When we first started talking about taking our newborn camping, most people thought we were crazy. A baby in the bush? Dust, long drives, no Wi-Fi, and wild animals around? But for us, the outdoors has always been part of our rhythm. We didn’t want that to change just because our family grew by one tiny camper.
The Reality Check
Camping with a newborn is hard work – and not just in the “we’re tired” sense. It’s about keeping baby content while also minimising unnecessary stress for mom. In many ways, you feel a bit like you’ve lost half your usual capabilities; suddenly, the simplest tasks take triple the time and energy.
While I focused on feeding, soothing, and keeping our little one comfortable, my husband went full-on domestic dad mode: cooking, washing dishes, fetching water, setting up and packing up camp, refuelling, and even tackling the odd emergency repair. By the end of each day, we’d both done a lot – just in completely different spheres.
At the start of our first overland trip as a family of three, we had no clue what we were doing. But after a healthy dose of trial and error (and a fair share of comedy-of-errors moments), we found our rhythm. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what we’ll be doing differently next time.
The Gear That Made Life Easier
These are over and above the usual baby travel essentials like nappies, a changing mat, bum cream, wipes, and spare clothes.
- Baby Carrier
Absolute lifesaver during the dreaded witching hour between 4–6 pm. Our baby needed to be close, but I also needed to be hands-free. The carrier meant I could help with camp chores or just enjoy the evening without pacing endlessly with him in my arms.
- Baby Night Light
We barely used our usual camping lights inside the tent – our baby’s own night light did the job beautifully. The soft, dim glow made night feeds calmer and helped keep everyone in “sleep mode.”
- Feeding or Pregnancy Pillow
Since our little one was too young to sit up in his own camping chair, I used our feeding pillow as a prop on one of our camp chairs. This meant he could safely “join” us around the fire in comfort.
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Need camping chairs? Click here to rent quality camping chairs and other camping accessories from Go Camp. - Baby Nesting Pod
This was an absolute lifesaver. During the day, we could let him nap comfortably in it on the back seat while driving or relaxing at camp, and then simply move it inside our tent at night. If you don’t have a nesting pod, the bassinet section of a stroller (if it detaches) can work just as well.
- Things to Keep Baby Distracted
For the car, hanging toys were a big win, as were high-contrast picture books. Around camp, a few simple sensory toys meant he had familiar things to explore while we got on with tasks.
- Music
Our baby loves almost any music, but we downloaded playlists of his favourites before the trip – one for when he’s awake and another for bedtime. There’s something about soft lullabies playing in the tent at night that makes it even more special (and sometimes buys you a few extra minutes of peace).
Tips We Wish We Knew From the Start
- Stay Longer in Fewer Campsites
It takes a surprising amount of time to unpack, set up, and actually start relaxing – almost a full day in our case. Instead of moving every night or two, plan longer stays in fewer spots to give yourself breathing room. - Choose Quiet, Spacious Campsites
Babies cry – it’s what they do. Choosing quieter, less crowded sites meant less stress about disturbing neighbours and more freedom to just be ourselves without constant “shhh” pressure.
Things We Didn’t Expect
- How long it takes to burn nappies (spoiler: slow and smoky).
- How tricky it is to keep baby cool or warm enough with the wild temperature swings.
- How quickly nappies pile up – you’ll always need more.
- That camp chores take three times longer when one parent is on baby duty.
- The constant mental checklist: feeds, naps, changes, sun exposure, bugs.
- How valuable shade becomes – tree, awning, gazebo, anything.
Need a gazebo? Click here to rent gazebos, shade nets and all the accessories you need for your next camping trip. - How many strangers want to come say hi to your baby.
- How early you go to bed – often in the tent by 8pm.
- The joy of “firsts” in the wild: first time feeling sand, hearing a jackal, or falling asleep to wind in the trees.
- How little you care about how you look (goodbye Instagram-perfect campsite photos).
What We’d Leave at Home Next Time
- Half the baby clothes we packed – he lived in the same onesies.
- Fancy camping gadgets we thought we’d use but never touched.
- Extra baby blankets – one or two are plenty.
Final Thoughts
Camping with a newborn is equal parts exhausting and magical. You’ll be slower, you’ll pack more, and you’ll learn to redefine “relaxing.” But you’ll also make memories you’ll never forget. Every giggle under the stars, every feed by the fire, and every sleepy smile in the tent is worth the work.