Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Camping with a 12 month old

41 replies

Fem1928374 · 26/04/2025 21:24

My DH has talked me into going tent camping in a couple of weeks for a weekend. We have a 12 month old and I’ll be 9 weeks pregnant.

Is this a really bad idea? I’m very apprehensive about it. What can I do to make it easier/warmer/fun?

OP posts:
BakelikeBertha · 26/04/2025 21:36

Sorry OP, but I wouldn't put myself through that again for all the tea in China! It got so cold at night, that my LO was MISERABLE!! You can do everything possible to keep them warm, but you can't keep their face covered up, and most kids of that age definitely won't want hands covered. We ended up having to put our LO in the car and drive around until she went to sleep, then left her in the car. Personally, I'd cancel.

Mushroo · 26/04/2025 21:38

God, it sounds like a punishment. Just, why?

stay home in the warm and put your feet up

StillTryingtoBuy · 26/04/2025 21:43

Have you been camping before? May is a bit early and yes even with good weather it may be a bit chilly at night but would say you’ll manage fine, I’d recommend cosleeping and sharing a double sleeping bag with the 12 month old, or bring duvets with you. Hot water bottles might help. Will you have electricity?

Original poster
Fem1928374 · 26/04/2025 21:44

Yes I’ve been camping plenty of times but not with a baby! Last time we went in May it was bloody freezing at night. We’ve never coslept and I don’t think my DS will. No, there’s no electricity and the facilities are very basic (toilets and a very basic shower).

OP posts:
Lyra87 · 26/04/2025 21:44

I wouldn't do this for any amount of money OP. I can't see any way to make it an enjoyable experience.

YesHonestly · 26/04/2025 21:46

A basic campsite in May with a baby and pregnant?

I really wouldn’t do this. Nobody is going to have any fun.

outside1inside · 26/04/2025 21:47

Fluffy onesie. Co sleep with 12 month old ( it's like having a hot water bottle). Actual hot water bottle your feet. Duvet not sleeping bag. Foam mat under airbed. Top up airbed every evening including the first evening (they deflate when they get cold). Extra blankets at the foot of the bed for easy grabbing. Slipper socks.

Travel cot with toys to put toddler in when cooking. Easy snack bags to distract toddler, Ella's kitchen stuff.

Washing is not important, you will be filthy and so will your baby, it doesn't matter!

Pringles

LuluDelulu · 26/04/2025 21:50

Sounds really crappy. Just say no…

Mickeychampionwhatgoodami · 26/04/2025 21:51

Do you hate yourself!!

Eggsinthewhoopsiebasketalready · 26/04/2025 21:51

Travel cot... And a hat and mitts for the baby over night!! Pj's and a onesie
. And thick socks over the feet!
Ds has always loved camping..
Enjoy op.

AlertCat · 26/04/2025 21:52

I loved camping with mine from age 3. I wouldn’t bother with a baby, it will feel like really hard work and I don’t see where the fun will come in! I also felt terrible in early pregnancy and just wouldn’t want to do it.

Ladychatterly86 · 26/04/2025 21:57

I suppose this depends if you are experienced campers? And have realistic expectations? I loved camping and did often as a child in a range of places. Started camping again in my 20s in the Uk including in winter. Camped when pregnant up to 9 months. Then camped when both kids were about 4 months old for the first May bank holiday. We camp at least 4 times a year in the Uk with both kids now a little older. But we all love it.
At this time of year we put camping mats down and then a double airbed. We have an amazing double Coleman sleeping bag which is incredibly warm plus extra blankets etc and we sleep in base layers plus fleecy pjs. We all sleep together. Nothing better than waking with the birds in the fresh air!

Pippa12 · 26/04/2025 22:01

We are experienced campers. This is a terrible idea. Add an electric, it’s a game changer! We have heaters, kettles, air fryers, my god we even take a tele! The electricity makes a world of difference but it’s still not a ‘holiday’.

Not a bloody chance I’d consider this without a hook up- even then I’d give it a lot of thought!

Original poster
Fem1928374 · 26/04/2025 22:20

It’s a group trip so DH is desperate to go, although everyone else has older kids or is young and child free. It wouldn’t be my choice of campsite! I also felt terrible in my first pregnancy at 8 weeks so I’m hoping I don’t this time as no toilet would have been awful for me with sickness…

OP posts:
Original poster
Fem1928374 · 26/04/2025 22:21

I’ve just seen the site no longer has a shower and only has portaloos!

OP posts:
Mmhmmn · 26/04/2025 22:21

Awful. Does he lack empathy?!

DandelionPockets · 26/04/2025 22:26

Can you and DS stay in a B&B whilst your hubby freezes in the field??

It's too cold for a 12month old and early pregnancy is already hard enough. I love camping but would have to stay at home in this scenario.

Baital · 26/04/2025 22:31

If you weren't pregnant I would say take good quality camping mats and cuddle up with your little one.

We have done basic camping and DD always loved it (for a couple of nights)

But add in feeling ill? No way

Flytrap01 · 27/04/2025 02:29

glamping yes, camping then omg

123EndOfRope67 · 27/04/2025 02:34

Pregnant, 12 month old, no shower, no toilet, only portaloos, UK in May?

Your DH is an arsehole for even asking you to consider it. What is he, a fucking child totally unable to consider such minute details like the comfort of his pregnant wife and small toddler?

coxesorangepippin · 27/04/2025 03:33

Just let him go alone

ZiggyPlaysGuitarrr · 27/04/2025 05:20

We camped from when our eldest was 3 months old. We've never had electric hook up. Velour onesie, baby sleeping bag, hat, mittens, they slept like logs.

BlondiePortz · 27/04/2025 05:23

123EndOfRope67 · 27/04/2025 02:34

Pregnant, 12 month old, no shower, no toilet, only portaloos, UK in May?

Your DH is an arsehole for even asking you to consider it. What is he, a fucking child totally unable to consider such minute details like the comfort of his pregnant wife and small toddler?

Sure the op doesn't have to go, we went when our baby was close to a year old, if i was pregnant as well i would have gone, I may be female but I can think for myself

How on earth is dh an arsehole?

Callie247 · 27/04/2025 05:27

BlondiePortz · 27/04/2025 05:23

Sure the op doesn't have to go, we went when our baby was close to a year old, if i was pregnant as well i would have gone, I may be female but I can think for myself

How on earth is dh an arsehole?

Show quote history

Exactly. Some of the replies on here. It’s just a weekend. Is everyone really that flaky over one night, two max? I’d love it!

rwalker · 27/04/2025 05:32

tell him to go on his own or just him and 12 month old