Camping is an amazing experience adored by numerous people. Statistically, most women give up their passion for camping as soon as a newborn baby joins them.
While this way of thinking is palpable, we know firsthand that there is no reason why camping should not remain part of your lifestyle even after having a child.
In fact, a whole new layer of excitement and fun comes with bringing a baby along. However, traveling in a recreational vehicle with a baby requires patience and planning.
You must get the appropriate gear if you’ve decided to bring your young baby along. After all, newborns do not have the capacity to do anything for themselves not unless their parents assist them. The camping baby gear you decide to carry can greatly impact how much fun you will have.
In this article, I am listing out some of the baby gear you can have while traveling in an RV. Being a parent myself I understand that we should always do our best for our kids/babies.
This list is just a suggestion and I would want you to do a lot of research on each of these items individually before making a purchase.
All of us are different/unique and what someone thinks is good/important or needed may not be true for others.
So, please do a lot of research and see if its really needed for your baby before buying any of the items.
Baby gear for RV
Below is a list of the best, must-have baby gear for RV that you should carry once you’ve decided to take your bundle of joy with you on a road trip.
1. Baby Gates
There are several areas that a child of a certain age should not enter when traveling in an RV. Fortunately, the majority of recreational vehicles come equipped with a certain level of safety that is suitable for families with young children.
Most RVs have drawers and cabinets with security latches of some kind. The cabinets are outfitted with some built-in mechanism that prevents items from falling when the RV is in motion.
Such features also aid in preventing curious tiny hands from reaching into restricted areas.
However, since many areas within the RV pose a danger to the baby, installing a baby gate at the top of the stairs and in other rooms including the kitchen, where infants could get into trouble if left unattended, is a good idea.
2. Baby Monitors
Baby monitors are huge stress relievers during RV travels. Once your baby monitor is hooked up, and the baby is laid down for a nap, you can comfortably leave and enjoy some quality time with your husband without having to spend all the time quietly in the trailer. You don’t want to have a boring camping experience.
With a baby monitor, you can comfortably by the fire, walk down the coastline, or play in the river as long as you’re within the monitor range. There are two types of monitors to choose from.
The first is a camera-equipped video monitor that lets you constantly see and hear your child.
It contains wonderful features like zooming in, changing the audio, moving the camera angle, or changing the screen’s brightness. Unfortunately, although most people are automatically drawn to this monitor, it is undeniably, costly.
A basic audio monitor is ideal for anyone looking to spend some time at the beach as it doesn’t necessarily need a way to secure it while you are out having some fun safely.
An audio monitor has a wonderful volume control range that lets you pick your child’s voice. Additionally, audio monitors are easily replaced because they are cheaper (around $20). However, you can invest in both types if you’re not on a budget.
3. Noise Machines
While some new parents couldn’t care less about buying a noise machine, most parents, especially those used to camp and taking road trips, can vouch for it. A noise machine can be a lifesaver for you when traveling in an RV with a newborn who has trouble falling or staying asleep.
Since the walls of an RV are often paper thin, you can hear everything that goes on outside, including the sound of wind blowing or someone next to you closing the car door.
Every parent should consider turning on some white noise while their newborn is sleeping to mask the sound of their voices if they are sitting around the campfire or if loud noises are coming from nearby campers.
Additionally, if your child loves taking naps during the day, you will find a noise machine useful, particularly because newborns are easily distracted or woken up by slight noises.
A noise machine will help keep them asleep for longer by producing several sounds. Essentially, noise machines are small, easy to carry, have a timer and a volume control system, and are also provided at extremely reasonable prices.
Since most of them are small, you will not have to worry about them taking up too much RV space.
4. Wet Bags
It’s always advisable to have wet bags readily available when traveling with your baby. If you’re not familiar with wet bags, these are small bags containing a waterproof lining which has been made so that they can store soiled or damp objects until you can wash them.
Wet bags are perfect for storing cloth diapers, swimwear, or clothes that have just been soiled. Wet bags are reusable and leak resistant.
The fact that they also have zips can help you maintain fresh air within the RV by keeping odors from escaping.
Wet bags can hold around 4-15 cloth diapers and other items, depending on the chosen size. Generally, wet bags are convenient. The fact that you’re traveling accompanied by a small baby means you will need to store your diapers.
Since wet bags are available in unique shapes and handles, choose the one that is easier to carry and store.
5. Diaper Clutch
Since you’re traveling in the company of a young child who might still be wearing diapers, a diaper clutch might be a lifesaver. A diaper clutch is a must-carry baby gear that helps to keep everything organized.
