Camping with a 16 mo old. TIPS please.?
Posted: February 21st, 2011 | Author: Mitch | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: 4 months, campers, camping, cold temps, little dogs, sleep, thanks in advance | 4 Comments »Me, my SO, LO and LDs(little dogs;)) are going camping. If anyone has any tips about how to make camping with a child stressless and more fun, I would greatly appreciate it. This is our first camping trip with baby and though we are seasoned campers ourselves we are not sure what we may expect with a baby.
I’m a little concerned about the fact she will have to sleep with us at night (cold temps) and she is not used to doing so since she was 4 months (she likes her space).
All suggestions or comments are appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Make sure you have:
Air mattress big enough for all three of you
Favorite blanket, pillow, book, and or teddy bear for at night
Plenty of toys
Stroller
Extra clothing
Heavy pj’s
Snacks for her
Extra Diapers-Pack at least 10 more then what you think you will need. They seem to go through a lot while camping.
Baby Wipes-Great for keeping hands and face clean
Sunblock
Bug spray
Swim Diapers
Also remember this is all new to her. So she will probably be likely to try and wonder off so she can explore her new surroundings.
Some things that come to mind:
You will need a container for dirty diapers if you are hiking
Extra changes of baby clothes to keep her clean and dry.
It occurs to me that you can’t just set the baby down, and it would be exhausting for everyone to hold her every second, even taking turns! If you are car camping, bring the playpen. They have mosquito nets that you can put around them. If you are backpacking, consider this as a playpen, it is popup to set up quickly, and has room for baby and some toys and a parent. She can get plenty of fresh air, and some freedom for playtime, and maybe even her afternoon nap. It is only 3 lbs to hike with. A big plus!
http://www.amazon.com/SansBug-SB2PG-2-Person-Bug-Shelter/dp/B003BWL8XC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1273965389&sr=8-5
You also might want a papoose, sling, or baby backpack carrier if you are hiking.
For sleeping, she doesn’t HAVE to sleep with you. You could dress her in a snowsuit or a bunting, if it is warm enough she won’t need blankets on her to tangle or suffocate her. Lay her on a self inflating mat. Block her in between your packs with a little wiggle room, and put a light blanket over everything but allow for ventilation but keep her surrounding air a little warmer. Don’t put her to bed until she is already asleep, and check her during the night.
With regard to the dogs, I would only bring them if they are well trained and obedient. Leashes and poop bags for the day. You need to bring the dogs in with you at night, so they don’t attract wildlife or get scared in a new place. You also need to confine them from the baby, so crate them or tie them in the corner with baby on the other side. They will appreciate something to lay on. Maybe an old blanket or a towel, or if they aren’t chewers, let them snuggle on your dirty clothes.
if you have a large tent you can bring her a playpen or something of the sort to sleep in. bring plenty of extra blankets and she should be fine.
Bubbles
bouncy balls (the giant bright coloured ones)
buy a life jacket it will be worth it in the long run kids are fast.
Answers would probably vary depending on what you’re camping in and where you’re camping. Camping on the beach in a tent would present different challenges than camping in a travel trailer in the mountains.
I have no suggestion about the sleeping space/arrangements. Even in the camper just the two of us are somewhat uncomfortable sleeping at night.