Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Going camping with a baby or toddler?

Family Camping Checkpoints...

Camping is a wonderful and inexpensive vacation option in the summer. Amazing camping places invite you for canoeing, hiking, adventure water sports and more. It is a great way to visit the country and create fantastic memories and strong bonds with friends. However, families with small children often wonder how enjoyable a camping trip will be with a baby and a toddler.

The answer to this question is that with the right equipment, a camping vacation could be just what you need after long winter months of being cooped up with small kids. In fact, have you ever noticed how your child seems happier the minute he/she is outside? A family camping trip may be exactly what you need.

First, you will need a good tent. You must be equipped with a polyethylene or vinyl tarp down so that the tent remains dry at the bottom. Next, have a thermo rest type mattress which acts as a great insulator. Make sure the tent stakes aren't made of low quality material and are strong and light like aluminium. The tent material must contain an air permeable roof covered by a rain fly.

Second, make sure that you talk to your doctor and bring all of the medication your kids could possibly need such as anti-fever medication and an antihistamine in the event of an allergic reaction.

Next question, how will baby sleep? Kids are often used to their sleeping environment and the concern is that they will refuse to sleep if they are no longer in their home crib. Luckily, kids often adapt better to camping because of the fresh air than a hotel room stay. As smaller kids kick off their blankets you should consider camping with a sleep sack or baby sleeping bag if you are not already using one. You can find ones big enough for children up to 3 years old. A quilted option is better an warmer than fleece. You may find you need a warmer one than the one you use at home. You should also get your child used to this new sleeping bag a few days before you leave on your trip.

Baby camping sleeping bags will keep your baby nice and toasty. Make sure zippers are high quality and also, make sure you don’t buy the camping sleepers for babies which come with a hood, which could be dangerous. You can get expert and pediatric support regarding standard sleep sacks for summers or winters. In fact the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of wearable blankets for your children from zero to three years of age.

Good luck, Happy Camping!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to campsite with my little ones.

    ReplyDelete