First camping trip - essentials/tips?

[vvviola]

We're going camping next Friday (it's summer here, we're not completely bonkers).

Both DH and I have camped before, in the dim and distant past (me in the scouts, him 'free camping' with his brother, so I got the impression it was a case of bringing tent, sleeping bags and beer )

This is supposed to be a dry-run for more camping trips, so we're camping beside DH's aunts beach hut which has some equipment, facilities etc. MIL and BIL are also joining us, but sleeping in the cabin (provided MIL has actually heard DH's instructions that no, she isn't to bring everything and no, she won't be sleeping in the tent with him and the DC while I sleep in the cabin long story with lots of background)

So, longwinded explanation over:

• assuming we have the basics of tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment: what do you consider complete essentials to take?
• what sort of things do you always forget and then curse yourself for forgetting
• DC are 6 and 2, any tips?
• How do you stop a 2yo wriggling down to the bottom of their sleeping bag and getting stuck/suffocating? (Irrational fear created by above mentioned MIL and her desire to 'be helpful' by bringing a cot, baby blankets, high chair etc etc etc for a child who doesn't use them anymore)

This has the makings of a total disaster or the first of many great holidays - I have a feeling the level of preparedness might be key.

Thanks!

Footle I'm a bit confused - um, yes?

Ice - it's summer here. No matter how much fun it is, I don't think winter camping will ever be my thing

I think I'm with you there vvviola! Jealous that you are in summer!

Footle I read the thread as tips on camping with small kids. I can see now that the OP says she's not in the UK but as that wasn't the thrust of the thread I forgot that bit. Was there any reason to be rude when you could have pointed that out nicely

OP I had to read your post twice - couldn't believe you went camping in this weather - then realised you are not in the uk. Far too cold yet but hopefully Easter???

Footle I was being over sensitive. My excuse is post birth hormones (DC2 is one week old ).

itwillgetbettersoon I know! Hopefully! I'm reading up on camping threads as I research and plan summer hols. Need something to do whilst BF for hours in the dead of night!

More batteries than you think you'll need. More gas for the cooking stove than you think you'll need.

I always take a small dustpan and brush to get rid of the grass and mud that gets walked into the tent.

Ooops - didn't read the whole thread and hadn't realised you've already been.

Three trugs. Great for bathing kids in, putting clothes in when taking shower, storing wet shoes, use as washing up bowl, paddling pools, chilling beer in etc

Here are my essentials. We keep most of the kitchen kit in a a picnic hamper at home so it can be all kept together and shoved in car at short notice

CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Tent and mallett
Double mattress - airbed or cotton rollup mattress depending on space in boot
Duvet and pillows for adults (much nicer than sleeping bag for adults)
Mattress for each child (again airbed or cotton rollup)
Sleeping bag for each child (mine aren't too bothered about pillows!)
Blankets
Big camping table (e.g. Gelert Double Folding)
Folding chair or stool for each person
Lanterns - 2-3 plus batteries or charge them up if rechargeable.
Torches - a big decent one plus little ones for the kids

COOKING/KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Oilcloth tablecloth
For each person - plate, bowl, knife, fork,spoon
Mugs for adults (enamel are good)
Melamine tumblers for kids
Plastic wine glasses/champagne flutes/cocktail glasses (you can tell the kind of camping I like to do)
Kettle
Frying pan/other small pan
Small portable gas BBQ that you can also boil a kettle on e.g. Cadac Safari plus gas cannister
matches
BBQ tongues and spatula
Bottle opener/corkscrew
Tin opener
Sharp knife
Bread knife
Big melamine serving platter doubles up as chopping board
Toasting forks (for marshmallows in case there are no sticks)
Washing up bowl
Washing up brush, dishcloth, tea towel, washing up liquid
Toilet roll
Baby wipes
Water cannister to save having to keep going to the tap
Decent coolbox and a few iceblocks - some campsites have freezers where you can keep refreezing ice packs

FOOD AND DRINK - these are necessities but depends on whether your campsite has a shop or nearby shops
Make something at home easy to warm up on first night e.g. big stew and crusty bread or failing that sausages and bread rolls
Bread, butter, milk, tea bags, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, ketchup
Foil
Snacks to keep kids happy especially while putting up tent - biscuits, crisps, fruit
Marshmallows and hot chocolate powder
Wine - boxes are good to avoid spillages and breakages, red better because hard to keep white wine at right temperature
Easy breakfast for next day - e.g. brioches, cereals

If your campsite doesn't have a shop or no farm shops/pubs nearby you will have to plan ahead for more meals.

If I think of anything else will add!
Happy Camping