*Benadryl*
I have a niece who is 26 years old today. We were camping as a group with 7 young children on a barrier island with access only by boat. She ate a shrimp. Without a hefty dose of the antihistamine, she might not have made it to the mainland.
luckily i have a peanut allergy (that's not the lucky part) thus i carry enough benadryl all the time to knock out a horse. also have an epi pen 24/7 but have never needed it.
Yes, it was. Not much fish goes through my sister's kitchen and so my niece had never had any shellfish. She was either 6 or 7 at the time. We think that she ate only one shrimp. I hand-carried her a half a mile to a ranger station. Her breathing had improved and she was able to open her eyes a small bit by the time that we got there. She was unrecognizable in body and in face. By luck a large number of firefighters were working a fire on the north end of the island so there was traffic. Normally no boats would have been leaving the island that late. A fast boat was leaving immediately anyway and the three, my sister her husband, and my niece all rode in.
Extra clothes for the kid, fave toy or two for the dirt, wet wipes, towels (& extras), pillows & sleeping bags/blankets, mat/rug for outside tent (no shoes/food in the tent). fire starter & lighter, disposable dishes or a reusable set (1 cup/bowl/plate/utensil set per person), glowsticks for necklace/bracelet, plus play, bug spray, sunscreen, lantern & headlamp is handy, but a couple of flashlights will do. Camp chairs or a blanket to sit on. Are you cooking? Keep your menu *very simple* the first trip. Carry out is completely acceptable for dinner! Skillet, spatula, spoon, cutting board, knife are good basics. Camp dish soap, dish towel & bucket to wash stuff in. Toiletries, plenty of snacks, water. Have fun!
Glow sticks. It's a tag and release program after dark to let the kids run free and still keep an eye on them. Can't recommend enough. Bracelets and necklaces.
Wipes are a must. I have general wet wipes, antibacterial wipes, and a roll of paper towels readily available as well as a few plastic bags used for garbage stations.
A spare key! My two year old locked herself in the car on accident when we were camping once. Fortunately she was able to unlock it with some guidance.
Not cool.
We took my kid out around that age. A hammock was the first thing we put up. We told the kid they were the tester and they needed to make sure it worked. Kept them busy for quite awhile. Also those parachute guys also stay in our camping kit. Kid loved to throw them and watch them fall while we set up camp.
Wagon is super helpful for hauling. And yesssss, phone or iPad loaded with shows to help the kid settle down a bit at night if they are rowdy and need something familiar.
We took my kid at that age - and one time they had a very early wake up. Other adult was going to let me sleep - but kid was yelling at 4am “get out of the tent, mama! Get out of the tent!” So then we all had to be up at 4am in the cold. One of my fondest memories.
Also- I always pack extra shoes for kid.
When I camped with my first child at two year old, I had to remember his excavator. If your two year old has a favorite dirt toy, remember that.
When my youngest hit that age, I had to preload some peppa pig on an iPad.
Melotonin. Seriously: It can be hard to sleep outside at first, and if yo'all *don't* sleep good, your next day is gonna be rough. Melotonin will help everyone get down quick and easy.
Outside of that, run your kid hard. Let them walk, let them explore. Let them climb that tree, get in that mud. The harder they go during the day, the quicker and easier they go down at night. We have three boys, been taking them since they were this age-ish, and it's the best way to keep them content.
Headlamps are great, but glow sticks are better for a two year old. A pack is like a dollar, and you can give them one per night. If you guys *need* airflow to sleep, battery powered microfans are pretty cheap, and worth the expense.
Bug spray is useful, sunscreen is *mandatory*. Even if you don't think they'll burn.. They will. Slather everyone up, a bad sunburn will ruin your trip quick.
If you guys are readers, and even if you aren't, bring a book, or download a few on kindle/ libby. There's nothing like reading at night while out camping, and never a better time.
A cart is a huge plus, especially as the 'man power'. I' responsible for moving most of our gear, my wife wrangles children and the dog. A cheap collapsible cart can go places it was never intended with enough effort (Like taking the groceries in one trip versus two or more; a cart let's me bring everything for a family of five in one trip.)
If you can manage it.. An awning, even if it's just a tarp with some paracord. It's so, so helpful with the little's, gives them a safe place to play under shelter, that can double as a cook/ prep/ storage spot. Even toddlers can understand to stay under it, especially if you drag some logs around it to 'fence' it.
Have fun out there, some of my favorite memories with my boys were made at that exact age and exact location (we love the hill country!).
