Road Tripping and Camping with a 5 1/2 Month Old - Advice??

We make a 16 hour drive to see family at least once or twice a year and have tried it different ways. When our kids were little, we found that by leaving right after dinner, the kids slept most of the way and we didn't need to stop to eat til breakfast the next morning. DH and I switched driving, which gives each driver 8 hours of sleep, in theory. To stay awake in the wee hours, each of us chose a recorded book to listen to while driving. The trick is to not listen to the other driver's story when you should be sleeping. Oh, and if you drive through the night, make sure you get gas well before the tank gets low. Some gas stations in outlying areas are closed late at night.

I can't offer advice about camping, but I have been on many, many road trips. I'd definately drive through the night. You'd be surprised how fast you bounce back from that. :) If it's a 15 hr drive, I'd start right after his last feed (I'm guessing that's around 8?) Then take off. You'll have to stop to nurse him, I'm guessing, since a 4 1/2 month old can't go 15 hours without eating. Just plan to stop at rest stops. You can make those the times that you and your husband switch driving.

Try to sleep when he drives and vice versa and you'll each get about 7 hours of sleep during the trip - it'll just be in a couple of chunks.

E.,
I have traveled with my daughter from day one and camped a number of times. It's fun! Just do what ever works for you. Your baby will have a blast as long as you do!
R.

How exciting!
I would probally drive during the day, and make stops every couple hours to walk the baby and let him not be free for a few minutes! He will probally sleep most of the day anyway in the car. That way you can all sleep at night.
I would bring his normal fave toys and pack n play, exersauser! so he can be put down without worry!!

We always found it very helpful to drive at night when baby is asleep. Indeed you will probably have to take a break in driving. At camp, make sure you have a play pen to set up or something to keep the nature out. Keep it out of the hot sun. Our ancestors lived that way, so there is no reason to be nervous about it. A back pack would be perfect for hikes.

I just recently camped with my 7 month old. I brought our pack in play with a lot of toys. My son stayed in there for short periods to give my husband and I (and him ) a break from being held. I also brought my sling so that he could be close to me. We brought the pack in play in the tent (large tent) at night but my son ended up sleeping with me, which was easier than I thought. He actually slept a lot more than usual maybe because of the fresh air.

Hi E. be sure to take xtra wet ones and h2o perhaps sunscreen & safe for baby bug shield maybe a clean spray bottle for h20 to keep baby cool... have a fun trip let us know how it went..oh & honey good idea to take the drive at night i ran over the road n a semi with my oldest son (16 now) when he was a baby night is cooler and u will be able to sit back there and enjoy time together...

It was fine for us as long as we brought the stroller (which doubled as a highchair and our baby jeep/jumper). Depending on room maybe a play n pack. Our son was fine driving in the car in the day as long as we kept some of the routine the same. You can sit with him in the back to feed him or pull over at feeding times. He fell asleep for most of the drive so we had to entertain him wanting to stay up late because he slept in the car. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a couple of travel toys. For $4 a toy that lights up and spins, books with talking buttons or flaps. He will love seeing all the kids and relatives. Our one problem was him going to sleep in the tent. He could hear all the outdoor sounds so I had to lay with him and it still took until 11p.m. ugh. Do you have a camper or cabin to stay in? Looking back I would have brought a musical toy/stuffed animal and get him used to it a bit before you go so at night that will be a distraction for him. Try the stuffed leap frog and his left hand plays 6 minutes of lullaby's and has shapes to push and daytime songs too. OFF skintastic is ok for babies to keep the bugs away and maybe spray on sunscreen for babies. Buy extra bottles. I was breastfeeding but we introduced formula before we left so he could have either. Babies are more fine than we are. Your husband and yourself will have a meltdown way before baby does. It will make you laugh later. Be kind to each other and flexible. Lots of hugs and tell your hubby it's great to say sorry we're arguing even if he's not sorry about the topic. Don't forget Tylenol, mylecon (sp?) or teething tabs or items similar just in case. Have fun.

