Making a list of essential baby gear for RV living can be daunting. It’s not easy to know which items are necessary, which are luxuries, and which will just clutter up your camper.
Raising three small children, we’re often asked for tips and tricks. I love sharing the best baby gear for RVs we’ve found ideal for little ones. We hope this list of essential baby gear for RVing will give you the confidence to camp with your baby too!
14 Essential Baby Items for Your RV
1. Summer Pop ‘n Sit SE Highchair
The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit Highchair is one of the best RV baby gear RV purchases you can make. This portable highchair is amazing. It folds into itself to fit in a bag like most other campfire chairs.
The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit is one of the few portable high chairs with a plastic tray. Not only is this a sturdy place for baby’s food, but it makes cleaning up a breeze. When it comes time to deep clean this high chair, you’ll also appreciate the removable and machine washable fabric seat.
This portable high chair can also double as a baby campfire chair. I love having my little ones buckled into a seat so they aren’t tempted to toddle up to the fire. Just remind adults to watch their step while making s’mores. This high chair’s wide base prevents tipping but can also pose a tripping hazard if you aren’t careful.
The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit is our favorite high chair for RVing because it’s safe and convenient. It’s a great investment too. We’ve used ours for almost six years, three babies, and it’s still going strong!
2. Lotus Travel Crib
The most essential baby gear for RV living is a safe place for your little one to sleep. The Lotus Travel Crib creates that safe place.
Its slim design makes it easy to find room for this baby bed, even in the smallest camper. This compact travel crib folds into a backpack making it simple to store.
You’ll also love that there’s an optional side opening on this crib. This two-opening design gives you great flexibility regarding where to place this crib within your RV.
Whatever you do, don’t forget a travel crib like this, or no one will be getting any sleep!
3. Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine
A sound machine is one of the most essential baby gear RV items you need. The ability to drown out the noise and make your baby feel at home will help everyone get a good night’s rest.
The Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine is our choice because it’s a sound machine, night light, and alarm clock all in one. The corresponding phone app makes it simple to adjust the sound or color without disturbing the baby.
Small and portable, the Hatch Rest is easily moved from your RV to your home as needed.
4. Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker
Speaking of a good night’s sleep, you’ll want to replicate your typical bedtime routine in your home away from home. That’s where the Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Rocker comes to the rescue.
This folding rocking camp chair can help you soothe your little one to sleep like you would at home. It also is a great space saver in your RV’s cargo bay.
Once the baby is sleeping, this rocking camp chair continues to pay off at the campfire, in my outdoor living space, or wherever I need it. I like that I can continue to get my money’s worth even after the kids are older.
5. ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Hiking Backpack
The ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Hiking Backpack is a must-have piece of baby gear for RVers who love adventure. This backpack makes taking young children along on hiking excursions realistic. The baby carrier can grow with your family with its 33-pound weight capacity.
We also love that this hiking backpack is lightweight and comfortable for little ones and their parents. By itself, the backpack weighs just 5.5 pounds and has padded straps making it comfortable to wear for hours.
There are safety straps, footrests, a sun canopy, and a rain cover so the baby will stay comfortable all day.
6. Summer Pop ‘n Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard
The best piece of baby gear for your RV you didn’t know you needed is the Summer Pop n’ Play Playard. You can set it up at your campsite, take it to the beach, or carry it along for a picnic.
The mesh sides keep this play yard cool and breezy. The pop-on canopy protects the baby from the sun. The fabric bottom also helps keep bugs and hazards like rocks and sticks away from your little one.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your baby is safe while they enjoy the great outdoors. Essential baby gear for RV parents, this play yard is especially useful when you’re setting up or taking down camp.
The Summer Pop ‘n Play Playard is also easy to set up. It collapses and unfolds just like a campfire chair. Bonus, you can set it up one-handed while holding a baby in the other arm. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
This is always the first thing we set up and the last thing we take down at any campsite.
