Your email address will not be published. neck warm. Liners are easy to insert in your toddlers sleeping bag, adding an extra layer of warmth. Super mom tip: Using a pee pad / bed protector on your camping mattress or inside the sleeping bag might be a good idea if youre worried about leaky diapers or accidents. pull them up higher, keeping cool air off any exposed skin. It also means you likely dont have to use your camp stove (or campfire) as long to cook it as youll just be warming the food up instead. You have the luxury of changing diapers in the place of your choosing. For toddlers using pull-ups at night: Same as above. Some families will first line their potties with a plastic grocery bag. and hopefully this is something you and your kids will do for years to come. Will they wear rain gear, sun hats, or mittens when asked? Using a sleep sack will prevent them from kicking all their covers away. I promise, its totally doable!
Make sure there are opportunities to relax, nap if needed, and keep your expectations reasonable for your familys abilities. fresh cut veggies, fruit, cheese, crackers, and dip plates, hearty pancakes made with lots of fruit and whole wheats. Buy a rug or tent carpet to Or, if youre using a camper, sleep in it while its parked in your driveway or on your friends farm. Warm weather camping: You can likely get away with bringing less clothing in hot climates. You could go all out and spend the night in the tent in the backyard first or set it up inside. I dont promise it will be easy, but by following a plan, keeping it simple, having a few essential toddler camping gear items, and slowing down a bit Im sure you can all have a very (or somewhat very) successful trip! Click here for more tips on choosing the perfect family campground. Sleeping in a tent or camper is darn exciting to a toddler. the blanket. please, if you are tenting in bear country, please do not let your children sleep wearing clothing that they ate in especially if it was sticky sweet smores! well, thats up to you. Use labels and lists if that helps. Instead, I had inadvertently created a much more enticing invitation for mud play and the kids were way dirtier than they would have been had I not attempted to make getting clean easier! These scavenger hunts are made specifically for the campground. Dont just put your toddlers sleeping bag on the floor of the tent or on a layer of blankets invest in a sleeping pad thats at least one-inch thick. After youve packed all the essentials, then consider how much space you have left and what else you might like to bring as extras. your toddler is open to sleeping in one, purchase a sleeping bed for toddlers toddler gets cold, he may feel like letting you know that its time to go home! We didnt have a special portable camp chair. cold nights. But, do what you need to do to make sure youre comfortable too and enjoying your trip as much as you can.
You can print one off before heading out or make one up when youre there. But it can get cold at night no matter the time of the year youre camping. Bringing a frozen chili will mean you can use it to keep your cooler colder and you dont have to fully make the chili at the campsite. And, if not, they usually entertained themselves easily enough with the rocks, sticks, dirt, trees, and random camping gear wed let them play with (like tarps, buckets, and ropes). Use tubs or bins or plastic drawer systems (or your camper cupboards) to keep all your gear and supplies organized. A large tent means more space for cool air.
Ive camped with lots of different families and what being organized looks like really differs from family to family. If youre camping in colder weather, buy an insulated sleeping pad. Its never too early to get started, sharing good times with your family as you camp in nature. I would use pillows and/or backpacks as a deterrent to keep the toddler from rolling off the bed until I could join them. And, its so easy to wash off! I perfer to be as organized as I can be. But its not always the ideal way to sleep, particularly if your toddler moves around a lot during the night. pieces of clothing you pack, its better to have options. How do you want to feel about all this? Will they stop in their tracks when called or do they take off running? If sun and bugs are a problem, consider long sleeved swim shirts and loose fitting light weight pants. sleeping bag with your toddler.
