Today I'm following up on last week's post about booking a camping trip with kids to share about how to prepare for the trip. The final post in the series will be about the actual camping but booking and assembling gear are the first things you'll need to do so here we are! Here are 36 things I recommend packing, reflecting both gear essentials and a few little luxuries.

But before I get into the basic gear needs, keep in mind that you don't need to break the bank buying all new stuff. Ask friends and family and see if anyone is willing to lend you items. We’ve both borrowed and lent; in general, people who have camping gear are happy for that gear to get some use more than a couple of times a year! Another option if you're hesitant about taking the plunge to buy all new gear is to rent gear from a place like REI. OK, now on to my list!

Shelter

1. Tent. I highly recommend having two shelters, both for sleeping purposes and to have a little more space to spread out. Our two-part tent (similar to this tent + screen room) worked great. Note: get a tent with a fly in case it rains; a groundcloth also is helpful though we didn't use this one this time around.

2. Sleeping bags. You might be able to get away with blankets for the little ones but we ended up getting sleeping bags for the girls too, which they loved.

3. Sleeping pads/mats/mattresses. You can opt for roll up mats or if you’re going to bring inflatable mattresses, get a good one. I highly recommend the AeroBed, which is the only inflatable mattress we’ve used that isn’t flat by morning!

4. Lovies. We limited Laurel and Violet to 1-2 stuffed animals each. They were happy to have them.

General Campsite Needs

5. Firewood. There were options to buy firewood at and near the camp, but we brought a bunch of collected wood from home. (It was a good mission to have the girls collect fallen branches!)

6. Matches. Make lighting fires easier...

7. Flashlights. The girls loved each having a little pocket flashlight and the grownups had full size ones.

8. Paper goods. We brought toilet paper for peeing in the woods and paper towels for mess cleanup.

9. Observation tools. Vi had a little cheapo magnifying glass that she loved using to inspect nature treasures. We also had a pair of binoculars with us.

10. Maps. Yes, paper maps. Depending on where you go, remember you might lose your signal and GPS. Go old school and bring maps!

11. Hiking gear. If you’re going to do day hikes, bring a backpack, whistles, and whatever else you’d like.

Food & Fluid

12. Food. Plan out your meals in advance to prevent excess and waste. We only needed two meals on site, so we brought hot dogs, veggie burgers, and quesadilla fixings (+ snacking veggies and fruits) for dinner and eggs and cereal bars for breakfast. We brought canned soup and beans as a backup but didn’t end up eating them. We also brought plenty of snacks + s’mores supplies for dessert. I also recommend precutting all your fruit and veggies (and anything else that requires cutting) at home so you don't need to bring a knife and cutting board.

13. Cooler. We left our cooler in the back of the car to reduce animal interest.

14. Water jugs. We brought three gallons of water with us.

15. Water bottles. It's hard to stay hydrated as you do at home. I recommend bringing one large (Nalgene-type) water bottle for each family member and keep refilling from your water jugs.

16. Can opener. If you’re bringing canned goods.

17. Cooking spray. Avoid a spill and bring spray instead of liquid.

18. Stove. Jon has a great Primus two-burner stove. It was easy to set up and cook with. (We thought about bringing a small grill but skipped it to save on space.)

19. Propane tanks. To hook up to said stove.

20. Cookware. We brought a small fry pan + pot. It was perfect for making quesadillas, hot dogs, burgers, and eggs.

21. Plates and utensils. We brought reusable plastic plates and cutlery. We used small quantities of water to scrape and rinse dishes and then poured the water into the fire.

22. Stovetop espresso maker. I am one of those people who loves a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and it was like a slice of heaven to have coffee just like we have at home at camp via our little Bialetti stovetop espresso maker (I even brought sugar and heavy cream...sooo good!).

Clothing + Activities

23. Clothing. I especially recommend light long layers to give you protection from mosquitos. (Also bring socks for the same reason, even though it's summer.)

24. Raincoats. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, bring them. We ended up using ours as an additional layer of protection from the aggressive mosquitos.

25. Hats. Good for sun protection and also as an added layer of defense against mosquitos (do you sense a theme??).

26. Swim gear. Bring bathing suits, towels, goggles, and life jackets for little ones in case you make it to the water.

27. Shoes. Bring at least two pairs, in case one pair gets soaked. Laurel and my trekkers worked great!

28. Books and magazines. Go device free and bring books and magazines. It was so nice to relax and kick back and read with the girls. Activity books are also a nice option.

29. Little treats. My friend Charles recommends having some small treats at the ready: "Hide some small, fun 'stocking stuffers' for use in critical moments if necessary. Pokemon card packs, small Lego items, and coloring/sticker books have worked well for us - especially key on long drives!"