7. Onco Baby Car Mirror
It’s easy to forget about the non-glitzy but essential RV baby gear you’ll need while traveling. Keeping your little one secure while traveling to the campground is just as important as their campsite safety. A quality baby car mirror can help with that.
Second, this baby mirror can rotate 360 degrees. This means that you can see the baby wherever the car seat is placed. The flexibility of setup and installation makes the Onco Baby Car Mirror one of the best choices for RVers.
Place this gate across your RV steps or in front of your bunk ladder. You can easily use it to help keep your little one safe anywhere in your RV.
9. VTech Video Baby Monitor
Don’t forget a monitor like the VTech Video Baby Monitor when thinking about essential baby gear for your RV trip. We did just that on our first-ever camping trip with our son.
Cue the world’s longest Facetime call as we left my phone in the camper and kept my husband’s phone out by the bonfire with us. Don’t be like us; plan for a way to keep an eye on the baby while they sleep in the RV.
You’ll be able to enjoy your campsite even after your little one has gone to bed.
The VTech Video Baby Monitor is a great option because it has a 1,000 ft. range. This monitor even has a handy temperature sensor to help ensure the baby isn’t overheating. The temperature sensor can be great for protecting pets as well.
The two-way audio feature is an added bonus. You can hear your child and talk back to them with the push of a button.
We also love that the VTech monitor comes in a one or two-camera option. With this option, you can monitor multiple children or view the inside of your camper from different angles.
We use a two-camera monitor to watch our older children in their bunks and our baby in his portable crib.
Nevertheless, you’ll want to make your life easier and less stinky by simplifying diaper changes on the road or trail. A portable diaper-changing kit like this keeps everything you need close at hand.
11. Summer Deluxe Baby Bather
Camping can get dirty, especially for little ones who just want to explore. That’s why a good portable bathtub needs to be on your RV baby gear packing list.
The Summer Deluxe Baby Bather is great because it folds flat for effortless transport. Its compact design and three recline positions make it easy to place in the RV tub or sink. You can even use it to give the baby a sponge bath.
As far as baby bathtubs for camping go, the Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Bathtub for Baby & Toddler deserves an honorable mention. If you don’t have an RV tub, an inflatable tub like this can transform your shower into a bath big enough for a toddler.
12. Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller
A good stroller should be on everyone’s essential RV baby gear list. The Joovy Zoom Lightweight Jogging Stroller is an excellent choice. At just 25 pounds, this jogging stroller is one of the lightest on the market. You can bring it along without adding a lot of extra weight.
Also, its oversized tires are great for uneven campground paths and trails. Your little one will be comfortable with the large sunshade and extended recline positions of the seat. Overall, this stroller is great for camping with young kids.
13. Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer
When you think of essential RV baby gear, you probably don’t think of a baby bouncer. But it can be tiring and stressful not to have a safe place to set the baby down.
Bringing along something like the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer will free up your hands for other things. This bouncer’s compact and slim design makes it a great choice for RVing, as it fits almost anywhere. Trust us; you’ll be glad you have this along!
14. Happbuy Collapsible Folding Wagon
The Happbuy Collapsible Folding Wagon is one of the most versatile pieces of baby camping gear you’ll find. This wagon can be pulled behind or pushed like a traditional stroller.
It can be used to cart all of your baby gear to the beach or the playground. Park the collapsible wagon on your campsite and have a portable outdoor playpen. Or pop the canopy on for a shaded palace for the baby to sleep at the beach.
I always bring our wagon with me to the bathhouse when I need to bathe my little ones there. It works wonderfully as a portable changing table.
This collapsible wagon is a great piece of RVing gear for babies because it’s easily transported and so multifunctional.
What Safety Measures Should You Take with a Baby in an RV?
RVs can be as safe for babies as any other type of home. Just like more traditional homes, you need to babyproof! Look around your camper for any safety hazards, and purchase babyproofing gear for your RV as needed.