When it’s time to change a diaper, all you need to do is grab the clutch, and everything you need will be where you can reach it. With a diaper clutch, you won’t have to rummage through an overstuffed diaper bag anymore.
When unfolded, it serves as an excellent changing pad that can be cleaned quickly and easily whenever necessary. Additionally, a diaper clutch contains small pouches that can be used to store baby wipes and unused diapers.
6. Backpack Carrier
We’ve covered almost baby gear you might need inside the RV, but there’s a lot more to RVing than that. It is about getting away from the things that distract you so you can spend quality time with the people you love.
It is all about visiting new places and getting out to explore what the world has to offer. One of the benefits of carrying a baby carrier is you enjoy the exploration by carrying your baby without risking injury to your back or having to bring a stroller over the rough terrain.
With the help of a backpack carrier, you can observe the world without necessarily having to stop every few minutes. The majority of baby carriers come with settings that can be adjusted to accommodate your growing child’s size.
Actually, some carriers built specifically for hiking are available. Most are incredibly comfy, making it simple to carry the baby without using your hands. A baby carrier brings more freedom and flexibility to the trip.
Also, the carrier places the baby at the same level as everyone else so they can see it safely contained in the carrier.
7. Outdoor Blanket
Buying an outdoor blanket is fantastic, especially if you have a young child who is not yet old enough to walk but is slightly under the walking stage. With an outdoor blanket, you can spend time outside with your baby.
It allows the baby to move around and play freely in a wide, clean area. The good thing about outdoor blankets is that they are heavy and not easily blown away by strong winds.
Furthermore, it folds up well, so you can carry it without having to experience any hassles.
It is also very easy to clean if the need arises. You can carry a baby play mat with you to place on top of the blanket so that your baby can play on the floor with familiar toys they do at home. This allows your baby to continue with their normal routine.
8. Play Yard
An outdoor blanket alone might not be adequate to keep a moving baby safe as they play. You will not have all the freedom you want as you might turn for a little bit only to find them crawling on dirt and soil.
This is, in fact, a common phenomenon for parents with more than one baby.
If your baby can finally move around unassisted, having a portable play yard might be more beneficial than you imagine. This way, you can prevent the baby from wandering away while it plays. It also gives them enough room to walk around.
Play yards are easy to carry and can be folded down to about the size of a regular camping chair when not in use. In case you’re searching for the best alternative, you can go for a travel pack ‘n play play yard.
This specific type is most parents’ favorite because it can be utilized as a sleeping option for the baby. The only downside to this type is they are slightly bulkier and more difficult to sore, especially when they are not being used.
9. Travel Chair
Whether it’s used for feeding or playing, a portable chair can make life much easier for you and your baby. Your child can also experience independence by sitting up on a travel chair and watching the adults or playing with their toys.
Also, meal times don’t always have to be unpleasant. With the help of a travel chair, you do not have to awkwardly hold your child in your lap while feeding them or run the risk of getting the baby’s food all over you.
Travel chairs can also be folded up neatly, making them convenient for transport. When it’s time to use it, all you need to do is unfold it like a conventional camping chair. You can also buckle your travel chair to a larger one so it can be elevated.
If you’re not interested in investing in a specific travel seat, you can go for Bumbo seats specifically designed to hold small children. A Bumbo seat is also perfect for meals because it comes equipped with a tray.
10. Jogging Stroller
When you’re out and about, you might need a jogging stroller. Although some are quite expensive, consider reading through the customer reviews to see if they are worth the investment.
While jogging strollers are typically designed for jogging, you can use them when you decide to follow dirt trails or when you walk on gravel. Jogging strollers are equipped with large tires that make moving around easy and comfortable compared to standard-sized stroller wheels.
Parents can use jogging strollers with the matching infant car seat. Alternatively, they can be used on their own while they’re holding older children. They easily fold up, they’re compact, and they also contain a great storage compartment underneath.
Traveling with a baby in an RV can be a piece of cake with patience and preparation. You can make the traveling and camping experience amazing and easier by packing the necessary baby gear you need.
Most of the baby items needed for the RV can be rented. This means that you do not have to purchase or pack them for the brief duration of your trip. Since most RVs are flexible, you can easily create a home-like setting for your small baby, especially if it is their first RV trip.
Summary
You can make your camping experience enjoyable by following the above hacks, especially if family trips are part of your bucket list. Having the above items with you on your travels can make a world of difference for you.
They are designed to make it easy for you to care for your small child while allowing you to enjoy the camping or road trip to the fullest and keeping you adequately prepared without taking up too much space in your RV. Maximize your traveling experience by carrying a few useful items for your newborn.
