Newborns in the Van: How Mums Made It Work

Real talk from the MWCAC tribe 💗

Camping with a newborn? It might sound like mission impossible — but as always, our mum tribe has proven that with a little planning, flexibility, and a whole lot of heart, it can be done.

We asked our community to share their real-life tips and setups, and what we got back was golden. Here’s what worked for them 👇

🛏️ Sleep Setups That Actually Worked

• Portable bassinets that fold flat made bedtime a breeze (and didn’t take up the whole van).
• Some mums co-slept with bub safely using co-sleepers or sleep pods.
• Blackout blinds helped regulate naps during bright days and early sunsets.

“We used a portacot at the foot of our bed in the van. It doubled as a playpen too!” — Jess, WA

🍼 Feeding Made Easier

• Thermoses of hot water prepped before bedtime meant night feeds were smoother.
• Formula dispensers saved time and brain space at 2am.
• Breastfeeding? Mums used wrap carriers to nurse hands-free while setting up camp or cooking.

“The Missta bottle was our hero on cool nights — still warm at 3am!” — Lauren, VIC

🚿 Bathing & Changing Without the Drama

• Baby baths set up outside the van in the afternoon sun = happy, warm babies.
• Fold-out change mats and zip-up nappy caddies made for quick changes on the go.
• Wet wipes. SO MANY WIPES.

💡 Top Tips from Our Mums

• Pack light… but smart. Focus on multi-use items and layers for all temps.
• Don’t overthink the routine — babies thrive on your calm energy.
• Have a white noise app or portable sound machine — trust us on this one.
• Keep snacks for YOU on hand — a fed mum is a happy mum!

💬 Real Talk

It won’t be perfect. There’ll be mess and maybe some tears (yours or theirs), but it’s a season worth embracing. You’re creating memories from day one — and that’s what matters most.