Are you planning for camping? But you can’t go because you have a toddler in your lap. Then why not go with your toddler?
Well, camping with a toddler in tow might sound a bit overwhelming because all those thoughts of food, napkins, protection, etc., etc. come to your mind. But, getting a toddler to the campsite won’t be as hectic as you think if you have a complete checklist of camping the first time with your toddler.
There’s so much to explore, to seek adventure with your toddler. And to prepare you for the upcoming camping with your toddler, our 15 tips reveal some must-haves (and a checklist too!)
- Do “camp sleeping” at home
Toddlers’ first experience of a tent is often a pop-up play tent, which of course is for hide and seek. In this case, they are pretty much aware of the tent. Camping in a tent will be a completely new experience for them, so pitch the tent in the garden for a nap or overnight fun and get your child prepared for the first camping outside.
- Bring a headlamp
Navigating a campsite at night can be tricky for a toddler. Giving them a headlamp will not only make them see in the dark but it’s a fun game for them along with a sense of security.
- Pack a First-Aid Kit
Pack bandages, gauze, cleaning wipes, disinfectant, mosquito repellent, and band-aids to be prepared for toddler-related injuries likely to occur during camping.
- Bring sunscreens and bug sprays
On and around the campsite, make sure your toddler is protected from prolonged sun exposure by packing plenty of sunscreens.
- Be Prepared for naps
An exploration may tire out your toddler. Be prepared for naps when you are off-site because you will need to factor them in while planning the adventure for the rest of the day.
- Choose age-friendly campsites
Not all campsites are perfect for toddlers, especially when you are beginning to camp with a toddler. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose some age-friendly, toddler-friendly campsites to begin your research with.
- Bring Snacks for Hunger-Pangs
Easy meals such as oatmeal, nuts, fruits, and chocolates satiate hunger as you hike all day and are away from the campsite. So, make sure you have all these energy-rich snacks packed in your backpack.
- Plan meals for fussy eaters
Planning your meals well in advance will not make you go crazy on your adventure ride. For fussy eaters, it becomes an important point to be taken care of. Make sure you have a mix of frozen and ready-to-cook food that your child is interested in eating.
- Pack light
Use backpacks to pack all the necessary items so you don’t have to carry extra baggage as you hike to the campsite.
- Get portable equipments
Pack everything portable from power bank to thermosteel bottles, and portable camping gear (bunker beds, foldable chairs) to save time and enjoy the site.
- Keep the essentials
How can you forget to add these to your backpack?
- Nappies
- Nappy Sacks
- Wet Wipes
- Sanitiser
- Pillow
- Toilet Paper
- Sippers
- Comfy Blankets
- Pack layerings for kids
Kids are susceptible to the changing environment. If you are going to a campsite that is cold, packing lighter and comfy warmers can solve the purpose. So, pack some puffy jackets, joggers, and caps for your kids.
In case, the area is warmer during the day and cooler at night, a mix of shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, and a jacket is the best.
- Take enough toys (A must-have for teething kids)
Camping with a teething toddler is quite a big challenge. Make sure that you pack plenty of teethers and chewings keys with you.
- Research well
Camping with a toddler requires a lot of pre-planning. Before, heading towards any of the campsites, it is necessary to do a little bit of research about that campsite.
Gathering information about that area from google or from someone who has already done camping there would be best. Check these things while you do research
- The weather at the site
- Is the area safe for toddlers?
Once you have gathered all the information, you are good to start with your camping preparations.
- Plan nearby campings first
While you are always excited about countryside camping, you have to know that you are a parent now. To give your child a flavorful taste of adventure, camping while indulging in some nearby campsites with family groups would serve as a starter for your child. This will help them get into the environment to prepare for another camping.