Not quite 2 years old camping?

[PEANUT1]

My husband is dying to go camping with our kids..not necessarilly to disney but somewhere. I think our youngest is too young. She is 22 months.

Am I being paranoid? Any opinions appreciated.

Andrea:flower3:

[Born 2 Fish]

Never too young to learn how to set up camp, chop fire wood,,learn to run from bears. (:rotfl2: just kidding)
Seriously, just keep a good eye on the young'n,,everything will be fine.
And it really isn't too young to start learn'n bout camping.
We didn't start camping as a family til my son was in his teen years,,wish we'd started sooner.:thumbsup2

[Born 2 Fish]

Never too young to learn how to set up camp, chop fire wood,,learn to run from bears. (:rotfl2: just kidding)
Seriously, just keep a good eye on the young'n,,everything will be fine.
And it really isn't too young to start learn'n bout camping.
We didn't start camping as a family til my son was in his teen years,,wish we'd started sooner.:thumbsup2

I would also like to add that fishing is a great fun to teach your children and makes for great family time.

[Us3]

I have 3 girls and two of them are preschoolers. Our youngest is 2 1/2. We've been taking them camping since they were a few months old. :thumbsup2

I do however understand your hesitation because 22 months is sometimes a very "challenging" age. ;) So I say it all depends on your dd and how she handles situations of being away from her bed, if she is able to fall asleep in unfamiliar places etc etc. It may take a few trips to condition her to understand what it's all about...but once you get past that...I bet she'll be begging you to go camping!!!

Camping, fishing, boating...its some of the best memories I have as a kid. As much as my girls seem to like it now...I think it will be the same for them. :goodvibes

[YodaGirl]

I have 3 girls and two of them are preschoolers. Our youngest is 2 1/2. We've been taking them camping since they were a few months old. :thumbsup2

I do however understand your hesitation because 22 months is sometimes a very "challenging" age. ;) So I say it all depends on your dd and how she handles situations of being away from her bed, if she is able to fall asleep in unfamiliar places etc etc. It may take a few trips to condition her to understand what it's all about...but once you get past that...I bet she'll be begging you to go camping!!!

Camping, fishing, boating...its some of the best memories I have as a kid. As much as my girls seem to like it now...I think it will be the same for them. :goodvibes

Very good advice.

Personally, my DD is 19 mos old, and as much as we'd love to take her, we're just too hesitant right now. BUT we're only hesitant because she can be a light sleeper (not a good set-up with someone else possibly moving around in the same room/tent as she is), plus I'm nervous with her around campfires.

She'll be 2 1/2 when we take her to Ft. Wilderness, which with the exception of some sleeping in the camper in the driveway to get her used to it, will be the first time that she'll have been camping.

I'm right there with ya on being hesitant. Your DD is a few months older, and children vary so much that she may do just fine. Just trust your gut. Mommy-intuition is usually right. ;)

[Us3]

Andrea, I probably share this picture too much on this board...but it shows the joy kids experience doing this kind of thing! This is our youngest dd (she was 27 months here) at Disney's FW fishing and catching a "BIG fish" (as she fondly says).

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn19/us3p2/allybud.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn19/us3p2/allyfish-1.jpg

[PEANUT1]

Thanks for the replies. My husband doesn't like to put things off for tomorrow because he says you never know what the future holds. I feel like we have plenty of years to do these fun things with our girls. We do plenty with them now. Disney 2x a year, sesame place is around the corner, the beach etc.

My youngest is a handful. Very adventurous, no fear, stubborn, and independent. These are also the reasons I lover her so. I just worry about her wandering off....I know I would be watching her like crazy but still.

Maybe I will try an overnight camping trip later this summer and if that goes well, we'll try something longer in the fall.

I knew my fellow mommies would understand....my husband totally doesn't see the dilemma.

Sonya, I love those fishing pics. My husband has taken our oldest fishing....and they had a ball.

