Bringing baby camping
The ABCs of doing it right
BY KAREN d. CROWdIS
yo u
kne walking around; baby will love the new
chang
w having a baby would
e things, but now the joke sights. If baby is a bit older, remember
about forsaking the things you love seems footwear.
less funny. Especially when the camping fOOD
bug bites, and baby is only two months old. Breastfeeding makes camping with an
Go, of course, but how? infant really easy. Just find a comfortable
Camping is simply living outdoors. spot and you are set. If you are using
It should be simple then to take a baby formula, you will need pre-sterilized bottles
camping and in truth, it really is simple. and nipples. Plan how much formula to
First, forget the notion that baby needs all bring. Consider ready-to-use formula or
that stuff. Planning, not a lot of gear, is the bring distilled water to mix it. Think about
key to happy camping with baby in tow. how long you will be camping, and if you
You will bring more stuff than you did will need to sterilize used bottles while
before. And baby will be out of sorts at you are there; that means extra water is
first, but will settle faster when you are needed.
comfortable. Know what you need. play
To plan a successful trip, consider the Small infants are so easy because you are
following: their favourite toy. Bring a few additional
weather toys and rotate them. Bring a plastic
Temperature is only one factor. Camping tablecloth to make a clean play space if
around Ottawa-Gatineau is challenged baby is ready for tummy time or sits on
checklist fOr infant campers
primarily by this area’s humidity. Humidity his own. Use blankets to make it softer for
increases the risk of heat stress because the laying or sitting. You can always show your hats for sun, rain, or snow,
human body can not effectively cool itself. baby things around the campsite, but baby depending
Know cooling techniques that you can use. should be well away from the fire, whether footwear
Also, consider sun, wind, rain and even he/she is mobile or not. A first rollover long and short sleeve shirts,
snow in early- and late-season camping. shouldn’t be into the fire pit! onesies, long and short pants,
Don’t use sunscreen until your baby is six sleeping socks, fleece sleepers with feet
months or older, as well, bring something to Babies must not sleep directly on the waterproof outerwear
make shade (e.g. a tarp), which can provide ground. Use a portable crib, or for young warm sweater, pullover or jacket
added protection from rain and wind too. infants a bassinet from home. Baby will feel bassinet, portable crib
clOthing more at ease with familiar bedding. Bring front/back carrier, sling, stroller
Be prepared with a variety of clothing extra blankets to layer her. As at home, bouncy chair or something for
for your little camper – extra changes for avoid pillows, stuffed animals or anything sitting
those inevitable blow-by diapers, warm that poses a suffocation risk. Sleep sacs formula, if not breastfeeding
sleepers with feet, may be useful for babies who always kick distilled water
an undershirt or off blankets. Never cover baby’s face. Trust bottles, nipples
“onesie” underneath. baby to let you know if it’s getting too hot first aid kit, including baby’s
Also bring something or cold. medicines
for his/her hands bugs large plastic table cloth for play
that always seem Creepy crawly guests are not welcome. area
to wiggle out of the To keep bugs off baby, use a stroller bug net extra diapers, wipes, cream
blankets. Socks work which fits over most portable play yards. extra Ziploc bags for diapers,
well for this purpose, Even if insects are particularly bad, DEET garbage
but ensure the is not recommended for babies under two baby’s blankets from home
elastic will only be years. Creams like Skin-So-Soft (Avon) are baby’s favourite toy
tight enough to keep them on. Bunting bags safer for baby, but not on those hands that bug net, rain shield
are great for camping. Many have hoods so often go in the mouth. Chemicals in the waterless hand sanitizer for adults
and optional hand covers. Slings mean baby smoke from burning insect repellents are tarp
stays close to you, and is easily protected also risky; use sparingly, if at all. sunscreen (if baby is old enough)
from the elements by your clothing. Bring Camping with an infant is a fun adventure. bug repellent – no DEET
a sling, stroller or front-back carrier for So, happy trails! «OO
40 OTTAWA >> SUMMER/FALL 2008
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64