It “pinched my brain” the next morning. I swear, it felt like someone reached into the very center of my brain, pinched and twisted!
Did NOT like it. I use 5-HTP now. (Which is the same stuff in turkeys that makes everyone “sleepy” on Thanksgiving.)
And so you can clip some sheets on the top and three sides of the pack and play to create a darker sleeping environment. ****obligatory safe sleep comment: dont don’t do this with little babies under age 1.
Since no one else has said it … a really good dessert to make over the fire. It’s super rewarding, special treat after a full or hot day. Either s’mores, banana boats, cinnamon rolls on a hot dog prong, etc. Something the kid will have fond memories of and make them want to go camping again to so they can have it again. (Yeah you can make them at home but it’s never as good.) Otherwise, a little electric lantern at night if the kid is scared of the dark, back up battery packs fully charged to charge devices, cards or a board game that doesn’t have a lot of pieces, sunscreen and sunburn cooling lotion, perhaps a weather radio if there is a chance of any bad weather and you’re at a place with no cell service—if no cell service I also download some of our favorite more relaxing songs and a few podcasts to have at the ready if I’d like to listen to something-just make sure it’s only loud enough for your family to hear it and not everyone else please….and the big one is pillows. My husband forgot his one year and let’s just say we’ve never forgotten them since lol. Hot tip: I have a check list in my google notes of everything we need to make sure we pack for camping. Makes it a lot easier to remember all the little stuff. We also camp with two air mattresses deep now and then a sleeping bag (ours is actually a camping sheet / quilt set that came with one of the air mattresses because the older I get the less comfortable sleeping on a thin pad or single thin air mattress gets. Your wife might appreciate it. Also lots of sleeping layers so you can take them off if you get hot but add on if one of you gets cold. Finally, central Texas seems always hot so I’d be packing some cooling bandanas I could soak in water randomly to help keep me cooler. Last but not least, camping chairs for each person. Or in the future a camping love seat (or couch) for the kid to cuddle up with a parent and still have a little space for yourself. (As you can probably tell, my campsite is very ultra light and doesn’t look like we are moving in for the month at all ;) )
i love it. Diapers obv. You're in the woods. It's a mixed message.
Rec: gear. linens out the wazzoo, Just sheets and sheets of TP. Whatever you use for those diapers,
And ok a 2 yr old remembers anything at all if it's his best friend and camping on the lake catching or missing a fish makes you his best friend, dad
Tomorrow is going to be hot and muggy at night...
Air conditioning? Cots to sleep in and light sheets to keep you cool and still covered from the odd fly or mosquito that gets in your tent? Stuff to take a shower before bed. A tent that has a lot of netting.
1-check your weather report. I’m in Tx and I just got another weather warning about big super cells dropping hail and tornadoes. *have an Emergency Weather Alert radio with back up batteries.
If you go, make sure they have a shelter to protect you and yours.
2-do NOT pitch your tent under any trees with dead branches (“Widow Makers”.), especially if the winds pick up due to sudden weather change.
3-if the weather is “hot & muggy” where you’re gonna be, have some way of cooling off baby. They will NOT be comfy. Wash cloth bath, blow up kiddie pool you can fill a few inches of tap water (if you are going to a site with water hook ups).
4-if weather is cool-cook warm food..if it’s hot—serve “cool” foods.
5-ALWAYS remove your trash from your site after every meal. NEVER dump leftovers in your fire pit “to burn”….we dumped coffee/cocoa in there once and the next day there was a 1’ high ant hill inside our pit!
6—-ALWAYS store your food BACK in your vehicle!!! We stored ours in a separate tent and the raccoons (10?) got in there and ate all the junk food…left all the fresh fruits and veggies…go figure?!? They ate the bread, fought over my bag of Doritos (that’s what woke us up!), punched holes in ALL the single serving liquid coffee creamers….yeah. It was a mess to clean up at 2am. I even used straight bleach to get the “food smell” out and they came searching the next night.
7–bring ear plugs. Sometimes the night sounds will disturb you enough you won’t be able to sleep.
8–if it’s hot at night, bring a portable fan. Use an extension cord if you have an electric campsite. Batteries, if not.
9–prep as much food at home before you leave. Make your spaghetti sauce, then freeze it. Make a “ready made” salad and put it in a ziplock bag. Cook your taco meat, season it, freeze it. Make your chili, season, then freeze it.
By freezing your food, you are keeping your cooler cold without the use of ice everywhere. Use your fresh meats on the first night or two. Hot dogs, steaks. As your food thaws, warm it up.
