Camping is a wonderful, affordable family activity that creates wonderful memories and offers a variety of new experiences for infants and toddlers. Parents are often reluctant to take young children camping but with a little bit of advanced planning, camping can be a special experience that toddlers will love. Camping will encourage a love of the outdoors in toddlers and contribute to a more active and healthier lifestyle in the long term.
Deciding Where to Camp with a Toddler
Unless your family is used to more rustic activities, it is best to choose a campsite with running water and clean restrooms that include showers when camping with a toddler. Many campsites offer swimming pools and playgrounds that make camping with a toddler much more enjoyable. Some campsites are more family friendly than others.
If possible, get a word of mouth referral for a nice, clean campsite that attracts other campers with young children. Many campsites offer the option of camping in small cabins that often have heating or air conditioning. This is a great option for a toddler’s first trip if you are camping without a pop-up tent or trailer.
Preparing for a Campout with a Toddler
Going anywhere with an infant or toddler requires extra preparation and a camping trip is no different. Plan out each day of your campout to be sure that you have enough supplies, including clothes, a change of clothes since the first will most likely get dirty, diapers, wipes, and snacks that your toddler is used to.
Be sure to bring enough water to keep your toddler hydrated since even if you are staying at a campsite with running water, the water may not be drinkable. Water bottles are convenient to carry with you if you plan to do any camping or off-roading during your camping trip.
Don’t forget any comfort items that your toddler uses at home. Bringing familiar items will help alleviate any anxiety your toddler has about going on a camping trip. If you have an infant carrier or toddler backpack that can be very useful since most strollers will not work on more rugged terrain.
Sleeping with a Toddler while Camping
Toddlers are often used to their normal bedtime routine and may have difficulty sleeping in a new place. Don’t be afraid to bring a port-a-crib if you have room for it inside a tent, cabin, or camping trailer. Infants and toddlers may sleep better if given their own space and parents will sleep better knowing that their child is in a safe place during the night.
Many toddlers become afraid as the sun goes down because they are not used to being outside after dark. If possible, bring a small flashlight to let your toddler use after dark in addition to the larger ones used by mom and dad. Toddlers will feel more secure being in control of the darkness by holding their own flashlight.
Comfort items that your toddler uses for bedtime such as a special blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow should be brought to make bedtime as close to normal as possible. If your toddler is used to falling asleep with a bedtime story bring a familiar children’s book with you on your camping trip.
Some toddlers who have difficulty falling asleep on a camping trip can be lulled to sleep by the movement of the car. A quick scenic drive around the area may help your toddler fall asleep peacefully and allow you to gently lift him into his bed for the night. Toddlers may feel more comfortable sleeping as close to mom or dad as possible and having access to their flashlight throughout the night. A small flashlight hung from the top of the tent and left on makes a wonderful nightlight during a camping trip.
Toddler Friendly Camping Activities
Toddlers love being outside, and some of the simplest outdoor activities will thrill them during a camping trip. Give your toddler a container to start a rock collection since he will most likely find rocks that are not available closer to home. Go on a short hike to explore new areas. If hiking is too tiring for your toddler, try using an infant carrier such as the Ergo baby carrier or a toddler backpack to allow him to enjoy the hike without wearing himself out. Build a campfire and roast hotdogs and marshmallows or make foil dinners. Reading books or telling stories around the campfire is a wonderful family activity and can often help toddlers wind down before bedtime.
Camping is a wonderful family activity that will create family memories that will last a lifetime and expose toddlers to new places and experiences. Enjoying the outdoors as a family is a healthy activity that will encourage a healthy lifestyle for the long term and help toddlers develop new interests and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to take your toddler camping with you. While it does require some extra planning and there may be a few moments of frustration, you will help your family draw closer together and be able to enjoy each other away from the stress of everyday life.
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