How To Go Camping With A Baby

Antilop IKEA high chair packs down small

It's also handy as a spare table!

A fabric high chair is also handy if you're very short on space

It's hard trying to keep a baby clean and dry on a camping trip!

A baby carrier is very handy for naps and walking

Flexibath folded up can also fit in a suitcase for holidays

Flexibath ready to use

Also handy as a paddling pool or treasure box

Going camping with a baby can be a daunting prospect. However, if you have a decent sized tent and have space in your car to bring a few key items, it can be a fun and relaxing adventure. Here are my top 5 'essential' items.1. Small high chairThe Antilop IKEA high chair is cheap and easy to clean. It packs down very small so is easy to bring without taking up too much car space. I find if I have somewhere clean to seat my baby then it makes feeding time much more relaxing. If your baby is happy to sit in the high chair with some toys for 10 minutes, it also makes a good place to keep them clean and busy whilst you set up or pack up the tent. If you don't have space for a rigid high chair, you could try a fabric pouch chair which ties to the back of a chair if you a suitable camping chair to use for this.2. Play Mat and RugsIf you have space to bring a few rugs, you can make a much more pleasant play zone and cosier sleeping zone inside the tent. It's worth also bringing a separate outdoor rug or play mat, ideally with a waterproof backing, to make an outdoor play zone3. Travel CotI always get a better night's sleep knowing that my son is safely in a travel cot inside the tent rather than rolling round amongst the camping gear. We have a small Phil & Teds travel cot which doesn't take up much space and sets up easily inside the tent.4. Baby CarrierWe usually don't have room for a stroller so I find it very useful to bring a baby carrier - e.g. a Baby Bjorn or Ergo. I love the Ergo sling as it rolls up very small, is comfortable for babies to take a nap in, and can double as a backpack style carrier for my 3-year old as it takes up to 20Kgs comfortably.5. Fold Up Baby BathWe bought a fold up baby bath for a recent sailing trip and we will bring it on our next camping trip too. It folds up small and makes bath time easy. It can also double up as a mini paddling pool on a hot day. This one is a Flexibath.Have you taken your baby camping? What are your 'must have' items or top tips? Share your ideas in the comments section.