, I broke my ankle. Suddenly, our family adventure turned into navigating ambulances, clinics, flights home, surgery, and recovery — all while caring for a baby.
Here’s what that experience taught us about travel injuries, recovery, and the importance of preparation.
Road Tripping With a Baby: Complete Guide
We just finished a road trip across the U.S. with Parker at 6 months old — and I’ll say this upfront:
It was slower, messier, and more beautiful than we expected.
If you’re planning a road trip with a baby, this isn’t a “perfect itinerary” post. This is what actually worked for us — and what we’d do differently next time.
Packing for a Trip With a Baby
Packing for a trip with a baby can feel overwhelming at first.
Before Parker, packing was simple: a small suitcase, maybe a carry-on, and we were ready to go. Traveling with a baby changes that equation. Suddenly there are diapers, sleep setups, feeding supplies, and a few extra layers “just in case.”
But after a few trips, we realized something helpful: you don’t need to pack everything. You just need to pack the things that make travel days easier and sleep away from home manageable.
Over time we’ve developed a packing rhythm that works well for our family. This post explains how we think about packing for trips with Parker, and what we’ve learned along the way.
👉 If you’re looking for the full checklist we use before every trip, you can find it here: → Our Complete Baby Travel Packing List
How to Choose Baby-Friendly Accommodation When You Travel
Finding a place to stay with a baby can feel surprisingly stressful.
Before Parker, choosing accommodation was mostly about location, price, and maybe a nice view. Traveling with a baby changes that equation. Suddenly things like nap schedules, quiet evenings, and space to move around matter much more than fancy amenities.
After our first few trips, we realized something important: a place doesn’t just need to allow babies - it needs to actually work for traveling with a baby.
Here are the features that made the biggest difference for us when choosing baby-friendly accommodation.
Flying With a Baby: Everything We Learned After Multiple Flights
Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming, especially the first time. Between diapers, feedings, naps, and keeping your little one comfortable, it’s easy to overpack or miss the essentials.
We’ve now flown with our son Parker at 5 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, and 7 months, and each trip taught us something new. This guide shares the baby airplane packing list that worked for us, what we actually used on board, and the small strategies that made flying with an infant manageable.