Camping with an 18 month old - what to take

[Penguinparty88]

So got the tent.... and tent pegs ( unlike last time when we forgot them) however I'm struggling to think what I need to take especially as this will be the first time camping with our 18 month old. So far have got him an inflatable toddler bed, all in one 2.5 tog sleep suit with arms and legs. Just wondering what on earth specifically for him do we need ... and is this a terrible idea 

Hey!

Not a terrible idea at all! Just make sure you have plenty of nappies, swimming nappies, bottles, changes of shoes including wellies 🤣

I also make sure I take mossie repellent. I use the avon stuff which is a dry oil so just like moisturiser but keeps the bugs at bay!

I've camped with toddlers, it's great. Pack plenty of changes of clothes, plenty of snacks, have some way of safely restraining the child while the tent is being put up - remember first trip when DS was about 9 months him crawling around the field that had clearly just had sheep in it and me spending more time than I'd like making sure he didn't eat sheep poo. Think he was consigned to the buggy or sling quite often that trip.

These reply's make me feel so much better about it thinking the play pen for when we put up the tent that might be a good shout! Then just lots of warm clothes Ah thanks for the replies :)

Puddle suit for getting dirty!

something to keep them quiet for the inevitable early rise!

A duvet!!!!! We have a caravan and my 18 month old has a 7.5 tog duvet!

Put a picnic blanket or something under their bed so it stays warmer.

Defo plenty of snacks and a box of toys, if they have a scooter or scuttle bug maybe take one.

2.5 tog doesnt sound warm enough.

Would a travel cot be better? somewhere to contain him etc.

Toys, Bumbo/Somewhere to sit that isnt damp grass.

Somewhre to play - backed blanket or something- rather than a cold groundsheet .

If you can find a way to fit it in then an Ikea Antilop highchair.

Keeping warm is the most important thing otherwise he won't sleep well and you'll all be miserable.
Something to put between the bed and the floor, like a blanket or some people use those emergency foil blankets to reflect the heat back, keeps the cold from the ground away.
A fleece blanket you can lay as a sheet over the bed.
Otherwise, puddle suit, wellies or crocs, grass is always wet first thing.
Easy breakfast foods like fruit, brioche, breakfast bars that he can eat if he does wake early before you've had time to get sorted.

Also, depending on how long you're going for and where you are staying, take a plastic box you can use as a make shift bath. Just need enough warm water for a wash in the tent. Trying to shower with an 18 month old in a cubicle is like wrestling with an octopus!

A splash suit is useful even on beautiful sunny mornings as the grass is wet and toddlers tend to sit down on it. A buggy will double as a highchair. Bubbles - the sword version can be taped to a chair leg so they don't spill the lot! Hand gel and wet wipes galore. Make your last drink - be it tea or cocoa or just hot water for a bottle- as you pack away the stove at teatime- store in a thermos till supper time. Aquadraw mats are a good toy at that age.

Agree with the high chair, I never took one but once saw a family with one and it was really useful.

Don't take bubbles as they are not very tent friendly.

I take a tiny paddling pool, the one ring type you can get in Poundland or Wilko. Great for paddling/washing/playing in and it doesn't need much water.