Baby, it’s cold outside. So, that means it’s time to cozy up inside right? Well if you would like to, that’s fine. However, just because it’s winter and your baby IS, in fact, a baby, doesn’t mean you have to. You can take your bundle of joy camping in the colder months. While taking your baby into the wilderness may seem like an intimidating idea, by taking a few simple steps to properly prepare, your whole family can enjoy winter camping.
Contents
Keeping Baby Warm
We will start by knocking out the number one concern with winter camping, staying warm. This is achieved by layering outfits. This way if your baby is too hot you can easily remove a layer without having to change the entire outfit. Also, babies generally need one more extra layer than you do.
You can tell if your baby is too hot if their skin feels warm to the touch, they become fussy, start sweating or have a fever, have red skin, or become unresponsive or seemingly confused.
On that note, you can also tell if your baby is too cold if their chest and torso feels cold under to the touch under their clothes, or if they become fussy or quiet for no apparent reason. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale or blue skin, and decreased alertness.
Important things to have with layers include thick socks, mittens, and a warm hat. All of which need to remain dry.
A four-season tent or winter tent will be designed to handle the cold, but taking sleeping pads can help you stay warm and insulated off of the cold ground. Avoid using inflatable beds, as the air pockets can become cold.
There are insulated sleeping bags for babies and you can add crib warmers to feel extra snug. You can also use a family sleeping bag to snuggle up with some body heat. Just be sure to check the temperature lows to get a sleeping bag that will keep you warm during freezing nights.
Keeping Baby Comfortable
Warmth isn’t the only key to keeping happy and comfortable. Your baby can still get a sunburn in the winter, especially when the sun is reflecting off of snow. Remember to bring sunblock and to frequently reapply it during the day. Also, use a hat and either tarps or screens to create shade if you’ll be sitting outside for a bit.
Colder weather can also cause your baby’s skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated. Protect their lips with lip balm and use thick, creamy moisturizer around your baby’s nostril if they become irritated. Lotion with SPF in it can help repair windburn and it’s also helpful to have anti-inflammatory cream on hand to soothe irritation.
Providing Light
It gets dark much faster in the winter, leaving you with more time in the dark. Be prepared with enough wood for a long-lasting, illuminating fire and lamps to last every night. Headlamps are also extremely useful for doing things such as feeding or changing your baby, when you need to keep your hands free. Handing a string of LED lights up in your tent is another great way to provide extra light.
Feeding The Family
Baby will get hungry and so will you! If your child is still breastfeeding be sure to wear a shirt that allows you to feed your baby without getting undressed and use a blanket or cover to stay warm. If you use a breast pump, milk will stay good in a cooler for about a day.
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Bring extra baby food in case weather delays your departure and to have on hand in the event of an emergency.
Breastfeeding, setting up camp, hiking, and caring for baby burns a lot of calories. Take time for yourself to refuel. Soups are great for cold weather trips along with a thermos full of warm beverages such as coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate, but remember to keep yourself and baby hydrated.
Changing Time…
Your baby will inevitably soil their diaper and you’ll need to change them. This can present challenges, especially when a #2 happens in the middle of the night. Just make sure your baby’s diaper is easy to access without having to undress them.
Wet wipe warmers are a great way help speed up the cleanup process by quickly soothing and sanitizing your baby so you can quickly dispose of any soiled items and go back to sleep.
However, these soiled items need to be properly disposed of. If you aren’t leaving your tent until the morning, be aware that dirty diapers and other food items could attract animals, so place them in an airtight, scent proof container. Otherwise, dispose of them at least 100 yards away from your own and other campsites.
Know Your Limits
Remember how grocery shopping, meeting up with friends, and other little tasks were easier before baby came along? This might also be true for camping. Now you’ll have to carry their weight along with all of the items they’ll need during the trip, which can be exhausting.
Before setting off on a long height or filling your days with activity remember to consider the extra amount of stuff you’ll need to carry. Plus, you really don’t want to miss your baby’s regularly scheduled naptime.
Set up with a few camping chairs and relax. Your baby will be entertained and comforted while watching nature, as clouds go by and crickets chirp. Take the time to disconnect and bond with your child before it’s time to pack up and head home.
Happy Camping!
As soon as you’re ready to embark on a winter camping adventure, your baby should be ready too. By taking the time to plan out your trip and prepare for any situation, your family will have a wonderful trip as years from now you can brag about how your baby was camping before he/she could even walk! And Winter Camping With Baby at that!
Allison Barfield began blogging after receiving her Media Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and quickly followed the call of the mountains to Asheville, North Carolina, where she fully embraced hiking, nature, and landscape photography.
Currently, her writing for Aeroflow Breastpumps includes advocating for and helping breastfeeding women through the means of education and helpful tips, including a variety of articles on how to successfully introduce baby to the great outdoors.
When Allison isn’t writing and can’t play outside, you can find her indulging in her coffee addiction as a Netflix enthusiast or totally nerding out with a video game.
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
- Allison Barfieldhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/allison-barfield/
Our parents were young and poor so they simply layered us in a million layers of clothing and we looked like walking abonimable snowmen. Not much mobility but we looked pretty cute 🙂
Sounds like you had a blast, and this will guide people to do the same!
You would have to be really careful with a baby in that kind of weather. I think I would worry about the sunburn most of all. But yes, layers is essential if you are going to do that with your child. And loads of sunscreen.
These are all great tips! I don’t think I’d ever be brave enough to winter camp period, not to mention with a little one, but all great to know!
