Keeping 16 Month Old Occupied While Camping!!

When I was presented with such a camping opportunity, I couldn't think of any way that it would be enjoyable, so I opted not to go. No regrets.

Camping comes with all the fun a little boy needs! Of course, a truck or bulldozer is always welcome to drive around in the dirt and push pine cones around.

We borrowed a backpack for hikes, but it was awful. It hurt our backs really bad. Luckily it converted into a sort of stroller, and we had to use that. We were at Zion's NP, so they had lots of paved trails. He also liked to get out and walk. He didn't have a leash, but that was his personality.
My second son, however, is crazy and loves to run away and hide (it's a game). He has a leash that has a little monkey backpack. He likes wearing that, because the rest of us usually have some sort of pack to wear, and he feels like a big boy. He mostly ended up riding on our shoulders, though, and he was a big 2 year old! With him, we went on some trails that weren't paved, but when it was possible, we used our umbrella stroller.

My biggest problem when we went camping (my oldest son was about 14 months) is that he had trouble walking on the uneven ground, and it was muddy in our campsite. Ugh. He also had to carry sticks around with him everywhere, which meant he didn't catch himself when he fell. Our biggest problem was keeping somewhat clean!

Besides taking lots of wipes, I suggest making something my mom used to have. She took a bleach bottle (or something similar) and hung it by the handle on a tree (or whatever) with some light rope. She drew a face on the side opposite the handle, with a mouth at the very bottom. Then she put an aluminum (doesn't rust) nail through the middle of the mouth. Then you fill the bottle with water. The nail keeps the water in (mostly, it does drip a little), and when you take it out, you have a faucet! She also got a nylon or knee-high, put a little hotel soap in the toe, and tied the other end to the handle, so we had soap to wash with, too. It also works for brushing teeth.

We took our toddler camping several times last year and keeping him occupied was the least of my worries. Everything about being outdoors was fascinating....going on trails, watching the trees, fire in the fire pit, you name it, he was entertained. Be prepared for lots of dirt, and bring along a dump truck or two to keep dirt eternally fascinating.

I considered it part of my job to teach him how to behave in the forest when we were out camping. Meaning I gave him a whistle and showed him how to use it. I kept an eye on him and reminded him ( a lot) that if he can't see me, I can't see him. I showed him the boundaries of where he could 'explore' and I spent a lot of time following him around. I did not consider a leash or other containment device because I don't believe it teaches kids anything other than to try and figure out how to get free. I believe more in setting expectations for kids to follow. JMHO.

We did a big camping trip with 5 toddlers last summer and it was great! We brought lots of trucks and shovels and pails for them to dig in the dirt with, and we bought some of that orange plastic fencing from Home Depot that they use around construction sites - you can just wrap it around four tree trunks on the perimeter of your campsite and then the kiddos can't escape (and it won't hurt the trees). Only problem we didn't forsee was how hot it gets inside of a tent during the day- was a problem during naptime as we had to move the pack-n-plays into the open and then the kids were so busy looking around that they didn't want to sleep.

It sounds like you have a few good ideas yourself. My advice is take a few extra clothes and be prepared both physically and mentally for lots of dirt. Kids seem to find it anyway, but at that age..... As to the fire we have set a rule when it comes to that. Kids need to learn it early on. We take a stick and draw a line around the fire pit and no kids can cross the line (we do roast marshmellows with the older kids with adults right there) but they have to learn fire is not a toy. Good luck and have fun.

My little one was still crawling when we went camping, but we took the pack & play, tons of toys (I had to keep swapping them out for cleaner ones) & blankets we didn't care about dirtying. I let him be outside as much as possible, but up on the mountains in Colorado is not the place for a redhead to stay too long. He loved checking out the dirt (keep an eye so he doesn't eat it), we took lots of walks & checked out the flowers & such. Take toys, a pot & plenty of water so you can keep his hands cleaned up, wipes, something like a pack & play for while you can't be on top of him all the time (cooking, etc)... nature will provide the rest. I think it's bullfrog that makes a sunscreen w/bug repellant in it-& don't forget to pick up some foggers so you can keep your area relatively bug-free

