Controversial question time: If it really bothers you that much and spoils your holiday, is camping the right holiday for you?
I wouldn't say it bothers me to the point of not camping, I just think people should have more consideration in general for others regardless of if they have young children or not.
I know that crying babies is a tricky subject. I am not unsympathetic as have had two of my own. However, there has to be consideration given to both sides of the argument. If a baby/child was just crying for 20 mins or so when failing off to sleep, at a reasonable hour, I do not have any problem with that at all. But if your child or children is going to keep others awake all night/every night of their holiday, then I do think that is a bit unreasonable.
Quote: Originally posted by Fairywings75781 on 20/5/2014
I am going to sound like a grump here but ............. we have just got back from a long weekend camping and our neighbours had 3 very young children and it seemed that at least one of them was crying at some point all through the night. I have children myself - age 9, 12 and the noise woke up my daughter and made it difficult for her (and me!) to sleep - despite earplugs! It didn't help that the Dad in the tent obviously didn't appreciate the need to try and talk in a hushed voice after 11pm. Also, it drives me mad when parents think it's ok to have their children outside, screaming, shouting and going up and down on scooters before 7am! My own personal opinion is that if your child wakes up yelling in the night several times while you are at home then perhaps they are not ready for tent camping until they are a little older.
Ok, now I am going to run and hide lol ........ (waiting to be flamed)
No fear of flaming from me!
I had 2 totally sleepless nights on the Gower because the people on the next pitch had a young baby that seemed to cry all night long. We were going to ask for a refund and change sites or come home, but someone must have complained, because they were asked to leave on the 3rd day.
It may sound harsh, but I think that if you're going to a site that has a noise curfew, it's a bit off to take children that are so young they can't realistically be kept quiet.
i was camping over easter and my nephew joined us with their 3-4 yr old girl,, and the stubborn oik did nothing but wail and moan continuously, day and night.. I couldnt stand it, and its the first time i`d met the little sh"7,, i havent got kids , and personally,, after that experience i am glad.. They left a day early because of it and i apologised to everyone in ear shot for the disturbance. The noise had wound every camper up to the point they were going to complain to the owners.. So, not all campers are forgiving if a terror ruins a hard earned break. I personally try to avoid camping near kids at ALL costs, i dont go to any sites during summer holidays that allow kids. 2 noises that shouldnt be heard when camping are dogs whining and kids crying/screaming..
I would love to take my 16 month old camping as she loves the outdoors but she is very temperamental when she sleeps so camping is off the cards for me
I still wouldn't get too stressed on the child crying front...Young kids do that sometimes camping or not!!
Personally it does not bother me...As long as the parents are trying to hush/sooth the child...Been there myself and like others glad its not me having to attend...
Anyway there are far worse things that can happen on a campsite late evening and into the wee small hours that are far more worth having a word about...
If all else fails...I found a quick tap behind the ear with a toffee hammer kept mine quiet most of the night....
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
Quote: Originally posted by jelboy53 on 21/5/2014
Anyway there are far worse things that can happen on a campsite late evening and into the wee small hours that are far more worth having a word about...
I think there is acceptable crying and unacceptable crying... if that makes sense? By that I mean constant crying, screaming, tantrums, noise and frequent night wakings are probably going to disturb and annoy many fellow campers. A bit of crying at bedtime or if a little one is unsettled in the night will be tolerated, especially when the parents are obviously trying to deal with and minimise the problems. As the mother of a 2.5yr old I would be annoyed if I thought someone had taken a child camping knowing they were going to scream and not sleep at night. But I also appreciate that all kids cry, might be a bit excitable at bed time and can wake in the night occasionally... There are levels of acceptability.
Regards sleeping arangements; I'd stay away from the ready beds as they are nowhere near warm enough for camping in UK (IMO). They are meant for indoor sleepovers. My little one had a compact travel cot and her usual "Grobag" type baby sleeping bag , up to being almost 2, but now will not fit in the cot... So we have bought a decent kids sleeping bag and full size adult SIM. Not tried it yet this season so remains to be seen how she gets on, sure it will be fine. She usually wears a vest, PJ's, then a fleece onesie, then sleeping bag and blankets as necessary - don't underestimate the cold at night, even in summer.
It's also useful if your kids will take a shower as that is all most sites have. Sites with family shower rooms are brilliant as they give you more room to shower and get ready with the kids. Alternatively a big plastic bucket is great for bathing little ones and/or playing in, as already suggested.
I would tend to echo the previous comments, stay away from the ready beds if you don't already have them, we used them for several years as we already had them so there was no extra expense! We also used the normal grow bags, fleecy pi's, but had extra fleecy blankets nearby if needed in the night.
Screaming at bedtime is (IMO) more acceptable than middle of the night or first thing in the morning, as most fellow campers are still awake! The screaming child in the night is really hard, and having the parents scream back in the middle of the night really doesn't help!!!! If the child is completely inconsolable I would go for a quick car ride (more sound proof for the other campers!). And not too early in the morning for playing round other peoples tents - fine to head to the play area especially if it's away from other tents, but even at the play area keep the screaming down before 7.30! I would have thought that nowadays it is easier to keep kids quieter in the mornings by putting the tablet/movie on. We used to allow colouring/reading only before 7.30 - I think a tablet would make camping with kids easier now - although I suppose there would be arguing over what to watch.....
have fun, but do remember that it takes time for kids to get used to camping. Our kids are now fab at sleeping, but when we go with other families we realise that their kids don't know what to do as it's still a novelty.
Ribble
Quote: Originally posted by Penlou on 21/5/2014
I would love to take my 16 month old camping as she loves the outdoors but she is very temperamental when she sleeps so camping is off the cards for me
Good for you. Many's the time I've wished other parents were so considerate.
I hope she grows out of it soon so that you can get back to camping.
TAking 1.75yr old with us. In a travel cot last year in the big tent with everyone but this time we are renting a little 3 berth caravan for him and his parents.
Caravan too small for the travel cot, however, and not sure what to put him in.
Someone suggested a Littlelife Penguin Snuggle Pod but can see only one review and that's not enough for me to forkl out over £30.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
------------- Whoever said "A change is as good as a rest" NEVER went camping with children
HAHAHHA I'm so with you on the sheep! Expecially as it sounds like they're saying my name.... Clllaaaaarrrre!
------------- Clare
July 16 - Teifi Meadows, Lampeter
July 16 - Mid Wales Bunkhouse, Rhayader
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August 14 - Private location
August 14 - Ton Uchaf Farm, Abergavenny
July 14 - Hillfort Tipis, Goodwick
April 14 - Mid Wales Bunkhouse, Rhayader
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Camping with toddlers