This is a great article with amazing tips for camping with a baby. I know most people would not even think about doing this. But your tips make it look possible. The pictures are absolutely adorable
YOU GO MAMA! You are brave. You are hard-core. The last time I did winter camping per se was on a survival weekend in high school. We did late-fall camping, my hubby and I, before we had kids – ours our now 9 and almost 7, and I don’t think even now we’d be brave enough to try it with them! But you have totally covered all the bases here – gonna pin this to my camping page so anyone else as brave/diehard as you are can benefit from this great post! 🙂
Ok, camping in the cold doesn’t sound ideal. Add in a baby, and I’m gone. Lol! Great tips, though!! <3
I have never gone camping properly before. Winter camping with a baby would be an adventure for sure. Great tips here.
I’ve been afraid to even take my kids to the park in the cold!
I’ve never gone winter camping before – myself, let alone with a baby – but I’m feeling a new wave of confidence and inspiration after reading your post! Great tips for those who don’t want to stay cooped up indoors all winter and who don’t want to keep their babies cooped up inside all winter ether. Thanks for sharing, and happy camping!
I never went camping with a baby, even more in the winter but I guess it’s never too early to learn a thing or two about it. There is so much to think about when you have a baby and it’s undoubtedly different than camping alone. When I have a baby of my own I would love for him/her to develop a love for camping and the winter and this article is a great starting point. Thank you for sharing!
I love camping but only during summer. Winter feels like a very harsh time to go and enjoy the surroundings. I definitely understand why it can be appealing though, and much more challenging with a baby. Great tips to manage that!
Appreciate this. For inexperience parents who want to try out outdoor camping with the family, this is an excellent guide.
I am not sure if I would opt for a winter camping for a baby but your tips surely give me the confidence to try something adventurous like this. I guess, the key is not stuffing the child with too many woollens instead opt for many layers. A useful post!
Your baby is super cute. Looks so happy in all pics. I completely agree with all the points mentioned in the post like keeping the baby warm and comfortable while also providing the light and feeding on time. Great post for young parents.
I’ve only went to camping once in my lifetime, and that’s it, never think about having a second time. Camping with a little baby must be such a hard work to do. T-T
I had never even heard of winter camping. It actually sounds like fun and enjoyed reading all the tips to do it with a baby.
I’m super impressed people are brave enough to camp with little ones! These are great tips for if i ever get the courage to try a camping trip with my two littles.
I am super scared of camping during winters, especially in snowy areas and then doing it with babies – I would get all freaked out. But so many parents like you do it and so well! Hats off to you guys 😀 I recently saw some families in Aspen snowshoeing with small kids and the kids looked so happy! I guess the key is to just keep them warm and well fed like you have mentioned. And also, knowing your limits is so so important!
Young children on tiny skis and snowboards sure are cute! Keeping an eye on the weather is definitely necessary for success.
I have never been camping in the winter! We go a lot in the summer and fall, and even in the fall we have had temps well below freezing. I don’t think I would be cut out for winter camping, but I imagine it could be a neat experience. Great tips!
You would probably want to take very warm sleeping bags and lots of layers, otherwise why not wait for the warmer temperatures you enjoy? Baby will like the trip either way!
I don’t think I’d consider winter camping with a baby, as I’m not a fan of being cold at all. But your tips definitely give some key aspects to consider. For those who want to keep up the camping once their little ones come along and don’t want to wait for summer!
It’s possible to get baby out in every season. If the parents have some time off, why wait?!
Winter camping is not something we have tried with a baby but those tips are great for parents doing anything outdoors in winters..thank you.
Some families actually prefer winter camping to avoid crowds and the heat. It’s a great option for winter breaks!
This looks like so much fun! I never thought about doing winter camping ever, nevermind with a baby. You make it seem like such an easy option, lovely photos!
Getting babies out in nature is easier than ever with the help of modern technology!
These tips are great for the outdoorsy type of parents who want their children to grow up to love camping. My children love the outdoors too, but we’d rather plan a camping trip when the weather is warmer.
I’m glad your whole family loves to embark on memorable camping trips! Best wishes for your future trips once it warms up.
I never really even considered winter camping for myself, let alone a baby, but now I feel inspired and prepared! My friend is about to have a baby and I will totally share this post with them as they are quite the outdoorsy family. I especially like the tips on breastfeeding and keeping access to layers without having to get fully undressed. GREAT TIPS!! 🙂
Aww congratulations to their new bundle of joy! It sounds like they’re great parents.
I have never been camping in the winter. Great resource for if we ever plan a trip to a cold location during the winter.
Some people actually prefer going out in the winter. It’s definitely worth a try.
I’ve never really considered winter camping. I’m sure the kids would love it, but I’d be so cold!
I’m sure you could take a thermos full of something to keep you warm!
We dont have harsh winters here but camping with a baby in general sounds tough! These tips are awesome!
The milder the winter the easier the trip!!
Oh wow! Winter camping!!! I struggle with the idea of summer camping ?
I suppose preventing baby from overheating is just as important as keeping them warm! Which is possible with the right amount of planning. Hydration and shade are key.
Such a great in-depth article. There is so much to think about when you have a baby and especially when you going camping. Excellent tips.
Hopefully, this will serve as a resource to help parents plan their camping trips instead of feeling too overwhelmed to go!
This is a great resource
Thank you! If you have any tips to add I’d love to hear them!
I didn’t even think about changing time lol with a little one in diapers that could be complicated with the layers but planning ahead is key. Thanks!
Layers with easy access are definitely key!