How Soon Would You Take a Newborn Camping?

Well, I did not camp with a 5 week old, just because my kids' birthdays are December and March, but by the time the March baby was 3 months old, we were camping with him. It is actually easier before they are mobile, and if I had one with a birthday that close to camping season, I'd camp with them that early. Just be super prepared for a cold night or whatever, depending on where you will be.

M.

M., just 5 weeks after giving birth, you should do what is best for YOU, and whatever will give you the best rest and enjoyment. ann

If you do take him, I would talk to the pediatrician just before you go. 5 weeks is very young, and things still go wrong even at home at this age. But if the Dr. gives him a clean bill of health and you feel up to it, go with it. Just take a cell phone :)

Aside from not being a big camper yourself, the baby should be fine. Just pack warm clothes for him durring the night. If he is in an infant seat it works great for an overnight bed... however if you are breast feeding you might not want to stay the night. Unless you are up for doing the nighttime routine in a tent... I didn't mind, but I am a camper (my husband is not so much). If you do it pack an extra blanket that you and the baby can wrap up in to feed, sleeping bags are a pain when it comes to feedings and such. Really if you want to go-it should be just fine... just plan on being in the camp and not out hiking much.

I guess my first son was 8 weeks old when we went. If you aren't planning on hiking and being away from camp, it could be really fun. You can hang out in the tent, nap, read a book, feed the baby, and go outside when you feel like it. If you were a first time mom, I would say to stay home, but since you've done this before, I'm guessing you have things figured out a little more than a first-timer. Just make sure your husband will be in charge of the older kids so you dont' have to worry about them!

I'll tell you what I would do because I, like you, am "not much of a camper anyway." I would send my husband and 2 boys off and tell them to have a great time! Then I would enjoy the days at home with just my baby and me. I would take naps with baby, or take a bath when baby is sleeping, or catch up on something else I wanted to do. I would just enjoy having the house to myself and time to catch up on sleep or housework!

Hope you'll let us know what you decide to do. :)

M.,
My parents started taking me camping when I was just a few weeks old. They would go camping with 3 or 4 other couples several times a summer. We continued camping with all of them until I was a teenager! When I was a baby my mom and her friends would bathe me in a large silver mixing bowl, outside on the picnic table! Somebody took a lot of pictures on one such trip, and there I am, being bathed in a big bowl, with 3 or 4 sets of hands reaching into the picture and helping with me. My mom used to tell me how she had packing for a camping trip down to a science.

My vote is for you to go and have a great time!

I took my first born to hunting camp (I just camped because I'm not a hunter) when she was 4 weeks old. I nursed her the entire time I was there and she slept between her father and me so she stayed nice and warm the whole time. I didn't need bottles or a crib, just plenty of clothes you can layer, diapers and wet wipes to clean her off with. I stayed up there for 3 weeks and came home once a week to shower and do laundry. We would take nature walks and drives during the day and she didn't have any problems napping. My daughter loved looking up at the swaying trees and still to this day loves to go camping (she's almost 13 years old now)! I say go for it and don't over-pack. If you have parents traveling back and forth, they can pick up whatever you need. Have fun!

You know, my family likes to camp in the summer. Several of my sisters have been camping within a week after delivery. They have all done very well with doing this. It allows them to be with their family and gives them a break from the house for a while. I am not a "be away from modern conveniences" kind of gal so I can understand your concerns. I was surprized how relaxing it seemed to be for them. I think a little planning ahead seems to be the key. Once you are over that hurdle, I think you will enjoy yourself.

Coming from a camping family, I went on my first camping trip at 2 weeks old and they didn't have disposable diapers then! My kids have been camping since very early days too. If you are you nursing, it should be easy. It sounds like you aren't going too far and have plenty of back up. The real question is, do you want to? The fact that you are on here soliciting input indicates some ambivalence. You are the WOMAN of the family, do what works for you. If you want to go - go for it. If you'd rather be at home with the new little one then do that. As long as the baby is healthy (you are an experienced mother) there is no problem with camping. What do YOU want?

I personally wouldn't take a newborn camping. More work than what it's worth. I would let the husband and older boys enjoy guys time. You and the newborn can enjoy quiet time alone at the house.

