Camping with Toddlers in the Great Outdoors

My wife and I love to camp. No RV's, no cabins, and no resorts. Just your basic, get away from it all, close to nature camping. Over the years, through much trial and error we have pretty much perfected the family camping trip.

When our children were toddlers we continued to enjoy our summer camping trips, but it was necessary to make some adjustments to the usual routine. Of course there was more trial and error, but after a few practice runs we had most of the bugs worked out.

Camping with a toddler offers a few challenges, but can still be a fun event for the whole family. The key to success, not unlike other vacations, is all in the planning and preparation. Your little campers have special needs, from clothing and hygiene, to transportation and entertainment.

Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a camping trip with your toddler is location. More specifically, the distance you plan to travel from home. In my opinion, closer is better. Try to select a camp ground with adequate amenities that is a reasonable distance from home, and a medical facility. Close to home so that in the unfortunate event that your young ones can't adjust to the outdoor setting you don't have a long trip back to the house. Close to a medical facility in case of any emergencies that may arise.

Another reason for the short trip suggestion is that too many hours in the car/car seat could result in either a very tired and moody little person, or an extremely well rested child that demands to be entertained as soon as the doors open. Either way, you arrive at your destination faced with a challenge that requires immediate attention. Hopefully your family dynamic is such that a spouse or older sibling is available to take care of the little one, allowing you to get camp set up.

If you are going it alone, don't panic. There is an effective alternative. At the top of my "must have" list is a travel play pen. Along with a few comfort items from home, the play pen will be a priceless asset. It should be the last item packed into your vehicle before embarking on your adventure so that it can be the first thing out once you reach your destination. It will provide a safe and secure place for your little camper to rest, play, or just watch you as you move about setting up camp. When nap time or bed time comes around, it doubles as a crib or bed.

The next essential item really comes down to practicality and personal preference. Navigating from one place or activity to another with a toddler, depending on distance, terrain, and choice of activities may require the use of a stroller or a baby/toddler back pack. Each has advantages and disadvantages. If hiking is a part of your plan, I would definitely go with the pack option because some terrain can be very stroller unfriendly. There are strollers designed specifically for this kind of activity available at most outfitters and outdoors stores. Large inflatable wheels make for a smoother ride and some models are three wheelers, making them very maneuverable. The stroller also provides onboard storage for essential items a young camper may need. If saving space in your car is a consideration, this is probably not the option for you.

The back pack will free up your hands and is comfortable as well as light weight. A few models also have pockets for storing small items, but nothing to bulky. With this option you will still have to tote another bag for diaper and clothing changes if that becomes necessary. One nice thing about the back pack is that they disassemble for machine washing. As I said before, choosing the right one really comes down to personal preference.

Whenever possible, encourage your young camper to walk. Like you, they need exercise and will enjoy exploring their new environment on their own two feet. When they get tired or the pace is too quick, transitioning to the pack or stroller is easy.

The weather is also is a major concern. Toddlers and babies do not adapt to changes in the weather the same way we grownups do. As a parent you need to plan for changes in climate with a variety of clothing for your little one.

Since camping is generally a summer activity the heat is probably the biggest weather concern you will face. With high temperatures it is extremely important to keep your little ones well hydrated. Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar and or carbonation. These tend to dehydrate. Water is the number one choice, but an occasional sport drink will help replace electrolytes that water can't.

If the option is available at your camping destination, an early afternoon swim is a great way to cool down your kiddo, as well as providing a fun activity for the whole family. Just be sure to protect your young camper's sensitive skin with SPF 30 or higher sun block. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than sunburn regardless of age. In the event that a burn is not avoided, treat it with aloe. It sooths the burn and generally has no harmful side effects. Once treated, avoid any further exposure to direct sun light by staying in the shade. You may also want to remove irritating clothing on or around the affected areas.

Feeding young campers shouldn't be much different than your routine at home. I would suggest pre packing some healthy snacks in small individual portions. These are great for between meals and can be enjoyed on the go. Try to schedule meals at roughly the same time you would be eating at home. This way your Child's normal routine is not disrupted very much.

The first camping trip you take with your toddler should be of short duration. A night or two should be more than enough. After a few short outings you will know if camping is a good activity for your little one, and it will have allowed you, through trial and error of your own, to determine what works best for you and your family.

With good planning and preparation, camping with your toddler will be a great experience. Your little camper will enjoy discovering the outdoor world, and as a parent you will have the joy of watching your young child as they experience and discover new and wonderful things.

For more tips on camping you can follow this link to my article, "Camping for Beginners"

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1555775/camping_for_beginners.html?cat=11