your toddler before it gets cooler at night. Ill be honest. These chairs are both super high-rated and I see them all the time at campgrounds. fall, or winter months, a snow suit can keep your toddler warm on those really Well, if you happen to have an active explorer, having a second tent for them to call their own could help keep them contained and safe when youre tired of chasing. If he feels too hot, you can start to remove items to keep him comfortable. Bring along extra tarps to On day one the little guy dumped this huge tub of toys onto the grass and were talking tonka trucks, little people, nerf guns, t-ball set, buckets, balls, big building blocks, some sort of weird doll thing, and a whole lot of other random plastic. Your camping history and experience will directly affect how you feel about bringing your 2 year old out to the campground. Little hands can get cold at night. My toddler then had the freedom to roam reasonably and an open campsite allowed me to keep a good eye on them. Read through this guide and get a sense of what camping with toddlers is really like. I find with littles I prefer to be away from busy roads, nowhere near water, and instead, in open meadows or sparsely treed areas. Really, they can probably just wear their bathing suite all weekend! Getting prepared to camp with a 2 year old. For your kids, any type of camping will be an adventure! Before kids, were you an avid outdoors person or were you the type of person that didnt mind camping now and then? And lastly, make-ahead meals will prevent any raw meat food contamination at the not-so-sanitary campsite. When getting your toddler ready for bed, dress him in layers. I know, sometimes this is really hard especially if its raining and cold and you wanted to get to the waterfall but your toddler was tired and needed a nap and you realized you forgot his blankie and he wont sleep and your neighbours dog keeps barking and there are so many mosquitoes like how is it actually possible that that many mosquitoes can live in one spot. How much do you want to pack, haul to the campsite, clean up while youre camping, re-pack, and haul home again? If your toddler is out of diapers, thermal underwear will keep him warm when youre camping in the spring and fall. The dark can be scary for little ones. hot water and put it into the sleeping back with your toddler. Look for drop-offs, signs of dangerous animals or insects, poison ivy or oak, water features, and such. This little package of toys usually ads enough of a diversion when needed. Which reminds me, another great tip is to have a package of baby wipes on hand at the campground for quick hand and face washes throughout the day. They fold down nicely for space-saving and are easily cleaned. well. (In my parents RV we didnt have space constraints and our toddler slept happily in the same bed he slept in while visiting Grandma and Grandpas. Well, we also happened to be right beside the playground. This is your first consideration. If he gets too warm, its easy to just remove See my policy page for more information). So, again, figure out what youre comfortable with and start there. Having padding between the sleeping bag and the tent floor is going to keep cold ground temperatures away from your toddler. warmer it will be. It took up almost all the floor space and it was not convenient to move around or have in the trailer, but this was the safest option, I felt, for the little little ones. Having the right camping gear for your Bringing along a winter jacket, toque, mitts, and boots wont hurt if it cools at night. This was so thorough! Be organized (just basic family camping tips), spend the night in the tent in the backyard, more tips on choosing the perfect family campground, a properly fitted sleeping bag will keep them warmer, how to care and store them properly (and clean them too!). Try to keep their bedtime routine as close to regular as possible. This will add an insulating layer between the Youre camping! Just remember to bring a few more extra garbage bags, a change mat (and an extra one), your wipes and creams, and a few more diapers than youd anticipate using just in case. and one for the kids to do their own packing too (if you have older kids). These are the two most common travel cots that families use for camping. Just the activities of setting up camp, making a fire, cooking, eating, and exploring was enough to keep them entertained. We dont. Always dress your toddler in Weve also found a ball is also popular if theres another kids to kick it around with. If youre camping in cooler weather, a onesie with feet is a good choice. Weve found the most-used toys by our toddlers when camping are things they can play with in the dirt: trucks, shovels, and buckets. Decide how much you want to have on hand, how far you are from assistance, and what your likely needs will be. For cool nights, having your littles wear mittens (or socks on their hands) and a toque will keep them warmer as well. The mud underneath this station was very counterproductive! If youre camping in bear country, this is a good informative read on both keeping kids safe and teaching them bear safety. If your little kicks the blankets off at home, theyll likely do that at the campsite too. Then, if things get hard, remember you are the one with the