Tell me the shit things having a caravan with a baby/toddler

[LittleElfToes]

Maternity leave nearly up, have thought for years we would get a caravan during it so could go away for weekends and be used to it during return to work, so could have it packed and go away for weekends to the beach etc and see children grow up less screen dependant and happy to sit in the caravan in the rain playing a board game. Well would mainly go weather dependent ut thought would use it year round.
We picked one that would work for us, been to see it several times and got a good offer on a package deal.

Now DH says no point until child is older, and wait a few years. Lots of things have happened to make me feel life is so fucking precious and want to make the most of it now. I appreciate he thinks it’ll eb works but we don’t go away now. We’ve boy been away once during maternity oeave and won’t do weekends away now sa there’s so much stuff.

so tell me why it’s a bad idea and shit.

Caravans are great for little ones. I actually potty trained my DC1 in our touring caravan in Cornwall. Everything is wipe able for sticky hands and messes and if you do have a nightmare with sofas you can take them out and clean them.
DC2 came away with us from being newborn and slept next to me at the side of the built in drawers which made BF easier. We moved her to the bottom bunk with a side rail later on. Tourers fit all the baby and toddler stuff in as well so more room in the car and you can pack the night before.
We loved it and the kids did run round outside instead of being on screens. We had 3 caravans over the years and I’d say go for the best you can afford with a decent heating system and bunks for the kids.

To answer your question, it’s not shit. You have to be quieter once the kids are in bed as they can hear, and getting jiggy does rock the caravan but apart from that it’s worth it.

Kids love it.

Been caravanning for 21 years. My kids were 5 years old and 10 months old when we started. We've had so many fabulous holidays- holidays that we wouldn't have had if we hadn't got a caravan. Our first caravan was a small 5 berth.It was only £1800 and we had it for 3 years. We upgraded because we decided to carry on caravanning and the kids were outgrowing it.
Socially, it's brilliant. Our kids were always off at other kids caravans, or they were at ours and you always get chatting to other adults. We've been all over the country, and to France four times. It's trial and error when you first start, you work out what you do and don't need as you go along and it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. My kids are 22 and 27 now and they still talk about the holidays they had as kids in the caravan.

We had our first caravan holiday when the kids were 13 months. Went camping the next year, then bought a tourer. My grandkids started caravanning as babies- it’s great!

get a travel cot with a lid- my daughter had one like a zip up tent with blackout fabric. Also a camping high chair (folds up and light weight) Other than that, it just stuff you have anyway.
Its as much a faff or as simple as you make it, imho.
An all-in-one cagule type suit plus wellies are essential as they start to move about, as well as a good all terrain buggy.

Are you sure it’s not just that he’s worried about towing? Lots of people are- if so, the Caravan and Motorhome Club do courses.

We used to go away once a month- only locally, and as members of the caravan club use their Certified locations, much cheaper 5 van sites for members only.
You don’t have to spend a fortune, my 2 still talk about their childhood caravanning.

Awnings are divorce in a bag.
There is quite a bit of kit but if you go get fully serviced pitches.
get the best van you can afford with heating.
drying out awnings is not fun.
expense with storage, insurance, mayday rescue, etc
other than that, love it. Great for kids.

Caravans and small kids are a fabulous mix. We got our first when my oldest was 5 and all four kids have spent many weekends (and weeks) in it ever since. We took it to Holland a few times too, which is exciting on the ferry!

Oldest is now 15 and getting a bit fed up of being cooped up with siblings. We still go though, and he still enjoys it really!

Get the caravan ASAP and start making the memories!

Ah, I agree with everything you’re saying, even think the caravan is baby proof due to the cupboard locks!
I think he is worried about towing, but maybe about having less savings for emergencies and that we have too much going on, but there is never a right time is there?

If you were in Australia, oldest would be wanting a swag by now. When we were out a couple of weeks ago, a couple on another site in their caravan had four swags lined up outside.

getawayoutdoorsbalcatta.com.au/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&options%5Bunavailable_products%5D=last&q=Swag

My son died as a teenager, so I am all for living whilst you can. He loved caravan holidays. You’ll make amazing memories, go for it - life is too short to wait.

I’m very sorry to hear that @ArmyOfNorks There are health issues at play that want me to do this whilst we can too, whereas DH thinks we should wait and see how things pan out but I think things won’t get better health wise and waiting is pointless.

I’m very sorry to hear that @ArmyOfNorks There are health issues at play that want me to do this whilst we can too, whereas DH thinks we should wait and see how things pan out but I think things won’t get better health wise and waiting is pointless.

Go for it.

We bought ours when the kids were 4 and 2. In fact when we were looking to buy we were potty training the 2 year old and she weed in a brand new show home caravan. They were so nice to us but we did spend a fortune that day.

Kids are now 12 and 10 and we’ve had so many amazing times in ours. Nothing fancy, just a week in Devon each year and short breaks a bit closer to home. Kids still love it but I think k the years 5-10 are the best fun. They love whizzing down to the shop and eating their sweets in the park!

Have spoken to DH again and he has said a firm no. He doesn’t feel we have the capacity at the moment. Maybe I’ll try again next summer, but the caravan I want has been discontinued so will be looking at second hand then.

Best thing ever and still use ours with teens. So worth it. The fun of camping but with cupboards and beds and a fridge and a cooker! And if you fully equip your caravan you only have to pack clothes and toiletries and off you go!

We keep board games, playing cards and activities in the caravan. Plus an inflatable boat lol.

It all depends on whether you want to fit your whole house into a space smaller than the average lounge.

I think you'd be mad to buy new particularly when you don't know if it'll suit you. Buy a cheap used caravan and try it out for at least a year (all seasons, all weather) to see if you'll enjoy it. Don't get caught up in the competition of having the newest, nicest, fanciest caravan with the most facilities.

Definitely get second hand!
you can get something decent for £5k, and that leaves money for savings and emergencies if your DH is anxious.