Parents: You Can Take Your Kids Camping, Even the Youngsters!

So you want to go camping, but you've got a little person to consider? Don't sweat it.

Having a newborn or infant doesn't mean you need to hide in the house, afraid of the elements. When I was pregnant my first thought was “babies are part of nature, and so they can be in nature with the right tools...” These days there are so many awesome products out there that allow us to enjoy the great outdoors with our kids, without compromising their safety.

Don't worry too much about safety. Whether you're sleeping in a tent, or sleeping in a cabin or RV, your baby is going to feel comfortable as long as you're there. We were big on co-sleeping, so any time we went camping our infant snuggled up with us and we had no problems. For those that are against your kids laying their heads down at night directly next to you, pack and play (aka play pen) is a great alternative. You can purchase netting [or use a blanket] to keep bugs away, and they are small enough to fit comfortably in a tent or cabin.

Make sure you bring a ton of diapers, and wipes because the forest isn't a good place to run out! We used wipes for virtually anything – cleaning the babies face after a meal over the fire, or when it was time for number two. Also make sure to bring a garbage bag that's going to be specifically FOR your babies waste. It may seem gross, but it helped us to eliminate the yucky stuff a lot easier. If you have baby food, or milk, you can keep these unrefrigerated as long as you don't open them. Horizon makes awesome room temp milks that are organic, and don't cost too much. These are perfect for parents who are keen on bringing the little ones into nature, but don't want to give up certain luxuries.

Bug spray and sunscreen are essential. While a newborn should be in a shady spot regardless of the time of day, an organic version of both is going to be a life saver when you have a hot summer day that's filled with sunshine and bugs. Light, protective clothing can also help keep the sun’s rays and the bugs away from your little one, so invest in some cotton tee shirts or onesies for your camping trip, and you won't be sorry.

If you plan on doing some exploration, a baby sling or carrier is a great way to go. They are inexpensive, and extremely convenient for those that don't want to spend their entire trip sitting around. Also bring a stroller that can handle grunt work [a flimsy umbrella stroller is a no no for camping..] or a wagon if your kids can sit up by themselves.

The main thing to remember when camping with young ones, is safety. Bring a first aid kit, anticipate any situation, and try to have fun. We found that our daughter slept much better in the fresh air, and we all had a blast showing her a bit of nature’s beauty.