Whether you are taking a small day trip or you are camping for a week, it is important to make sure you bring everything you may need for an emergency with your child. It could be a fish hook in the finger or a campfire burn, here are a few tips to ensure your little ones have fun, and you don’t go insane with worry.
It doesn’t matter if your child is 2 or 12, you are going to worry about them touching the wrong plant or wandering too far. No matter how long the trip, if you have a child with you it is always a good idea to get a few walkie-talkies for every member in your family. You don’t have to get high tech equipment, but having them in your back pocket will make you feel much better and you can enjoy yourself.
If you have a smaller child as well as a older, more active one, it is a good idea to bring a crib or pack N play with you. You can put your small child in the crib while you set up camp or make dinner. This is also good for naps if you don’t want to leave them in a tent by themselves.
You may not know all of the things your child is allergic to in nature. It is a good idea to always have an up to date first aid kit. And also a good itch cream, bug spray, and sunscreen. Also, you should have a sharpie with you. If your child gets bit by a spider or bug and you aren’t sure what kind it was or if they are allergic, you can use the sharpie to draw a circle around the bite and monitor the swelling.
When you have a fire going your child is going to be very attracted to it. Before you leave home, either buy or make a simple barrier that will make it more difficult for your child to get to it. It could be something as simple as a few pieces of rebar attached to chicken wire. You can stake the rebar into the ground and the chicken wire will act as a sort of baby gate around your campfire.
One of the most important things you need to bring with you is plenty of snacks. Kids are constantly eating and that won’t change when you go camping. The best way to do this is to pre-make them before you leave home. Make sure they are packed full of protein so they will actually fill your kids up. Nuts, granola mixes, raisins, and peanut butter with crackers are all great ideas.
You are always going to worry about your kids, especially when you are not in an environment that you are used to. These few simple tips will help you, and your kids have a camping or hiking trip that is focused less on safety and more on exploring. Your kids have to be kids and explore, make sure you have what you and your kids need so you can enjoy your trip and keep your kids safe in nature.