Camping with toddler. Advice needed?

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Lisa V asked:

My son is 18 1/2 months and a FABULOUS sleeper. We are going camping for the first time for the summer and was looking for a little input. we own a travel trailer and my son will be sleeping in the pack and play. Last year–he was little enough to just old/rock to sleep and then put in the pack and play. This year is going to be tricky. I want to keep his schedule somewhat normal. I know camping allows for some flexibility though. At home–we do 2 or 3 “nighty night” books and then I lay him down, turn on his music box and he’s set! I’m nervous that this won’t work at camp. It’s going to be a new surrounding, new “bed,” new noises etc. Any advice from anyone who has either camped or traveled with a child this age? How was the transitions from bed to pack and play? Home to camper/tent/hotel room? Any advice is appreciated. I’m hoping he will be good and tired enough to pass out.

ps–Advice about nap-time would be great too. I don’t really wanna skip nap. He gets VERY cranky without it.
Just to clarify…..this is luxury camping in a trailer



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2 Responses to 'Camping with toddler. Advice needed?'

  1. Casinoman - August 15th, 2009 at 7:37 am

    When my son was little he went on many camping trips with the boy scouts and my self.
    Now the boys wore him out most times with play and learning. We would go back to camp and he would more time then not just fall asleep in his new sleeping bag.
    Just remember this will be a big new adventure for all of you. Have fun try new stuff. I know that it will be hard at first but rember this.
    You are out there to have fun and get away from the normal routine and so is he. You may have to let the nap time slide a little but my guess is if you are busy all day he will tell you he wants a nap.
    If that nap happens next to you by the fire so beit. you are camping after all.

  2. mtwaites - August 18th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    My parents took us camping when we were quite young. It was fairly easy to adjust to the new surroundings with the fact that that since there was a lot of fresh air, and there was a lot of things to do, it tired us out quite a bit.

    A word of caution however, is when you’re out in the wilderness, to make sure that you keep a close watch on your little guy with the fact that since they do really unpredictable movements they are at prime targets for wildlife, and I want you to be able to enjoy your time away from civilization.

    Depending on whether there is a lake, use some water wings and have him experience the lake, but only swim if there is a swimming area. Also, you could do some leaf hunting, or some games like that to tire him out.


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