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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think camping with an 11 month old will be 😩

37 replies

Sundancer77 · 20/06/2019 13:32

My oh has suggested we take Dd away camping in a tent for the night (we live in a warm place so weather isn’t an issue) just the thought of it is..stressful! There’s options for a small caravan or should we pay a bit extra and just go for a hotel?

OP posts:
VivienneHolt · 20/06/2019 13:35

It could be really fun! Worth a try for a night, surely?

LittleAndOften · 20/06/2019 13:37

We took ds to my parents' touring caravan from age 7 months. We've had some great times! It has only got difficult now ds is 3.5 and needs lots of space - especially challenging when it's raining.

We've also got another baby on the way so I think our days in the 4-berth caravan are over. A big tent though, that could be really fun, especially if you can guarantee the weather. I'm a fan of big static caravans too, especially on a site with swimming pools etc. Never thought I'd say that before kids!

OvalCanvas · 20/06/2019 13:38

It sounds horrendous to me , a few questions come to mind , where will she safely sleep ,

AudacityOfHope · 20/06/2019 13:39

I can't get my head round anyone enjoying camping. But enjoying it with a baby? Hell to the absolute nope.

OvalCanvas · 20/06/2019 13:40

Sorry , posted too soon.

I'd go with a caravan at the very least tbh.

Original poster
Sundancer77 · 20/06/2019 13:44

🤣 It does sound horrendous in lots of ways..used to enjoy it a few years back when was just the two of us (dp surfs etc so was a very relaxed time) can’t really see that now 🙈
The sleeping thing is my main issue..are they even ok at that age to sleep with us in a tent?

OP posts:
AyBeeCee10 · 20/06/2019 13:46

Sounds like hell to me. I hate camping, will take a hotel over anything.

Shockers · 20/06/2019 13:46

Our kids loved camping from being babies (the youngest started at 6 weeks). I used to take them on my own too. I used travel cots for sleeping and as play pens when I was cooking.

We have a caravan now they’re older (19 and 20, but we’ve had it for about 5 years). They still want to come away with us!

Lovewineandchocs · 20/06/2019 13:47

sundancer77 we took my DD away for two weeks camping when she was a year old. She slept in her travel cot in the tent and I slept on an air bed beside her. Is that an option?

Friedspamfritters · 20/06/2019 13:48

For a night or two I think it would be fine. Not everyone enjoys camping though - but I'd at least try it once.

Topseyt · 20/06/2019 13:48

Sounds like hell on earth to me, but I am a camping hater anyway so I guess I am biased that way.

Shockers · 20/06/2019 13:48

@LittleAndOften- do you have an awning? We used to set that up with a table for games and craft for those rainy moments when we weren’t out.

frenchknitting · 20/06/2019 13:51

I've been camping when the kids were 4mo, 18mo, 2yo and 3yo. Three was a terrible age, the rest were fun. Might try again this year at 2yo & 5yo.

Bluerussian · 20/06/2019 13:54

If it's only for one night you should be alright, something a bit different and you'll be able to say you tried camping.

Original poster
Sundancer77 · 20/06/2019 13:54

I did used to like camping (for just a couple of nights anyway) we’d do that and then check into a nice hotel with pool for the night at the end 🤣 just with Dd..I think she’d enjoy but she’s all over the place at the mo( crawling, not walking yet) and I can’t see it being that relaxing constantly trying to contain her outside the tent etc 🙈
Tbf..the thought of any type of hol is a bit 😬 and I’m a travel freak..getting out of the house for small ventures involves packing as if going on our hols anyway 😂
The travel cot for sleep is a possible idea..is it too much hassle though? Or am I just being a miserable sod

OP posts:
Fyette · 20/06/2019 14:12

If you used to enjoy it, I think you should at least give it a try! Sounds to me you are a bit nervous and seeing loads of obstacles, which is perfectly understandable with an 11 month year old, but I also think it just requires some practice and daring and you'll soon feel more able to do the things you used to love! And if it does suck - it's not for long. :)

jennymanara · 20/06/2019 14:19

Depends if you like camping. I do and think it would be okay with an 11 month old. When they are toddlers I can imagine it would be much harder.

fiorentina · 20/06/2019 14:26

It could be fun. We took our DC away camping at that age, in a travel cot in the tent and a grobag. They slept fine and had a good time. We were on a site with some facilities, they could get mucky if they wanted to, we took food etc. It was fine and we enjoyed it.

DaffodilsAndDandelions · 20/06/2019 14:43

Our youngest went camping for the first time this water aged 4 months, has been 4 more times since then. Loves it! We take the mattress from his next to me crib and he just sleeps on that next to us. Just make sure you have plenty of extra blankets to put over, nobody needs a cold baby.

Backwoodsgirl · 20/06/2019 14:46

Sounds like great fun, we are taking our 3 month old camping at the weekend, I can’t wait.

TheRedSquare · 20/06/2019 14:48

My mum loves telling me I first went camping when I was 6 weeks old...been nearly every year since!
I'm taking my baby who will be 6 months old this year 👍🏻
He will sleep in a travel cot, as did I and my brother as babies.

In England we just put a thicker sleeping sack in for night with long vest and sleep suit...did I read it as for only one night? If so, will be fine and an adventure for little one 😊😊
Any questions you need help with to what to take etc?

doxxed · 20/06/2019 14:50

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

Walkamileinmyshoesbeforeujudge · 20/06/2019 14:50

Travel cot. Cheap buggy. Old clothes!
Have pictures of dd at the same age being held under campsite taps getting washed down!!. She loved it!

LittleAndOften · 20/06/2019 15:25

@Shockers it's a half awning (again it's my parents' so meets their needs rather than ours!). I grew up caravanning and camping and love it, but find it hard in the wet with an active toddler!

When the budget allows we'll go camping in southern France. So much nicer in the warm.

OP, if you're going to go, a windbreak or two can be great for making a contained play area.

TheRedBarrows · 20/06/2019 15:31

Lots of experience as to how to enjoy taking a baby camping in the Camping Board (it’s under Travel)