Hi, i took my son camping at about 8 months, and surprize, surprize it is very easy. Fun at that. We took all the regular day to day items he used. If you don't mind a little dust or dirt on his stuff. you'll be amazed at how relaxed babies can be in nature. the one item that was a saving grace was the stove top thing and a large gallon of water with a spout. Cleaning was alot easier! have fun, that is what memories are made of!

I'm not a camper (even though I did a lot of my growing up on a New Mexico cattle ranch) and my husband is in the army and says he's has enough "camping" to last a lifetime. =) However, we have made a LOT of trips with our son who is now 2 years old. The one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty, is DO NOT drive ANYWHERE through the night. Between the hours of midnight and 6 am are the most dangerous times to be on the road...ANY road but especially interstates and rural highways. Having driven from Washington to Montana, that's what it mostly is. I am also very impatient and my son is a screamer...as well as very active. Even so, I would rather drag the trip out over two days to make sure everyone is as safe as possible. A good night's sleep in between (or if your son is like mine, being awake but at least not in a car at a hotel or something) is better for everyone involved. If, however you are early risers and it is AT ALL possible to do the drive in one fell swoop during daylight hours that might be what's best for you. In all seriousness, if you were my friend, I would urge you not to drive late into the night. Especially if there is no gaurantee that your little one will actually sleep soundly during those hours. It would be better and safer to take your chances during the day with a disgruntled baby, who will be just fine once you stop and let him relax for a while. I hope I helped.

ok this reply messed up the first time, heehee. You have some great suggestions here.
I recently traveled w/my crew to Florida overnight and I wouldn't recommend that to anyone. If mom and dad are exhausted then life is cranky for everyone! i would travel a long day ... say to Bozeman and then finish w/a shorter day the next day... That way you arrive somewhat refreshed and able to have a pleasant conversation w/your family.
The idea of a toy that creates white noise is a good one. maybe even a little boom box w/batteries... (lots of batteries)and lullabies he is use to now.
I wouldn't worry about baby staying up late.... such is life. You will spend a few days when you return home rescheduling yourselves.
I always took a playpen. It is their safe spot & bed, use it now so baby is use to it. Tuck in a front pack if you use one, they are handy for walks. I traveled crosscountry w/a six month old and only had to stop for gas. If your little one will take a bottle, have water in one and formula in another and mix along the way.
Baby totally responds to mommy, so if you stay comfortable and rested, that will help everyone. Take an extra day off from work if you need to. You will be glad you did in the long run.
Oh, and always take any possibly needed meds. Our oldest decided to cut his first tooth the first time we went out of town w/him. Ugh! It was not a pleasant night. :) I've always covered any possible necessities after that!
And bug spray (check label for appropriateness for age) is a biggy at that time of the year.... and possibly a stocking cap as Montana cools way down some nights.
Also, use your net-type cover over the playpen to keep out bugs.
You also might think about a tarp and rope if you need to create more shade.
And Winco had rocker fold-up chairs-in-a-bag pretty reasonable if he is use to rocking. :)
Have a wonderful time. Take lots of pics of family! Blessings!

I think you should decide whether to drive at night depending on how well your baby sleeps at night--My son was up so much during the night that when we tried the drive all night thing we didn't really recover during our "vacation". We've started doing road trips leaving during his morning nap, taking a lunch break and then he takes an afternoon nap. This just works better for us. Also, my experience camping with a baby is that it is great fun! But, as someone from Montana people are usually surprise how cold it gets at night so bring some warm clothing. Have lots of fun!

Hi E.,

We camped with our children and when it was a long drive we broke it up with motels so we all arrived rested and happy. When our children were very small we rented a motor home and made several stops along the way for sleep. Our babies traveled wonderfully but we wanted to be sure that we received our rest so we were able to enjoy ourselves too.To be in a car seat for long periods can get wearing on a little one so stops are good. Remember your child reacts to your mood so Mom and Dad need to be rested too.Check out where you will be camping and what facilities are available. That will put you at ease as far as the unknown.

Select what are piorities to you for the trip and be prepared for them and you will have a great time. Some of the greatest memories we have are our camping trips. As long as you are prepared you will enjoy and if you forget something do not worry as there is an entire family to help you out. Go and enjoy.

my family drove to arizona and what we did was start at night and when my husband drove i slept and vice versa. I would make sure I brought a pac and play camping he will like watching the other kids. Have fun!!!

