Baby Camping Checklist (Printable)

You actually don’t need that many extra items to go camping with a baby. However, the items you do need are really important. Forgetting a single item like a changing pad or pacifier clip could completely mess up your camping trip. This baby camping list will ensure you don’t forget anything.

Notes:

This baby camping checklist is in addition to the items you normally need to bring camping. See that Family Camping Checklist here.
Some of these baby camping items are optional (like a chair or playpen) but will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
If you need advice, see this post about camping with a baby

*Click here for a printable version of the baby camping checklist*

Baby Sleep Items

Tent: You may want to upgrade to a larger tent with more headroom
Sleeping bag: See best baby sleeping bags for camping here
Sleeping pad: Ideally with an R-value of 3 or higher
Baby camping bed: Optional but nice to have. See best camping baby beds here.
Leak catcher: Like a waterproof pad to put under your baby in the sleeping bag
Pillow: I just use a folded fleece jacket

*Not sure about the sleep setup? Read How to sleep in a tent with a baby

Morrison is one of the only brands which makes baby sleeping bags for camping.

Camping Clothes for Baby

*Don’t forget to bring backups!

Breathable base layers (onsies or tops and bottoms)
Warm mid-layers (onsies or tops and bottoms)
Jacket
Hat with a brim
Waterproof rain suit
Pajamas
Socks
Shoes or booties
Hat and gloves
Swimsuit or swim diaper

Feeding Items

*You won’t need most of these if you are solely breastfeeding.

Bibs or smocks
Bottles and nipples: Bring enough each day so you don’t have to constantly clean them
Disposable bottle inserts: I don’t like disposable products but these do make camping and hiking easier since you won’t have to clean the bottle after using it.
Bottled water or water purifier: Check whether the campground has potable water!
Thermos: This is useful for storing hot water to use for formula. Don’t put premade formula in the Thermos though as it will go bad quickly and the Thermos will get gross.
Sippy cups
Bottle cleaning supplies: Like a bottle brush. If you don’t have a sink at camp, sterilizing tablets are nice to have.
Baby food: Choose pouches instead of jars.
Bowls and spoons
Pacifier + clip and case: The clip and case keep the pacifiers from getting dirty
Portable high chair: This is optional (I just fed my daughter in her stroller) but makes feeding a lot easier for longer camping trips.

Diapering Items

Diapers: Calculate about 7-13 per day, depending on your baby (it’s better to have more than not enough!)
Unscented baby wipes
Non-scented barrier cream
Changing pad: Choose something thicker if you have to do changes on cold or wet ground.
Diaper pail with lid: This is optional but makes life easier; you can just empty the pail at the end of the day instead of having to walk to the camp trash cans each time you do a diaper change.
Sealable bags: for carrying dirty diapers until you can throw them away, such as on hikes.

Health and Hygiene Items

Bathtub: A large plastic basin will do.
Towels
Washcloths
Biodegradable, non-scented soap
Rope and clothespins: For making a clothes line. Don’t forget this one!!!
Hand sanitizer (for you, not the baby): To clean your hands after diaper changes if you can’t get to a sink
Trash bags
Sunblock and/or UV-protective clothing
Baby-safe bug spray
Mosquito net or bug tent
Nail clippers
Toothbrush and toothpaste

using a bucket to give a bath a bath when camping

Plastic bins make great baby baths

First aid items for baby

*See my picks for best camping first aid kits here

Baby fever medicine + measuring syringe
Saline solution in little ampules: You might need this for cleaning your baby’s eyes or nose
Cotton balls
Antihistamine: In case of allergic reaction it can buy you time until you get to a hospital
Teething ring and/or gel
Diaper rash cream

These saline ampules are really useful for cleaning dirt out of baby’s eyes!

Other Baby Camping Gear

Hiking carrier: Read about hiking carriers here
Trail-friendly stroller: Like these best off-road strollers
Waterproof picnic blanket or foam pad. Or somewhere else to put your baby so they can play on the ground without getting (too) dirty.
Baby chair: See these best baby camping chairs
Portable playpen: This is very useful once your baby starts crawling. It also keeps your baby off the ground so insects and animals can’t get to her.
Tent lantern: Preferably with a red light option so you don’t blind your baby during nighttime feedings and changes.
Extra batteries: You’ll use more batteries than normal when camping with a baby
Carabiner: For attaching the lantern to the tent, toys to the playpen, etc.
Shade tent/tarp: For both shade and rain protection
Breastfeeding chair for mom
Infant life jacket: If you will be doing any water activities. See top picks here.
Toys/comfort items