Baby Camping Checklist (Printable) – Mom Goes Camping

You actually don’t need that many extra items to go camping with a baby.  However, the items you do need are really important.  Forgetting a single item like a changing pad or pacifier clip could completely mess up your camping trip.  This baby camping list will ensure you don’t forget anything.

Notes:

• This baby camping checklist is in addition to the items you normally need to bring camping (tent, headlamps, pots, utensils, etc.). You can find that checklist here.
• Some of these baby camping items are optional (like a chair or playpen) but will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
• If you need advice, see these 21 tips for camping with a baby

*Click here for a printable version of the baby camping checklist*

Baby Sleep Items

• Tent: You may want to upgrade to a larger tent with more headroom
• Sleeping bag: See best baby sleeping bags for camping here
• Sleeping pad: Ideally with an R-value of 3 or higher
• Baby camping bed: Optional but nice to have. See best camping baby beds here.
• Leak catcher: Like a waterproof pad to put under your baby in the sleeping bag
• Pillow: I just use a folded fleece jacket

*Not sure about the sleep setup? Read How to sleep in a tent with a baby

Camping Clothes for Baby

*Don’t forget to bring backups!

• Breathable base layers
• Short-sleeved onesies
• Long-sleeved onesies or shirts
• Stretchy pants
• Hoodies or sweaters
• Jacket
• Hat with a brim
• Waterproof rain suit
• Pajamas
• Socks
• Shoes or booties
• Hat and gloves
• Swimsuit or swim diaper

Feeding Items

• Bibs or smocks
• Bottles: Bring enough for one day so you don’t have to constantly clean them
• Bottle sterilizing supplies: Like sterilizing tablets or a stove + fuel
• Baby food: Choose pouches instead of jars.
• Bowls and spoons
• Sippy cups
• Disposable bottle inserts
• Bottled water or water purifier
• Pacifier + clip and case: The clip and case keep the pacifiers from getting too dirty

Diapering Items

• Diapers: Calculate about 7-13 per day, depending on your baby (it’s better to have more than not enough!)
• Unscented baby wipes
• Non-scented barrier cream
• Diaper rash cream
• Changing mat
• Diaper pail with lid
• Sealable bags: for carrying dirty diapers until you can throw them away

Health and Hygiene Items

• Bathtub
• Towels
• Biodegradable, non-scented soap
• Wash cloths
• Rope: For making a clothes line
• Hand sanitizer (for you, not the baby): To clean your hands after diaper changes if you can’t get to a sink
• Toothbrush and paste
• Plastic bags for trash and dirty clothes
• Sunblock or UV-protective clothing
• Baby-safe bug spray
• Mosquito net or tent
• Nail clippers

First aid items for baby

*See my picks for best camping first aid kits here

• Baby fever medicine + measuring syringe
• Saline solution in little ampules: You might need this for cleaning your baby’s eyes or nose
• Cotton balls
• Antihistamine: In case of allergic reaction it can buy you time until you get to a hospital
• Teething ring and/or gel

These saline ampules are really useful for cleaning dirt out of baby’s eyes!

Other Baby Camping Gear

*See our picks for best baby camping gear here.

• Hiking carrier: Read about hiking carriers here
• Trail-friendly stroller: Like these best off-road strollers
• Baby chair: See these best baby camping chairs
• Portable playpen: This is very useful once your baby starts crawling. It also keeps your baby off the ground so insects and animals can’t get to her.
• Tent lantern: Preferably with a red light option so you don’t blind your baby during nighttime feedings and changes.
• Extra batteries: You’ll use more batteries than normal when camping with a baby
• Carabiner: For attaching the lantern to the tent, toys to the playpen, etc.
• Toys/comfort items
• Shade tent or tarp
• Breastfeeding chair for mom
• Infant life jacket: If you will be doing any water activities

The Alite Mayfly 2 chair is really lightweight at 1lb 10oz. It is great for putting baby or for nursing in. Buy it here.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments section below.

*Get the baby camping checklist printable Here*

Image credit: “First camping adventure” (CC BY 2.0) by vastateparksstaff