subject: Camping with a Toddler and What to Bring [print this page] Camping with a Toddler and What to Bring Camping with a Toddler and What to Bring
Last summer we went out for the very first time with our 2 yr old on a family and friends camping trip to the lake. It was a great time, good fun and a relaxing weekend. Even with the kids running around! We were apprehensive to say t he least as it was our first time taking her and going boat camping non-the less. So we packed up just about everything in the house it seemed like to be prepared. Camping with kids is a different event than when you're going with your buddies for sure.
It was our inaugural trip as a full family and camping with the kidsand we had everything that we needed. Or so we thought. Diapers check. Wipes check. Toys for them to play with check. As it turns out that the best thing that we could have brought was our iPhone. Using the camping app we had to help plan and organize the trip we also doubled that as toddler occupying gear.
Being the planning andorganizing family that weare we paid close attention to the things that worked with the kids and the things that did not.We also had quite a long list of things we wished we had!
So here are the 5 must have's when your packing up and getting ready to take the kids outdoors.
Pack and Play. Might seem like a no brainer but it's a must have. It's a bit bulky and tough to carry but you will be thankful that you did. The two reasons we found it helpful was of course to keep them corralled up but also as our place for time outs. When you're somewhere new, having that familiarity of the time out spot is essential.
A little Camping technology. Like I stated we brought the iPhone and used our trip planning app to build and create the trip. But having that when there were moments of meltdowns was key. At the flip of a finger there was Dora or Elmo to ease the situation! Have a Smartphone charged and ready.
Snacks. Again, no brainer but when we go camping I have seen families get in the mind set of bringing bulk and then doing the mass cooking there. When a toddler is hungry they will surely let you know. Be ready.
Designated markers to lay out boundaries. This probably was the best idea and item that we did not have but adopted. To a toddler there are no boundaries when your outdoors. Everywhere is free reign. To say "Don't go beyond that tree" and just point is not really helpful to them. Bring a large rope, or colored string to mark out the boundaries where they can and cannot go. Being that we were near a drop off into the lake this was crucial and worked wonders. If the line and boundary was crossed. We had the pack and play for the time out area.
I hope that this helps to shed some light and give ideas to help assist and make your camping trip with kids more enjoyable.
We are looking for more idea's hints and tips of what to bring and how to camp better as families.