E., We have camped alot with the babies...all I would say is to bring a playpen for him to sleep in and his diapers and food and something to prop him in so he can sit. Other than that they are probably the easist to take camping.
They have always liked it in the outdoors and as long as we had the basic...food formula(if not breastfed) and playpen to sleep and play in they were great...we also took a stroller...but I always find they are very entertained by being outside and the fresh air made them tired. They always slept very well at night.
Plus if you aregoing to be seeing friends and relatives that youhavenot seen for awhile...he is goingto be very entertained.
I found that my kids always slept good in the car..I would put toys around his carseat and a mirror on the back of the seat...they love that.....if you want to drivesomeat night I always slept while my husband drove and he slept while I drove.But usually i always let the kids stay up late at night the night before we left so they were tired to sleep inthe car. I bet that you are surprised...they love to ride....L.

E.,

Last year when my daughter was 4 months old, we went camping. Our saving grace was the excersaucer that we have. It folds pretty flat for travel and storage and has a solid base. If there was something that needed four hands we could put her in it and get the job done without worrying that she'd fall into the fire. With a lot of family around most likely he'll be the hot potato passed around from aunt to uncle to aunt and round and round. For her bed we brought a huge amount of blankets and put them under her for padding, then covered her with one or two for sleeping.

For driving there I'd try to plan the majority of the driving while he's sleeping. You and your husband can trade off the driving and sleeping so neither of you are walking zombies when you get there.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

We have been camping since our kids were babies, we even went to Alaska and went camping last year when my son was 6 months
old. It went just great, just be sure to bring something to put them down in. Like a travel bed or activity center. My son ended up being held a lot because there was nowhere for him to sit down and play. My son was nursing still and it was very easy, milk was always ready. If baby is not nursing, bring travel friendly stuff. Pay a little more for the convenience, it is worth it! Drive at night when the baby will sleep if you can. We have done this also and it works out much better! Good luck and have fun!

E.,
I have three and live in Alaska and we don't let their ages stop us from going and doing! As to the time that you drive, it is kind of up to how well your baby does in a car seat. My babies do very well and also sleep very well in the car seat. However my sister's kids don't enjoy riding in the car seat, so they would rather break it up in chunks. If you do it in chunks, you could start at about 5 am, or if he does an early morning feeding, then head out (be all packed the night before) and drive while he finishes sleeping, then stop for a breakfast break. And then a lunch break. So break up the time he is in the car seat. And if you drive straight through, just make sure you and your hubby are not driving exhausted. You want to arrive there safely!

As far as what to take:
something to sleep in (we have a travel swing that folds up and our current baby sleeps in a swing, so it was something for him to sleep in as well as be around everyone else)- a playpen, a car seat (if he sleeps well, then this will be just fine), blankets for his own area (you don't want to roll on him- and need lots of padding so the cold doesn't seep through the bottom of the tent)
something to keep him up and out of things, but so he can still feel a part of what is going on (a play pen, exersaucer or walker, a swing, a blanket you don't mind laying on the ground)
warm clothes (blankets, sweatshirts, hats, pants, jackets- you never know what the weather will be like, and it is easier to take off, than not have enough to keep warm)
sun stuff (sunscreen, hats, glasses)
bug spray
enough diapers and wipes (I don't know how far you will be from stores, so you will want to make sure you have enough)
tylenol (just in case)
a few toys that are his favorites, so he feels not everything is new
something to carry him in (frontpack, backpack, stroller, jogger- depending on the terraine and activities you have planned)
camera (you will definately want to document this first camping trip!)
foods (if you are doing anything other than breastfeeding, you will want to have some on hand- spoons, bowls, cups, bottles, etc.)
extra wipes (wipes are so great to clean up just about anything so take more than you think you will need for diaper changes just in case)
plastic bags (these are great to put dirty clothes in so they don't contaminate your clean clothes)

I think that gives you a pretty good idea of some of the things that you might need (as well as other things people have mentioned), but remember to have fun, and babies are pretty portable and accomdating. So even if you forget something, you can usually make do- or someone else will have something that you can borrow!
Good luck and have fun!