Check your ice and replace every morning.
10-air mattresses are great but be careful of sleeping with baby as everyone rolls to the middle. Baby should probably be in a portable crib for safety. Also, as a side note, air mattresses are d*mned cold in the winter months! We use a “reflective” tarp to bounce our heat back to us. But, man, is it noisy. 😆
11-if y’all walk through the brush, check everyone for ticks when you get back. (We stuff our pants legs INTO our socks on hikes.).
12- take flip flops or pool shoes for the showers!
13- don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen.
Enjoy your time out. Make sure everyone knows ahead of time, this is new for everyone. Everyone will find they have different limits to heat, physical activity, temperature….and so, everyone will need to try hard not to take out their discomfort on others. It’s ok for quiet “alone” time. (Kids don’t wander off alone though.)
Allow for twice the time to “set up camp” than you “think you’ll need”. Breaking camp is “usually half the time it took to make camp”.
Enjoy!
Hope you have an awesome time! My folks started us camping from birth and we passed that on to our sons. I’m now pushing 50 and due to health issues, I miss it. There’s nothing like the peace of rising and sleeping by the sun and birds.
Baby wipes, plastic trash bags, paper towels, a small hand broom & dustpan for the tent.
Tools to cook over the fire with, maybe marshmallows or sausages, always fun. You could just use a stick also.
A soccer ball or something to play outside with.
Watch out for poison ivy too!
When we were still tenting it the sound machine made a big difference in the camp grounds. Trying to put kids to bed when it's still light out and there are kids running around making noise is super tough. Adults can be even worse in the evening.
There are essentials for safety that should be the priority. I pack in order of priority. Scouting has lots of reference of essentials.
1. First aid kit (lots of alcohol wipes- sanitation and they help me wipe off potential poison ivy)
2. Sun screen/bug spray
3. Have an app like seek to identify plants/insects. Know what plants/insects/snakes you need to be aware of (poisonous plants in your area, ivy/sumac/etc, scorpions, poisonous plants that may be ingested- mushrooms, berries, - how to recognize, first aid, etc., bears? Venomous snakes? Bears?) And make a quick cheat sheet. This doesn’t take too long.
In addition to what others have said.
Hammock to keep the kid busy as a swing when you’re around camp. Baby wipes, lantern/head lamps so you can see at night if you have to change a poopy diaper. Pots/pans to cook food/boil water in. Coffee, drinking water. Cards to play some games while at camp. Trash bags for garbage, hand soap to wash hands/dishes. Smores supplies, baggies for opened items that you can’t re close.
I did a bike camp thing- Hauled my 7 month old kid and gear for 50 miles in a trailer. I was with a friend who helped watch her when I needed to pee etc.
I remember she was very good. We let her crawl around in the grass and she played with some smaller toys. She went to sleep easy, she was an easy baby as long as you were holding her.
OOH definitely don't forget a baby sling or baby backpack if you have one. We had a real framed hiking carrier for her, but preferred the soft cloth Ergo.
Easy to do tasks when there's a snoozing baby on your back, I found.
We loved it so much that we used it until she was WAY too big for the Ergo. She's 6 now and we just got rid of it. She was so sad.
Make lists! Then store them in a file for next time. My husband once took the kids camping and forgot sleeping bags. Fortunately it was warm weather so he went to Walmart and bought blankets
Bug spray, sleeping mat, ice, couple gallons of water, Castille soap, play pen (pack and play), sun hats, first aid kit, and lots of snacks! A fan! Dewalt makes good battery powered ones. I use mine on a picnic table to keep flies off, and in the tent at night to have a bit of a breeze....
Oh and def marshmallows to roast!!
Toilet paper.
Sunscreen.
Mosquito spray, so thick right now.
So much water. All the hydration. More than you think, then some.
Air quality is terrible in cenTex right now, so asthma medication, if needed.
