Having just returned from a camping trip with my husband and 7 year old and I wanted to write a blog on camping and restful sleep whilst sleeping in a tent.
Choosing a tent
We had a mid-size 5-person tent with 2 bedrooms and a living space. We chose this tent as the material in the bedroom had darkened fabric meaning that we could sleep peacefully beyond sunrise, especially with having in mind that summer was fast approaching.
There was also mesh windows for added ventilation so that the tent did not become humid and stuffy.
What to take for sleep for kids and adults
We only have a car with no roof box, but I was willing to fill that car to the brim so long as it meant that I could take with us all the ideal bedding to keep us all cosy and warm.
We took the following to keep us warmer and cosy…
- an extra layer of tarpaulin to put as a ground sheet under the tent to add a layer of protection from the cold ground.
- self-inflating mattress (10cm +), we also took a mattress topper.
- thermal pjs and fluffy socks.
- hot water bottle (not for under 3-year-olds).
- 10.5+ tog duvet each (Spring) 5 tog (Summer). I took a duvet my son had slept in once so that it had a familiar smell.
- my son’s cuddly.
- each took a pillow.
- ear plugs (learned this after the first night)
- portable urinal with lid (so that you don’t have to leave the tent in the night.
What to take for sleep for babies in a cot
Friends had advised me that their baby’s and toddlers refused to sleep on airbeds. From a safety perspective for babies I would always suggest taking a travel cot with a firm flat mattress, and you’ll be glad that you did. It will help to give your little one reassurance and routine, and to keep sleep as close to home as possible and safe.
To white noise or not to white noise?
Take it! You have no idea just how noisy camping is until you go camping. Silence under the stars it is not! We were on a site and only us on our pitch, so we were essentially on our own and even then, the noise of the trees and slightly rusting of the tent material and the owls and birds was insane!
In the busier months the campsite will be noisy with children and chatting, tents zipping up and down and potentially doggos barking so bring the white noise!
For you and your older children (if they will have them) use soft foam or silicone ear plugs to help dampen the noise.
How to bathe your baby and toddler whilst camping
At most family orientated campsites, you will find a hot running showers but never a bath. Most babies and toddlers will not enjoy a shower, and you’ll find you’ll have to juggle them in your arms whilst you shower. Instead, I was advised by my friend that families littlie’s could take a flexible bucket to fill with warm water and allow them to have a splash about to get to beach, suncream and any dirt off them if you wanted.
Naps whilst camping
Naptime matters. If you’re planning a trip and intend on more cot naps investing in a shade that is safe, something like a Snoozeshade is a fantastic addition. You can also find them for travel cots too.
Keeping bedtime routine and timing on track
The bedtime routine will be much more relaxed when you are away from home, but it is still important to keep bedtime rhythms and timings consistent, especially for napping children or those that have recently dropped their nap.
Conclusions
We had a brilliant time camping, and I was so glad that I took as much bedding and packed the car to bursting as it paid off. It made me much more confident to camping in the coming months. Our sleep setup meant everyone was well-rested (especially after investing in ear plugs from the second night).
Whether at home or away and you are finding your little ones sleep challenging, feel free to get in touch . I’d love to help you get some restful nights!
