we are going camping with my hubbys family at a campground. they all have rv's or pop up campers except us. It's going to be VERY HOT this weekend. and it tends to be very buggy, (maybe not as bad if the campground sprays). But that area is known for these annoying gnats that bite. Anyways, I am thinking of leaving with the baby and driving to my inlaws just for the nights, its about 25 mins away. is that silly? My hubby and dd will be sleeping in others rv's. I am concerned about the baby getting too hot. she wont even be able to swim in the pool since she cant wear sunscreen yet.
Any suggestions of what to bring, things to do to keep baby safe/happy?
thanks!
I had to update. Hubby and I got in a huge fight packing to leave because I put us behind schedule and we argued for hours. I DID end up staying at the house both nights with the baby, thank goodness! Since I wasnt there do do it, nobody put bug spray on my 4 year old and she got a bunch of misquito bites that night. I was a little upset about that. Saturday was SO hot and it WAS buggy and I spent most of the time in my sister-in-laws air conditioned camper with the baby, much to their dismay I think. Hubby got food poisoning sat afternoon and was sick for 24 hrs. it was an awful weekend.
The only good thing is that I got some much needed one-on-one time swimming in the pool with my 4 year old once the baby was sleeping in the R.V. with hubby to watch over her. They let us bring in floatie innertubes and she LOVED floating all her own. It's the only thing that made it worth it!
The next time I go camping is when we have a AIR CONDITIONED, BUG-FREE R.V. (which will be never). LESSON LEARNED.
For mosquitos, we use either vanilla extract or vodka in some water, spray it on, and w e're good to go! No chemicals. And I haven't tried it yet, but many people around here swear by Absorbing Junior to ward off the gnats.
I took mine camping when they were infants since my ex was an avid camper. We used mosquito netting over the playpen (sprayed with Off) during the day and kept them in the shade. Usually when it's hot babies just sleep. Unlike many of you, I put mine in the water, pool, lake, beach, river... didnt matter.... never had any repercussions from it. The rest of the time they were in the shade. With all the adults around I'm sure someone will be always willing to be tending to baby.
I wouldnt want to sleep in someone elses quarters tho, I'd spring for my own tent so you have your own space if you decide to nap or nurse or whatever. Mine slept in their little carrier right next to our air mattress in the tent at night.
We went camping with my 5month old in May. We had a fabulous time. It's what you make it. At night she slept with us I wasn't a fan of that since we never have her sleep with us. During the day we kept her in the shade in her bouncer that we brought. When we went into the pool she wore a long sleeve onesie. Whoever was carrying her or if she was in her bouncer she had one of those off clips near her. She didn't get bit once.
For keeping her happy bring the toys that she enjoys at home.
Have a wonderful trip.
I would personally sit this one out! She just shouldnt be in this extreme heat and certainly not around biting insects. There are a multitude of diseases little ones are more likely to get from insect bites. So my suggestion is to let your DH take older DD and you and baby stay home. She would be better able to attend things like this next year.
Good luck!
We're a big camping family but I'm afraid I'd sit this one out. Either let the baby stay with inlaws or let it be a hubby and DD thing or you and the baby stay home. Might be a great experience for your husband and daughter to have some time "alone" for bonding....especially with a new baby around. She could feel like the "big kid". Anyway, that's what I would do. Have fun!
We tried camping when our second child was 4 months and it was just really difficult. One night it got pretty chilly (Sept) and I was up constantly checking on our little guy in his pack n play. Three weeks later we tried it again and ended up in a hotel because it rained all day and night. Haven't been camping with our 3rd who is now 18 months. A screen can be purchased for a pack n play to help protect baby during naps from bugs. It's worth the investment. Also, a Baby Bjorn carrier was a must for me. Best wishes. Wouldn't blame you if you went to in-laws and waited till baby was bigger before camping overnight with your baby.
I took one of my sons camping when he was 4 months old, but it was cool rather than hot. When he was 1 year old we took he camping and the mosquito bites didn't really show up until the next day, and he looked like he had the chicken pox! Wish I had bought a netting for over the stroller. Both my boys needed lots more sleep than usual on the days when they camped under the age of 4 or 5 years.
By ALL means, head half an hour out!!!
But there's no reason to avoid the pool. Simply put her in a winter (longsleeve footie) onesie if you don't have a baby rashguard for her, and a floppy cap. The clothing will protect her skin from the sun, but she won't overheat in it, because she'll be in the water. Do mind she doesn't get too cold, but there's no reason to worry about the sun.
And if you ever get caught out in the sun, throw some sunscreen on the baby! Far better sunscreen than sunburn.
Like GrandmaT we all grew up in the water (pools, oceans, rivers, etc.) In fact, many of us were swimming before we walked (swimming is the same motion as crawling). Did the same with my own son. Rashguard and sunscreen and out and about.
Driving that far is not silly, do what makes you comfortable! We love camping, and our daughter has always done well from 1st trip at 3 months old. We had the opposite at that time, extremely cold, but it's easier to bundle them up than deal with heat & bugs! We had her in winter gear, hat & all, in our tent at night.
If you do decide to stay, and there is plenty of room in one of the campers/rvs, can you rig up some mosquito netting? Is there electricity for a fan? We've done that in tents & it works great...for background noise too. Or is it feasible (do you camp enough) to buy your own tent? Keeping in mind baby could be up super early with the sun ;-)
Also, like others said, what about putting baby in long sleeve swimsuit/rash guard w/ hat, etc.? I'm sure she would love the water, esp. in the heat! I would be more concerned about the bugs, and if it's easier to just drive & sleep comfortably, just do that, it's not silly given the conditions, esp. if you don't have your own camper or tent. Good luck!!
I wouldn't even go. I mean, it's not horrible or anything. Just seems more of an annoyance. Not like the baby would have fun and know what's goin on. Go to your in-laws.
