How to Keep Your Baby Cool While Camping

If there is one thing that has changed over the years about camping, it is the increasing craze among new parents to camp with their baby. It is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor activities or, the best way of getting away from the monotony of urban life to a more natural and peaceful atmosphere. And the fun just gets doubled with your baby along with you. 

Although there is no perfect season to camp in the wild, winters and rainy seasons are never recommended because of the hardships you may confront during your stay. Summers pose as an ideal time to camp. However, there lies a concern if you are planning to camp in hot weather with your little one. 

Since babies are sensitive towards heat, hot weather can not only make your baby grumpy and sweaty but cause illnesses. Unlike adults, babies can not regulate their body temperature. This is the reason why they can feel overheated in no time. However, you don’t need to postpone or cancel your family camping trip. This guide covers everything on how to keep your baby cool while camping in hot weather. So, let’s take a look into the details. 

How you can keep your baby cool while camping

While camping with a baby, a good, well-planned itinerary is a must. To make life easier for you, I have listed some crucial pointers that can help you plan better for your next camping trip with the tot of the house. 

Location of the your tent and campsite

If you have a choice of location to pitch your tent, make sure you choose a spot that receives a considerable amount of shade during the day. If your chosen location receives even a gentle breeze, the better it will be for your kid. In such a scenario, set up your tent in a way that its door allows for the breeze to glide in. The goal of being specific with the location is to keep the inside of your tent as cool as possible. 

If you are keeping your baby camping crib inside the tent, it is even more important to make sure you choose a shady spot for your campsite.

Camp near a water source 

campsite set up next to a lake

Do you know why the majority of campsites are situated along water bodies such as a lake, river, or stream? It’s because locations near water bodies remain cool all year round irrespective of the place’s weather conditions. So, it is better to select a campsite along a lake, river, or stream. You will surely benefit from even the slightest breeze coming off the water. However, since there are increased chances of mosquitoes and other bugs hijacking your tent in the dark, don’t forget to pack insect repellents for everyone’s safety. 

Material of the tent

After the location of the campsite, the next thing to consider is the material of the tent. Camping tents are made from various materials such as cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, polycotton, and many more. You can find the right tent for camping with your baby here.

While each of these materials has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for you, cotton and canvas are usually the first choices of campers who are planning to camp in hot weather. Both are known for their amazing insulation properties, preventing your tent from getting too hot on a warm day. Another benefit you get from these materials is that both are breathable fabrics capable of absorbing moisture. Hence, you are unlikely to have an issue with condensation.

Being lightweight and well-insulated, they will also provide you with a quiet sleep even if a sudden breeze knocks on your door. 

Focus on cooling the tent during the day 

It is recommended that you cool your tent during the day by any available means, especially if you are camping with your baby. Open the doors and windows (if any) early in the morning to let the fresh, cool morning breeze circulate in and out of the tent. 

Also, don’t forget to zip up the tent as much as possible during the hottest hours of the day to keep the warm air out. As the sun goes down and the temperatures start to decline, open the outlets to allow fresh air to enter the tent. But not until after nightfall! Close the doors and windows before it gets dark to prevent insects and bugs from entering the tent. This may sound like a juggling act but that is how you can keep yourself and your baby cool while camping in hot conditions. 

Tarp the tent

Another easy way to keep your tent cool at all times is by tarping the tent. You can either attach the tarp directly over the tent or string it up between two poles or trees at about head level. This will protect the tent from heat, rain, and even falling debris on rough windy days. There are no restrictions on the kind of material or type of tarp. You can use any available tarp for this purpose.

If you’re going to let your baby nap in the tent, make sure that there is a thermometer or some other way to tell the temperature inside the tent. Most camping baby monitors have a temperature reading to keep your baby safe.

Choose the best clothing for your baby

When it comes to your baby’s clothing for camping, try to keep it as simple and nice as possible. Since you have chosen a warm setting for camping, you should pack light cotton clothes for both day and nightwear. While light colors reflect the sunlight, dark colors absorb it, making it hotter for the wearer. Some standard clothes to pack for your baby include light onesies, pajamas, socks, hoodies/sweaters, and the likes. Remember to pack not only for the hot daytime but also for the cold and breezy nights. 

Pro tip: Sunscreen and hats are two additional accessories you can bring for your baby to protect them from the scorching heat. However, remember that sunscreen is only recommended for babies over six months and the hat must be lightweight. 

Conclusion

While there is no harm in camping with a baby in the wild, it is necessary that you carry all the required essentials to give them a stress-free, comfortable experience. If you are camping during summers (recommended), make sure you pack toys and learn a few baby games to keep your little one entertained throughout the day. You’ll also find that a comfortable and breathable camping bed is going to be quite important.

If it is your first time camping with your offspring, go through this article to learn how to prepare for a wonderful camping trip, especially during summers.

FROM THE AUTHORS AT TECHIE CAMPER

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