[Us3]

My youngest is a handful. Very adventurous, no fear, stubborn, and independent. These are also the reasons I lover her so. I just worry about her wandering off....I know I would be watching her like crazy but still.


hehe...sounds just like a 22 month old! ;) Best of luck to you! The good news is that they are usually sooo tired at night they fall right to sleep...but then again, so does mommy and daddy! :rolleyes:

[Escape Artist]

I think it depends on what "kind" of camping you want to do. In a big trailer or RV with a full hookup at WDW? No problem. Camping in a tent in the woods where you're going to cook the meals over a fire? For me, no way.

We've camped with our kids at all stages, but I really tried to avoid tent camping in the woods during the "crawling but not walking" and "early potty training" stages. If you're busy with food and cooking, you're going to need someone else to keep an eye on the kids, especially if they're adventurous and you're new at it.

Camping at FW makes camping pretty easy. There is food readily available to buy (including a restaurant open three meals per day), all sites have electric and water, it's not so dirty/dangerous and if you spend your days in the parks, the kids will be too tired at the campsite to do much beyond sleep. It's not at all like camping in the woods somewhere.

Little kids *love* camping, and you probably will, too. Have fun!!!! :goodvibes

Sue in Texas
...never camped until I was over 35...

[AuburnJen92]

Why don't you try camping in the front or back yard first and see how they like it and then go from there?

That is how we got our toddler hooked...he is now 4

[frdkngcbra]

My wifes sister and husband came camping with us and brought there 14 month daughter with. She had no problems at all and we were tent camping. She had to stay in the tent most of the time though as we all became targets for wisconsin mosquitos. Never go camping in wisconsin the week after record floods and rains. Normal wisconsin mosquitos were bad enough but I think these were on steroids after all that rain

[ntsammy5]

I sometimes act like a 2 yo and I LOVE camping

[5stljayhawks]

Hi Peanut1 and welcome to the wonderful world of camping,

I am not sure how to guide you on this matter… I guess my biggest question is why the hang-up?

Research the local conservation department or maybe ones in the adjacent states, they can provide a wealth of information, also there is company called REI… I would highly recommend finding out if there is a local store and paying it a visit. With a little research (reading boards like rv.net) , and talking with others you will find your comfort level will rise. BTW- camping in the fall with the changing of the leaves is pretty neat, as well as the spring, when the turkeys are gobbling, AKA mating season….

Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity in front of you to unplug, relax (that is relative to how you camp) and spend quality time with your kids and husband…. Bring a camera, start a scrap book, and do a little planning/kid game research ahead of time and you will find the time you get to spend with your kids in nature are some the best…

As parents we have a responsibility to introducing our kids to nature, and showing them what is out there beyond the TV set and the internet… BTW go to walmart pick up a bunch of glow sticks….. at night, let the kids wear them as necklaces it’s a great way to keep track of the them…. One kid has one color and other kid has another color…


I have three kids 5.5 2.5 and .5. All went camping before there were 4 month old. Port-a-cribs are great.

Enjoy and if you would like to chat off line let me know.

[AuburnJen92]

I sometimes act like a 2 yo and I LOVE camping

sometimes?:lmao:

[clkelley]

I guess my question to you, is taking her "out" period a challenge, or does she do well in public situations.

Unfortunately, camping is work, (especially tent camping), and sometimes dealing with a toddler is "work", and combining the two can be a challenge.

Let me qualify my statements by saying my two boys were LOTS of "work" as toddlers and I wasn't a really good baby momma. Now once they turned about 7, that's when I started having fun with mine. (Then it ends again about 14) :laughing:

[gon2wdw55]

I remember our first camping trip we were moving out west in a covered wagon and wife had son did ok campfires and sigalongs every night:lmao: made it all the way had a great time:banana: really go for it they are never to young and you will have great memories:dance3: good luck:yay:

[Momof626x3]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a165/3littleguys/DavidKylecamping.jpg

My two youngest were 26 mos and 10 mos in this photo...first time camping with the youngest one. We went for walks, they played in the dirt (ate some), explored the campsite. It was a lot of work...but it was also a lot of fun! We stayed in a TT though...I don't think I would have done it in a tent! Like the PP said, porta cribs are great...and I always ran a fan for white noise to help the baby sleep.

