How to Plan a Camping Trip With a Toddler

Toddlers love camping ' especially the part that involves getting dirty! Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when you plan a camping trip with your toddler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Hats
• Booster Seats
• Infant Carriers
• Potty Chairs
• Strollers
• High Chairs
• Baby Wipes
• First Aid Kits
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen

1. Bring clothing that layers well, so you can adjust for warmth, and a few extra outfits, "just in case."

2. If your child is potty-training, remember to pack the portable potty and lots of tissue/wipes. Otherwise, just bring all the usual diapering supplies.

3. If you will be eating at picnic areas or "no-frills" restaurants, bring along a portable high chair that clips onto a table edge, or a booster seat.

4. Bring sunscreen, a hat for your child to wear in the sun and some children's insect repellant.

5. Bring a toddler backpack or a stroller with sturdy wheels that can handle uneven trails, if you will be walking or hiking during the day.

6. If you want to bathe your child while you're camping, a large plastic storage container makes a great toddler tub. You can pack your food or picnic supplies in it, too.

7. Bring some sturdy toys that you will be able to wash when the trip is over.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring lots of extra plastic bags. These can store dirty diapers, wet clothes and garbage.
• Don't forget to bring lots of sing-along tapes for the trip to and from the camping area.
• Get a kid's flashlight, and show your toddler how to use it. It will probably be his favorite camping toy of all.
• A camping trip isn't a good time to discover that your child is allergic to bites or stings. Consider investing in an allergy or bee-sting kit (ask your pharmacist), to include in your first aid kit.
• Some children are sensitive to insect repellant ' have a trial run before you go on your trip, and if your child seems sensitive, find a natural alternative.

[arwen1964]

on 6/2/2009 Uh, you really DON'T want to pack food in a tub you are going to wash a soiled child in, unless all the food is used up first, or you DON'T put the food back in it once you use it to wash your child. There is no way to get enough hot water at a campsite, at a high enough temperature to disinfect the tub after that first bath.

on 7/30/2006 Don't forget to pack extra diapers and wipes. It really sucks when you're in the middle of no where with no 'poo poo' supplies!!