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Camping With Kids #4: Camping With Toddlers–Tips for Ages 1~3

Camping with toddlers can feel like taking a tiny tornado into the wilderness. But with the right mindset and some smart planning, it can also be magical. This guide offers toddler-specific tips for handling naps, potty needs, safety, and play while still having fun outdoors.

Camping With Toddlers_Tips for Ages 1–3

👶 1. Should You Even Camp With a Toddler?

Short answer: Yes — but adjust your expectations.
Toddlers thrive in nature: digging, splashing, climbing, and exploring. But they also struggle with:

  • Sleep in new environments

  • Transitions between activities

  • Waiting for food (or anything at all)

  • Overstimulation and fatigue


That means your job as a parent is to simplify, slow down, and follow their cues.


🕰️ 2. Keep Their Routine (But Loosen It)

Toddlers crave predictability. That doesn’t mean recreating your entire home routine in the woods, but aim for familiar rhythms:

Example Routine:

Time Activity
  7:30 AM     Wake-up + quick breakfast
  9:00 AM     Short walk or nature play
11:30 AM     Lunch
12:00 PM     Nap in tent or car
  2:00 PM     Free play, crafts, or snacks
  5:30 PM     Early dinner
  7:00 PM     Calm-down time + bedtime


Tip: Use the same loveys, nightlight, or white noise as home to create a familiar sleep signal.


🛏️ 3. Naps and Bedtime: Expect Flexibility

Many toddlers won’t nap well on their first camping trip. That’s okay. Try to:

  • Drive during nap time (if it’s a travel day)

  • Use a pack-and-play or shaded tent

  • Keep it dark, cool, and quiet

  • Don’t force it — even 30 minutes of rest helps


At bedtime, make sure you have:

  • Favorite pajamas

  • Familiar blanket or stuffed animal

  • A dim light or glow stick (many toddlers fear the dark)

  • A “tent bedtime story” or song to settle them in


🚽 4. Potty Training and Diaper Strategy

Camping while potty training? It is doable — just be ready to pivot.

If still in diapers:

  • Bring more than you think you’ll need

  • Use a changing mat or tarp

  • Have a separate “diaper bag” for dirty ones

  • Use trash-sealing bags or a dry box to contain smell


If potty training:

  • Pack a portable potty with liners

  • Try training pants or pull-ups at night

  • Celebrate success but stay relaxed about accidents

  • Don’t force new potty routines on your trip


Important: Stay near restrooms or have a simple toilet solution at camp.


🧸 5. Toddler-Friendly Outdoor Activities

Forget screen time — nature has all the stimulation they need. Try:

✅ Rock or leaf collecting
✅ Splashing in a creek (with shoes)
✅ Bubble time (great for calming down)
✅ Chalk or crayons on flat rocks
✅ Bug watching with magnifying glass
✅ Sensory bin with pinecones, dirt, sticks
✅ Water painting with a brush and cup


Bonus: Bring one or two new toys to keep things novel and fun.


☀️ 6. Keep Them Safe Without Stressing Out

Your toddler will want to explore — and that’s great! Just set boundaries:

  • Designate a “safe zone” around your tent

  • Use bright hats or vests to keep them visible

  • Practice saying “stop” and “wait” before your trip

  • Be alert around fires, grills, water, and stairs

  • Consider a baby gate if your tent has a big opening


Bring child-safe bug spray and sunscreen, and check for ticks during clean-up time.


🍽️ 7. Feeding a Toddler While Camping

Toddlers are picky, messy, and often hungry right now. Plan simple meals:

Meal Ideas
Breakfast     Yogurt, fruit, oatmeal cups
Lunch     PB&J, string cheese, cut veggies
Dinner        Mac & cheese, grilled cheese, soft pasta
Snacks     Pouches, crackers, bananas, mini muffins


Tips:

  • Use a booster or picnic blanket for meals

  • Bring plenty of wipes

  • Keep one “emergency snack stash” for meltdowns


🧘 8. Manage Overstimulation and Meltdowns

Too much sun, new sights, loud birds… it happens.

✔️ Build in quiet time after lunch
✔️ Create a calm-down kit: book, blanket, favorite toy
✔️ Say, “Let’s go snuggle in the tent for a minute”
✔️ Keep your tone soft — even if they’re screaming

Camping with toddlers means embracing interruptions and small wins.

✅ Toddler Camping Essentials Checklist

Category Items
Sleep     Travel crib/play yard, blanket, white noise
Eating     Bib, toddler spoon/fork, booster chair
Hygiene     Diapers, wipes, toddler potty or seat
Clothes     Layers, hat, extra shoes
Safety     Sunscreen, bug spray, first-aid kit
Play     Bubbles, books, coloring supplies
Comfort     Favorite toy, pacifier, sleep aid

📌 Up Next:

Part 5 – Food That Works Outdoors: Easy Family Camp Meals

From toddlers to teens, feeding your family outdoors doesn’t have to be hard. In Part 5, we’ll cover stress-free meal prep, snack hacks, and smart food storage for family camping.