[g8trmom1]

We started camping while I was pregnant with our third. We started taking him when he was 8 weeks old!! Middle of the night feedings, bottles, sterilizer, baby swing, pack n play, we had it all!! He's now 20 months, and we've gone camping quite a bit. Now he's at the age where he's toddling around and very curious, but I keep him close by or either in his stroller or in his "baby cage" outside under our big Gator tent. I just don't want to let him to walk around and meet up with critters or into the roadway where the cars, RV's etc are driving (sometimes faster than they should). He's fine with it so far, and my older two absolutely LOVE camping! We've created memories to last a lifetime!:love:

[ntsammy5]

I keep him close by or either in his stroller or in his "baby cage" outside under our big Gator tent. I just don't want to let him to walk around and meet up with critters

Can he come out and play with the otters?

[Teresa Pitman]

My son and his wife are tent camping this weekend with their three children who are six, three and thirteen months. I've been going up for day visits. The baby normally nurses to sleep and sleeps with his mom and dad, so that part has been pretty easy. Really, the kids are so tired that they go to sleep very easily and sleep through everything. It's the adults who get woken up by noisy people at neighbouring campsites.

The baby has been walking for a couple of weeks but is not very good at walking on the uneven ground around the camp, so he falls down quite a bit!

Teresa

[PEANUT1]

wow lots of campers out there....:thumbsup2

My husband has camped with our 4 year old in the yard, but I do like the idea of bringing the little one out to the backyard too. I think we will try that one first. Thanks for the idea.:)

I dont' think I have any hang ups...just a worried mommy. Something a little scary about a youngin out in the woods who doesn't talk and can't survive. She does fine in public (as well as most toddlers do). She was a joy in Disney at 13 months and 20 months.

I am warming up to the idea...thanks;)

[mrsscooter]

We started camping while I was pregnant with our third. We started taking him when he was 8 weeks old!! Middle of the night feedings, bottles, sterilizer, baby swing, pack n play, we had it all!! He's now 20 months, and we've gone camping quite a bit. Now he's at the age where he's toddling around and very curious, but I keep him close by or either in his stroller or in his "baby cage" outside under our big Gator tent. I just don't want to let him to walk around and meet up with critters or into the roadway where the cars, RV's etc are driving (sometimes faster than they should). He's fine with it so far, and my older two absolutely LOVE camping! We've created memories to last a lifetime!:love:

:thumbsup2 I remember those days.....my kids have been tent camping since they were in utero...LOL....really from about 8weeks also. We just brought all of the neccessities (sp?). Its funny though, with my first we brought everything, and I do mean everything, but then with my second, we brought maybe a quarter. I think my two must haves were the pack n play and the exersaucer. Both were great to keep the kids in one place. we also brought the bug net for the pac n play. I did invest in a all terrain jogging stroller though. Lots more than I wanted to spend, but we used it until the kids were like 5 or 6. I like that someone mentioned camping out in the back yard with the kids to give them a taste of camping....we never thought of that one. Usually, the hubby set up the tent and fire wood while I watched the kids and then he watched them while I did all of the "woman" things.....table cloth on the picnic table, made up beds, arranged the inside of the tent, etc. Everyones family is different and it just takes a few trys to figure out how to work but you will eventually find your "groove". Our kids are now 8 and almost 7 and we have moved up to a travel trailer, but they still love camping. They even have their own little jobs to set up the site. Once the snow starts to melt they start asking when our first camp weekend will be. With my husband in the military for so long, all we had was weekends (if we had those) and camping was the perfect outing to spend time together away from home. Now that he is retired, we look forward to taking a week here and there now at places the kids havent been. Ok, I didnt realize I much I have rambled, so I will stop. :confused3

