we are in full swing with camping in our family and its such a blessing to be in the great wide wilderness with the family enjoying old fashioned time together, we have gotten pretty good at it - gadget free... well except for the iPad, we do need our daily dose of 'Paw Patrol'.. thats ok in these parts.
Recently my hubby and I had a toddler-free camping weekend (thank you Oma & Grandpa) and as wonderful as it was to sleep in and get day drunk- most of the time i had to relax was spent reminiscing about what we would be doing if our little was with us and planning the next outdoor getaway with our little. Ain't that the parent life.
Camping is like crack for my little, hello sweet snacks, staying up late, getting dirty, limited baths and dirt bikes, quads, etc... little boys dream!
Although its not quite the same as the carefree camping we once experienced- its pretty awesome spending the weekend with friends together with our children and there is usually lots of hands to help, stories to tell and enough activities to keep them busy!
Here are just a few suggestions for camping with littles and camping approved items from Toys to Sleeping suggestions..
(these are our personal favs)
Keep Toys under control- remember the house parties you used to wake up at and things WTF happened here- well a weekend camping with your toddler and your campsite will resemble something quite like that.
We like to limit them and keep them organized in a rubbermaid (appropriate size for your trailer/tent)
Rubber maid are great for outside in any weather then just bring in the truck or camper for transport.*BONUS-they can be used as a bathtub or cool pool*
Think toys for all sorts of weather, bubble guns are great but if its all you got and its a rainy weekend..well.. - unless your cool mom, then go ahead. crazy.
We like simple things like colouring books, glow sticks, Tonka trucks, balls of various sizes, jars to catch bugs and of couple favourites from home. The best toys are the ones found in the wilderness!
We like to limit them and keep them organized in a rubbermaid (appropriate size for your trailer/tent)
Rubber maid are great for outside in any weather then just bring in the truck or camper for transport.*BONUS-they can be used as a bathtub or cool pool*
Think toys for all sorts of weather, bubble guns are great but if its all you got and its a rainy weekend..well.. - unless your cool mom, then go ahead. crazy.
We like simple things like colouring books, glow sticks, Tonka trucks, balls of various sizes, jars to catch bugs and of couple favourites from home. The best toys are the ones found in the wilderness!
Snacking toddlers are happy toddlers and with the excitement from being camping coupled with the fresh air and busyness- toddlers tend to eat less at mealtimes out camping, all my mommy friends say the same- think nutritious snacks and don't force too much at supper time. As long as they are staying hydrated- thats most important. They will find you and the meltdowns will tell you its time for some snacks so be prepared.
Remember that these snacks will often be left out and revisited time and time again so be cautious of dairy products.
We love these baby squeeze pouches - they usually have a balance of some veggies so i can rest assured its not just a sugar weekend. They are easy and on hot days, its a nice cool treat.
Something else that always seems to be a hit for my little is a homemade trail mix. Mixing fav's like teddy grahams, almonds, cheerios... well maybe ill leave that for another post. Whatever you child likes, there are no rules, just make ahead and be prepared.
Don't forget a reusable and durable water bottle and chair in their size. They will need a place to eat at if they are done with the highchair..
Remember that these snacks will often be left out and revisited time and time again so be cautious of dairy products.
We love these baby squeeze pouches - they usually have a balance of some veggies so i can rest assured its not just a sugar weekend. They are easy and on hot days, its a nice cool treat.
Something else that always seems to be a hit for my little is a homemade trail mix. Mixing fav's like teddy grahams, almonds, cheerios... well maybe ill leave that for another post. Whatever you child likes, there are no rules, just make ahead and be prepared.
Don't forget a reusable and durable water bottle and chair in their size. They will need a place to eat at if they are done with the highchair..
Plan ahead with at camp activities, We can't always be going on hikes, throwing rocks in the river, going on quad rides and watching daddy chop wood.. so in the meantimes make sure you have things to keep your little one busy while hanging out at camp. Nap times count :)
We make sure we always bring the 'strider' bike for our little man, he enjoys hopping logs and we enjoy making little obstacle courses for him. Looking for bugs and catching them is a great past time and I'm sure you don't have to go far. If I'm really prepared i take a few things along to craft with like painting rocks, making pet sticks or bird feeders...Pinterest is at your becon call (before you leave of course)
Im never without stickers and temporary tattoos.. those are favs and if you have access to enough water, water fights are always fun!
We make sure we always bring the 'strider' bike for our little man, he enjoys hopping logs and we enjoy making little obstacle courses for him. Looking for bugs and catching them is a great past time and I'm sure you don't have to go far. If I'm really prepared i take a few things along to craft with like painting rocks, making pet sticks or bird feeders...Pinterest is at your becon call (before you leave of course)
Im never without stickers and temporary tattoos.. those are favs and if you have access to enough water, water fights are always fun!
S.L.E.E.P ???? Yes, They are going to sleep different, maybe better, maybe worse, just like any vacay.
Be prepared... we are lucky enough to have a travel trailer so our little is now framiliar with his bed there, but it took awhile and no 2 nights are ever the same.. just be patient and bring a few comforts from home. We try to keep bedtime routine as much the same as possible from bed time to blankies...
Don't forget essentials like medicines and things for emergency. We often camp in the forest so there isn't much around in the event of an emergency. Get yourself a REAL first aid kit, allergy meds and be prepared for things for tummy aches, fever, bug bites, diaper rash and teething.
Seriously- Just take it momma.
Be prepared... we are lucky enough to have a travel trailer so our little is now framiliar with his bed there, but it took awhile and no 2 nights are ever the same.. just be patient and bring a few comforts from home. We try to keep bedtime routine as much the same as possible from bed time to blankies...
Don't forget essentials like medicines and things for emergency. We often camp in the forest so there isn't much around in the event of an emergency. Get yourself a REAL first aid kit, allergy meds and be prepared for things for tummy aches, fever, bug bites, diaper rash and teething.
Seriously- Just take it momma.
On the Road- you gotta get there right?! Thats the beginning and the end- if your lucky they will be happy and excited on the way out and sleep the whole way home, but think ahead and plan for this stage too. Whether its books, iPad or games.. make sure you have something to keep them entertained oh and snacks...
Happy Camping, be safe & have fun!
My item favourites:
1. CIAO Baby - Portable highchair
Not just for a weekend in the sticks, grandmas house, Mexico, your own germs at a restaurant, its a must!
2. Rubbermaid bins for storage
3. Attitude brand eco friendly wipes
Cause its nicer to the environment....
4. Squeeze pouches (I prefer organic brings like Ellas kitchen & Plum) but whatever is on sale and has veggies in it works for me
5. Fleece lined jeans (these can be found anywhere) but so great for cool mornings and evenings
6. Kleen Kanteen
Durable, safe & easy to clean are what your looking for here
7. Strider, pedal free bike
This is a blast for any littles in that 2 year old + window! we take ours everywhere
Happy Camping, be safe & have fun!
1. CIAO Baby - Portable highchair
Not just for a weekend in the sticks, grandmas house, Mexico, your own germs at a restaurant, its a must!
2. Rubbermaid bins for storage
3. Attitude brand eco friendly wipes
Cause its nicer to the environment....
4. Squeeze pouches (I prefer organic brings like Ellas kitchen & Plum) but whatever is on sale and has veggies in it works for me
5. Fleece lined jeans (these can be found anywhere) but so great for cool mornings and evenings
6. Kleen Kanteen
Durable, safe & easy to clean are what your looking for here
7. Strider, pedal free bike
This is a blast for any littles in that 2 year old + window! we take ours everywhere
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