An Essential Guide To What To Bring Camping With a Toddler
Camping is such an enriching activity and, as a father of three kids and experienced camper, I can’t help but feel like it’s an essential part of growing up. Not to mention, it’s also a great way to build memories that can last a lifetime. That being said, if you are bringing a toddler along for the ride, there are extra considerations to take into account. To make sure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, it’s important to plan for your little one and know exactly what to take camping with a toddler.
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Getting Prepared: What Will You Need To Bring
Before you start packing, consider the specific needs of your toddler. Comfort is key and there will be plenty of times when your child may be feeling a bit unsure in this new environment. Think about slipping in some familiar items from home into your bag to ensure your toddler feels as at ease as can be.
Here’s a quick checklist of items to consider packing:
- Weather-ready clothing. Depending on the time of year and the place you’re heading, make sure the clothing is warm and appropriate for the weather.
- Sun protection like a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Food such as healthy snacks, meals and drinks.
- Bedding such as a sleeping bag and mat, and (if desired) a camping pillow.
- Plenty of diapers and wipes.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Toys and kid-friendly entertainment like books, colouring materials and perhaps a television or tablet.
If your toddler has any sort of allergies, you may want to consider packing along an emergency relief kit, and be sure to pay attention to the types of activities that will be happening to make sure it’s a comfortable and allergy-friendly environment.
Camping Safety Tips For Toddlers
Lastly, when it comes to camping with a toddler, don’t forget to review safety tips. With little children, there’s a lot to consider and it’s important to make sure the area is as safe as possible for your child.
- Bring along a few flashlights for nighttime and always make sure your toddler is supervised when outdoors, even during the day.
- Seal food scraps in containers or bags to keep any wild animals away.
- Be careful when having a campfire and always make sure it’s out and safe when it’s not in use.
- Bring along a first aid kit with all the necessary items along for the ride.
- Stash away any products like sunscreen, bug spray or coals that could be dangerous for a toddler.
Preparing For the Worst: Setting Up a Backup Plan
Though we all hope for the best during camping trips, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the worst either. Unexpected rains can make for an unappealing scenario, so it’s a good idea to pack a few extra items for a backup just in case the weather turns sour. Here are a few items that you can consider having on hand:
- Raincoats and extra waterproof gear in case of an unexpected downpour.
- Umbrellas & extra waterproof bags for gear.
- A waterproof tarp or tent that can be used as a makeshift shelter for waiting out the rain.
- An extra cooler to keep cold items cold and sealed snacks that don’t need to be kept in a cooler.
Having Fun With the Little Ones
Camping with a toddler can be super fun and a great way to bond with your little one. Make sure to plan interactive activities and games together like scavenger hunts, butterfly hunts and nature walks. Mindful activities such as yoga and meditation is also something that you can try as a family. Most importantly, have fun and make the most out of your time around nature.
In conclusion, you’re more than likely to enjoy plenty of camping trips as a family if you plan and prepare properly. Now that you know what to take camping with a toddler, packing the essential items should be a piece of cake. Just be sure to have a plan in place and create a backup in case of an unexpected event so that the camping experience remains enjoyable for everyone. With the right precautions and items packed, your family camping trip with toddlers can be a great memory for years to come.