Tent Camping With A Baby...?

[AKL_Megs]

... Tell me honestly, is it an insane idea?

(The baby in question will be 13 months, FWIW.)

If not, please tell me anything and everything I should know to make this as smooth a trip as possible!

 

[CarolineB]

I think if you generally like camping, camping with a baby is a great way to get the baby out in nature.

I camped with my 6 - 7 month old -- tent camping. I brought his pack and play for him to sleep in. I brought a clip on seat that clipped to the picnic table for him. I also had a backpack for him (so I could carry him on my back.)

I also camped twice at the Fort -- the 1st time he was 2 1/2 and the 2nd time he was just turning 3. I borrowed a pack and play from the Fort (not sure if they still do this.) They dropped it off and picked it up for me.

I was at the Fort about 4 days -- I would have camped longer but it was very hot both times. I used his graco travel stroller to keep him confined while I set up the tent and unpacked the car. I didn't cook at the campsite due to safety concerns but there are plenty of dining options at the Fort so that wasn't a problem. (By safety concerns, I mean that I was camping by myself with my son so no 2nd adult.)

At the Fort, I liked taking the boat to MK but otherwise I drove my car to the other parks. One of my bigger problems was getting on and off the bus with the stroller, diaper bag, and holding a toddler.

I really liked the baby care centers at the parks to get some quiet time.

The early bed time was probably something to get used to since you're confined to the tent & camp site after baby goes to sleep. I brought a portable DVD player to help pass the time -- they're on sale right now at the Sony store for $100.

 

[kcp1377]

We camped all the time with little ones (still do, but now it's not tent camping, so not quite the same.) Not insane at all! We usually started our kids at a few weeks old and they have never given us trouble at all. Definitely bring a tent big enough for you to be comfortable with a pack-n-play in the middle of it (we've tried every combination of sleeping arrangements and the pnp was by far the best). We also use wraps, slings or soft carriers (like the Ergo or Beco) to get the babe to sleep if they are fighting it. Usually we pop one in the carrier take a quick walk and then they are out for the night. We got the hippo hook on high chairs and bring them along too. Not only will that keep them happy for dinner time, but you can pop them in there when you need to keep her away from things for a few minutes too. Ditto Caroline about the bus. It's not fun with a stroller and bags in tow (one of the many reasons we love the fort!)

We found it was wonderful for smaller kids because it lets them run around and have fun outside rather than being cooped up in a hotel room. We keep saying we'll never stay at a hotel again (which isn't too much of a stretch - we can't fit in one room anyway!) But the fort really is amazing and I think you'll have a fantastic time there!

 

[djblu883]

I totally agree with all the other posters! Camping should not be a problem at all!!! I camped with my son from the time he was 6 months old and before pack and plays were made! Its was a great experience for all of us and he still camps today....waiting for him to take his first child camping!!!!...Have a magical trip!

 

[cah5525]

I camped with all 4 kids, starting when they were still in diapers and I just loved being part of the outdoors with them at that age. Fussy? We would walk - there is just so much to see and hear! Start practicing now...camp in the backyard or at a campground - sleeping in that fresh air...the kids will sleep soundly and wake up happy and renewed!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

we tent camped a lot when our daughters were little babies but toddler age was the hardest age. yes we cooked around them just as at home. best advice i can give is to make sure one person is watching toddler at all times as toddlers can move very fast. be sure that all adults know who has toddler duty at all times. our girls loved to camp.

 

[Trackey79]

We have tent camped we our kids several times from the time they were very little. (I think the youngest we took any of them tent camping was around 8 months old.) With just a little prep it can be a wonderful time. I definitely recommend a portable playpen as it helps keep them out of the dirt and such but we always had fun and it was well worth every minute!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Thanks, everyone.

Now, what do you do as far as bug spray?

 

[CarolineB]

Thanks, everyone.

Now, what do you do as far as bug spray?

I would use a family rated Deet product -- that is very, very low percentage of Deet and use it as little as possible. I camped at the Fort in August and Oct/Nov. for my 2 camping trips and I really don't remember what I did but I'm guessing that I used a product that was kid friendly. I don't recall my DS getting any bug bites.

