WDYT? Camping with an infant

LoLoPanda · January 2011

Every year, DH plans a camping trip with his buddies and their wives/kiddos. Last year there were a few almost-due-date couples so the trip was cancelled. They usually rotate between Tahoe and Big Sur, but the big plan is to one day go to Yosemite.

The plans are being mentioned for this summer, and the couples are all bringing their kids (ages about 10 months to 10 years - there are 5 kids total). They want to go to Big Sur this year, and J wants to go. They are thinking July/August, which means DD will be 3-4 months old. J thinks it's doable, which I'm sure it is but I'm still not sure how to do it. The other wives/moms have offered to help J and I take care of her while out so I don't feel so overwhelmed, which I am grateful for. J was suggesting maybe take her out on a few day-trips (like SF, Santa Cruz, etc) so she can get used to being in the car/carrier.

WDYT? Is 3-4 months too young for camping? J agrees that if I don't feel comfortable either he can go and I'll stay with DD over the weekend, or we both won't go until she's a little older. Is the day trip idea a good one? Any suggestions?

My.ABC.Life · January 2011

I'm sure the group won't mind if you play it by ear, and decide as the date gets closer... but I think its totally doable! We took DS camping at 6 months - he was a little off his routine, but loved it! 3 or 4 months would be even "easier."

ericab819 · January 2011

Depends on how adventurous you are! We took DD camping at 6 and again at 12 weeks and found it to be very easy. I find toddler camping more challenging - don't touch the firepit, don't eat the poison oak, don't zip open the tent in the middle of the night, etc.

Good luck!

bubbs147 · January 2011

Ditto PP's! Camping before they are mobile is a lot easier! You can set a blanket out (or bring a playmat) and let them roll around on it. We took DD#2 camping all last summer (6 months - 10 months old) and she did great! Just got super dirty crawling all over the place:)

MadameD517 · January 2011

We always took my nephews on our annual camping trip, and we plan to with our DC. Its probably a good idea to do a few day trips ahead of time just to get your feet wet.

SweetieP · January 2011

I think it's EASIER at 3-4 months than at any other age. Just bring a carrier. You don't have to worry about them getting dirty or putting things in their mouth. Bring your pack n- play, a portable swing/bouncer and the carrier and you're good to go!

ZoeMay06 · January 2011

Ditto the others, I think it would be totally doable. We took Kyva camping for the first time when she was 5 months old, and we would have done it sooner if the weather was warmer sooner. She loved it and still does! We've taken her a total of 5 times so far and plan to go lots more this summer.

SarahCee · January 2011

While I was pg with DS, I really considered taking him camping last summer. Summer came and went, and I don't think that I ever really thought about it once he was actually here. I would play it by ear. DS is/was very sensitive in the early months and was super difficult to get to sleep, if he was easier in that way, then maybe we would have planned a camping trip. Would you be tent camping or in a camper? I think waiting until this summer when he is 16 months or so will be so much more enjoyable for all of us. We will also rent/borrow a tent trailer opposed to our usual tent camping. I think having that little extra security of being in a camper will make me feel a lot more comfortable.

dirtbikemom · January 2011

Camping when DD was an infant was pretty easy. We just made sure we brought plenty of supplies and tried not to camp right next to some one.

MommySteph2009 · January 2011

Very doable, I took DS camping at 4-5 months, we have a yearly camping trip and it was easier when he was younger vs. 15 months.

I wore DS in the Moby wrap and he co slept when he was 4-5 months old.

DandaLion · January 2011

My best friend and her family went camping with her daughter for a week when she was about 3 months old. We went and joined them for the day. It was super easy for her because she didn't have to bring a lot of extra stuff (aside from diapers and clothes and things like that), she just used her baby carrier, had a bouncer for when they were hanging out or eating to put her in, and ended up using a small padded dog bed of all things (minus the cusion) for her DD to sleep in since it was easier to move around and pack than the pack n play since room in the car is always tight. They did great! She says it would be MUCH harder now that her DD is mobile, and is constantly needing to be doing something or be entertained. I wish we had gone with them after I saw how easy it was for them.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · January 2011

We took Katie camping to Yosemite this past July, she was 8 months at the time. Our friends brought their 6 month old and he did well too. It was our neighbors that had a horrible time, their toddler was up until 3am screaming his fool head off.

We had a blast and made it up to Glacier Point and took some awesome pictures. Excuse me as I go AW on everyone. Sorry everyone! lol

Playing in the Merced

Bath time in the ducky tub

Katie and her best buddy in their jumpers...

Now just a little advice if you EVER plan on making it to Yosemite, either this year or sometime down the road. If you plan on staying at a campground inside the park. You need to make reservations MONTHS in advance. You do it online and it's insane, think of it as trying to get tickets to a Rolling Stones concert...literally in 4 minutes of the scheduled time to make reservations all 3 campgrounds were completely taken for a time slot in July to Aug. I booked our trip in March. They have it as first come first serve, on a certain date at 7am, the gates open and it's a mad dash to grab a spot. So be aware of that. They also have numerous campgrounds outside the park but if you go in the Summer, it's hot as a mother f-er out and you will be baking. The park is nice because there's lots of shade.

amyfelice · January 2011

As PP said I think it depends on the temperament of you child. For us, no way, it would have been a nightmare. Sleep was still a major issue at that time and I could only get good sleep in her crib for the most part. If your LO Is easy and sleeps a lot, it would be a blast. We are taking DD to Yosemite this August (reserved a tent cabin already), I can't wait now that she is older and travels a lot better. Yay for camping.

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