We have been camping several times, since the boys were very little. I would bring a pac-n-play for sleeping. I would not worry to much about the car trip, my boys have done a week of 8 hour days on the road every year since birth, and have always handled it fine.

I've never done this, but I think it sounds like it could be really fun. I don't have any advice on the car ride, except that in the car my kids have often slept longer than they would if they were in a bed. Also, getting in the car at bedtime has sometimes resulted in screaming instead of sleeping, whereas getting in the car in the morning has resulted in a quiet nap--it doesn't last 8 hours, though.

As far as camping goes. A lot of babies that age just love being outside. There is so much to look at, but it's tranquil too, not over-stimulating. You'll have lots of other adults to help you as well as the kids, who can be quite entertaining to a baby. He'll probably get a few pine needles in his mouth and a few bug-bites, but I'll bet you have a great time!

I just went camping with my brother in-law and his wife who have an 8-month old and a 5 year old. I'm expecting my first child in August so my advice may be somewhat second hand since I didn't actually have to take direct care of the baby but from what I observed take lots of wet wipes! They brought a pack n' play and carried the baby around in a backpack carrier when we went on short hikes. The only incident was one night when the baby woke up crying and, of course, being that tents aren't very insulated, the entire campground got an earful of wailing baby for about 15 minutes at 3am. Fortunately, the other campers seemed forgiving and one woman came by the next morning, more surprised and impressed than angry at parents who were brave enough to take a young baby camping.

As for the drive, I'd leave before dinner time and drive as far as you can. If you feed baby (and everyone else) in the car, it distracts him from the fact that he is stuck in his car seat. It will only be a few hours of driving before he conks out for the night. Just make sure that the car seat is tipped back far enough to sleep comfortably. Also, sitting in the back with baby will help entertain him and make it easier. If he likes and videos such as Baby Einstein, then consider setting up a portable DVD player for him. If hubby gets too tired, and it gets too late, you can always check into a hotel off the freeway then, and this way you will have very minimal driving to do the next day. When baby really gets out of hand, stop for a while and let him crawl around in some grass, or roll on a blanket, but know that he will likely love the freedom and adamantly protest being put back in the car. The more times you take him out, the harder it'll be to calm him down after putting him back in, so try to entertain and feed in the car.

As for camping, I always brought a play pen so baby could play outside without getting in the dirt. I also found an exersaucer to be a life saver camping. You can check out second hand stores for one when you get there even. We also usually set up a small pup tent just for toys and playing and zip up the screen so baby can crawl/roll, and play as usual. Be sure to think about a way to provide shade if there isn't any!
Have fun!

Of course you can do it and of course your going to have a great time. Just don't tie yourself into anything. Tell your father and anyone else who might care that your going to come but you have to make the drive on your schedule and if that means you need to stop unexpectedly thats what is going to happen. Also if things are going really badly have a list of local hotels, B&Bs, motels whatever on hand. Try to find one with a pool if you do have to go so you have a good selling point for everyone else. Have a great trip your goijnjg to have a blast.

Hi E.,
I see you have a lot of responses, so I'll try to keep this short. We just returned from a 2 1/2 week car trip to ND and WI. We camped once on the way in the Livingston, MT area in the snow (!) and both nights on the way back. My daughter was a week shy of 5 months. We had a great time (I also have two older daughters, and we've been camping as a family since #1 was born).
First of all, do the daytime driving, and just do your best to keep baby on his current sleep and feeding schedule. Otherwise you and your husband will be exhausted, and there's no guarantee baby will sleep all night in the car anyway. What if the stops for gas and bathroom keep waking him? He'd just be confused and crying.
I put my daughter in a 1 piece body suit inside a fleece bag type sleeper for bed. I forgot her cap, which I think is important if it's going to be cold at night. (Which it usually is at the higher elevations in MT.) We always all wear hooded sweatshirts because it makes such a huge difference in staying warm during the night. So bring a cap for baby.
We were blessed enough to have picked up a wonderful little piece of equipment while visiting my sister that I've used almost daily and is GREAT for camping. I don't know the official name, but I think it's a sunyard. It's this little oval pod that stands about 4 inches off the ground and zips like a little tent over baby, sun shade on one side and screen on the other. I can send you a photo if you like, and you might even be able to borrow it if you want to!
Mainly, just be confident and calm. You'll run into some "bumps in the road", but that's okay. You'll have a great vacation - babies are very adaptable!
J.