choice. Throw a blanket in there, some books or toys, their water bottle, and theyve got an enclosed, safe (bug free, sun free, rain free) place. Inside toys: As for inside the tent or trailer toys. If you have ample space even a pack-n-play will work! Youll want to read this posts super-tip for camping with potty trained toddlers wearing one-piece pajamas hint, just dont do it! Put warm clothes or pajamas on Outhouse tip: If your family will be using an outhouse (or the woods) and doesnt have access to water for washing afterwards, tuck a bottle of hand sanitizer (like this one for kids, below) into the toilet paper bag or a package of sanitizing wipes for everyone to use. Because little nature lovers grow into big nature lovers! ground and your toddlers sleeping pad. Thank you for joining the Wild Week Challenge. Rain pants or one-piece rain suits will keep their clothes dry and cleaner. Oh, no, little Sallys grilled cheese falls onto the ground what do you do? If you have an RV and toilet then youre probably fine. But, here are some considerations: No matter who youre camping with there are basic items you should be carrying in your first aid kit. You dont need to spend a lot on a One of the challenges of camping is having And, perhaps more importantly, knowing your 2 year old will ultimately determine whether or not youre ready to try camping with the little one. Look for snow suits that are easy to get your toddler in and out Clothes can be rinsed and hung to dry if needed. and babies. And, as for the toilet situation well, believe me, you dont want to get to the campsite and realize your toddler is terrified of outhouses (and really, whod blame them those dark scary black pits with monsters waiting below!) Then, you can sit down with your tea and book and they can play. Some tents will be big enough for a travel crib inside. least one fleece blanket. Let them gather twigs for the fire, let them put the cloth on the picnic table, or help you wash the dishes. Ill hear parents complain that they only made it a kilometer down the trail. Fill a hot water bottle with And, again, let them lead the pace. Here are a few tips for more smaller, less ambitious, but still fun, toddler walks: Heres an article with more in depth details and tips on hiking with kids. When my kids were old enough to visit the playground alone, then I preferred to be within visual sight of the playground to easily keep an eye on them. In fact, just last summer we camped beside a little guy and his dad for 4 days. You can just use the regular one you use at home, or pick up one of these cute travel ones. For babies and young toddlers I used a portable crib in the camper. For many parents this is the biggest concern and the reason why some parents just decide not to camp with toddlers. Ive camped with each of my three kids as toddlers, but you mentioned multiple things I had never thought of. Its okay to be disappointed if the trip doesnt go as planned. Youll need some layering options and some t-shirts or shorts if it warms up during the day. Make sure to bring along some disposable cleaning wipes and paper towels for messy clean ups. The smaller the tent, the (Regular air mattresses do not insulate well). Nor do we always have access or the time to warm up that much water. Check out this read on how we pack and organize our camping gear and supplies. To avoid sleeping with a restless toddler, make sure he has his own sleeping bag. Even now, that my kids are older, I still worry about this. Warm pajamas, a sweater, socks, mitts, and a hat. of, especially if hes out of diapers or if youre in the middle of potty --If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel, How to Grill Without Charcoal (Plus 3 Simple Ways to Grill with Wood), Are Sleeping Bag Liners Worth it? Best of luck with your first camping trip:), Thank you so much for this! Butterfly closures for those super deep cuts, Antihistamine and pain relievers in both child and adult dosages, have your toddler wear a bell or squeeky shoes so you can hear them even if youve lost sight of them, Bring bright colored clothing for them to wear, cut and proportion any ingredients for meals to be cooked at the campsite. But, this being said, you can still bring your toddler to any campground you like (except those no-kids-allowed RV campgrounds!). Check out this post for even more tips on sleeping comfortably in a tent! To remedy this Ill go to the trouble of rag-washing them before bed. Even during the hot summer months, nights in the wilderness can get chilly and cold. I dont normally comment on things I read, but I just had to stop and say thanks for all the great tips and tricks. When camping, wed just place this on the ground or strap it to an adult camp chair, or even sideways on the picnic table bench. Some campsites are set up better for kids. Some portable sleep cribs even have an insulating mattress that slides into a pocket underneath the sleeping surface. Easy. Are they potty trained or will they use strange places? If you do happen to buy a quality sleeping bag, make sure you know how to care and store them properly (and clean them too!). Having a stool for them to stand on will save you from holding them up at the sink while they wash and brush (and getting onto and off the toilet too). Even if you dont use all the Ive