Camping for the First Time with My 8 Month Old Son

It is not too young. We've been camping with all our children, even as babies. Here are some items that help:
pack and play
bug net to go over pack and play
skin so soft (bug sprays are not good for small children)
baby sun screen
a stationary activity center that he can sit in
baby stoller for walks
small toys he enjoys
first aid kit that includes infant motrin or tylenol (generic )
battery operated lantern (for night time in the tent so your hands can be free to change your son
swim diapers

I never let my kids crawl around the camp site. I entertained them in the tent (they can crawl around in there) or in the pack and play and stationary activity center. Go on walks. If there is a beach, bring some toys to play in the sand and water.
Check out the camp ground before you go so you know which sites are near the playground and such.
Camping is a great way to spend family time with no phones, tv or computers. Have a great time!

I think it's wonderful! We took our girl for Mother's Day last year when she was only 5 months old. We all had a great time! We've taken her about 5 more times since then--all tent camping except for once we got a cabin. It was much easier before she was walking because she'd pretty much stay where you put her (in the tent, in the playpen, whatever). My biggest suggestion is to plan ahead--be familiar with where you will be camping. How will you handle food & cooking? It was hard for me to cook (grill) and watch the baby, so we brought ready-to-eat food (sandwiches, cereal) and easy stuff (hotdogs, burgers). Know the weather--it got pretty cold for us the first time, but just bundled up the baby and had her sleep between us. Also, depending on the area, will you need a stroller or a back/front pack carrier?
I think it's a good idea to start young so the kids grow up appreciating the trips and understanding how they should behave. Just relax and enjoy your trip!!

Hmmmm . . . well, leave some of the diapers in your truck/car so if the tent floods, it doesn't wreck every diaper you brought with (does it sound like I am speaking from personal experience?).

Don't overpack on the clothes - he is going to get dirty and it won't hurt him to wear dirty clothes if necessary :)

Pack extra diapers and LOTS of wipes.

A hat for him

Toys that can be rinsed off rather than ones that need to be washed in a washer

A net for the top of the pack n play for at night to keep the 'siqutos out - also check the side netting for holes that they can get it.

Jugs of bottled water from home if he is formula fed. The change in water will upset his tummy and you will go through more diapers than you can believe :)

Have fun!

No way its not to early...we've been camping since our baby was 4 mo old. Words of advice:

- We froze the first time...be prepared for your little one to snuggle in your bag : - ) Bring extra blankets!
- SUNCREEN!! A sun burned baby is no fun.
- A sun hat...those pig tales on lil girls are the worst way for a sneaky sunburn in the part!
- A stationary toy to sit in...so you can cook etc with 2 hands,
- A bumbo seat or something for baby to sit in to eat.

Just go and have a great time...dont stress, your baby will get dirty and most likly eat things you wouldn't let him eat at home...but your at home routine will get right back into place in no time.

This is priceless time to spend with your little one that you wil never get back : - ) No phones/computers are heavenly!

Camping with an infant is terrific! You just need to take plenty of wipes, diapers, formula and bottled water. I recommend several layers of clothing to ensure you can keep him warm when it gets chilly. I also recommend a co-sleeper to set up as a crib in the tent at night and pull out during the day so he can nap in the open air or be set down for a bit when you are cooking/cleaning. I also recommend a backpack carrier so you can hike around with him. This is a wonderful age for camping and a great way for you to bond in nature and simply relax.

Hi Mommy-
I have not done this as the parent, but as the child. My parents were very active, camping, hiking, etc. Even now as multiple families, we still go. I think the deal there was that you take blankets for crawling around, pads for sleeping on in the tent, and those baby back packs for carrying your little ones around in while you cook, hike, etc. You can even bring those portable little play pens for lounging (make sure the baby gets enough shade) around the campsite. My parents were also minimalists, at least in my opinion, but very organized. I definitely think if you are up for the challenge, your son is never too young. However, start with a small trip, closer to home (2-3 hours) and then if that goes well, you can go farther. There are loads of National Forests that are amazing and cheap and within a few hours of your location.
I say go for it, have fun, and just take all the baby stuff you need. If you have to over pack, do so this time, and then make a note of the things you don't use for the next trip so that each one will reveal the necessities. It's amazing the things we can live without and the happiness we can find out in the great out doors.
Good luck! And have fun. And don't forget your camera, extra batteries, and lots of water. =)
-E. M

The best thing I can tell you is to make sure to bring lots of blankets. When my hubby and I took our then 6-month old camping, a surprise cold snap hit and we all froze quite nicely. We ended up squeezing into the same sleeping bag with the baby in between us to keep him warm and a bottle of water between my legs/boobs to keep the water from freezing. It was horrible. But during the day, he liked nothing more than to just sit on my lap watching the campfire burn and luckily enough it warmed up nicely the next day. We did take a small wagon and went for a walk, but personally I wanted to kick my hubby for taking us camping when he was so young. I wouldn't do it again if I had had the chance.

Take wood with you and keep it in the car in case the wood is damp and won't light.

We've also been camping with our son since he was 4 months old. I agree with everything that's been said already - keeping warm is definitely key, not only overnight but also in the morning when it is coldest. We found a clip-on highchair to attach to the picnic table key to an easy mealtime - try it out at home before you go to make sure your son likes it. We also brought a peapod out with us while we were hiking/climbing so he could nap during the day.

Good luck - you'll have a blast!!

Greetings CPG's Mommy,
We were camping both with tent and campershell with newborns as old as 6 weeks, and I have a cousin that was camping until she went into labor and was back in camp 4 weeks later. My son and daughter in law logged 2,000 miles by the time thier daughter was 3 months old and backpacking and camping was a big part of it. I know that you have to plan well for water, food and at 81/2 months the child is able to eat whatever you are. I would accept that the little one is going to be dirty and happy. You can always get a play yard that you can put a tarp on the ground under a blanket for him to play on.
RElax, enjoy and have fun and get lots of pictures.