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Your First Camping Trip with Kids

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camping

If your family loves camping, you should absolutely introduce your children to life in the outdoors as well.  With some preparation, patience and smart packing you and the fam will be well on your way to creating some great memories.  First thing on the planning checklist?  Read below to make sure you are prepared for a successful night under the stars.

 

Things to Consider? Age and Personality

Infants are easier to manage on camping trips because they are not quite mobile yet. Also, if they are still breast feeding it’s less to pack.  Temperature will be your major concern and packing enough clothes to plan for the weather will be important in keeping your baby comfortable.

 

With toddlers always on the move, they will need adult supervision at all times.  The major thing to consider would be their current personality.  If they have trouble adapting to new environments or they are in between patterns at home, you may want to take baby steps and make it a day trip to start.

 

Trial Run 

A great way to introduce your child to a night in the wild is pitching a tent in your own backyard.  It will get them comfortable with “how this whole camping thing works” and also give you insights on what to prepare for.

 

 camping 5Things to look for:

  •  If your child has trouble sleeping because of the noises, you may want to bring a small radio or earplugs for them so they can sleep through the night.
  • What toys and games would they enjoy playing in the tent?  Bring those.
  • Did they ask to go in the house?  Your child might not be ready for a camping trip far from home.  Some children do not understand how far they are from home and that when they are camping, everything they have at home is not as accessible.  Discuss this with them and research local campsites for your first time. 

Smart Pickings

Before backpacking and roughing it, start slow.  Find a campsite within a close distance to your home so that you can bail if you need to. You may also want to consider finding a site that is family friendly with bathrooms, showers and water – especially if your child is potty training. Transitions are much easier for young children when there are some similar things to home.

When packing, let your child help with snacks and games.  This will help you determine what may comfort them and get them excited about helping.

 

Patience & Expectations

If your child is walking and under 3, you will most likely stick close to the camp site.  With their curiosity and easily tired little legs, you do not want to hike too far from the tent.  They will be happy exploring all the new and exciting things that nature has to offer in your small little area.

Have lots of patience.  This is a big event for a kid and they will want to explore everything.  They will get dirty and they will wander off so just enjoy their new discoveries and have fun with them.

 

Tips for Survival.

  • Bring a head lamp for night time bathroom trips or diaper changes.
  • If your baby is new to crawling and standing, consider a pack and play.camping 2
  • Over pack on clothes, diapers, wipes, and paper towels.
  • Make sure to bring lots of snacks portioned into small bags, so you can easily take some with you on short explorations.
  • Don’t forget a first aid kit.
  • Bring both sun and bug protection.  Check with your doctor if your baby is under 6 months old to see what you should be using.
  • Pack dryer sheets to ward off mosquitoes from your tent and food.
  •  If you’re hiking with your baby, have a plan for storing dirty diapers and proper materials to change them on the trail.
  •  Plan sleeping arrangements ahead of time. Babies should not be in a sleeping bag.

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