Camping with a baby

[annlee3817]

Seasoned campers here with one DD 7, and another on the way. It's our ten year wedding anniversary in October and we were thinking it would be nice to do one of those ready camp safari tents for a week in October half term. Our other DD is due end of August, so would be approx 8 weeks when we plan to go (being induced, so 8 weeks minimum), they're kitted out with a little sitting area, proper beds etc, it's been a long time since we've had the newborn phase, so I'm wondering if this is a bad idea, or doable? We didn't start taking our DD camping until she was around 18 months, anyone with experience?

These are them www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/readycamp/accommodation/#overview

Take a sling. And a thermometer so you can confidently adapt baby’s sleeping clothes to the temp.

We took DC as a baby. He slept in the flat part of the pram, removed from wheels and laid next to me. Worked a treat.

I would yes.

Just make sure you think about how to keep warm at night. That's the only thing about camping outside of June, July and August

Looks like a lovely site OP. Just wondering how relaxing it would be for the other campers if the baby was screaming? The campsites I’ve stayed on have a ‘no under 3s rule’ due to this.

We have an oil heater and an electric heater plus electric hookup, so as far as keeping warm goes I'm a little less concerned as we have camped late October the last two years, although in our tent rather than one of these.

I'll check the rules on infants, it's mostly caravans and motor homes at that time of year, so hoping that other people won't be able to hear if she cries, understand what you're saying though

I'd say that it's entirely practical to manage. But tbh, I'd think if that close to birth, I'd want my own lo and shower too.

We went glamping at Easter and had this facility, so would be looking for that as well.

Fwiw, it was great, no un/packing the tent etc and was really relaxing. Though this one also had heating included (though like you took our own in case it was cold!

Thanks @ChoiceMummy they are right by the shower block these ones, but will have a think

It’s certainly doable but there are three things to consider.

sleeping arrangements
She might be an easy baby who sleeps in her moses basket at night. Or she might be the sort of baby who wakes as soon as she is put down. If you luck out on the latter then you need to find a way to cosleep in a tent otherwise you will be too tired to enjoy the holiday. Your best bet is probably a double roll mat, and wear extra layers instead of using a sleeping bag. I use two cot mattresses side by side but that is with a much older baby and I wouldn’t risk it with an 8 week old. Never cosleep on air beds or inflatable roll mats.

packing space
Once you’ve packed the pram, moses basket, baby bath and all the other baby equipment you might find that there’s no room left for all your camping gear. We have a station wagon with one of the biggest roof boxes on the market and even so we resorted to buying a trailer.

laundry
Newborns need a zillion clothes changes every day. You definitely want a campsite with a washing machine.

@IAgreeWithBryanCaplan thanks for the advice, this was a safari tent though, so comes with a bed, living room etc. We usually camp properly, but felt this would be better with a newborn :) anyway, turns out to have been a pointless question as DH can't get the time off work :(

Next year when we hopefully get back to proper camping depending on how she sleeps, we'll have a roof box for all the extra stuff.

The crying.