Personal Effects

30. First aid kit. We never travel without one.

31. Bug spray. OMG ESSENTIAL (mosquitos adore me and Laurel). We brought several different eco-friendly kinds (Quantum Buzzaway, Badger Balm Anti-bug Balm, All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor) and they all worked great.

32. Sunscreen. Ever essential.

33. Antibacterial wipes. Handy for when you don't want to trek to the bathroom to cleanup hands.

34. Diapers and wipes. If you’re still in the zone.

35. Toothbrushes and toothpaste. Oral hygiene = good.

36. Facial wipes. I brought facial cleansing wipes, which made it easy (and refreshing) to clean up at the end of the day. Like my coffee, they felt like a little luxury from home.

*Note: this list doesn't reflect all the things you would need to camp with babies. Feel free to weigh in on that topic in the comments!

Do you have other recommendations for preparing for a camping trip with kids? Share them in the comments below!

Today's Dear Boston Mamas query comes from reader Dina, who is looking for a convertible car seat that's easy to install in and out of rental cars. Though I became facile at installing Vi's infant car seat in and out of Zipcars, by the time she outgrew the seat we had acquired a regular car. So I turned to my friend Sheri Gurock, co-owner of toy and gear haven Magic Beans for a guest response.

+ + + + +

Here's Dina's specific query (including some of her preliminary research):

Hi Christine,

We are a car-less family with an 11-month-old child living in Coolidge Corner. Our daughter has just about outgrown her infant car seat and so we are looking to buy a convertible seat that we can use when we drive Zipcars. The seat must be light enough to carry to a car and relatively easy to install rear facing. Basically it seems like there are no good options for urban families who use cars occasionally. The best we've been able to find are 2 seats - the Cosco Seneca and the Combi Coccoro. However, the Cosco seems to be hard to install rear facing according to Amazon and the Combi reviews are conflicting about ease of installation. No one seems to carry the Combi in the Boston area so we can't really check this out for ourselves (Amazon will only let you return a seat if the box is unopened). Any advice? What do other car-less families do?

Thanks, Dina

+ + + + +

And here's Sheri's response:

Dear Dina,

Unfortunately, what you're looking for doesn't really exist. The seats that are the easiest to install generally have pretty hefty safety features, which keeps them on the heavier side. The reason you're reading conflicting things about the ease of use for certain car seats is because the installation will vary from car to car. In some cars, installing a certain seat will be a breeze, while in others it can be a 20 minute project. If you use Zipcar, you need to really become an expert with whatever seat you choose, since you're likely to be installing it in a few different ways, depending on the make and model of the car you're using on any particular day.

My advice would be to look at the Chicco NextFit. It weighs 25 pounds, so it is not the most portable option, but it is extremely easy to install both rear- and forward-facing in most situations. The schlepping from your home to the car is probably a good trade-off for the quick installation once you get to the car. You can also get the Britax Travel Cart and use it to wheel the NextFit from place to place, rather than carry it. Another option to look out for is the new Clek Fllo, a compact convertible car seat coming from Clek later this summer. I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but if it is easy to install, it could be a nice option for you.

Chicco NextFit

While I was researching this, I found a pretty awesome Google doc that lists the specifications for all convertible car seats, including seat weight. It might be useful if you're really committed to finding something lightweight.

Whatever you choose, I'd recommend making an appointment with a CPST. Explain your situation and ask the CPST to tell you as much as s/he can about your particular seat. Learn how to install it with LATCH and with a seatbelt, and practice it in a few different positions in the back seat. That way, you'll have the training you need to feel confident installing the seat in a variety of different situations.

+ + + + +

Thanks for writing in Dina, and thanks so much for your guest response Sheri! If you have a question you'd like to submit for Dear Boston Mamas, e-mail it to: editor@bostonmamas.com with "Dear Boston Mamas" in the subject.

Image credits: Magic Beans

I can't believe Violet turns one next month. I also can't believe she ever used to lie immobile on her back. During the night, she migrates around her crib a lot, which has made blanket coverage impossible and (I think) contributed to interrupted sleep. Now, sleep sacks as a temperature solution are not a new concept to me, but I hadn't bothered with them for Violet since with Laurel, the zip-front openings weren't the most convenient for middle of the night diaper changes.
But now there's gunapod -- a super cozy fleece sleep sack that you can access from every direction (and inspired right here in Boston). It features the classic front zipper, plus side zip openings that run all the way around, plus button snaps on the top. So, you can open just the bottom to let baby's feet hang out or change a diaper. You can unsnap the top if your baby is standing in his/her crib demanding to get out and it's time to get changed for the day anyway. You can even unzip the side to do a stealth diaper check while you nurse. (We have done all three of these things; the latter I found particularly handy.)

