Camping with 3 and 18 Month Old.

I think it is a fine idea! We took our fist son camping when he was about 16 months old as well. He did fabulous. We were also able to teach him what hot was in relation to the fire. We got a big tent and put him to sleep in the pack and play. We went hiking and put him in a carrier and brought a dvd player that he used while he ate. We brought a clip on high chair too for the picnic table. He, of course, was filthy the whole time but it was fine! If you are nervous just go for one night and see how it goes. We will be going in a couple of weeks with him (now 3) and his 9 month old baby brother. You will never know until you try!! Let me know if you have any other questions about it.

Hi B.,

You are a very brave woman =) I might get beat up for saying this, but I wouldn't take an 18 month old camping especially if he's the type of kid to get into everything and I had another preschooler to take care of. With all the work that camping entails without kids, the added stress of chasing my little one all over would not make it an enjoyable trip for me. Honestly, I would get a sitter for the little one for the weekend if possible and take the three year old on an adventure! My 2.5 year old is just getting into this whole camping idea too. We actually bought a little tent from Cabella's and set it up in her room. She "camps" out in it for bedtime and naptime. At night we make smores in the microwave and her dad gets in the tent and reads stories to her with a flashlight before she goes to bed. Now that its getting warmer, we are going to move it to the backyard for an overnight campout. Do you have this option? It might be good to try out the old backyard just to see how your littlest does in the tent. You always have the house and his bed right there for backup. Have fun either way!

Sorry, I'm with Anne on this one too. I don't see this trip as any kind of vacation. I have 4 kids who were quite active when they were young and this kind of outing can be very stressful.

If you're set on going, I would talk to hubby and come up with a game plan for splitting up with the kids. You could take the 3 year old on a hike, but the 18 month might be better just hanging out at the camp's playground (if they have one).

M.

Hi B.,
My youngest is similar in age, and we haven't gone camping yet with him. We were actually talking about it recently though and our plan is to pitch a tent in our backyard for a practice run. My thought is to have him take his nap in it during the day and see how that works, and then have us do a sleep out one night after that. That way if it really doesn't wok out we can always go back in the house for the night. At least that will get him a bit used to it before going to a campsite.

Hope that helps,
L.