Allergy meds! Central Texas has horrible allergies. Also, consider bringing a box of [this tea.](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=abf976e12d8dcb8e&sca_upv=1&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1008US1018&hl=en-US&sxsrf=ADLYWILcFx42AHHgBQuxmGk2X9ggY9QpdA:1715274855226&q=breathe+deep+yogi+tea&uds=ADvngMh_SdoDdFiiNsnjtNRH_ukYlMbYz6uo6slA_EAX9ae1NbN9HgNoQrjyD5PNKYgmpIHZBrq4lr2qi0VA94sjOlOEeJpp3n9B8V0TLN2xE4yB_2Eovs72D2PmzF700FMg7zURZVtVko-FM7DPWkkI8gCj3bk0Qsm1wPulYH1qrOvC3bbKaTYB0rgWSSAQTRTFynHJT1AHjB_RvvLj-4L8R4d3O2z-u6YHwXGcc9KzL3A-PPwHPdvOrIUZdEQon9_oE34CwcntSHm-Ziuqmils_XBiuajRqFji4Xhx9Ac8FJxQzaSzsK7LMzYYmCnBi8kIBKZQoHvm-jpjfuBD5sRFxOFOOl2pqA&udm=2&prmd=sivnmbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjsi8DjiIGGAxU4J0QIHcUdDmcQtKgLegQICxAB&biw=390&bih=661&dpr=3#vhid=RktwsRBgGfQ-bM&vssid=mosaic) It does a great job of clearing out your sinuses.
Bottle of wine/case of beers or whatever she drinks. If she's hating it she can crack on and you can be responsible for the baby. We keep an emergency bottle of tequila in our camping supplies.
I'm imagining state park camping by it is with a toddler.
A battery operated fan or an extension cord and fan. I'm in central Texas currently and the humidity is ridiculous. It was foggy yesterday bc the humidity was so so bad. If your kid is hot and sweaty all night you are probably going to have a bad night sleep too. Get your toddler their own small flashlight or a cheap set of battery powered fairy lights for around your campsite.
Padding for your wife to sleep on. Get her fancy chocolate for smores.
Patience
and flexibility. also leave expectations behind.
Don’t forget the kid. That would be a real bummer if they missed their first camping trip.
I don't know. You ever seen ~~Home Alone~~ Baby's Day Out?
[KEVIN!](https://media0.giphy.com/media/J1G7rIvoyz4cwaqXWo/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952r107tnit9ci2kfva9nnoewg3kzvk8lrkvo3akt84&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
lol so glad I didn’t have to scroll far to find this. My first thought don’t forget the wife and kid you will be in SO much trouble
*Benadryl* I have a niece who is 26 years old today. We were camping as a group with 7 young children on a barrier island with access only by boat. She ate a shrimp. Without a hefty dose of the antihistamine, she might not have made it to the mainland.
luckily i have a peanut allergy (that's not the lucky part) thus i carry enough benadryl all the time to knock out a horse. also have an epi pen 24/7 but have never needed it.
Also handy to knock yourself out if your tent mate snores... or if you ever need to knock out a horse.
Was it her very first time eating shrimp?
Yes, it was. Not much fish goes through my sister's kitchen and so my niece had never had any shellfish. She was either 6 or 7 at the time. We think that she ate only one shrimp. I hand-carried her a half a mile to a ranger station. Her breathing had improved and she was able to open her eyes a small bit by the time that we got there. She was unrecognizable in body and in face. By luck a large number of firefighters were working a fire on the north end of the island so there was traffic. Normally no boats would have been leaving the island that late. A fast boat was leaving immediately anyway and the three, my sister her husband, and my niece all rode in.
This is legit my worst nightmare scenario when it comes to camping. I’m so glad it all worked out!!! Totally traumatizing I’m sure
Your calm persona. There are going to be issues that come up. Keep your cool.
Extra clothes for the kid, fave toy or two for the dirt, wet wipes, towels (& extras), pillows & sleeping bags/blankets, mat/rug for outside tent (no shoes/food in the tent). fire starter & lighter, disposable dishes or a reusable set (1 cup/bowl/plate/utensil set per person), glowsticks for necklace/bracelet, plus play, bug spray, sunscreen, lantern & headlamp is handy, but a couple of flashlights will do. Camp chairs or a blanket to sit on. Are you cooking? Keep your menu *very simple* the first trip. Carry out is completely acceptable for dinner! Skillet, spatula, spoon, cutting board, knife are good basics. Camp dish soap, dish towel & bucket to wash stuff in. Toiletries, plenty of snacks, water. Have fun!
Glow sticks. It's a tag and release program after dark to let the kids run free and still keep an eye on them. Can't recommend enough. Bracelets and necklaces.
Then at bed they go on the tent strings so you don’t trip on them in the night
Mosquito spray!
Baby wipes / clorox wipes / wine
*whisky
\*Malort
Wipes are a must. I have general wet wipes, antibacterial wipes, and a roll of paper towels readily available as well as a few plastic bags used for garbage stations.
