As we get more experienced overlanding and off road camping, some camping gear for baby and toddler stand out as winners on every trip and guarantees a successful experience.
Mama’s favorite gear for camping, overlanding, and road trips with small kids
Molehill Down Bunting Suit
Ergobaby 360 Carrier / Beco Gemini Carrier
Crocs
Sunday Afternoon Hats
Snack Cups
Women’s AirRail Sleeping pad
Collapsible Ball Pit
Hammock
Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet
Saline Nasal Infant Spray
Reusable Food Pouches
Tweezerman Pointy Tweezers
Fisher Price Portable High Chair
1. Molehill down bunting suit
The Molehill down bunting suit for sleeping is THE best alternative to a sleeping bag. I’ve described it in my post about sleeping gear. Is it my absolute favorite item which is worth the price, especially since they run big and can be used for at least two seasons. Our friend’s kids have them too.
The Molehill Down Bunting suit keeps our toddler nice and warm all night and in the early morning exploring.
2. Ergobaby 360 carrier
The Ergobaby 360 carrier with mesh is breathable and very comfortable and supportive to wear. It works for both babies and toddlers and we prefer bringing this for toddler E as opposed to our (also a favorite) big Deuter Kid Comfort backpack carrier (unless we’re going on serious long hikes). I use my Beco Gemini buckle carrier for baby O now which is great for the infant stage. The buckle carrier is also a great place for baby to sleep in the early months while you’re still up.
Baby snug and comfortable in Beco Gemini baby carrier. A carrier is a must-have for camping.
Toddler E snuggling up in our Ergobaby 360 carrier. The Ergobaby is useful for years and another favorite camping gear item.
3. Crocs
The used $4 pair of Crocs I once found at the local Mommy’s Market turned out to be our best camping shoes yet. Once E hit the stage of wanting to put shoes on herself, these, or anything equally easy to put on, worked wonders. Especially when in and out of the car or the tent a lot. It took away the tediousness of always having to help her put on her shoes and no worry about them getting wet. Her rain boots work similarly well for wetter climates. You can often find them cheaply at Nordstrom rack.
4. Sunday Afternoon Hats
I cannot praise the Sunday Afternoon sunhats enough. I bought the smallest baby size for O and the next one up for E and I LOVE THEM! They stay put, have a flexible fit and have a safety release buckle which opens in case the hats gets stuck. The wide, sturdy shade front and back is a must-have for the harsh Southwest sun and it will last them for a couple of years. Again, worth the money.
5. Snacks cups
Snack cups are a great way to keep toddlers (big and small) happy. Create the perfect mix of snacks for the car or the camp site while keeping them contained and bug free.
We always camp with the snack cup, Crocs and the Sunday Afternoon sun hat. Tailgates are for potty training.
6. Women’s AirRail sleeping pad from REI
Women’s AirRail sleeping pad from REI is our new bed for E now that she’s outgrown the bulky pack’n’play. It packs so compact and inflates so quickly that we will get one for baby O and skip the pack’n’play all together. AND, it has an R-value of 4.2 which is right in the middle of the scale and enough for our 3 season camping trips. Combined with a down suit and the space heater it’s more than enough for winter trips as well. The rails don’t stop E completely from traveling onto the floor in her sleep, but nothing really does. Create a barrier with blankets or bags or surround the pad with the adults sleeping pads instead if you’re worried. See more about sleeping gear here.
7. collapsible ball pit
Our collapsible ball pit is my latest addition to the list, Granted, I haven’t camped with it yet, but I already know it will be a useful item once baby O starts crawling. We used to bring a foldable play yard from Summer infant which had sturdier sides. It was great for pulling to a stand, but otherwise fairly bulky. This ball pit will keep baby in place despite the soft edges as well as keeping the toys free of dirt. Great for the moments where you need both hands free and peace of mind. I also contemplate using this as an extra protective guard for sleeping if need be.
8. Hammocks
Hammocks are by far the best guaranteed fun you can ever bring. Kids don’t need a lot of toys when outside, but setup and pack-down times often borders nap times or meal times. Keep the good mood going and distract with a compact hammock that’s easy to set up if you camp near trees or gazebos. It’s also a great cozy place to relax with your little ones during the day - and perhaps even get a power nap in if you’re lucky. We keep ours permanently in the car and set them up almost anywhere we go.
Hammocks are guaranteed fun while camping, on picnics and overlanding for all kids.
9. Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet
With the fear of being booed by my fellow mom-community, our Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet IS A LIFESAVER. Yes, my toddler watches TV! There. I said it. Being on the road has its melt down moments. Sometimes, the nap was just too short or there are too many impressions. TV time is great for quiet time for both toddler and parents. And not all TV is bad. There are great educational shows out there as well as drawing apps and games. I got the Fire Tablet for its Amazon access as well as the no-questions-asked replacement guarantee in case it breaks. I NEVER let her watch TV on my phone simply to avoid potential begging every time I bring it out.
10. Saline Nasal Spray
Saline Nasal Spray has been extremely useful with our second child when camping in dry and warm climates. He is more sensitive to dry air than E was, especially when just a couple of months old. He is fine when the heater is running and condensation keeps the tent moist. But other nights, I’ve had to reach for this a few times to help him breath better. I keep it handy by my bed and we all sleep peacefully afterwards (until the dog and E want to go play outside at the crack of dawn).
11. Reusable food pouches
Reusable food pouches (these are from Squooshi) are great for anything from baby mash to yogurt. E never cared for pureed foods which I got them for, but we’ve used them a lot for yogurts on the go. Plus, E is not the best social eater, especially when on the go. This pouch makes any food more fun. I usually bring at least two so we can share with her friends.
Sunday Afternoon hats are the best in the Southwest sun. E shares a yogurt with her friend in the reusable food pouches from Squooshi.
12. Tweezerman pointy tweezers
Tweezerman pointy tweezers are the best for splinters, according to the Wirecutter. We have yet to test these particular ones, but have already encountered two cactus accidents with E. Tweezers, a needle, antibiotic cream and bandaids (which make everything better in E’s world) are absolute must-haves when exploring the wilderness.
13. Fisher Price portable high chair
I found a used Fisher Price portable high chair (Healthy care booster seat) for $8 at the local consignment store. I wish I had looked for it earlier. Our 2.5 year old toddler still fits into this (not with a bunting suit on) and our now 6 month old baby can sit in it. He will be using it from now on, but it was great for our toddler too for her cereal in the morning. She eats best when ‘tied down’ so this was heaven sent. We’ve tested a folding high chair which we didn’t like because her thighs got stuck and the table bit was uneven and at a slant. If I were to get an even more compact version, I would test the Summer Infant Pop’n’Go booster seat which folds but has a sturdy table attached. Anything space saving but functional wins in my book.
Toddler E can still squeeze in to our Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster seat which we bought used. The booster seat helps her stay put for her meals, and it can be used by baby O as well.
Please share what your favorite camping items for kids are!
Please note that the products reviewed and linked too are some that I truly love and recommend! I have added affiliate links, but I was not paid or compensated to review these products.