Babyproofing an RV can be tricky. For instance, a gas stove was new to our family, so I didn’t consider it a potential risk. As a result, I had to hurry, and order knob covers halfway through our first camping trip.
In addition, be sure to buy other essential gear for RV baby-proofing:
Baby gates for the center aisle
Cabinet locks for cabinetry door
Door knob covers
Electrical outlet covers
Foam edge protectors for cabinetry and walls
Oven knob covers and locks
RV bunk bed baby gates
Screen door guards
Having a first aid kit is also smart when traveling with little ones. Stock this with children’s medication, band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and the like.
Children are unpredictable, so it’s also a good idea to always know the location of the nearest hospital. Most campgrounds post this information in their literature or near the registration desk. After a few unexpected trips to the ER, we’ve learned to be prepared for anything when traveling with kids.
One last safety note: ensure your smoke, carbon monoxide, and other detectors are in working order. This is always important, but especially so with young children on board.
How Do You Travel with an Infant in an RV?
When traveling with an infant, you’ll need special RVing baby gear to keep your little one safe and happy. You’ll also want to pack some favorite toys and plenty of outfits. Without access to laundry facilities, my rule of thumb is to pack three outfits for the baby per day.
It’s also wise to allow extra time to get to your destination. You’ll likely need to stop for a few feedings or diaper changes along the way. When driving, you’ll want to be able to keep an eye on your little one, so a mirror is essential RV baby gear.
The appropriate car seat is also important for traveling with a baby. If you have a driveable RV, you’ll want to install your baby’s car seat in one of the rear seats.
Do You Need a Carseat in an RV?
Some RV manufacturers install child seat restraints on the dinette or front sofa, but not all.
Peering out the over-cab bunk window on a Class C motorhome as your family cruised down the road is a fond childhood memory for many. But as they say, “know better, do better.”
As tempting as it might be to allow children to play freely while you travel, it’s not safe. All children need to remain safely buckled in the appropriate seat or car seat while you’re RV is in motion.
The Car Seat Lady has great advice regarding where to install a car seat in your RV. It’s important that you choose the appropriate installation location and that you check crash test ratings.
Be sure to reference your RV manual and car seat manual to ensure the installation complies with both.
Luckily, many RV manufacturers realize that car seat installation is a top concern for young families. As a result, RV car seat installation is becoming easier. Jayco recently started to add car seat anchors to their motorhomes’ forward-facing dinette and sofa seats.
Where Should Babies Sleep in an RV?
Safe sleep is also so important for infants; this is just as true on the road as not. But creating that safe sleep space can be tricky in an RV. It’s essential that your baby’s RV gear includes either a pack n’ play or a travel crib.
If you’re creative and handy, you may even be able to transform your RV bunk space into a travel crib. Take inspiration from some of the many parent RV influencers who transform their bunk spaces into safe play and sleep areas.
Final Thoughts on Essential Baby Gear for Your RV
Even the most experienced RVer can get a little nervous about the prospect of camping with a little one. But with the right RV gear for the baby, taking the littlest members of your family along is easy and fun.
Be sure to include toys, food, and safety items on your RV baby gear packing list. Plan to have a play area for the baby, a high chair, and a safe place to sleep. Don’t forget to babyproof your camper too!
You’ll also want to bring along some extra items that make your RVing job as a parent easier. A sound machine, baby monitor, and baby bathtub are all bonuses that will make camping with an infant go smoothly.
Once you get into the groove of camping with your baby, you’ll never look back. Camping with family makes for the best childhood memories!
About the Author:
Laura Tyrell is a part-time RVer and full-time mom of three. Long-time campers and RVers before children, Laura, and her husband have fallen even more in love with the RV lifestyle since becoming parents to a child with food allergies.
Having her own kitchen on wheels makes her RV trips amazing. Laura is passionate about finding ways to make traveling with young children fun, easy, and attainable.
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