Camping in a 4runner with a baby

[JBurt]

So it's finally cool enough to camp here in the desert and we're ready. Our son was born last November and we didn't really go at all winter, but now that he's almost a year old and the weather is good I'm ready to get out of here.

I don't know if this is the right subforum but I thought I'd ask if anyone has any good tips for camping with small children. I don't think it's rocket science but might as well learn from others experience.

My biggest question is where do kids sleep. We just sleep in the back of the 4runner, and I think someone kicking and rotating in his sleep would be ok for one or two nights but if someone's got a better setup I'm all ears. Any other tips are welcome too.

 

[Offroad_Medic]

When my wife and I take our daughter we always end up tent camping and put her in a portable crib.....as for staying in a vehicle to me it would depend on how old your kid is whether or not I would try it.

 

[KidVermicious]

Your kid will be fine in the front seat. Kids under six can curl up anywhere really, especially when they're worn out from camping.

There's really no trick to being outdoors with small kids. They're way more resilient than most mothers will want to give them credit for - you won't need to bring the whole house along with you, just a diaper bag with a change of clothes and a couple toys in case they get bored with dirt (not likely, I've never seen a kid get bored with dirt and sticks). Kids at that age don't have the self awareness to regulate their own warmth by adding or shedding layers, so make sure they stay warm and dry because there's nothing more miserable than a cold wet kid at three in the morning. The little guy won't have any idea that he's cold until he's really cold, and then he'll let you know about it, so keep an eye on him. Bring twice as many snacks as you think you need, cuz the little anklebiter will be going non-stop and hungry all the time. Water, too, lots of water. It's easy for little ones to dehydrate because they forget to drink. Leave the fruit juices at home.

 

[4x4mike]

With two adults and a kid the back of a 4Runner is too small. We would tent camp. That led to a larger tent. Now with two kids we have a 6 person tent that fits an aerobed and pack 'n play. The pack 'n play is a must because you can put them in there while you're getting ready, cooking, relaxing, etc. I just fill it with toys and goldfish crackers.

If your wife is still nursing she'll want to be comfortable. In our case my son doesn't sleep well away from home. He tends to wake during the night and sometimes my wife would nurse. She needs the room to do her thing and be comfortable. I let her sleep on the aerobed with our daughter and she pulls my son in as needed. I sleep best on the ground away from all that moving.

The other nice thing about a tent is nap time. The tent is usually shaded, or can be.

 

[Okki]

You can also consider adding an awning. This gives additional shades outdoor space for breakfast etc. Just remember to pack it in before driving off (have seen a VW van tear itself off its attach-a-tent. Funny for us.. Hell for the guy. His wife ripped him a new one in public).

Okki