How We Kept Our Baby Warm While Camping (Without Overheating)
One of the biggest questions I had before our first camping trip with Parker was:
How do I keep my baby warm enough while camping?
If you've found yourself lying awake wondering the same thing, you're not alone. As parents, it's natural to worry about babies getting too cold overnight. But after 16 days of camping with our 10-month-old, we realized that keeping him comfortable wasn't nearly as complicated as we expected. Here's exactly what worked for us, what we packed, and what we'd do again.
The Ultimate Baby Camping Packing List (What We Actually Used)
After spending 16 days camping with our baby, we learned one big lesson:
You need far less than you think.
Before our trip, I spent weeks researching packing lists, trying to prepare for every possible situation. Like most first-time parents, I packed "just in case" items that never left the bag.
Some things became everyday essentials.
Others came home exactly as we packed them.
If you're planning your first camping trip with a baby, here's what we actually used—and what we'd pack differently next time.
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.
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.
