It's time to go camping, you can make it happen

A camping trip for some people, is a must have item on their list of things to do. Most prefer to camp or tent in warmer weather and some may not mind a cooler temperature or a bit of rain.

However, let's get down to business, a parent or parent's camping trip with a newborn is definitely going to be a new and exciting experience.

What tends to make your experience memorable and enjoyable is the flexibility to shift at ease between 2 key areas.

They are, confidence and perseverance.

The confidence to subject your baby to a new environment, the confidence to travel with your baby to the camping ground or designated area, the confidence in your individual camping abilities and the perseverance factor, patience, to accept that not all things are in your control.

Make it happen

1. plan ahead by making sure your camping gear is operational
2. within reason, any tent size is all it takes (i.e a 1 man tent might just not cut it for a family of 3 etc)
3. the size and make up of the tent will determine how you make the tent comfortable and inviting for your baby to sleep in. For example, if you have a 3 man tent you might consider a double mattress for parents and baby. Or if you have a bigger tent, with additional areas for multiple people to sleep, you might consider a travel portacot, bassinet or moses basket (age dependent or baby preference) for baby to sleep in

Day time camping activities call for a little ingenuity, because it is highly likely your newborn may only feed and sleep during the day. If you like the water and don't mind a bit of fishing, tie in these activities as part of your camping trip. Your baby will learn to adapt.

In other words, 'do your best to make baby an extension of your camping trip, rather than allow baby to govern how you spend your time.' Organise your camping trip now and make it happen, you may be quietly surprised!

Cheers & happy adventures,

Maria

Fun spent in the park, what happens if the weather changes.

My daughter is a big fan of feeding ducks, geese and swans in a pond or lake, or just maybe the affiliation to parks and birdlife has a lot to do with my own cherished past-times.

So when the opportunity arises, actually any chance we get, we pack up the car or 4 wheel drive and head to a local park on weekdays and relish a longer journey to a park outside of the metropolitan area most weekends.


What to pack?

1. It is likely shade will be available by way of trees, however you may wish to take a sunshade or umbrella
2. Nappy bag with all essential items plus additional toys
3. A thick, waterproof picnic rug
4. Snap n Go stroller or chosen stroller to support your infant capsule (see First time parents - A short journey to the grocery store)
5. An additional thick, yet light baby blanket for baby's comfort when out of his/her capsule. The ideal blanket is a zip up baby sleeping bag. Light & handy for warmth or padding to place baby on for a nap
6. If you are alone with baby and like reading, a good book is essential, as it is likely baby may sleep some or most of the time
7. A rain cover & sunshade for the capsule or stroller, should baby prefer to sleep in either
8. Staple food for both you and baby
9. Stale bread for the ducks or other wildlife


Should it rain or drizzle during your visit, be close to a public shelter rather than packing bub up in a rush to leave the park prematurely. It is amazing how enjoyable your visit can be when your baby awakes to the sound of rain drops on a tin roof or the exceptional sounds of wildlife doing their best to find shelter also.

Cheers and enjoy your adventure!
xxx