Although it's been about 4 years since I went camping, my family and I always LOVED it. But when my children were babies, we didn't go. Too much "stuff" to pack along. Killed the fun for me, let me tell you. My advice is to tell the family to have a really great time and you enjoy the break from the extra duties. Enjoy time alone with the baby instead.

My mom took my younger sister camping from the time she was just little. She was born in May and I can remember setting off fireworks that year at the lake. Just make sure he has warm, winter pj's and warm clothes and lotion that can be used as sunscreen.

Hi M.,
We are serious campers and I didn't start taking my boys until they were a bit older, 6 months, and we all have a great time. But with a baby so little, why stress yourself out? Let the boys go and maybe ride back and forth with your parents. Go home at night with all your stuff and sleep comfortably. It's hard enough for you to get sleep at home I'm sure. One thing you can bet is that you'll be up all night in a tent and maybe keeping your other kids from sleeping. Good luck!

Hello M.,

I took my oldest when he was 6 weeks old. We slept in a 5th wheel, which eased my concerns, but I enjoyed it and when it was all done with, everything was okay. It is work to take a infant camping, but don't let that spoil your camping trip. Dress your infant appropriately and all should be fine. When our 2nd child was 7 months old, we took her camping and I believe that was a lot more work than our son. She was a lot more mobile and required a lot more attention. My advice is enjoy the moment and then look back at in a few years with fond memories. I still do and it has been 12 years with my oldest and 10 years with my youngest.

I think he'd be fine, but really, who wants to nurse while camping...if you want to go, go for it. But if you want to stay home, that's cool too.

I am sure you will many different opinions but I did this with a 6 week old just 1 hour from home and it was awful! I will spare you the details.) I am adventurous and not picky or "delicate"). Stay home with your baby for some much needed quiet time and let your husband take the older boys.

We took our new baby out last summer when he was about 6 weeks old. I was very careful to apply plenty of SENSITIVE SKIN sunscreen (not on his face, just arms and legs) and dressed him in a white onesie, socks, and a floppy hat for the daytime. At night, a onesie and thermal footsie pajamas seemed to be enough with a good blanket. If you do stay overnight, might I suggest you make bottles (if you are not breastfeeding) and sleep with them in your sleeping bag. They will be convienient when the baby wakes up, and nice and warm so you aren't hunting around for warm water, risking waking the whole camp up!!! Hope this helps!

I dont think there is such a thing as too young to go camping. I would go and enjoy it. The only thing with camping with a tent is the weather. I think the baby would be fine as long as he has a source of food and they have these neat little bug tents where he could lay and it would keep the bugs off of him. they are about the size of a infant car seat. I think it is more trying when the kids are getting mobile and want to get into everything and eat everything and you are constantly chasing after them telling them NO. All the boys will have a grand ol time!

Last summer we took our newborn camping with us and it turned out just fine. He loved to sit in his car seat/carrier under a pine tree and just look at it. Just make sure to take enough diapers and formula, if you are using it. You also want to make sure that you take warm things for the baby. If you are comfortable in what you have on, put one more layer on the baby. Maybe you can just go and give it a try, if it isn't working out then you can go home. Good luck

The only real reason NOT to take him is if you don't want to. There's no health reasons not to. He'll probably enjoy the outdoors (as long as where you are is not too cold). If you're really worried about him catching an illness or something, just limit the touching and holding by the other family members, or carry hand sanitizer. The running water won't be a problem for the baby because it's not like he's going to crawl over there. ;) So, if you're going to stress out about it and really don't want to deal with the hassle, then stay home, but don't decide to stay home because you're worried about how he'll take it. Babies like new things. Good luck, and have fun!

Hi M.
My husband and I took our baby camping at about 10 weeks old. I was a bit apprehensive but figured what the hey!! Anyway, I took an "apple box" for her bed with several comfy blankets to put both under her and over her. She stayed plenty warm and comfortable the whole time (two nights out). For all her "baby stuff" I took a small backpack, it contained diapers, changing pad, wipes fresh clothes etc. I was nursing her so that pretty much took care of the food problem. We were with my family so they were able to give me an occasional reprieve in watching her. We all had a very nice time of it and have some great memories too. Best wishes!!

There is no way I would take my 5 week old camping. They just can't handle the climate changes. I'm not sure where you are from but in Colo. it rains everyday in the mountains. I just think it would be a miserable experience for all. Then again, I do not like camping at all but have sucked it up for the last two years a couple of times. We didn't go until our youngest was 3 yrs. My opinon is to enjoy a weekend at home alone with your newborn.