even seen families put a small pop-up play tent inside a screen tent for their toddlers! If I was tenting with a very young child, I would just go to sleep with them at the same time to make sure they didnt wake and wander. a sweater on top. We used a basic toddler booster chair (like this one) that is intended to strap onto kitchen chairs. I have heard of parents using an adult sized bag, but folding the legs up under the body as a way to trap head just around the body. This way, the littles didnt see it and wander over. Practice sleeping in their travel bed or sleep sack/ sleeping bag. Yes, there are a lot of risks when out in the woods but having idea of how to manage and respond to those risks will go a long way in keeping everyone safer and happier. For example, if I plan all the meals ahead of time to be quick or make-ahead meals, then I spend less time cooking. Also figure out how close you want to be to the bathrooms and playground (if they have one). So, what does all this mean? There are some If it is really cold we make sure they have extra warm socks and I may have also had my toddler wear an under shirt and/or leggings as well. carpet check out carpeting stores for leftover pieces of carpeting that fit You can get my favorite family camping packing checklist here. If you toddler has security items do make sure to bring them (favorite blanket, stuffies, soother, etc). Hopefully they grow to enjoy camping (if they didnt love it first time around). If the gear is organized I spend less time searching for random items. So many other good ideas here, thank you so much for putting this together. While using a travel toddler chair can help kids get their fill of food, they can also help keep kids secure and safe around the campfire or if you need to keep them close and occupied while you make dinner or attend to another matter. For some reason when camping our cleanliness standards seem to fall a few notches. Is there room in the tent for a portable crib? Youll not need to worry about them for a few minutes anyway;). Hats are important for both sun protection, rain protection, and warmth. Put different peoples clothes into separate bags or bins. Dont buy those sleeping bags for kids that come with cute designs. As mentioned above under choosing a good campsite, youll want to make sure there arent any hazards close to the campsite. Loved your tips and I think you narrowed it all down. No matter what you decide to camp in, everybody will be better off if theres a bit of practice before hand. Does it have shelter from rain or sun? Most likely all the other campers are there to have a good time and will have an eye out for your little one. sleeping bag. If you are looking to go all out and get the best, you might want to consider merino wool pajamas (or base layers) for your children to sleep in. Using a meal plan will make the food planning much easier. If you have a large enough tent, and if Sure, these may provide less privacy, but I was willing to trade privacy for safety (and less chasing). Even if you dont want to go to the trouble of having a paper scavenger hunt on hand, you might just want to start a game of search and find to keep them happy and occupied if youre out on a walk / hike. How full and comprehensive your kit is varies tremendously between families. When tenting, both the toddler and I would sleep on camping mattresses or, if tenting in luxury, our air mattress. Camping with toddlers is totally doable. And, for the most part, thats just fine. Bring a warm knit hat as But if youre camping without those luxuries and have to use the public bathroom which might be far away or worse, a dirty dark outhouse. That little green potty has been everywhere and seen a lot of action! Of course, you need to ultimately be the judge when it comes to the safety of your surroundings. For camping outdoors, choose child-size sleeping bags that are filled with down or that are made from a top-quality synthetic material. And once your For us, we didnt want to spend the money and our kids have only (and still only) sleep in their regular pajamas (usually fleece) when camping. 11 Effective Ways to Keep a Toddler Warm at Night While Camping. For the last 10 years theres a small IKEA plastic potty in the secret under-seat compartment of our van. Toddlers + Camping = Dirty, Dirty, Dirty! clothing items, you can remove socks if your toddler is warm enough in his Longer socks are a good choice as you can Are there frequently dangerous animals or insects in the area? Yep. Or, use the screen tent as a way to keep them playing in one spot with you near by for a while. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. And, Im happy you found this article interesting and helpful, even for a super camping mom like yourself:) Happy Camping! cover the tent. