Any tips for camping with a toddler – couldn't get our 2 yo to sleep?
Posted: December 31st, 2010 | Author: Mitch | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: camp chair, camping, extent, mud, nightmare, sleep, tantrum, tea time, tent | 3 Comments »Yesterday we took our 2 year old camping for the first time.
The day was great. He loved it. Ran about, jumped in mud and helped us gather wood for a fire. Perfect!
When it came to bed time however it was a nightmare. We normally put him to sleep about 7.30pm and we tried his normal routine with a bit of play after tea time, a wash, some milk then bed, and it took until gone 10 to get him settled, and everything we tried just seemed to result in a tantrum. Eventually we gave in trying and he just fell asleep in his camp chair next to the fire and we lifted him into his bed.
Finally! Or so we thought. When me and my partner went to bed about 1am, the sound of us getting into the tent must have woke him up and that caused an almighty scene until we let him sleep with us. Then he woke up at 6 and as he was knackered this too caused a massive tantrum to the extent that we packed up and left!
Any tips for next time ??
Always be sure you have favorite teddy bear, blanket or what ever they normally sleep with, with them. My 7 year old needs a night light so I use glow sticks in the tent when I put him down
I can only ask questions…
Was he over tired? Scared of something? Did he have any of his fav comfort items?
Was he comfortable for the weather? Was he comfy in his bed? Did he feel well? Teething, allergies, upset stomach, upset in bathroom routines (from not going on a potty) may have had him in a little discomfort.
Was it quiet around the campsite? Do you wonder if he thought he might miss something by going to bed?
You might try setting up the tent at home.It helped us a lot.My son was the same way at first. Over time, he loved to camp. Keep trying,it’s worth it.