Diaper Changes while Camping in the Cold

Jun 27

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.

1. Keep Your Wipes Warm

This was probably our favourite little camping hack.

Nobody enjoys an ice-cold baby wipe, especially first thing in the morning, or in the middle of the night.

Before bed, we'd tuck our pack of wipes into the sleeping bag with us. For during the day, I'd slip them into my jacket pocket for a while before changing Parker.

It's such a simple trick, but it made diaper changes so much more comfortable for him.

2. Layers Are Your Friend

When it's cold, you don't need to completely undress your baby.

We'd keep Parker's hat, sweater, socks, and most of his clothing on, only uncovering the diaper area while we changed him.

As soon as the clean diaper was on, everything went right back into place.

Keeping the rest of his body warm made a huge difference, and honestly, it made us feel less rushed too.

3. Be Ready, Then Be Quick

The goal isn't to rush.

The goal is to be prepared.

Before we even opened the diaper, we'd have everything laid out:

Clean diaper
Warm wipes
Diaper cream
Garbage bag

That way the diaper change only took a minute instead of three or four.

The less time your baby is exposed to the cold, the happier everyone will be.

It Wasn't Nearly as Scary as I Expected

Diaper changes were one of the things I stressed about the most before our first camping trip. However, like everything else with babies, you find a rhythm. You adapt, your confidence grows, and before long you're wondering why you were so worried in the first place.

If you're on the fence about camping because your baby is still in diapers, don't let that stop you. A little planning goes a long way, and those chilly mornings around the campsite are more than worth it. If you're still planning your first camping trip, start with our Camping With a Baby: Complete Beginner's Guide before diving into cold-weather tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies sleep in a tent when it's cold? Yes, provided they're dressed appropriately, sleeping on an insulated surface, and temperatures stay within a safe range for their clothing and sleep setup. Always monitor conditions and adjust layers as needed. We use the Little Mo Infant Sleeping Bag which is rated down to -6C. We have found it works very well for keeping little Parker warm and comfortable all night.

How do you change a baby's diaper while camping? Lay out all your supplies before you begin, use an insulated changing mat (or change them on your sleeping pad (we have found a double sleeping pad for us gives us plenty of room for a change station), keep wipes warm if possible, and work efficiently to minimize exposure to the cold.

What temperature is too cold for camping with a baby? This depends on your baby's age, clothing, sleep system, wind, humidity, and your ability to keep them warm. Rather than focusing on a single number, plan for the expected conditions, dress your baby appropriately, and be prepared to head home if the weather changes or your baby seems uncomfortable.