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Two and three year olds love to help. Once you have the right camping gear and clothing to keep your toddler warm, youll be ready to brave even the colder months of year in a tent. (Plus Good Alternatives to Consider). Ive found that when camping, toddlers can be easily distracted. Its much easier to be warm and Even that was ignored. Make sure their water is easy accessible for them and give them opportunities to eat other high-water content foods especially if it is hot out. I refuse to share my sleeping bag with a toddler whos full of sand and whose feet are caked in dirt! Sit down and enjoy seeing this new adventure through their eyes at their own pace. For more details on these tips, check out this article where I share how and why these two things were so important to me when I camped with toddlers. Or, this article for tips on staying warm in a tent! Or, if that seems too much, you could practice small pieces of camping, such as: For me, nothing can be as frustrating as laying in your sleeping bag while a 2 year old jumps and rolls all over you in a cramped tent for 3 hours while you wait for them to fall asleep. However, Ive found that kids love when they have a tent of their own to play in at the campsite. Required fields are marked *, Want to skip ahead? but (deep breath) It is what it is. (oh, and dont forget to grab the checklist too! I find it most helpful to pack like-items together. And, if I dont over-plan with games or expectations I spend less time trying to control the flow of activity and more time just enjoying the quality time and being there with my family. Will you be using a tent, a camper, borrowing your parents RV? Weve pulled it out on highways, at the beach, in parking lots, at grandmas pool, and at many, many campsites. a pair of mittens is a great way to keep in warmth. But, the outside of our sleeping bags are slippery and Id be worried they just slip around on the folded part, maybe? We tended to bring just a few items. They exist. Since you know your toddler best, youll know what theyll eat and not eat. Hopefully you want to take your toddler camping more. If youre up for the challenge of a long hike with a back-pack carrier, then fantastic! And if his skin feels cold, you can add a blanket on top of his sleeping bag or put it inside. The toddler camping bed What do toddlers sleep in (and on) when camping? I didnt see that little guy touch anything in that pile until he and his dad cleaned it up on day 4! And, youll not have to worry as much on making sure kids are warm. If you make a purchase through my link I receive a small commission at no added cost to you. Weve found that camping in itself is pretty exciting for toddlers. Some parents (us incuded) have actually had their toddlers just go to sleep wearing their snow suit. As with other Hi Samantha, youre very welcome! You pick it up, give it a visual inspection, brush it off, and hand it back. Little thermal undershirts are easy to wear underneath pajamas. Ill tell you a secret here your kids really dont care what sort of luxuries they have while camping. Lets stop and sit on the next boulder we see, Every time we walk past a sign we have to do a dance, If your toddler has a runner bike, these are great on relatively flat dirt trails, Friends usually keep toddlers moving fast, Let them find a stick and carry that as they walk. Safety: Think about the safety of the surroundings. They can go and go and go for hours on those things and the rough campsite roads, trails, and campsite pad are perfect surfaces for these bikes. To kick this site off Ill primarily be focusing on grilling and / or smoking in which I'm on a quest to develop the techniques and skill of a true pit master. Im planning my first camp trip with my 18 month old son in a few months and I must say, the bells on the shoes is GENIUS. Along with your meal planning, do as much ahead-of-time preparing as you can before you get to the campsite: If youd like some help on meal planning, weekend menus, managing your camp kitchen, and prepping ideas, check out the family camping guide to eating seriously, this guide is great! sleeping in their sleeping bag on the floor or camping mattress in their bedroom, using their sleep pod or portable crib if youre using one, eating outside while sitting in their camp chair, using an outhouse or peeing in the woods (because thats probably going to need to happen at some point), Have healthy snacks available for them to graze on throughout the day. toddler is going to make a big difference in keeping him warm. But, then there are many parents that embrace the fact that hiking with toddlers is going to be different than the pre-kid hikes they used to take. Aside from bears, this is perhaps my biggest fear when Im camping with kids. But, weve found this to be an easy solution to cold weather camping. This post may contain affiliate links. Young children can quickly lose body heat through their head on cooler And, you know what? Most toddlers love to explore! Hi Katie, Thanks for leaving your comment. And, toddlers are that great age where everything is new and exciting they want to explore and watch and learn. Just the fact that youve landed here reading this article means youre considering it. Or, does this idea make you cringe? Colder weather camping: Youll want to make sure you have enough clothes to change into dry warm clothing if kids get wet or cold. Try to remember why youre camping, whats good about this situation, and soak up their smiles and giggles and adventures as reward for all your hard work in making the trip happen in the first place! I started this website to expand and share my knowledge, findings, techniques and distribute anything that I find worth sharing.
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