It can be isolating to have a baby…especially your first. It is tricky to go anywhere.
I was terrified of my son catching germs and getting sick any time we stepped foot outside the house.
Plus, I was always a mess trying to get out the door with the two over-packed diaper bags I took everywhere.
Then, before I even realized it, six months had gone by and I had barely left the house.
My first son was born in the fall, and by spring, I was going stir crazy with cabin fever.
We started out by taking him hiking with us and on little day trips that wouldn’t stress us out too much.
Eventually, we tried a camping weekend before he turned one, and surprise, it wasn’t a total disaster.
Now, with my second baby on the way, I know that we have to make it a point to get out and more importantly, know that we can do it.
Thanks to some very clever products from companies that know babies.
We will be taking our little ones camping the first chance we get, and in order to make it an experience that the whole family will enjoy and want to do again, I’ve put together a roundup of our favorite must haves to keep even the littlest mini-adventurer happy.
These are the essentials we will be taking with us on our family hiking and camping outings.
Insect Repellent Bracelet
I have a terrible reaction to mosquito bites, and unfortunately, my son also has the same reaction.
It can make it miserable for him to play outside. We have to take every precaution to keep him from being covered in bites that he can’t stop scratching.
These slap on bracelets are made with natural insect repellent so they are safe for baby, and they contain no DEET.
You can put them on the wrist or ankle to help keep the bugs away.
Portable Baby Tent
Whether they are napping or just having some tummy time, keep baby safe and in one spot with a portable baby tent.
The waterproof nylon, breathable mesh, and lightweight material make it perfect to take along on your outings.
It is even self-expanding so you don’t even have to do anything to set it up.
We love to take ours to the beach to use when our son needs a nap.
Instant Portable Travel Baby Tent, Beach Tent for Babies, BlueI need this ♥
DockATot
This is an amazing baby must have in general! The DockATot is meant to mimic the womb.
It snuggles baby in a safe and hypoallergenic environment that is also lightweight and easy to bring on travel.
This will help keep baby cozy and snug at home and on the go. If they had one of these in adult sizes, I would by it.
The DockATot is also a great spot for tummy time.
Portable High Chair
A portable high chair is an easy way to feed baby on the go.
Cooking while camping is always about 20 times harder than at home.
With a portable high chair you can keep baby within arm’s reach and watch them while they eat, even when you have your hands full.
ciao! baby Portable Travel Highchair, BlackI need this ♥
Abiie Huggs Contour
This is the Cadillac of baby carriers, and absolute must for an outing.
Whether you are going for a hike or just an afternoon out, the Abiie Huggs Contour will be a lifesaver.
It provides six different carrying modes from front to back, cross body and even hip carrying modes to provide support when your toddler wants to be carried.
The padded waist strap fit both myself and my husband with simple adjusting, and it has a foam seat cushion that allows ergonomic support both for you and baby while alleviating the pressure off the back straps.
In hip carrying mode, the back straps simply zip off leaving the waist band and the carrier booster seat that is lightweight, but effective at holding up my little one.
I can prop my toddler on my hip and keep walking without getting exhausted after a few minutes.
![camping with baby tips](https://www.surfandsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/carrier_collage.jpg)
There is neck support for new babies and a hood that can be pulled up to protect baby from the sun while supporting their head in case they fall asleep.
The sturdy fabric is soft and comfortable with breathable mesh.
Its adjustable straps are the easiest straps I have ever used on baby carrier. Teething pads also are available to cover the straps when baby starts chewing on everything.
This is one of the few carriers that can grow with baby, and it is truly sturdy enough for our hikes and still comfortable to wear.
If you are an outdoor family, you need to check out the Abiie Huggs Contour.
Portable Bottle Warmer
This portable bottle warmer works in the car with an adaptor.
It is a lifesaver on the road, and a great idea for a camping trip.
Plug it in and warm up your bottles with ease.
Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than a baby screaming for a bottle in the middle of the night when you are staying in a crowded campground.
Always plan ahead and make sure you can get baby what they need quickly. Baby screams carry pretty far out in the woods.
Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer, GreyI need this ♥
Baby Bottler Sterilizer
Washing baby bottles is a pain, and washing them on the road is even worse.
Try this baby bottle sterilizer when you are on the road to help keep all those bottles clean without having to do dishes constantly.
The First Years Power of Steam Electric Steam SterilizerI need this ♥
Portable Activity Chair
Keep your little one busy with this portable activity chair.
It is lightweight and easy to setup so you can place it wherever you may be relaxing.
The floor also allows it to keep little feet clean and out of the dirt or off the hot sand.
KidCo – GoPod, Portable Baby Activity Station – PistachioI need this ♥
Baby Sleeping Bag
If you are sleeping outdoors, temperatures can drop drastically at night. Bring a Baby Deedee Sleep Nest Sleeping Bag to keep them snug and cozy.
The soft, quilted duvet material will keep your baby warm and comfortable on those chilly nights.
Baby Rain Suit
It seems to rain every time we camp so a baby rain suit is a must. It will keep them warm and dry when the weather refuses to cooperate.
Warm and dry makes for a much happier baby.
This can fold up easily and be carried along just in case rain arrives, and there is even a perfect pocket on the Abiie Huggs Contour to place the rain suit in if you get stuck in bad weather on a hike.
It was a pleasure trying out the Abiie Huggs Contour Carrier gifted to me. All opinions remain my own. This post also contains affiliate links.
We developed a few printable activities that are geared towards camping and hiking.
Keep the kids entertained and encourage them to keep a journal of their camping memories this summer with this fun activity bundle.
This instant download and print package includes:
♥ Camping Memories journal page
♥ Dots and Boxes game
♥ Would you rather…
♥ How to Draw an Eagle
♥ My Camping Comic blank
♥ Camping Bingo Game Card
♥ Scavenger Hunt Game Card
These are all great products to ensure a successful camping trip with a baby/toddler in tow. Those mosquito repellent bracelets would be great to have, not only when camping but when spending time outdoors in summer as well.
Parents know how to protect their child. They know how to take care of them, they know when they need to eat, drink, sleep, poop, and many other things. These awesome tips are really good if family with kids will be on a camping trip. This is a smart protection for the children because they still can’t protect themselves from harm.