caravan first timers with babies

[eeky]

We are thinking of buying a caravan, have an 11m old dd and 2nd dc due in September. We have hired a camper van 2 or 3 times before and loved it but can't afford a decent campervan. Husband is slowly getting over his fear of chavviness. Any tips on models/sizes/good places to go with very little ones (oh and lively but well-behaved labrador 3y old). Thanks.

get as big as you can afford, an awning and earplugs

just boookmarking, will come back and tell you more... we have three dc, no dog, and frequently a couple of grandparents in tow caravan-er born and bred I'm afraid so i would love to enlighten you a bit more

eeky, we have a 22 mo DD and are recent converts to caravans, absolutely fab! I found this website fantasically helpful when it came to deciding on the what we liked. You can search through models and also layout to look at the options. We actually ended up buying ours through an ad. on here. Would also reccomned you get round your local caravan shops to get in, sit down and figure out which layout works best for you. This is also helpful
So far weekends away ahve been fab , although night time wakign means even more disturbed sleep than before! We have invested in a bed guard like this to convert one of the back short bunks into a cot. So far DD has done lots of leanign on it but no escape attempts!
Oh and you should def. think about an awning, more places to stow your stuff...and for the dog to sleep?
Im by no means a caravan expert but ask, if I know the answer I'll tell you!

Eeky - we've just got back from staying in my parents' motor home with our 14 month old twins and well-behaved 3 y-old lab! Blimey, wish I'd posted for advice on here first! We made our own bed guard out of play pen panels and then, as the bed area was raised off the floor, padded out the two steps up to it with a big pile of cushions! Luckily our two little terrors didn't manage to break free despite their combined efforts and once they got used to it they slept well although they did wake up earlier and were more vocal about waking up somewhere unfamiliar. Second what Tobermory says about less sleep and also layout. If possible, having a separate area that can somehow be closed off and kept dark when DCs go to bed is ideal esp if there is another area where you can sit down and have a glass or few of wine. An awning is a big help as you can sit outside and eat etc once DCs in bed and also they can play out there plus the dog can sit there with all of you. Sorry no help on models etc but def figure out the layout before buying and also put your DCs in it a few times before you go on hol so they get used to it! As for places to go, there are hundreds and hundreds of places all over. We stayed in Northumberland and the site was just lovely. Whereabouts in the country are you?