We're campers, too, but didn't get to make our first trip quite so early (that would have been Xmas time for us!). We started around 9 or 10 months, so some of this may work, some may be irrelevant.

The warm jammies someone recommended are a must. It gets cold at night most places, even in summer. And the stores don't sell fleece jammies a lot in summer, so I went to consignment stores (where I shop a lot anyway) and got fleece jammies in the current and slightly bigger size so I was prepared, as well as a larger sleep sack. It was pretty chilly at night when we camped (Memorial Day weekend), so I bundled a lot: fleece jammimes with socks, fleece sleep sack, fleece coat, and fleece hat. My baby sleeps better warmer rather than colder.

Also, we brought the port-a-crib both traveling and camping, but didn't always end up using it because she would get too cold. We've started using an air mattress when we camp (as we get older and for the baby), and so I laid a waterproof pad down (for insulation as much as a wetness barrier) and then laid her on top of that in between us in the "bed" and if it seemed really cold, then I covered the bottom half of her with our blankets.

As far as travel, I understand the mom who said not to push it past ten and then expect baby to go back to sleep immediately when moved into the hotel. We tried it on the other end--getting up early and driving. Our baby stayed awake a bit, but then slept for a good long time. I understand your concerns about not wanting to wear out you or your hubby by driving through the night, but maybe driving a bit into the night or leaving early in the morning could help. You could also plan flexibly--thinking you'll try to do the all-in-one day, but having a backup plan of stopping overnight at X, Y, or Z, depending on how things are going? If that's possible, always good to have alternatives.

Even if you don't use it at bedtime, pack-and-play type of things are really nice to have a safe place to lay baby down for naps or just to play when you're cooking or putting up the tent. At that age they're not really moving around TOO much, if memory serves, but we would also let our baby explore the tent, crawling around in that enclosed space (with one of us) when she was tired of being carried and didn't want to be limited to the playpen. Once I brought our stroller with us, and that was a treat, too. Then I could take her for walks easier. Just depends how much space you have.

Good luck and happy camping!

Hi E.,

My husband and I went on a very long road trip when our daughter was about 10 months until she was almost a year. The trick that we did was to only drive about 4 hours a day, and to stop after 2 hours for about an hour. We got a portable DVD player and used that when she got tired of music and toys. We put on either Baby Einstein or Signing Time. She learned more from Signing Time, though. Anyways, as far as the camping part goes, can't help you there, we were in an RV. But for the car part, either drive during the night when she's asleep, or only drive for up to 2 hours at a time. Introduce new toys, or re-introduce old favorites (even some kitchen utensils are fun for them). Have music that she likes, and when all else fails, the DVD player was a life-saver. :)
Good luck!
~E. :)

Hi there, I am so jealous. We are from Wyoming and spent a lot of time in Montana and do miss it so much. We went back last year, kind of a round about trip from Texas to Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and back to Oregon with our 7-8 month old. We just planned some extra stops, bring a big sheet so you can get out at the rest stops and have a place for baby to strech his legs and move around. Try not to drive too late. It was h*** o* all of us when we would push it to after 10 and then think or he'll just go back to sleep when we get to the motel, NO WAY! New place, new things to see and check out. I told my husband wherever we stop for dinner is where we stay, that way we all have some time to relax. He seemed to want to eat more while being in the car, I guess not much else to do. I packed a bag of toys, not that they do much with them that young but I switched them out to keep him entertained. I also messed up and he leaked through so maybe a carseat protector. He would be fine/dry or asleep at one stop and then by the next he had soaked through. It happened twice on our trip, maybe also because he ate more. Fred Meyers had those portable crib/tent thing for babies on clearance it had a matress and a netting for protection, it is dome shaped and I think folds into itself like those pop up baskets. Sorry I don't remember the brand. As far as camping, bug spray and sun screen. Avon makes a kid friendly kind, and those towelettes are nice for bug protection then you are not spraying on baby. Bring warm (winter) jammies. We went camping one 4th of July and it snowed on us so be prepared no matter how hot it is here. It's not likely but... anyhow that's all I have, hope it helps, and have fun!