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Our kids have been camping from a few months old. Our nephews have been camping sence they were weeks old. Don't worry have fun and pack lots of cloths and wipes. lol

[PrincessNana]

I don't know if this will help, but we just took our grandkids--7 and 19 months camping at a state park. Our grandson (19 months) is a full time job no matter where you are, so we were worried about everything. He is high energy, fearless and refuses to hold anyones hand. Before we went, we bought a backpack (monkey) safety harness at Walmart. He loved it! We could hike (had to carry him when he got tired), walk, sit by the lake to fish and he still felt independent. When we took them home, my dil has been using it and it has been a god send for her. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had a complete hysterectomy and started chemo all within 2 weeks. (Right before our Fort Wilderness trip-had to cancel) We also used our little dog fence (that we always take camping) to keep him safe at the campsite. We were able to have a campfire for our 7 year old but keep him out of harms way at the same time. Our fencing is large enough that we would put all our chairs inside the enclosure. The kids were so tired by the time it was nap or bed time that we never had any trouble getting them to sleep or keeping them asleep. We're the grandparents and not used to being parents to two active kids everyday but we had a great time. Don't be afraid to go!

[PEANUT1]

I don't know if this will help, but we just took our grandkids--7 and 19 months camping at a state park. Our grandson (19 months) is a full time job no matter where you are, so we were worried about everything. He is high energy, fearless and refuses to hold anyones hand. Before we went, we bought a backpack (monkey) safety harness at Walmart. He loved it! We could hike (had to carry him when he got tired), walk, sit by the lake to fish and he still felt independent. When we took them home, my dil has been using it and it has been a god send for her. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had a complete hysterectomy and started chemo all within 2 weeks. (Right before our Fort Wilderness trip-had to cancel) We also used our little dog fence (that we always take camping) to keep him safe at the campsite. We were able to have a campfire for our 7 year old but keep him out of harms way at the same time. Our fencing is large enough that we would put all our chairs inside the enclosure. The kids were so tired by the time it was nap or bed time that we never had any trouble getting them to sleep or keeping them asleep. We're the grandparents and not used to being parents to two active kids everyday but we had a great time. Don't be afraid to go!


Thanks Karen, this helps alot:)

[PIERCEDRN]

wow lots of campers out there....:thumbsup2

My husband has camped with our 4 year old in the yard, but I do like the idea of bringing the little one out to the backyard too. I think we will try that one first. Thanks for the idea.:)

I dont' think I have any hang ups...just a worried mommy. Something a little scary about a youngin out in the woods who doesn't talk and can't survive. She does fine in public (as well as most toddlers do). She was a joy in Disney at 13 months and 20 months.

I am warming up to the idea...thanks;)

As the aforementioned Hubby,
I SOOO totally think I am going to win this one:banana: , but I think its funny my DW posted this question on the "Camping" threads where everyone's opinion will be a bit skewed.
I wonder if she would gotten the same answers on the "Neurotic Anti-bacterial wipe-wielding Mom's" thread. :rolleyes1 :rotfl2:
BOB

[Gillian]

Hmmm, I think the DH would fit in on the camping community board.

just sayin'

Anyway, we have taken our kids camping a bunch of times at that age. The only problems are when you're setting up camp. Our DD is willful, and was a handful at 2. She's worse now at 5.

We took the kids camping (popup) at Disney and Sarasota. Trying to set up the pop up at a beach campsite was a nightmare because the kids (almost 3 and 5) kept wandering off toward the water. Once we were setup it was somewhat easier to keep track of them. And at Disney (the second week of the trip), there were no problems at all.

There are several campgrounds in the Jersey shore area, if you want to try a short trip. We go to Sping Gulch in Holland PA (lancaster area) and that's fun for kids. Combine it with Dutch Wonderland. We're near you in Hamilton NJ. It's not too far.

Good luck!