Camping newbie!

[Titsalinabumsquash]

DP and I would like to take the children (8,6 and 8 months) camping.

We would like some recommendations for a first family tent and the basic info.

Is it even possible with a baby?
What essentials would we need to take?

ooh, ooh, we are newbies too! DCs are 7,5 and 13mo. Nervous about the baby bit, but hey ho.

So not that helpful, but bumping for you so I can pinch any ideas

Babies are brilliant campers. A friend was with us recently with her 8 week old. Breast fed is a bit easier but once you are not sterilising it makes little difference. And the fresh air generally knocks them out.

For them bring a travel cot, their usual sleep stuff and maybe a fleecy all in one for extra warmth (maybe not a cocern at the moment).

If you have never done it before borrow what you can. Otherwise try to get eBay bargains if you can. Pop up family tents from decathlon are also a good bet to make pitching easier. Make sure you practise getting them down though!

Someone will be along soon with good suggestions for other first time tents. And search for the packing list on here for ideas for what to take. Don't overdo it though. Take basics like tent, sleeping bags, airbed or foam mat, picnic rug or table and chairs, coolbox and, if you have a gas stove maybe frozen things like bolognese/ chilli to heat up or a BBQ. Then bring pots and pans and plastic plates and mugs from Home. Maybe a bucket for night time wees. And wine. Lots of wine!

And enjoy!

oh and for the older ones, take a ball and a few toys and books. They will love the freedom and probably will make friends.

The Vango Icarus series of tents are good - spacious & easy to put up. We have the Icarus 800 which is enormous (and there are only 3 of us! ) You can sometimes pick up a bargain on a discontinued line of tents. Have fun!