Family RV trips are one of the most rewarding experiences. Spending time together, exploring the outdoors, the slower pace, a chance to unplug. But if you’re RVing with a baby, it can also be a little intimidating. Much of this is trial and error—finding what works for your family. But you can also do some of the work upfront to set your trip off on the right foot.
Choose the right RV
Regardless if you’re buying or renting, you’ll want to think about the most important features. For instance, some RVs have small bathtubs vs. showers. Is a bathtub necessary? No. But will it make your life a little easier? Probably. If you plan to use a pack n play, make sure you’ll have space to set it up. Or think about bunk beds. You may also want to consider whether you have a separate bedroom or you’re all in one big, open area.
RV layouts come in every shape and size, with some better suited toward families. There’s no right or wrong here as long as it fits your family’s needs.
How much stuff do you really need?
Babies require a lot of stuff. Whether you’re traveling via car, plane, or RV, there are certain basics you know you’ll need. The benefit to traveling in an RV is you typically have more room, but be careful. It’s easy to get carried away and overpack.
Trying making a list of all the essentials. Anything beyond that initial list, think really hard if you need it. In most cases, you’re never far from a store. So bring enough diapers, but don’t overpack. Here’s a list of things to think about bringing with you:
- Changing supplies (diapers, wipes, creams, changing page, etc.)
- A few favorite toys that don’t come with a bunch of pieces (books, stuffed animals, lantern, camping toys, buckets and shovels)
- Portable high chair (look for something that can fold like this popular pop up chair)
- Stroller or wagon (try not to multiples as these tend to take up a lot of room—we like the Doona for older babies because it grows with them and you can change it around)
- Travel crib or sleeping device (more on this in a minute)
- Clothes (if you’re on a longer trip you probably won’t be doing daily laundry—bring some extras as you’ll go through more than normal)
- Sun protection, insect protection, and basic medicines (two of our favorite kid-friendly repellents: lotion and spray)
- Baby carrier
- Compact bay bathtub (if you plan on doing sink baths—look for something easy to store like the Puj Flyte)
You may have some things to add/remove from this list, but it’s a good place to start. The key is to differentiate between what you’ll be using on a daily basis vs. what you can pick up from the store later. I didn’t get into food, but we’ll touch on that next.
How to feed a baby in an RV
Mealtime in an RV is not much different than mealtime at home. When you’re RVing with a baby, you may want to think ahead. If you typically purchase baby food or formula, purchase enough to last at least a 4-7 days. But fridge and pantry space tends to be pretty limited in RVs, so it’s best to restrain yourself from packing more than you need.
Our approach is similar to what we do at home. We bring a small food processor and turn whatever we’re eating into baby food. It cuts down on how much food you need to pack—everyone eats the same thing. Plus you cross utilize the food processor for other cooking needs.
I’d also recommend bringing some fresh water or a water filtration pitcher. You can buy an RV filter that hooks right up to your water hose. But we always like having a jug on hand.
Sleeping arrangementS
This may be the most intimidating consideration when RVing with a baby. At least it was for us. And you may have to try some things until you find what works. But here are a few ideas to get you started:
Use a travel crib
If you normally use a travel crib at home, this is a really good idea because your baby is already familiar and comfortable with it. Rather than introducing your little one to a new bed use what works. The downside—even though they fold up, they’re still bulky. And they take up a lot of space. Some RV models have removable tables (like our Coleman Lantern LT 17B) so this is where parents choose to put the crib. Otherwise think about getting an RV with a slideout so you’ll have enough floor space to fit the crib.
The biggest deterrent to this strategy is you’ll be moving things around a lot. Folding and unfolding so the baby bed doesn’t become a huge barrier in the middle of the day. If this sounds like a lot of work, you may consider:
Dedicated sleeping area
This could be a bunk bed or maybe you DIY a bed. If you have a separate bedroom, this could also mean a crib that is always left up. Having a dedicated sleeping area for your baby will reduce the time spent arranging and rearranging every night. There are a lot of creative ideas out there on makeshift RV cribs.
