Camping with Toddlers

Having spent the better part of six years as a professional whitewater river guide, I know a thing or two about living on the land. Some years I’d spend six months living out of my truck. Driving from river to river, eager for the next adventure. Everything I needed fit into four rubber containers. I made a platform bed and slid the containers underneath them. I could bathe in the river or use the showers at state parks. It was a free and wonderful life.

That was then. Now I have a mortgage, a husband, two cars, a camper, a dog and two babies. Gone are the days of packing up and on my way within 30 minutes. Now it takes me darn near three days to get us out the door for a weekend of “camping”.

What I have learned is that you can never be to prepared. Years ago, if I ran out of water it wasn’t a big deal. I could wait for my system to purify it, drink beer or drive the 20 miles to the nearest store. Now? Try telling a four month old, "Momma will be back in an hour with the bottle." My general rule is if you think it bring it.

Loving dirt is another thing I’ve learned to do. In the past I would sweep my living quarters multiple times throughout the day. I may have been living in a truck down by the river, but it was mighty clean. I have yet to learn how to teach a one year old not to track dirt. Those clean little angelic faces? Dirty. Who can keep up?

Organization is key as well. Do not pack the entire families clothes together. Whether you are car camping, putting up a tent, or in an RV, allow each member of the family their own space. This prevents the inevitable dig from reaching epic depths. If little one needs a new onsie you won’t be forced to push aside all of your hubby’s shirts to find it. Also, it helps to separate the clean from the dirty. This tip comes in handy when you return home.

Speaking of home, if possible leave it clean. This might go without saying. But, when the tornado of packing is done, one barely has time to look at the living room before locking the door. Returning home with dirty clothes, gear and humans is made much more bearable if the house is in order.

Campfires, are a big problem with toddlers. They aren’t the most stable of walkers and the ground isn’t exactly flat. I battle this one on two fronts. First, don’t start the fire until after dinner and all is cleaned up. This allows us to be right there with the kids. Second, They are not allowed to get out of the chair without assistance. We have toddler size chairs for them, available everywhere. If you are using the fire for cooking the same rule applies. Do not under any circumstances leave the campfire unattended.

Bugs. The thought of spraying a baby with deet makes me cringe. I’ve been lucky Tea Tree Oil has worked quite well for me and mine. And spare yourself the embarrassment I suffered. You don’t have to spread it all over your arms, face and legs. A dab here and there seems to be just as effective. Wow, did I ever stink up a few nights in the tent with that stuff.

The Sun. My pediatrician recommended this site www.ewg.org, to me. It rates all the sunscreens for safety. I was shocked at what I found.

Sleeping in a new situation is always difficult for little ones. I bring as much as I can from home. The same blanket, the same teddy bear, a familiar flashlight, favorite books. This might seem a bit excessive but it really, really helps to make bedtime smooth.

Don’t forget the camera and or camcorder. That way maybe ten years from now the sticky marshmallow madness and squished slug goo might seem worth remembering.

Camping with little ones is far from relaxing. Its just the opposite of relaxing. I do it for the memories. So that they grow up learning up nature. As time goes on I’ll bring less and less. It is my hope that by the time they are teen agers they will be rafting with me and we all be able to pack and go in a matter of minutes.

Until then I pack Teddy, Moon Book, Blankey, and all the other important essentials to a two year old.

Good luck and have fun.