One night camping alone with 3 young kids-look at my packing list and tell me what you think!

[Fillyjonk]

Am off next week overnight alone with 3 kids aged 1, 4, and 5.

Really want to keep it simple-putting the tent up will be enough!

Have I missed anything really vital?

I normally am quite relaxed about packing but I don't want to realise I am missing something vital, half way down the M4.

Note I am NOT peeing in a bucket full of cat litter. I cannot be persuaded otherwise.

torches
sleeping bags
airics
tent (important)
book
2 x changes of clothes for dc, 1 x change of clothes for me
waterproofs
nappies for dd2
Bag of snacks etc in mouse-proof box (plan is to eat out, but obviously to have snacks and fruit and suchlike)
picnic rug
Bikes/helmets etc

Don't think taking cooking stuff is wise, the site has a small cafe so will manage with that.

Thoughts?

[Nappyzoneisabeetrootrunner]

first aid kit and errr bikes or you hiring them been as though you have hats on the list. Single stove for a brew up?, cool box, milk....

[Fillyjonk]

hmm have ummed and ahhed re stove but think with toddler is just unwise.

first aid kit good idea

bikes-hiring one for me, taking for kids

[EachPeachPearMum]

I think..... you're mad!


I could not imagine taking my 2alone.... good luck!
No stove is a great idea, and its pretty warm atm so hot meals aren't essential (which is a change!)

[Nappyzoneisabeetrootrunner]

fair doos - unless you took one so when they were asleep you could use it and have a brew and a pot noodle

[Fillyjonk]

nappy, you are trying to disuade me surely with your talk of pot noodles...

[milkybarsrus]

You're very brave/crazy!!
I think I would add to the list;-
1 folding chair so you can have a read and have a drink in (unless you want to go to sleep when the kids do)?
bowls and spoons for you all (bowls more useable than plates IMO)
a flask (why? because you can ask a fellow friendly camper to boil up some water for you and put it into the flask and it should stay hot all day for a cuppa)
A cool bag and ice blocks (even biscuits taste yuk if its warm)
for a week 3 changes of clothes for you

Whats plan B??

I think I would make sure I have one just in case it pees down with rain for a week

[milkybarsrus]

so sorry I misread the thread. I thought it was for a week!
If its for one night, just ignore everything I said SORRY! .

[Nappyzoneisabeetrootrunner]

Pot noodle is essential emergency camping food.

[Fillyjonk]

at pot noodle

milky have cunning plan partly inspired by your post, kliplock boxes! For bowls! Can lock them until washing time, re-use leftovers easily! Yay!

[flamingobingo]

Filly, can I just say that you are inspiring, and, partly thanks to you, I have found that my aim re. camping is fast becoming the ability to take all my DCs camping on my own!

Although I think I could only do it if I was meeting up with friends - I don't think I'm going to be able to get my new heavy tent up completely on my own

[Fillyjonk]

well you are very kind flamingo, but remember you have FOUR dc and I have only three.

and also, I have not yet actually managed this one yet, just posted rather a lot about it

[MollieO]

I saw your other thread but didn't see the outcome. What will you do if you or one of your dcs need to pee in the middle of night? I'm curious as I'm planning to take ds camping (just the one dc!) and that was the first question my mum asked.

[Fillyjonk]

ah, plan is to allow NO fluids after about 9 am.

But tbh, have camped for many years with 3 kids, and have camped alone with older two when they were similar age to (now) younger two, if that makes sense-and don't think peeing in night question has ever occured. I suppose we could always just pee in the bushes in an actual midnight emergency.

[troutpout]

We have got one of these
Dd is 6 and has used it about 2 times since she was 18 months when we first took her camping. (she was dry early).

I am still using an old pack of nappies which i cut up and just put one bit inside the liner...it's enough to soak up any wee she might do.

If yours generally don't need to get up to wee at night then you should be ok...i haven't noticed any difference in weeing habits when camping.

I think the flask idea is good....i would definitely take a flask of coffee.I would take one chair too.The evening could be a bit long and chilly...it's amazing how much difference a hot drink will make.

Have fun

[flamingobingo]

at 'remember you have FOUR DC'

Like I could bloody forget!