Camping with a Baby: Family fun right from the start!

So, over the past 15 months of Jonas's life, we have done a ton of traveling---as many of you know, and thank the Lord, he loved it as much as we did. God gave us a little trooper that was happy as a lark in his car seat as well as being exceedingly flexible with eating/napping times...he just slept when he was tired and ate when hungry, I will admit, I never had much of a schedule for him, and it worked out great for us...and I am thankful we never made that a huge deal because it enabled us to travel and travel some more ...Jason and I love being spontaneous and trying new things, so we thought that we might as well instill this love in our children, if for no other reason than to make their lives easier...if they grow up going to new places and trying new things, they are much more likely to enjoy the adventure...Included in that travel are some camping adventures (which many of you have asked me about---how do you take baby camping??---well, let me tell you--it is really quite easy:)....Jonas's first camping trip, to the North Shore, was when he was 4 months old, and he simply slept in his car seat in the tent....this trip was in the fall, and, as you all know, Lake Superior can certainly show her true colors (as well as the trees) during this season...it was windy and chilly, but we just bundled Jonas up even more and he slept as soundly as ever....the key is to bring things that are part of bedtime at home...a blanket or book, a stuffed animal, the same pjs....if the child feels secure where you place them (as Jonas always did in his car seat) he/she should be fine and, as in Jonas's case may sleep as well or even better than at home (probably because we spent the day hiking all over creation and tiring him out!) The second major camping trip we did with Jonas was in March---and he simply slept on the floor of the backseat of the van, and we did the same thing in the tent for naps...we sectioned off an area just using the stuff we had--backpacks, pillows, etc.. and wrapped blankets around him...and again, the sleeping was great (the ocean should certainly get partial credit for this one, though...as it muffled all the other noises and created a very relaxing atmosphere for sleep!) If I had to make a checklist for camping with your baby...I would just say---bring what you normally would bring anywhere else (perhaps in moderation, if space is limited)
1. make sure to have layers for clothing...don't overdress or under dress your baby...usually, if you are hot, then baby is hot, and if you are cold, they are cold...simple rule:) 2. Wear baby out during the day (then they will sleep better at night)...fresh air will probably be all that is needed, but just be intentional in keeping them active...in other words, don't just let them sleep on a off all day in the carrier while you are hiking 3. Bring the Bumbo (or buy one if you don't have one)---the coolest baby seat ever...it is a good size for traveling, is lightweight, and is a great spot for baby to sit and chill and watch the campfire...don't kid yourself into thinking, oh, I'll just hold him/her...believe me, you will want your space, and baby will want something to be in rather than just the car seat or the backpack (another good idea to bring for long hikes---Jason and I would recommend the REI Taggalong--fantastic backpack...baby has room for his legs to move!!---it is also much more comfortable than a front pack, I think, anyway for multiple mile hikes)
4. bring a couple of hats, sunblock, lots of wipes (you will need them for more than just wiping baby's bottom---as baths are not a possibility while camping, the wipes come in handy for just wiping baby's hands and face and anything else they touch with grubby hands---Note: babies will get dirty on camping trips just like everyone else...but that is just part of the deal:)
5. Bring paper-towel and extra plastic bags...you will need both of these items...for various tasks and clean-ups throughout your trip (i.e. dirty diaper storage until you can find a garbage can:) Just a few helpful hints:)
Blessings as hopefully many of you will try the adventure of camping with your little ones...it isn't that hard, and in some ways, is the easiest form of travel and accommodation for a young family...you can be messy and it doesn't matter and you already wake up early, so you can catch the sunrise everyday:)...believe me, I have had some strange looks when I tell people that I have just gotten back from a camping trip with my baby...like they think I am a terrible mother or something for exposing my child to the elements...but don't question yourself for one minute...it is so healthy and wonderful to experience the great outdoors as a family--and the earlier the better--God intended for kids to dig in the mud, learn what sound a loon makes from actual first-hand experience, build sandcastles, pick up rocks, and sit beneath the stars with Mommy and Daddy...So, go for it!