Hi E.,
I don't know what other moms have said but I do want to tell you what my husband and I have done when taking long trips with our 2 and now soon to take a long one with 3 and what we plan to do. We will and always have left just after dinner so that they have full tummies and will be more relaxed, and since I am not one that is able to do any driving we always have another family member with us that knows the route we're taking so that my husband isn't the only one that has to drive. I always sit in back with the kids and play around with them keep them entertained until they fall asleep and then I usually do the same, the other driver sits in front and sleeps till my husband is too tired to go any further, he has gone all the way before with the aid of the 5 hour energy stuff. W went camping with our daughter when she was 6 months old and just went from moment to moment and made sure she had a comfy place to sleep, and she did just fine in her car seat and we also had a little bassinet that we didn't use for long because she needed to be buckled down to keep her from falling out onto the floor of the tent. I remember haveing loads of fun and told myself that I didn't need to worry so much, just needed to look forward to seeing family, have fun!

Hi E.! Don't forget to protect your kids from ticks, mosquitos and yellowjacks! Try SoluMel spray on their clothing before you set up camp, and spray it around the campsite and in your camper or tent. Keeping everyone from being bit and pestered by bugs really makes camping more fun.
SoluMel is all natural and safe around kids and pets.
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:>) J.

You can do any thing! I have 4 boys! And I took them camping all when they were 3 months old! Granite you had to pack more cloths but it can be dun! Don't think of it as a hardship think of it as an adventure!Take lots of pictures! He will love to see them when he gets older! Have fun! Bring lots of water and a percolator to heat the water up! It works great!

I just came back from a week camping with my 8mo daughter. She did great.

The only advice I didn't see here was to not feel like you have to do quick diaper changes because you're outdoors. Make sure the baby is completely dry before rediapering! A few flecks of leaf or dirt is worth not having a diaper rash to make him uncomfortable.

As for the camping it can be done. I have done it with a 9 month old. And several friends of ours have done it with us. We almost have camping with toddlers and infants to a science.It takes a little extra planning but at 5 1/2 months should be easier since most at that age aren't too mobile. And with 12 adults there will almost always be someone willing to hold him. But your best friend will be your pack n play. It gives a safe area for him to play without worrying about rocks and dirt making there way to his mouth. A good investment is a bug tent or bug screen for the pack n play. It will help a lot since there aren't many options for bug spray for babies that young. Other than that sit back relax and enjoy this new experience with your son. As for traveling such a long distance with such a young baby, the best advice I can give on that is be ready to change any plan you make. No matter what you plan for the easiest travel be flexible. Each child responds differently to such long trips in cars. My nieces grew up in Montana where an hour in a car was a trip to the grocery store and had no problem making the drive to Alaska in a car to visit us. However, my girls grew up here in Alaska where there longest trip for most of the year is a trip from Muldoon to Dimond. So needless to say there aren't so easy to travel with to Montana. My first plan would be the drive during the night but if you think your son is pretty easy going and laid back try the daytime trip. Either way be flexible if things aren't going as planned be ready to change them. Remember to stop as often as possible to let him out of his car seat, get some fresh air and just look at something different than the back of the car seat. Enjoy your trips.

We drove across Canada last year to Toronto with our then four and a half month old and then back across the States to Seattle over a seven-week period, camping some of the way. What to bring: Make sure you have warm Pjs and blankets for baby. Also, you can get child-friendly bug spray, which is important. We tried camping with both his pack n' play and a little tent travel bed called a pea pod. Both worked well, though i think he preferred the pack n' play. Make sure your tent is waterproofed... We did some long days in the car, but just broke up the trip a lot, allowing our son some mat time throughout the day. Also, one of us would ride in the back with him if he was getting cranky, amusing him with books, toys, and anything we could think of! That's all I can think of...
Sounds like fun! Have a great time.