Think your RVing days need to come to an end now that you have a little one? Think again! Yes, a baby may cause some changes to what you have in your RV or what you do while you’re traveling, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop altogether. Not only is camping with an infant possible, but it’s also not as hard as you think. Here are some tips to help you hit the road with your little one.
1. Realize your baby doesn’t really need that much stuff
If you’ve looked through the baby aisles at a store lately you know there is no shortage of products to choose from. With your first baby, it feels like you need all of these items. You end up with things like a changing table, wipe warmer, bottle warmer, and a bunch of other contraptions that the parenting magazines tell you that you “can’t live without”.
However, when you have your second you start to realize those magazines were just playing you. Wipes don’t need to be warm. Bottles can be warmed in a coffee mug of warm water. And, you end up changing your baby wherever you happen to be, which isn’t usually at the changing table.
As soon as you realize that you don’t need all of the new fancy baby gadgets, RVing starts to sound a lot more doable. The main things your baby needs are easy to bring along on the road with you.
2. Get a portable crib
Portable cribs like a Pack’N’Play make it easy to set your baby up when they need to take a nap or sleep for the night. You can choose a size that works for your RV. They can generally be set up right in the kitchen. It’s also a great piece of equipment to have because you can move it outside during the day so your baby can nap near your family if you’re outside of the camper. It’s also a safe place to let them play as they start to sit and stand.
There are even portable cribs that are designed for travel. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold up and store away when not in use.
3. Scrap the idea of a changing table
Instead of a changing table, get a simple changing pad. They are inexpensive and simply fold up to be tucked away when not in use. They’re also easy to throw in the diaper bag to take with you when you’re on the go. If you don’t have a changing pad you can use a simple receiving blanket. Don’t overthink this, you can change a baby just about anywhere.
4. Get a good baby monitor
No, you probably aren’t going to need a baby monitor to use in the middle of the night, but you might want one for naptimes. If you are in a beautiful location with great weather you can head outside of the RV during naptime and use your monitor to keep your ear (or eyes) on the baby. Some monitors have a live feed video that you can see from your phone. However, even an old school baby monitor will do.
5. Use a backpack instead of a diaper bag
Forgo the traditional diaper bag and go for a backpack instead. It’ll make it easy to throw in some of your own stuff along with baby’s and toss it on your back when you’re on the go.
6. Find a sling or carrier you and baby love
If you like to be on the go when you are RVing, such as doing some hiking, this doesn’t need to stop when your little one arrives. Instead, find a sling or carrier that is comfortable and that your baby enjoys being in. Wait until your baby is here to try a few out before committing to one because you never know which one they will want to be in the most.
7. Find the right tub
When it comes to bathing your baby in your RV, many new parents like the Puj Tub. It folds up when not in use and then stays open with the use of magnets when you need it. You can use it in the sink or the shower to make bathing baby easy.
8. Get a travel high chair
Once your little one is old enough to sit up in a high chair to eat, use a travel high chair. There are some that clip on to the table and there are others that open similar to a camp chair.
Learn as you go
Remember, your newborn will adjust to what your lifestyle is. If you are a full-time RVer, you don’t have to stop just because you had a baby. If you love to hit the road on the weekends, don’t let people guilt you into feeling that you can’t now that you have a little one. Your infant will grow accustomed to traveling. And, you’ll be able to build great memories for them as you go.
Just get started and you’ll be able to learn as you go. Newborns need little more than diapers, wipes, a place to sleep, a bath, and something to eat. You don’t need a bunch of toys or equipment outside of that. Don’t be afraid to get started when they are brand new and you’ll be able to learn as you go what you need and what you don’t.
If you want to talk to someone about an RV that will fit your family needs, call Sky River RV.