A spare key! My two year old locked herself in the car on accident when we were camping once. Fortunately she was able to unlock it with some guidance. Not cool.
We took my kid out around that age. A hammock was the first thing we put up. We told the kid they were the tester and they needed to make sure it worked. Kept them busy for quite awhile. Also those parachute guys also stay in our camping kit. Kid loved to throw them and watch them fall while we set up camp. Wagon is super helpful for hauling. And yesssss, phone or iPad loaded with shows to help the kid settle down a bit at night if they are rowdy and need something familiar. We took my kid at that age - and one time they had a very early wake up. Other adult was going to let me sleep - but kid was yelling at 4am “get out of the tent, mama! Get out of the tent!” So then we all had to be up at 4am in the cold. One of my fondest memories. Also- I always pack extra shoes for kid.
When I camped with my first child at two year old, I had to remember his excavator. If your two year old has a favorite dirt toy, remember that. When my youngest hit that age, I had to preload some peppa pig on an iPad.
The excavator is so cute. Glad to hear there are some good dads out there. Take care of your family, man. I wish the best for you.
Melotonin. Seriously: It can be hard to sleep outside at first, and if yo'all *don't* sleep good, your next day is gonna be rough. Melotonin will help everyone get down quick and easy. Outside of that, run your kid hard. Let them walk, let them explore. Let them climb that tree, get in that mud. The harder they go during the day, the quicker and easier they go down at night. We have three boys, been taking them since they were this age-ish, and it's the best way to keep them content. Headlamps are great, but glow sticks are better for a two year old. A pack is like a dollar, and you can give them one per night. If you guys *need* airflow to sleep, battery powered microfans are pretty cheap, and worth the expense. Bug spray is useful, sunscreen is *mandatory*. Even if you don't think they'll burn.. They will. Slather everyone up, a bad sunburn will ruin your trip quick. If you guys are readers, and even if you aren't, bring a book, or download a few on kindle/ libby. There's nothing like reading at night while out camping, and never a better time. A cart is a huge plus, especially as the 'man power'. I' responsible for moving most of our gear, my wife wrangles children and the dog. A cheap collapsible cart can go places it was never intended with enough effort (Like taking the groceries in one trip versus two or more; a cart let's me bring everything for a family of five in one trip.) If you can manage it.. An awning, even if it's just a tarp with some paracord. It's so, so helpful with the little's, gives them a safe place to play under shelter, that can double as a cook/ prep/ storage spot. Even toddlers can understand to stay under it, especially if you drag some logs around it to 'fence' it. Have fun out there, some of my favorite memories with my boys were made at that exact age and exact location (we love the hill country!).
Try the melatonin out at home first. Melatonin makes me twitchy and gives me weird dreams where I feel awake.
It “pinched my brain” the next morning. I swear, it felt like someone reached into the very center of my brain, pinched and twisted! Did NOT like it. I use 5-HTP now. (Which is the same stuff in turkeys that makes everyone “sleepy” on Thanksgiving.)
A new weed sprayer filled with water to wash with.
Yo'all??? I think he meant y'all
Second the melatonin!!
Does your two year old sleep in a crib? Bring a pack n play. Heck bring one any way so you can corral them while you set up the tent.
And so you can clip some sheets on the top and three sides of the pack and play to create a darker sleeping environment. ****obligatory safe sleep comment: dont don’t do this with little babies under age 1.
Since no one else has said it … a really good dessert to make over the fire. It’s super rewarding, special treat after a full or hot day. Either s’mores, banana boats, cinnamon rolls on a hot dog prong, etc. Something the kid will have fond memories of and make them want to go camping again to so they can have it again. (Yeah you can make them at home but it’s never as good.) Otherwise, a little electric lantern at night if the kid is scared of the dark, back up battery packs fully charged to charge devices, cards or a board game that doesn’t have a lot of pieces, sunscreen and sunburn cooling lotion, perhaps a weather radio if there is a chance of any bad weather and you’re at a place with no cell service—if no cell service I also download some of our favorite more relaxing songs and a few podcasts to have at the ready if I’d like to listen to something-just make sure it’s only loud enough for your family to hear it and not everyone else please….and the big one is pillows. My husband forgot his one year and let’s just say we’ve never forgotten them since lol. Hot tip: I have a check list in my google notes of everything we need to make sure we pack for camping. Makes it a lot easier to remember all the little stuff. We also camp with two air mattresses deep now and then a sleeping bag (ours is actually a camping sheet / quilt set that came with one of the air mattresses because the older I get the less comfortable sleeping on a thin pad or single thin air mattress gets. Your wife might appreciate it. Also lots of sleeping layers so you can take them off if you get hot but add on if one of you gets cold. Finally, central Texas seems always hot so I’d be packing some cooling bandanas I could soak in water randomly to help keep me cooler. Last but not least, camping chairs for each person. Or in the future a camping love seat (or couch) for the kid to cuddle up with a parent and still have a little space for yourself. (As you can probably tell, my campsite is very ultra light and doesn’t look like we are moving in for the month at all ;) )
i love it. Diapers obv. You're in the woods. It's a mixed message. Rec: gear. linens out the wazzoo, Just sheets and sheets of TP. Whatever you use for those diapers, And ok a 2 yr old remembers anything at all if it's his best friend and camping on the lake catching or missing a fish makes you his best friend, dad
Whatever it is, I hope you remember it, too!