You can also get a mosquito mesh netting for the stroller.

Be vigilant about making sure that the tent stays zipped up as much as possible -- perhaps get a tent that has a front screened section and a main sleeping section.

You can bring a screen tent for eating too.

Do not use high dose DEET products on young children.

 

[Scarlett81]

I don't think you're crazy at all! (but I take my kids everywhere...just got back from Europe...2 wks through Turkey, Greece and Italy with a 5 yo and 13 mo, thats crazy! lol)
Its not going to be camping by yourselves. You'll be more tired. You probably won't be able to take everything in. But in exchange you'll have wonderful memories with little one-and you'll be getting baby used to this type of travel from a young age.
One thing I'd consider is how is the baby sleeping at night these days? If waking frequently still, you may not want to have a baby (like mine) thats waking up 2-3 times a night, or very early, crying loudly, while in a tent around other tenters.

Other than the sleeping situation I don't see any difference in tenting it, or staying in an rv, cabin, or hotel with a baby! You and the baby will have a blast. There is so much to do in FW. Carriage rides, baby will love the horses and animals. Fireworks from the beach. And a wonderful pool just his/her size
As far as bug spray, I would never put deet of any strength on a baby. I think the new 'natural' baby sprays are just as good. California Baby (target or online) makes a natural citronella type spray. We go to FL 4-5 times a year and I've always put that on the kids and it works. There's also mosq repelling stickers now, and wristbands.

 

[MyHappiestPlace]

took my oldest dd camping at Fort Wilderness when she was 4 mos old! Had a great time. the only difficult thing i remember was trying to sterilize her bottles/water for formula. this was back in the day b4 all the newer conveniences of drop in liners, etc. It was a challenge but we had a blast. BTW she slept next to me; didn't bring a play pen (pack and plays were not invented yet LOL) It was late Feb/early Mar and we ended up staying a 1-2 nights in Kissimmee since we got rained out - the tent was soaked and leaked.

 

[DisnyMama]

Go for it. My DS baby who is now 21 was mos at the time we tent camped at a lake and we used a pack n play for him to sleep and he did sleep through the night each night due to our fun filled days. The fun part was the showers....you should have seen us. His dad would take him in the shower with him...and my 10 yr old step son stood just outside the shower waiting for the hand off of a wet baby which he would bring outside to me where I was standing waiting outside the mens showers/restrooms. It was a sight. but worked great.

Have a fantastic time!

Shannon

 

[LadyBeBop]

Looks like you'll be going in September when it's still hot down there.

We just got back from a tent camping trip with our 3 year old DGD. It was 95-105 degrees every day. And we survived. Just make sure your child is hydrated. Give her plenty of juices and water. And make sure she has sunscreen on at all times.

I'm assuming you won't be in your tent during the heat of the day. Hoping nighttime isn't too warm. Even though it was triple digits during the day, our nighttimes were in the 70s. Comfortable sleeping weather.

You'll do fine.

 

[minniebeth]

We just got back from tent camping at FW and noticed a lot of little ones...I think your DD will have a blast!

A few things I thought were worth mentioning:

As a pp mentioned, September will still be hot! Find things to do throughout the day, you won't want to be in the tent. So naptime in a stroller, etc. with whatever you will be doing.

I *highly* recommend renting a golf cart with your little one. Not only is it so much fun to ride around FW in, but it will be so much easier than the buses with DD and walking in the heat. I personally think it would be so worth it.

The comfort stations are very nice. You will not have a problem showering, etc. with DD. There is even a changing station right near the benches in the shower area, so that is not a problem.

We've never gone camping with our kids that young, but did a lot of travelling. Instead of worrying about laundry, I would bring as many older clothes, and towels as possible that she is close to outgrowing, etc. and just pitch them when you are done. We bring especially a big bunch of older towels for this. (Pool towels, bath, hand and washcloth) It's a great way to clear out your closets/linens too.

FW has some really nice areas to just let her loose and have fun running and exploring.

Have fun!!