Shannon

Justin and I are slowly starting to fall back into a routine now that our little girl's turned 2 months old. Of course, this means we'd like to get back to camping... but is it too hot already for tent camping with a wee one (2 months old)? If she's like her mom, she probably won't like the heat much and might not even tolerate it well, but then again I suspect I am that way because I grew up NOT camping and didn't get into it until I was a teenager.

If we picked a good, shaded campsite, had a ice chest with some cool water we could wipe her down with at the peak of the day's heat, kept her out of direct sunlight and did our hiking and such before the midday heat, how doable would a South/Central Texas camping trip of 1 day go between now and early June? We'd stick close to home just for sanity's sake. I'm breastfeeding so the good thing is she has food available on the go without any special considerations in that regard, other than an inconspicuous spot for us while we do that.

If worst comes to worst, I told Justin we could always do a "half camping" trip... head to one of the few TPWD parks that has cabins or shelters with at least a fan (airflow), like Bastrop or Buescher or Garner.

We could also hit Padre Island National Seashore and count on the sea breeze to keep things more bearable but that's a bit out of our way. The only good thing is we do have 1 free night's stay in a hotel to use up before January 1, so I s'pose if it didn't go well we could cash that in.

Any tips on summer camping with an infant/baby? She loves the outdoors, at least as much as a 2 month old can -- stroller walks, baby carrier walks attached to Momma, etc.

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rockhill

We took our youngest son when he was 2 1/2 months old to the Rio Frio one labor day weekend. He did just fine. We used to stay at a private campgound north of Garner that was shaded. Can not remember if it was exceptionally hot or not but Labor day in South Texas probably says enough! You will get pro's and con's but taking the precautions you mentioned everything would be fine.

Funny story about that trip. The air conditioner in our old truck went out just before we left. Two adults, a 4 year old and the baby in the front seat of this '69 Ford pick up. (I know it violates all kind of laws now, but this was 26 years ago). Stopped for gas in Hondo and the guy running the station indicated he was also the sheriff. When I told him my a/c was out, he told me to "get that baby in here in the cool air". Fussed at me pretty good, but also understood I did not have much choice.

At any rate, take that little one out and enjoy nature. Some of my fondest memories are when we had the kids out camping. The wide eyes as they are trying to absorb the surroundings is a sight to behold

campermom

Inks Lake cabins have AC! It is still close enough to home and town. The best benefit is that babies can go naked! ( ok, in just a diaper). We tent camp with a fan, and live in the swim suits. If you are sensitive to the heat and sun, lay low during the day, keep wet facecloths handy to cool off.

srds

I agree with campermom on the ac ,but at least electric for fans,when we took our youngest-now 4-he was 4 months then we hit Inks Lake and had a blast.Keep plenty of water around and in the shade and she will be fine.Remember that sun blocks and tan oil make little ones sweat so keep her hydrated and if you don''t have to (oil) her don't.Have a good time.
srds
Have Fun

riverrat

You have good plans already for keeping her cool but start now in getting her ready. If she is never "in the heat" it will be harder for her to adjust comfortably.

Keep a talcum powder with corn starch handy to help absorb the sweat. It will help keep prickly heat at bay (diaper area, under neck and armpits) Let her go without a diaper when you can. They are designed to keep wetness in so let her "air out" often!

Have fun and enjoy!