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 Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:33 am
My son is almost 15 months old, and his dad is set on taking us all camping this summer. I'm thinking I wouldn't mind a camping trip, despite my dislike for tents and all things about tenting.
Last night, a few different things hit me that might make camping somewhat... impossible.
First, there's the sleeping situation. We only have a 4 person tent (one that we just bought) and I doubt there will be room for a playpen in there. I was thinking it might be alright at nighttime, for Aden to just cuddle with us and we can all sleep together (despite the fact that he doesn't fall asleep easily that way). However, he naps twice a day and it's even more difficult to cuddle him to sleep during those naptimes. I'm thinking maybe we could bring the playpen anyway and set it up just for naps... but... maybe not.
My second dilemma is the whole campfire thing. Aden is at an age where he doesn't care for the word "no", and he's generally just very defiant. Campfires scare me enough as is -- I don't want to add Aden to that equation.
So... does anyone have any advice about camping with a toddler? I need some help here.
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:34 pm
I went camping with my son. I just kept an eye on him.
We just had a cook out here with my daughter who is also very defiant. I just made sure I kept her away from the fire and was always watching her.
Pack more clothes and diapers than you think you will need. Children have a talent toward finding the one puddle in the area and sitting in it.
For Lily I had her sleep in her play pen for her to sleep in and that worked for her. I'm not sure what your son sleeps in now though.
The only thing I can really stress more than anything especially if you're not going with multiple families is keep your eyes on him. Other than that it can get a great experience.
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:10 pm
I'd bring the playpen for during the day, but I'd make sure you have a bugnet that'll go over the top. You don't have to cuddle him if it bothers him, just set up a little pallete on another side of the tent, he may like the independence of it.
I'm going to have to go with Panda here and say in regards to the fire, he's gotta learn sometime. Be consistent, it's not a matter whether or not he cares for the word no, he can have a timeout in the playpen (another great use!). Personally, I spank my children for things where they can potentially get seriously hurt, but I know that's not for everyone.
It can be fun, why not try a day trip for outside to get him used to the idea of staying nearby, away from fires, etc?
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Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 6:03 pm
Thanks for the advice, you two.
I think I might suggest camping at the campground outside of town just for a night -- we can see how that goes, and if all is well, we can go away for the weekend to a better campground further away.
We haven't set up the new tent yet to see just how big it is, but I'm pretty sure the playpen won't fit inside, especially if we have an air mattress in there.
I guess we'll just have to do a bit of trial and error.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 3:04 am
I took all my kids camping before one years of age, my wife and I always took turns minding all 3 of them. My two sons became Eagle scouts and are now out of the service. The daughter also took ROTC in college. I can't see anything wrong in taking kids even when they are young on camping trips as long as both the parents kick in and start teaching them early in life.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:27 pm
Well ... under a year old is a lot different than 15 months old, as I'm sure you must know. And, every kid's different too ... Aden is one that does not like sleeping with mom and dad. So, I dunno. We'll see how it works.
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:03 am
I actually took my son camping last year when he was about 13 months and it went great. We had a two person tent with an air mattress, so the playpen didn't fit in there. We still brought the playpen along however and just used it during the day for those moments when we needed to get something done or when it was his nap time. Regarding the fire, it really wasn't an issue. Then again it could be due to the fact that he was scared more than intrigued by the fire. If you think it's gonna be that big of an issue, you can hold him in your lap when the campfire is lit, or just place him in the playpen for a time out if he keeps getting too close. Good luck on the test run.
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:37 am
Just keep an eye on him around the fire and i'm sure all the fresh air and exercise will knock him out. i sure did for my son, but hes only 7 months. i took Erik portaging for the first time. and i have to tell you i was worried. but everything worked out fine.
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