The baby will probably sleep great outside - our daughters did when we camped, and they were very early campers too. Enjoy it!! THe baby will be fine! As long as you have the basics and can get clean if you need, you're all set.

I wouldn't do it, but that is because my daughter was a horrible sleeper and you never know how cold or hot it will be and babies can't regulate their temperatures that well. But I am also an extreme worrier...

go by your gut feeling. if it doesn't feel like a good idea, then don't do it. i'm planning on taking my boy when he's about 7 months old. he's only 4 now. but my sister wants us to go camping with her for her husband's b-day. She said she took her kids at an earlier age than what I'm planning. Before they talked to me, i was planning on my baby being a year old, but felt ok about this. if he doesn't do well the first night, i'll probably wait another month or so. So go by your gut feeling.

My niece was born June 14th last year and my sister and bro-in-law had her camping when she was only 2 or 3 weeks old. We took my daughters Pack-N-Play (from when shew as a baby) that was my niece's "tent" which of course we put in a regular tent at night. She did great.

As long as you are able to keep your baby at the right tempurature then you should be fine. It might be a very nice experience. Babies just have more trouble regulating their own body temperature. Remember you don't have to bath a baby that small every day or even every other day. Doing so might even dry out their skin too much, so just relax and try not to worry about things!
K.

We took our five-week-old son camping last summer. (I just checked the calendar because I couldn't remember exactly when we went, but he had just turned FIVE weeks!) We brought a little bed and made sure he stayed warm in the mountains of Montana. It really wasn't bad! The worst part was nursing in the middle of the night...brrrrr! Days were easy though: he napped in his bed, hung out in the stroller, lay in the bouncy seat, etc. Yes, a lot of baby gear, but well worth it to spend time "relaxing" with the rest of the family. Your two older kids will definitely appreciate the family time and if you have enough relatives there, maybe you can catch a bit of alone time for a nap or a peaceful walk while someone else cares for the baby. Good luck and enjoy your summer!!

I've taken my girls as young as 3 months old and it has always been fun. The only drawback was those nightime feedings.

The option of just driving up with your parent is a great one too. You should do whatever you feel the most comfortable with. Because after all, camping is supposed to be enjoyable family time. Have a great time whatever you do!

A baby that young is a lot easier then the more mobile ones, I haven't taken any of mine that young, mostly because mine aren't born till the end of summer when it starts to get cold, but lost's of my friends do, they co-sleep to make sure the baby is warm (these are parents who use a crib) and make sure they have enough diapers and formula if they formula feed. Really it is no different, as far as packing goes, then if you are packing for a "regular" vacation away from home. The only real tip I have is to make sure you and your husband have lots a baby wipes, they come in handier then you could ever imagine!

I think you should go and stay overnight.
My husband and I were avid backpackers before our son was born and we are proud to say he camped overnight in a tipi when he was only 8 days old. He went camping (in a tent) a couple more times before he was 8 weeks. One of my favorite memories of that time is watching him sleeping on a pillow inside the doorway of the tent, totally content, in his little tie-dye.
It really was not difficult. Nursing was a pleasure I'd never considered adding to my camping/backpacking adventures! It was so sweet to sit in a camp chair, nursing and cuddling our baby in a gorgeous outdoor setting. (We even camped while using cloth diapers!)
You didn't say specifically what your concerns are. You don't need that much more stuff--just be sure to keep his diapers changed and have plenty of babywipes, paper towels, even a little plastic tub if you feel the need to bathe him, and make sure you have plenty of drinking water. Packing extra clothes goes without saying (you wouldn't go anywhere with a newborn overnight without those), but make sure he has longsleeved tops, long pants and hat(s) (sun and warm).
If you have a frontpack, take that and you will have more freedom yourself. The carseat carrier can provide a place off the ground for baby to rest. My son loved looking up at the trees and my husband swore the sound of the breeze in the trees was soothing to the baby.
Have a good time and take pictures.

If you feel comfortable, GO!!! I have always taken my babies camping. Pack a few diapers some warm clothes and sleep with him close to your body to keep him warm. It is a beautiful experience to be close to God's creations (including that sweet baby). The peace is amazing and let's face it; in the "old days" they lived in these places with worse conditions and did just fine.