The first couple of times I used the gunapod I was thrilled to find Vi's hands and feet toasty warm in the morning -- I sleep easier knowing I don't have to check her blanket situation in the middle of the night. And while Vi's sleep has been a little up and down the last few months as we've dealt with new foods, colds, blanket problems, and whatever other baby matters interrupt sleep, it dawned on me the other day that her sleep has been more consistent the last couple of weeks since we started using the gunapod. This, of course, is not a guarantee that your baby will start sleeping through the night if they use a gunapod (I wish it were that easy, my friends!), but we're at least able to address the cold-in-the-middle-of-the-night factor. Plus, I've found that getting Vi into the gunapod at night provides a nice bedtime cue, particularly since I recently dropped our bedtime nursing. I prep her bottle, get her in the sleep sack, we cuddle up, and she feeds. And then blissfully enjoy a good night's sleep.

Today, Carole Arsenault of Boston Baby Nurses shares baby first teeth basics:

When can you expect your baby's first teeth? Most babies get their first teeth between the ages of three and seven months old, although it is possible to get them earlier or even later than seven months. Teeth actually start to develop before birth as tooth buds form in the gums, but your baby's teeth will start to break through one at a time throughout the first two years, typically in this order: bottom two middle, top two middle, side, and then back teeth. The last teeth to appear will be your baby's molars, which come in around two years old. By three your baby will have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
The symptoms that suggest your baby is cutting a tooth may include drooling, gum sensitivity, fussiness, and possible waking at night. Although it was once thought that babies who were teething could develop a fever or diarrhea as a direct result, this is no longer thought to be the case. Based on a recent study of 47 babies, there's no link between these types of serious symptoms around the time of a tooth eruption. As a result of the findings, researchers stress the importance of contacting a pediatrician if your baby experiences a fever or diarrhea, regardless of whether he is teething or not.

Unfortunately, teething can be uncomfortable for your baby, but a few of the following relief options may help ease the pain:

Teething rings. Purchase a few safe, non-toxic, and chemical-free teethers for your baby to put in her mouth. Two great options are the Haba Kringelring Wooden Teether or Natursutten Teether.

Frozen washcloth. Freeze a wet washcloth and let your baby chew on it. The cold will feel good on irritated gums.

Cold foods. If your baby is already eating solids, feed him/her cold foods such as frozen yogurt or frozen fruit bars. (Cut into small bits depending on where your baby is at in the solid food exposure process.)

Pressure. Rub your baby's gum firmly with a clean finger for about five minutes -- the pressure will relieve some of the discomfort.

Infant pain relievers. Consult your pediatrician if your child is experiencing excessive discomfort. He or she may prescribe an infant pain reliever such as acetaminophen.

Good dental health matters right from the very start and cleaning your baby's teeth is simple. Just wipe the teeth with a damp washcloth once a day. It is fine to use a soft bristled baby toothbrush if you prefer but do not use toothpaste for the first year. After that you may begin to use training toothpaste appropriate for your child's age. Check with your pediatrician about when to make your baby's first dentist appointment -- most recommend one around age three but may suggest even sooner.

Image credit: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When Violet recently turned 6 months we embarked on the solid food journey. And it's been 10 days notable for cute firsts (first cereal! first yams! first pears!), not the least of which was testing the Béaba Babycook. While I tend to forego lots of baby gear as unnecessary, if you are interested in -- or intimidated by the prospect of -- making baby food, you must consider acquiring this amazing tool. Read on for my thoughts about the Babycook, as well as to learn how to win a Béaba Babycook and multiportion food storage unit!
First, seasoned readers will know that I am a baby food making devotee. I made all of Laurel's purees -- which, I should note, sadly backfired on me during a vacation where I tried to feed her jarred food and she refused it. Anyway, I was committed to making Laurel's baby food but it was always a project -- involving a big pot, an old fashioned steamer basket, and the big, heavy Cuisinart. And because I had to get out these big pieces, I would make and freeze a lot of purees. And a lot of mess. Especially on the occasions where I forgot I was cooking food and burnt the veggies. I still feel a little bad thinking about trying to feed Laurel carrots retrieved from the burning that looked okay, but tasted charred. You should have seen the look on her face -- and mine -- when I tasted them.

This time around we're in a different house, have a smaller freezer, and I have way less patience for more dishes (and burnt veggies). So I have fallen in love (yes, fallen in love) with the Béaba Babycook by Scandinavian Child. Perfect for absurdly easy baby food making, simply measure the water, pour it in the tank, toss your cubed produce in the steamer basket, turn on the steamer, and stop paying attention (no burnt veggies!) -- the unit will turn off when the cook cycle is done (15 minutes or less). When you're ready to blend the produce, use the included spatula to lift out the steamer basket, pour off the reserved water (or leave it in the bowl for thin purees), pour the produce from the steamer basket to the bowl, and blend. The bowl and basket are dishwasher safe and BPA free, as are the multiportion silicone freezing units, which are great for storing. I have one multiportion unit so I freeze then pop the nuggets into small labeled freezer bags.

