The youngest I've taken any of mine was my daughter at five months, in an unheated tent in April in Scotland. She shared a sleeping bag with me and was as snug as a bug etc. By At eight months we went off on a month long camping trip to France...the only problems was when we got back, she'd got used to so much fuss and attention she was bored stiff at home. And both my sons were camping by the time they were 10 months.
Only problem you might have is that by 17 months most toddlers can run at one heck of a speed, and the determined ones can climb out of travel cots as well. This is one of the hardest ages to take kids camping because you really do have to have one adult within a couple of yards of them every waking moment. This is not the time to be camping with minimal equipment in a small tent...you need buggy, highchair, travel cot, car seat etc just to keep them under control, lol. I would suggest you do at least a couple of short weekend trips with him before you go on your long holiday, just to work out what your routine will be and what kind of equipment you'll need to take.
I know mine are on the older side, being 7 and 12 years, but this year was their first time camping and they love it, the 7 year old especially.
We've managed five trips this year, mostly weekends and the bank holiday and all she's still talking about now is how many friends she has made each time, then proceeds to reel off all their names and what they played!! Usually rounders and boules, which entices all the other kids around the site to take a peek and join in.
Although the 12 year old is a little harder to please, especially as she misses her friends at home, but we've been lucky that friends we have gone with have a van and have loaded all the kids bikes in the back and thats helped to keep her sweet, although it did help to read the teenager's advice on the hints and tips on this site!!
We have camped with our small son since he was 6 months, he is nearly 6 years now and he still loves it.
We used a travel cot and then when he was a little bigger we had a blow up bed with sides, used to take loads of blankets and keep him near us, I did constantly check he was covered up and we had some of those fleecy all in ones that we used at night.
Someone suggested a weekend camp before you go for any length of time, I think thats a good idea, just so you can all find out what to expect
Our youngest was 1 year old when he was first taken camping.
(He celebrated his first birthday in the tent) and he loves camping now.
He started out in a travel cot with plenty of layers, we also put a blanket over the top of the travel cot so he had even more insulation ( we never covered the whole of the travel cot just in case it fell in on him)
He has nev er complained of being cold though and never has been cold.
------------- We only go camping to see what we have forgotten and what we need to get for next time. If only we could remember where we put the list..................
hi first took our grandaughter camping at 21 days old,first she slept in a moses basket then a travel cot,now she sleeps in a sleeping bag in her own bed shes now 2 years old and loves camping
My eldest was 6 weeks old when he had first (rough) camp. Granted it was summer of '95, so very hot. The only issue I remember is trying desperately to make sure I didn;t get awful poo on the sleeping bag! (the only drawback of breastfeeding - runnier poos!)
Next took him at about 10 months - just before he could walk, up to Scourie and that area. Not especially warm weather - but vest, babygro, fleecy babybro, cardigan and possibly hat and he was OK. Again only problem I remember was one night (near An Teallach ridge, by the road in the middle of nowehere) it was so windy when he went to bed that he could not sleep so i had to sit in the car with him til he fell asleep..
------------- jeh, used to camp with family inc.disabled son. Now older, so just 2 of us in Boxer based campervan
Both my boys have been camping by 12 months ( they were the underweight feeding issues type) first time was a very cold Easter, did not appreciate the 6am demand for toast DS1 slept on a toddler airbed which he found fun, ds 2 would only sleep with me so we share a double airbed . Used Gro bags and then fleece blankets over/ under them depending on the weather. I would try a local cap to begin with just so you know what to take, but i've never taken travel cot, playpen etc, I just took one of strap on chairs as a high chair but sat it on the floor, more and more sites have baby baths which ive used, at night inner is zipped to the top and we each sleep with one of the boys They are now 7 and 3 and love camping
------------- Taffy
2012 Planned
Easter - Cornwall
July scout camp
August North Wales
Whilst we were in luxomberg this year, a couple had a new born.. (few months) with them. and although they crys for feed could be heard in the night we had no complaints. the little fella was hungry! im sure some were not happy but hey! unless the campsite says no kids then tough luck! take em along in others dont like then prehaps next time they will look at an adults only site.
Sounds harsh i know but you are entitled to enjoy yourself as much as your children are. take em along have a great time. if people complain apolagise and carry on as you were. if they complain lots then politly tell them they could ask about moving pitch or that their are some great adult only sites if they would prefer.
There was a newborn crying during the night on one of our sites this summer and it wasn`t a problem at all, I remember snuggling back down and thinking.........I`m so pleased mine have grown past that
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: What age to start kids camping?
