We are taking our 15 mo. old camping for the first time. He's a really good boy, but I am still a little nervous. I guess the unknown. Have you done this? If so, do you have any pointers?! Thanks!
Good morning
We Used to camp all the time. I took my daughter for the first time when she was 9 months old.
One thing I did was to bring a plastic tote (bin) to give her a bath in. I heated the water on the grill and then added cold water to make it the right temp. We have air mattresses so I had her sleep between us.
You do need to bring some baby things, i.e. Walker or something for him to be in.
Good luck
Good for you! Both of ours had their first camping trip before they could walk. Try to keep food and sleep routine as much as possible. Take a pack-n-play. you will need times where he's safe but you're not able to be right there (i.e., fixing dinner). we also took the booster chair for dinner time. set it right in the middle of the picnic table - the only way our youngest would eat while camping. we used the pack-n-play at night too as it just fit in our tent w/three bags for the rest of us. if its chilly out, stuff blankets under the pack-n-play or he'll get cold from the air circulating underneath. expect some bumps and bruises. expect some "tastings" - one of ours thought pine cones were good for teething! the baby backpack is also a must if you're going to leave the campsite. take toys to play in the dirt - sand shovels/buckets, cars to push around. then, relax with it and just have fun!
We took our boys camping ever since they were about 6 months old. It was always a lot of fun. Bring a large blanket and some toys so that he can play on the ground. Our boys loved to hang out in the tent which was good too since it was really easy to keep an eye on them that way.
The most important is to make sure he knows the dangers of the campfire.
I think you'll have lots fun.
YES! I think it all depends on the camp site and location on how dilligent you need to be. For example, cliffs, water, just you and hubby more so than flat camping area with tons of family. Not saying I let my kids run off alone, but it is more of a park atmosphere in the latter.
Be sure to rent/borrow or invest in a back pack hiker to carry your 15 month in. Their little legs get tired. Get him his own air mattress and do your best to stick to routine. I even made mine bathe each night at the same time as at home.
Relax and have fun:)
We just took our very very first camping trip as a family. Three kids.
We went to a place Called Salmon La Sac.
I have only camped now three times in my life...and I was never the adult in charge .
We didnt plan for enough food. We were suppose to stay for two nights...but by the afternoon on the second day...We were gonna have to hit the market or just pack it in and call it a successful trip.
We slept in our van...folded everything down and layered it with blankets. We have done this before at home.....not such a good idea when you have five people two big and three small to medium size...This was another reason why we came home early.
Be prepared that he is gonna be dirty.
For most of our trip (since we were off on a Forrest Service road)my kiddo's we naked. They were rolling in the dirt.
This is not my idle...having them roll in dirt. i even went down to the river and got water to boil so they could get cleaned up before going to be.
Bring stuff for him to do.
Make sure you bring shoes he can wear getting wet...being dry any of it....that way you dont have to keep switching shoes and what not. My kids lived in their Toms and or water aqua socks.
Seeing as this was the third time ever I have been camping I dont have any great pointers. Just allow him and yourself to have fun and let go..dirt is dirt it will wash off.
Just make sure he is always in your eye sight and ear shot.
Good Luck and have fun!!
On a side note...If you are not staying somewhere that is a major camp ground I would let someone know where you will be close to...That way in the event of an emergency they know where to start looking. When we went I let my mom and mil know where we would be staying and If they had not heard anything from us by Sunday night to send for help...This may seem morbid...But better to be safe then sorry:)
He's gonna love it! And so will you! When you set up the tent, show him where everyone will be sleeping. Even though it's summer, bring socks to keep his feet warm; it often gets pretty chilly depending on your elevation. If you are parking the car with your campsite, I would just pack everything you think you might need; better safe than sorry! Bring mosquito coils or something to keep them at bay. My boys are happy as long as there is enough food! Some fun games are collecting things like leaves, stones, bugs, etc, and sort them, compare them, identify, etc. Do you have a good, comfortable carrier for him in case he gets too tired to walk if you are out in the middle of a nature walk (I recommend Ergobaby carrier). And water! have fun!
last year we tried our first camping trip, it did not go well at all! you can look back at my questions if you want to see it. I also have cut and pasted camping recipes into a word doc. if you message me your email address i will be happy to send it to you. good luck and have fun!!!
My son is 6 so of course he runs around more than your little one might. I love to bring a glow stick necklace for him when we are camping. It helps me know where he is especially at dusk. I know that you may not be able to do that w/your little one as I'm sure things go in the mouth, but I love that tip for keeping an eye on the little ones. The other mommies have great ideas and I wanted to congratulate you on camping! I love camping! :-)