How to create an RV crib using a bunk bed
If you have a bunk bed in your RV, but don’t know how to fashion it into a bed, think about purchasing a baby rail or baby gate. We have an adjustable baby gate at home, so we repurposed it for our RV bunk beds. Sure it looks a little like baby jail, but it works. You’ll need to measure the opening space and then find a baby gate to match the space. It’s best to get a baby gate or toddler rail thats adjustable so you can position is perfectly for the area.
If using a bunk bed, the usual babyproofing rules apply. Remove curtains or blind cords that pose a safety risk. Use outlet plug covers to secure electrical outlets. Make sure there is plenty of airflow. And any other safety risks you see.
Co-sleeping
If you co-sleep at home, you may want to continue it while RVing with your baby. RV beds and bedrooms tend to be on the small side, but there are definitely ways to accommodate. Anytime we travel, we bring a Dockatot. They are soft, small, and super portable. If you have something similar, this could also be an option. Co-sleeping may also be advantageous if you are still feeding your little one at night.
Maintaining a schedule
Like with any type of travel, it’s best to go into it with flexibility in mind. You may be able to keep up with a similar routine, but give yourself wiggle room. You may end up sightseeing during naptime. Or eating a later dinner. Don’t be hard on yourself for not having everything perfectly organized. Babies are pretty adaptable. But you can always take steps to maintain somewhat of a routine.
- Schedule sightseeing in the early morning so you can be back for nap (or bring a stroller!)
- Build car trips around sleep schedules when possible
- Keep the RV dark at bedtime to help your baby fall asleep
- Keep bedtime and wake times the same
How to get your baby to sleep in an RV
One of the biggest challenges to RVing with a baby is getting them to actually fall asleep. Given a new environment, it may take an adjustment period. In general, the younger the baby, the easier this will probably be. But as you near the toddler stage and your baby starts to crawl and walk. Or you may be in the sleep training phase which poses its own challenges. While you work out your own approach, here are some thing you can try:
- Try to put your baby in a separate room. It may help them to fall asleep faster—otherwise they’ll probably just want to play. If you don’t have a separate bedroom, DIY a curtain to create your own bedroom area.
- Have a plan for your routine after you put baby to bed. I held my breath every time I tried to brush my teeth right next to our baby. Or what if you haven’t eaten dinner yet and you want to cook. Or if you aren’t ready to go to bed yet and want to keep the lights on. Figure out your plan ahead of time. This is when a separate bedroom space comes in handy.
- Use a sound machine. To filter out noise inside and outside the camper, bring a sound machine. We used one of these at home, so it made sense to continue using it. We always used one of these small, portable sound machines. And they work great for RVing.
- Find a pre-bedtime routine. Give them a bath. Put on the PJs. Read them a book. Set the mood by doing what you would normally do at home.
Choosing the right campsite
You’ll come across all kinds of campgrounds with varying amenities. With a little preparation you can make anything work for you. Though some are easier than others. Keep these in mind when researching campgrounds:
Amenities
Unless you have an older baby or toddler, this is more than choosing a campground with a playground. If you’re camping for longer than a couple days, choose a spot with laundry facilities. And don’t forget to check the available hookups. Some campgrounds will offer primitive sites with no hookups, hookups with just water, water/electricity, sewer, etc. Choosing a site that offers water and electrical hookups will make things easier on you.
Weather
If you’re new to RVing with a baby, consider the elements. You’ll be more comfortable in moderate climates vs. being too hot or too cold. And you’ll maximize your time spent outside. Also think about booking a site with shade, especially if your little one is too young for sunscreen. Many RV sites will inform you if there is any shade for a particular site.
Trial Run
If it’s your first RV trip, consider doing a trial run. Find a campground close to home. That way it won’t be a big deal to run home if you forget something. It may also relieve some of the stress when just starting out.
Have you ever taken your baby on a camping trip?
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