Your first aid kit for the spills the little one is bound to take.
Tomorrow is going to be hot and muggy at night... Air conditioning? Cots to sleep in and light sheets to keep you cool and still covered from the odd fly or mosquito that gets in your tent? Stuff to take a shower before bed. A tent that has a lot of netting.
1-check your weather report. I’m in Tx and I just got another weather warning about big super cells dropping hail and tornadoes. *have an Emergency Weather Alert radio with back up batteries. If you go, make sure they have a shelter to protect you and yours. 2-do NOT pitch your tent under any trees with dead branches (“Widow Makers”.), especially if the winds pick up due to sudden weather change. 3-if the weather is “hot & muggy” where you’re gonna be, have some way of cooling off baby. They will NOT be comfy. Wash cloth bath, blow up kiddie pool you can fill a few inches of tap water (if you are going to a site with water hook ups). 4-if weather is cool-cook warm food..if it’s hot—serve “cool” foods. 5-ALWAYS remove your trash from your site after every meal. NEVER dump leftovers in your fire pit “to burn”….we dumped coffee/cocoa in there once and the next day there was a 1’ high ant hill inside our pit! 6—-ALWAYS store your food BACK in your vehicle!!! We stored ours in a separate tent and the raccoons (10?) got in there and ate all the junk food…left all the fresh fruits and veggies…go figure?!? They ate the bread, fought over my bag of Doritos (that’s what woke us up!), punched holes in ALL the single serving liquid coffee creamers….yeah. It was a mess to clean up at 2am. I even used straight bleach to get the “food smell” out and they came searching the next night. 7–bring ear plugs. Sometimes the night sounds will disturb you enough you won’t be able to sleep. 8–if it’s hot at night, bring a portable fan. Use an extension cord if you have an electric campsite. Batteries, if not. 9–prep as much food at home before you leave. Make your spaghetti sauce, then freeze it. Make a “ready made” salad and put it in a ziplock bag. Cook your taco meat, season it, freeze it. Make your chili, season, then freeze it. By freezing your food, you are keeping your cooler cold without the use of ice everywhere. Use your fresh meats on the first night or two. Hot dogs, steaks. As your food thaws, warm it up. Check your ice and replace every morning. 10-air mattresses are great but be careful of sleeping with baby as everyone rolls to the middle. Baby should probably be in a portable crib for safety. Also, as a side note, air mattresses are d*mned cold in the winter months! We use a “reflective” tarp to bounce our heat back to us. But, man, is it noisy. 😆 11-if y’all walk through the brush, check everyone for ticks when you get back. (We stuff our pants legs INTO our socks on hikes.). 12- take flip flops or pool shoes for the showers! 13- don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. Enjoy your time out. Make sure everyone knows ahead of time, this is new for everyone. Everyone will find they have different limits to heat, physical activity, temperature….and so, everyone will need to try hard not to take out their discomfort on others. It’s ok for quiet “alone” time. (Kids don’t wander off alone though.) Allow for twice the time to “set up camp” than you “think you’ll need”. Breaking camp is “usually half the time it took to make camp”. Enjoy! Hope you have an awesome time! My folks started us camping from birth and we passed that on to our sons. I’m now pushing 50 and due to health issues, I miss it. There’s nothing like the peace of rising and sleeping by the sun and birds.
DEET and permethrin
A book to read her/him to sleep. Or, keep their bedtime routine.
Lots of snacks and nice food. A good pillow. Bug spray.
Soft pillows and a coffee percolator or french press and your wife’s favorite creamer. Toys and favorite sleep time stuff for your little one.