I have to agree with Alethea. We took our daughter camping as a baby - not quite crawling yet and obviously she just hung out in our arms or in her baby seat. The next year she was around 16 months also and we didn't take any type of leash or playpen. We let her explore to her hearts content, with our supervision of course. We took lots of hikes. We did take our gerry carrier for her to ride in on the longer hikes if she got tired. Toys stayed home because nature is one big toy! Let your little one learn and enjoy the wonders of nature. Just be sure to take lots and lots of pictures.
Sunscreen and bug repellent (separate since you have to reapply sunscreen) are a must, along with the camera!
For sleeping we just brought the pack-n-play mattress and lots of blankets. Now she has her own mummy bag to sleep in.
Have fun!

Well, I think boys generally just like dirt... But I've been thinking about getting one of those big play yards that are kind of like fences. Throw some toys in and he'll probably be happy as can be for a very long time just playing in the dirt.

I have a personal goal, to get my kids outside every day. Taking your one year old is so vital to their well being. Your child should be super happy to play in the dirt. I never took a play yard camping, or used a tether, I just realized that someone had to be responsible for the child 100% of the time, and I took my kelty backpack, and when something needed to be done, and my child wasn't able to stay and play in the dirt, I would put my child in the pack. They love to go for a ride on mom or dad, and it sure keeps your hands free.

Good luck and have fun!!!

I've been raising four kids, taking them camping each summer. Pack and play is great. Biggest concern has been the fire and toddling near it. I had some extra hands around to help watch while i as busy preparing food, etc... but you could use one of those metal playpens for pets and put it around a fire,... maybe it would get hot and burn little hands though. hmmm good luck on that part!

Lots of dirt, dump trucks, sand toys are great, even for older kids. Real gardening shovels work much better than toy ones, as the ground is much harder than sand. We put kids shovels and stuff under a pea-gravel tent space, adn they dig trenches, carry water to them, ... you get the idea.

Bubbles are a great entertainment up there also. I kept the binky in the mouth as much as possible to stop from the bugs going in :) We also used a small tent that was just for kids play and toys. We put coloring and lots of other toys in it. It makes for a shaded spot for them to go in throughout the day, and a place to put most everything at night.

Don't forget to bring hats for the kids!!!! Even with sunscreen they still burn so much more in the mountains! Oh, and they also like the bug collecting toys, and flyswatters!

If you're going in water, we always have them wear life jackets. Nature is NOT the neighborhood pool!

ENJOY!!

We went camping with our daughter when she was that age and she loved it. We had our Kelty backpack for hikes where she could fall off a cliff, otherwise she thougt hiking was a blast and loved running, exploring and digging. Lots of people mentioned great things already, but here are a few more. A neat sheet is great to put a blanket on to keep it dry, and it makes a nice place for relaxing. We brought lots of books, cars, a ball and shovel and pail. For some reason we also went through twice as many socks as we usually do. It gets cold at night, be prepared. Also, bring your camera, outdoor pictures are priceless. Have fun!

My son is 18 months and we plan to camp again this summer. Last summer the biggest helper was a playpen. We used it outside when we were by the fire, and in the tent for him to sleep in.

Just remember his favorite sleep object or blanket, and some washable toys that you can wipe and give back. And extra clothing for when they are wet, etc.

It should be fun to see him enjoy the trees stars and rocks.

S. Broadbent
Mother to Kai (18 months)
www.HomeWtihKai.com

Our daughter was 15 months old the first time we took her camping. I remember she spent a great deal of time gathering rocks and putting them in the bottom of her stroller. You don't need to pack a whole bunch of stuff. There is plenty for a little one to do with dirt, sticks and rocks. If you will have access to water, don't rely on wipes so much. Bring some washclothes. You will need them!

T.

WE camped when our daughters were really little and we didn't need to contain them. There was so much to explore wherever we were, so they'd play with the rocks or dirt or flowers or whatever. We could watch them and they didn't really run far off. Of course we took them on walks and things together too, and of course you have to be right with them if there's water. But it may not be such a problem for you as you expect. The main thing is putting everything in his mouth and getting filthy! :) (Bring LOTS of wipes and extra clothes!) Have a great time.