Best Baby Camping Gear Essentials In 2022: Buyer’s Guide

2. Summer Pop n’ Play Playard

Review

Other Useful Camping Gear for Your Baby

When you’re preparing for a camping trip with your little one, packing the essential gear is the best way to keep everyone comfortable, safe and protected. While the 5 pieces of gear on this list are sure to meet your needs outdoors, there are other pieces of gear you may consider for your travels for added convenience. 

When camping with your baby, you may also want to pack:

1. A baby sleep pod for a comfortable, secure and restful night's sleep for your child.

2. A baby jumper to keep your child plenty entertained while camping. 

3. A puzzle exercise and play mat for ultimate comfort while playing and learning. 

Choosing Baby Camping Gear: Buyer’s Guide

Quality gear is always important when you are camping and should be paramount when you are taking a baby into the great outdoors. There are a lot of great products on the market but also some cheaper products of lower quality or gadgets that are novel or less than useful.

To help guide you in identifying essential gear and what you need for an enjoyable experience we have put together the following information:

What to Look For

When you begin the process of determining what essential equipment you’ll need for your baby to go camping and your research for purchasing, there are three basic factors to focus on:

Safety:

The number one priority for your child and any gear for camping is safety, safety, and safety. It’s impossible to anticipate everything you will need. Focusing on the basics should be your goal:

• Protection from critters, the sun and the elements should be covered
• Mosquitoes, gnats, heat/cold, UV rays and the weather are all realities when camping
• Any gear should withstand the elements
• Gear should have UVA and UVB protection
• Waterproof products
• Breathable, quick drying materials
• Layers of clothing that are constructed of polyester and polypropylene types of materials

Comfort:

Part of the camping experience is “roughing it” however that does not mean you and your baby have to be uncomfortable. Focus on the following:

• The ground is hard and a fluffy mattress is not a realistic option. Some sort of padding and insulation or a cot bed should be considered. 
• A mat to sleep on can also double as a play area for your child.
• A baby carrier that is comfortable and functional also is a must have piece of gear.
• Too warm or too hot should be avoided. Clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. should be made from breathable, waterproof, and be sufficient for varying conditions.
• Bottom line, research and check products for the level of comfort they will provide.
• Gear should provide a level of protection for your child.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, and the like are all considered essentials to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable.

Quality:

The cost of any product you are purchasing should be a factor but not at the expense of getting quality gear. The products we have recommended all have a high level of quality, durability and function. The following are a few steps to guide your search:

• Check user ratings
• Read customer reviews
• Any issues identified should be factored into your own personal situation and priorities
• Product quality and durability usually only surfaces after multiple and sustained use
• Quality should always win out over cost. Gear that fails while you are camping is either going to cause some inconveniences or in the worst case bring your outing to an abrupt end.

Avoid Overpacking

As we stated previously, part of the experience camping is getting back to the basics and “roughing it” a bit. Don’t attempt to bring along everything that you have at home on your camping adventure. First, you’d likely need a moving van and second, your outdoors, let nature do it’s thing and provide the entertainment.

To avoid the moving van a little planning and preparation will go a long way. For example, determine the number of diapers and wipes you typically use each day. Pack the number you need for the day(s) you will be camping, with a few extras, just in case. Wipes can be removed from the container and placed in a ziplock bag, which will lighten your load.

You don’t need to bring along a lot of toys to entertain your child. A nap, in a tree hammock, under the shade of a few trees and with a calm, cool breeze may be the highlight for your child’s trip. 

Take Baby Steps

If you are new to camping with your child, it’s wise to take baby steps, literally. A few tips to ensure you are prepared and have many great camping trips in the future with your child:

• Do a test run in your backyard
• Check out the campsite and surrounding location prior to taking a camping trip
• Start with shorter length outings and progress to camping trips of longer duration.
• Try a backpacking or hiking trip, possibly even spending a night in your vehicle if it’s suitable
• Weigh your gear and understand your physical limits (going lightweight is a good idea)
• Your first official camping outing should be close to home. A shorter drive and the ability, if things go wrong, to quickly get back home is a good progression as you get started camping.
• Local amenities should be considered, especially for your first few initial adventures. Grocery stories, alternate shelter, toilets, running water, and medical and emergency services are good to have near as you gain experience and knowledge about camping, especially with your child.

Over Prepare

Initially it is better to over prepare and as you gain experience you can establish checklists and narrow your needs and preparations to the essentials.

Routines

Your child is going to be experiencing new and exciting sensations and events. This will have your baby expending energy and possibly experiencing some anxiety along with the excitement. 

It’s important to maintain your child’s basic routines such as eating schedules, naps, bedtimes, and activities. This will add to your baby’s comfort level and avoid adding any undue stresses.

Take comfort in the fact that your initial camping trips will require a little more time and effort to plan, prepare and acquire the gear you will need for taking your baby camping but if done correctly will make future outings much easier.

You know your child and what they will need. Trust your judgement and stick to the basics and essentials. Kids are extremely resilient and easily entertained, so relax and enjoy what’s sure to be a memorable adventure.