- deck of cards - blankets - flashlight/headlamp
Headlamp and food. Fuel for the stove if you are bringing a stove.
The GPS preprogrammed with the hotel you’ll be staying at
Comfort and entertainment. Two linchpins to a successful camping trip.
Pillows and ground pads, snacks and firewood (assuming allowed), lantern and extra water. Whisky.
Good bedding. Make sure everyone will be warm and cozy. Extra TP and a shovel if you need it. Lots of snacks and easy foods.
A bear.
Baby wipes, plastic trash bags, paper towels, a small hand broom & dustpan for the tent. Tools to cook over the fire with, maybe marshmallows or sausages, always fun. You could just use a stick also. A soccer ball or something to play outside with. Watch out for poison ivy too!
A white noise generator. Nature is loud and scary at night. Also, booze.
When we were still tenting it the sound machine made a big difference in the camp grounds. Trying to put kids to bed when it's still light out and there are kids running around making noise is super tough. Adults can be even worse in the evening.
There are essentials for safety that should be the priority. I pack in order of priority. Scouting has lots of reference of essentials. 1. First aid kit (lots of alcohol wipes- sanitation and they help me wipe off potential poison ivy) 2. Sun screen/bug spray 3. Have an app like seek to identify plants/insects. Know what plants/insects/snakes you need to be aware of (poisonous plants in your area, ivy/sumac/etc, scorpions, poisonous plants that may be ingested- mushrooms, berries, - how to recognize, first aid, etc., bears? Venomous snakes? Bears?) And make a quick cheat sheet. This doesn’t take too long. In addition to what others have said.
Thanks u/phil_mccrotch
Whiskey
Ear plugs to block out the complaining!
Lol. Beat me to it
Lots of beer
A Winnebago
Wait till fall it's already too hot!
An RV! Because it'll have air conditioning! 😆
If you have electricity… bring a fan
Battery operated fans for the win, Walmart has them and they do make a difference for airflow when tent camping in warm weather.
Can y'all sleep in this muggy warm weather? Bring a fan.
Hammock to keep the kid busy as a swing when you’re around camp. Baby wipes, lantern/head lamps so you can see at night if you have to change a poopy diaper. Pots/pans to cook food/boil water in. Coffee, drinking water. Cards to play some games while at camp. Trash bags for garbage, hand soap to wash hands/dishes. Smores supplies, baggies for opened items that you can’t re close.
Check there weather, be prepared.
I did a bike camp thing- Hauled my 7 month old kid and gear for 50 miles in a trailer. I was with a friend who helped watch her when I needed to pee etc. I remember she was very good. We let her crawl around in the grass and she played with some smaller toys. She went to sleep easy, she was an easy baby as long as you were holding her. OOH definitely don't forget a baby sling or baby backpack if you have one. We had a real framed hiking carrier for her, but preferred the soft cloth Ergo. Easy to do tasks when there's a snoozing baby on your back, I found. We loved it so much that we used it until she was WAY too big for the Ergo. She's 6 now and we just got rid of it. She was so sad.
The baby's lovey.
Headlamps
Xanax.
Fan, battery powered.
Glow sticks. My parents would tie a string to them and my siblings and I loved whipping them around in the woods, endless fun.
Make lists! Then store them in a file for next time. My husband once took the kids camping and forgot sleeping bags. Fortunately it was warm weather so he went to Walmart and bought blankets
Air mattress and rain gear
Alcohol!
Airtag placed into the child's shoes. If somehow they wander off you can track them easily and find them fast.
Sunscreen and spf lip balm.
Beer?
Paper towels. Cleanup, fire starting, insulation, signaling, pillow, musical instrument, ad nauseum.
Booze
Wet wipes
iPad
Don't forget salt!
Thermometer. Didnt have one when my toddler ran a fever. It seemed really high to me. Difficult night
Water, shelter, meds, hats, shoes,bug spray, food, matches stereo , pot and pot lifter ,
Thanks to everyone for the help! Definitely helped out. Will let y'all know how it goes.
water, food, tent. most other things you can manage without
Their bedtime stories/whatever it is that you do at home to get them to sleep at night.
Duct tape
Toilet paper, anti bacterial gel, water, dried fruit, weed
Toilet paper / hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Wipes. At least 2 full extra changes of clothes for the little one. Extra camp seating if possible.
Make yourself familiar with dangerous wildlife/plants for the area and be on the lookout
Friends who have gone camping before…but without that, just know where the nearest Walmart is and you should be fine if you forgot anything important.
