Toddlers, unlike adults, can’t be flexible. Just like at home, on the campsite when a toddler is tired, her behavior will be awful. When she’s hungry, she’ll be cranky and noisy. If she can’t play or explore she’ll be whiny. But be assured, once a young child’s basic needs are met, she’ll be happy camper.
Choosing a Comfortable Campsite
Early booking is essential. Many campsites are unsafe and uncomfortable for two-year-olds. A good campsite is one that:
- Is close to water the campers can use for drinking, washing and cooking.
- Is away from frequent vehicle traffic.
- Is mostly grass – partial dirt cover is okay.
- Has some shade.
- Does not have a rocky surface or a cliff.
- Is in an area where a curfew and noise restrictions are imposed.
Packing for Comfort and Safety
Packing for a camping trip with a toddler doesn’t require packing everything but the kitchen sink, though the kitchen sink would be a tempting addition! A play yard or play pen, the kind with mesh sides that folds into its own storage bag, is very useful. Something is needed to go on the floor to make a soft mattress. A bug protection net is needed to put over the top once the little one is sleeping The play yard is also excellent as a temporary safe place to put the toddler when he can’t be watched. Other essential items are
- A toddler size "camping chair" for a place to sit while eating or just to be off the ground for awhile.
- The diaper bag to keep everything ready and easy to carry for diaper changing plus a flash light, hand sanitizer; sun screen and a natural insect repellant.
- The plastic mat from the play yard serves as a good change pad.
- Clothing ought to include one or two lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants for additional protection from sun and bugs.
- Sun hats, sturdy shoes and an outfit for extra cool or wet weather.
Feeding the Toddler on the Campsite
Toddlers are great eaters of vegetables, fruits and grains. Keep it simple. Here are some easy prep and nutritious suggestions for the hungry two-year-old camper: No more than one pot will be needed for preparing any of these foods; many of them can be pre-cooked at home and kept in the cooler.
- Fruit – lots of it
- Whole grain bread and butter
- Whole grain cereal with milk (any time of the day)
- Whole grain cereal with raisins, dry
- Cheese cubes
- Cooked cauliflower, carrots or broccoli and served as finger foods
- Cooked green peas
- Cooked macaroni mixed with shredded cheese
- Humus
- Cooked rice
Toddlers Love to Explore and Need Free Time Outside
Not much needs to be packed for the young camper’s entertainment. A child needs to know his boundaries – where he is allowed to play and where he isn’t, and he needs constant supervision. Parents can sit back and relax and watch while the toddler explores. The bugs, birds, bits of leaves and wood, pebbles, sand, flowers, earth – all will become his world, and with a little luck a chipmunk or two will visit him.
Make time for play in the woods. According to Richard Louve, Director of the Children and Nature Network, children need time for free play outside to connect them with nature. It is unwise to clutter it with too many toys and pre-planned activities. Parents might want to pack a shovel and pail and 2 or 3 small cars and trucks for play in the sand.
Common Sense Packing for the Toddler
Very young children need to be comfortable and they need to be safe. A good guideline for packing is to keep safety and comfort as the top priorities. The safety issues ought to be considered especially when selecting the campsite. Along with a safe campsite, easy to prepare nutritious food and a comfortable sleeping place will help to make the family camping experience a positive one.
Clara Lovatt - Clara’s passion is to provide quality child care where young children can grow and be happy in healthy, loving environments. She ...
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