The Whole Story on Camping with Kids: Safety Essentials You Must Have

Camping with kids is all fun and games until someone gets hurt or becomes ill. That’s why, no matter how good everything seems, you should always be prepared for the unplanned. Start with basics like shelter, sleeping bags, proper clothing, and footwear, then focus on other essentials such as insect repellent and sun protection.

5 Essentials for Safe Camping With Kids

Children’s Sleeping Bags

When camping with kids, it’s essential to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Safe nighttime sleep is crucial for your kids’ well-being, and that’s why the first thing you should do before heading outdoors is get children’s sleeping bags for camping.

You want your little ones to feel safe and cosy while sleeping. The best way to do this is to choose comfortable children’s sleeping bags for camping. They come in different shapes and picking the right one will help your kid sleep just as well as in their usual bed.

Before buying a sleeping bag, there are a few considerations to make. Think about how your children want to sleep. Do they move around a lot during the night? Do they prefer to be snug or need space to stretch?

Also, take into account the season. If it’s later fall or winter, you want a thicker sleeping bag that provides good insulation and keeps your kids warm even in temperatures as low as -5°C.

For instance, rectangular sleeping bags might do a better job for warmer nights as they are spacious enough for your kid to wiggle around while sleeping. They are roomy and comfortable and won’t trap too much heat.

For cooler temperatures, a mummy shape could be better. These bags feel like a cocoon. They are snug and stay close to the body, which helps keep your children warmer. There is less space for the body heat to escape. Just remember that they are tighter than rectangular bags and don’t have plenty of room to move around inside. However, they do a better job of keeping your kids warm during cold nights.

If your kid wants more space to move their legs and arms around while staying warm, a semi-rectangular bag could be a more balanced option. They are a bit roomier than mummy bags and more fitted than rectangular bags.

One common question parents have about kids and sleeping bags is: Can a 5 year old use an adult sleeping bag? While technically yes, it’s not the most practical choice. Adult sleeping bags are much larger, which leaves your kid with plenty of room around and might not keep them as warm as a children-sized sleeping bag would.

By keeping these specifics in mind, it will be much easier for you to choose the right kids sleeping bag for your little one.

Clothing and Footwear

The next thing to pay attention to is your kid’s shoes and clothes. It’s important to dress your children appropriately for the weather. If it’s cold, dress them in layers to keep them warm. Start with well-insulated basics like wool shirts and bottoms. For summer, dress them in light and breathable clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics to keep their skin cold and dry.

Again, depending on the weather, choose appropriate shoes. Lightweight hiking shoes or sneakers are great for the summer and well-insulated boots work best for the winter.

Also, think about the place where you will be camping. Is the ground grassy and even or is it rocky and bumpy? This will help you choose the right shoes for your kid.

Hydration and Water Filters

Make sure your kid drinks enough water, but most importantly, make sure it’s clean and safe. Given that you can easily run out of the water you brought, you might need to fill bottles from other water sources around you. This is why you should always have water filters with you every time you plan to camp. The filters clean the water from germs and bacteria, making it safe to drink.

Sun Protection

Ensure your kids wear sunscreen at all times, no matter the season. In winter, a lower SPF is fine, but for summer, go for SPF 50 or higher. Also, have your kids wear hats and sunglasses for extra protection. You can even consider clothing with SPF-treated fabrics.

Insect Repellent

Mosquitos, ticks, and other bugs thrive in the outdoors. It’s easy to get distracted by them and even get sick from their bites. To protect your kids from potentially risky bites, spray them with a bug repellent. While there are different types of insect sprays, look for those containing DEET or picaridin. They offer the best protection against mosquitoes and ticks.