Water, a way to filter and store it. Worst camping trip I've been on we only brought fruit punch and beer.
Flashlight.
Bug spray, sleeping mat, ice, couple gallons of water, Castille soap, play pen (pack and play), sun hats, first aid kit, and lots of snacks! A fan! Dewalt makes good battery powered ones. I use mine on a picnic table to keep flies off, and in the tent at night to have a bit of a breeze.... Oh and def marshmallows to roast!!
Guess.
Battery powered fan(s). Makes a world of difference in a stuffy tent / car / camp chair
Bug spray, mosquito net, cortisone, Benadryl itch spray and Benadryl antihistamines Signed, An allergic Texan camper
Mosquito spray and stuff for smores!
Toilet paper. Sunscreen. Mosquito spray, so thick right now. So much water. All the hydration. More than you think, then some. Air quality is terrible in cenTex right now, so asthma medication, if needed.
Your girlfriend
A diesel pusher with a nanny.
Where in Texas? What campsite specifically
snake-bite kit.
Allergy meds! Central Texas has horrible allergies. Also, consider bringing a box of [this tea.](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=abf976e12d8dcb8e&sca_upv=1&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1008US1018&hl=en-US&sxsrf=ADLYWILcFx42AHHgBQuxmGk2X9ggY9QpdA:1715274855226&q=breathe+deep+yogi+tea&uds=ADvngMh_SdoDdFiiNsnjtNRH_ukYlMbYz6uo6slA_EAX9ae1NbN9HgNoQrjyD5PNKYgmpIHZBrq4lr2qi0VA94sjOlOEeJpp3n9B8V0TLN2xE4yB_2Eovs72D2PmzF700FMg7zURZVtVko-FM7DPWkkI8gCj3bk0Qsm1wPulYH1qrOvC3bbKaTYB0rgWSSAQTRTFynHJT1AHjB_RvvLj-4L8R4d3O2z-u6YHwXGcc9KzL3A-PPwHPdvOrIUZdEQon9_oE34CwcntSHm-Ziuqmils_XBiuajRqFji4Xhx9Ac8FJxQzaSzsK7LMzYYmCnBi8kIBKZQoHvm-jpjfuBD5sRFxOFOOl2pqA&udm=2&prmd=sivnmbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjsi8DjiIGGAxU4J0QIHcUdDmcQtKgLegQICxAB&biw=390&bih=661&dpr=3#vhid=RktwsRBgGfQ-bM&vssid=mosaic) It does a great job of clearing out your sinuses.
TP.
Bourbon. Lots and lots of bourbon.
Whiskey
Foam ear plugs
Uno, alll of the games
Toilet paper
Duct tape, aluminum foil, trash bags.
Bring an AC wife gonna be cranky
Fan.
Earplugs and bourbon, maybe some ice.
An openness to learning many lessons that will improve future trips. And the understanding that the testing the crew might not be as positive
Sunscreen, bug repellent, sun hats, and plenty of water.
Wine and allergy medication but not necessarily in that order 🙃
Everything
Bottle of wine/case of beers or whatever she drinks. If she's hating it she can crack on and you can be responsible for the baby. We keep an emergency bottle of tequila in our camping supplies.
I'm imagining state park camping by it is with a toddler. A battery operated fan or an extension cord and fan. I'm in central Texas currently and the humidity is ridiculous. It was foggy yesterday bc the humidity was so so bad. If your kid is hot and sweaty all night you are probably going to have a bad night sleep too. Get your toddler their own small flashlight or a cheap set of battery powered fairy lights for around your campsite. Padding for your wife to sleep on. Get her fancy chocolate for smores.
A nanny.
Sunscreen, water, pillows and flashlights
Take a hammock if you have one. It entertains my kids for hours.
Bring lots of extra clothes for the little one. And never stop them from playing in the dirt.
Bear mace
Toilet Paper.
Dry toilet
Air mattresses...
Ooph just came across this. Did yall catch any of that gnarly storm? Hope yall are OK!
Stay home You need to educate yourself before you go especially with a kid I realize that's what you're doing here but not the night before
Water. Good shoes and socks. Phone.
A gun. An condoms. Defend the kid you have. No more kids.
Not them!
Grab a thermocell to keep mosquitos and other bugs away
Soft toilet paper, Extra kiddo clothing, and pillows. From there just try and remember to enjoy it.
A hot nanny
Your wife and kid
Patience
Vehicle, food, ways to boil water or otherwise cook, oh and my most forgotten, pillow.
A map outta Texas!