Given that I tend to take out freezer nuggets in advance, I have yet to use the Babybook as a warmer and defroster but it's an excellent added feature for last minute food prep. However, in my opinion the ease and efficiency of the cook unit alone is worth the investment ($150 retail). In fact, the Babycook is so easy to use that just yesterday -- while I was redeeming myself prepping a batch of non-burnt carrots for Violet -- Laurel asked if she could not only be in charge of filling the multiportion freezer unit (she loves this job), but also be in charge of cooking Violet's fruits and veggies from here on in.

My life just got another step easier.

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Jane!
+ + + + +

Now, want to win a Béaba Babycook + multiportion food storage unit? Here's how:

Rules:

Hop on over to the Scandinavian Child website then leave a comment below, sharing an item you'd love to try from any of Scandinavian Child's brands.

US entrants welcome to enter.

One comment per person (please do not leave comments from multiple e-mail addresses). Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be removed. Note that your e-mail address will not be published or shared! Leaving just your first name or first name + initial in the name field is perfectly fine.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Sunday, October 2, 2011.

+ + + + +

*One lucky winner (selected using Random.org) will receive a Béaba Babycook + multiportion food storage unit (a $175 value!). Sweet!

One beautiful thing about graduating from early parenting -- during which time I toted way too much stuff in an enormous diaper bag -- was the return of handbag use. Only problem? Laurel and my stuff got jumbled together and swapping handbag contents always was a nuisance, with some critical item (usually hand sanitizer) forgotten. Solution? The PishPosh Quick Zip. These prettily patterned, washable organizers feature seven outer pockets and five inner pockets (two elasticized + one extra zippered pocket). Simply load up the pockets, zip the pouch, drop it in your handbag du jour (this obviously won’t fly for little purses, but will fit larger handbags and totes), and go. The Quick Zip will be a lifesaver whether it’s filled with baby’s diapering essentials, a mix of preschooler snacks + your personal effects, or -- once your kid is grown and toting his/her own stuff -- just your stuff; those pretty pockets will fit cell, camera, keys, cosmetics, snacks, and a fabulous novel just fine.
Sweet deal! PishPosh is offering Boston Mamas readers a 10% discount using code BM10 at checkout.

I’ve always been a fan of the diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag, and if you share that aesthetic, you’ll no doubt dig the modern simplicity of baby star’s Rock the Tote diaper bag. Available in a cool collection of metallics (with pretty patterned contrast lining) and prints, these bags offer a simple silhouette and a functional interior including three storage pockets (one zipped) plus a coordinating changing pad and BPA-free wipe case. Both bag styles are formaldehyde- and azo-free. And for our Giveaway Goodness series, baby star kindly is offering one lucky reader a Rock The tote diaper bag! Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by midnight, November 22.

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Alisha!
+ + + + +

Rules:

Leave a comment below about this giveaway to enter to win. Be sure to include your name and email in the appropriate fields so we can contact you if you win (including just first name or first name + last initial is OK).

One comment permitted per person; US entrants welcome.

Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be discarded.

Entry period closes at midnight EST, Sunday, November 22, 2009.

*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive a baby star Rock the Tote of their choice of style (subject to stock availability; $88 value).

+ + + + +

Also, for those who wish to shop now, use code 20twinkle09 for a 30% discount (expires 12/31/09) at baby star.

Luxurious swaddle blankets are a treasure; they’re so pretty that they’ll likely be among the keepsake items you can’t bear to part with when baby outgrows swaddling, and they provide the comfort and cuddle that will help encourage precious hours of sleep. And today, Alex Casey Baby contributes to our online birthday party with their lightweight yet snuggly Star Swaddler blanket. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win.

+ + + + +
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Renee T.!
+ + + + +

Rules:

Include your name and email in the appropriate fields so we can contact you if you win (your name but NOT your email will be published with your comment. Including just first name or first name + last initial is OK.)

One comment permitted per person; US entrants welcome.

Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be discarded.

Entry period closes tonight at midnight EST, Tuesday, July 29 2008.

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Clever Parents reports on their Operation Shower online book fair in partnership with Usborne Books; this program will benefit moms-to-be whose husbands are deployed. Car & Caboodle highlights 10 reasons why all moms need an iPhone. Coochicoos presents 5 fresh baby photo announcements. And you could win a $100 BusyMommi.com shopping spree at MomFinds, and a Skip Hop splash bottle drying rack at One Chic Mama.