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Summer Caravanning With Babies and Toddlers - A Parent's Guide

Caravan holidays have been a go to getaway for Brits for decades. Even with low cost flights and holiday packages to abroad becoming more popular, many Brits still favour a wholesome Caravan Break and for good reason too! Caravan holidays can be fantastic fun, especially for families with young children, however as any parent will know, travelling with tots can also be stressful. So we’ve decided to put together a guide for parents who are planning a caravan getaway with kids in tow, so that you can enjoy your holiday, stress free.

Babies

If your baby has adapted to a strict routine of set bedtimes and mealtimes, trying to continue with it when away could create stressed out parents, and in turn a stressed out baby! Instead, allow yourselves to relax, and keep in mind your baby will most likely be able to sleep in a pram if you’re planning on dining out in the evening or enjoying some family entertainment. The beauty of a caravan holiday is it becomes your own little home for the duration of your stay, so if you would like to stick to baby’s routine as much as possible, you can come and go as you please. Try our top tips for keeping baby happy whilst away.

Bathing

Babies are small enough to be bathed in the sink, but for some babies, unfamiliar places can be quite intimidating. If you don’t think your baby will enjoy having a splash around in your caravans sink, bring along their home baby bath. Using the same soaps and lotions they’re used to could provide a comforting, familiar smell that helps them to feel at ease in their new environment.

Sun shade

Summer is a fabulous time for caravanning, but as we all know a day in the sun and heat can be dangerous for a baby’s sensitive system, however this shouldn’t mean parents can’t soak up some well deserved sunshine. The best way for the whole family to enjoy the sun is to plan ahead. Baby suitable sun cream is an obvious must, but make sure to bring enough objects to create a shaded, cool area for baby to sit in once you’ve set up at the caravan or the beach.

Seating

When babies aren’t being held or sleeping, they can get restless. The last thing you want whilst on holiday is to have to carry your baby constantly, for fear they may scream the caravan site down. To avoid a possible meltdown, make sure to bring along the baby chair they’re familiar with at home be it a baby bouncer a baby rocker or any other dedicated baby chair. A baby carrier can also be great if your baby needs your comfort, but you need your hands free!

Toddlers

Caravan holidays can be fantastic fun for toddlers, they’re able to play in new exciting environments, perhaps even visit the beach or a theme park and even meet other children to socialise and play with. Travelling on the other hand may leave your little one fairly restless, creating the perfect opportunity for some dreaded tantrums. To avoid toddler meltdowns (Or at least keep them to a minimum), start preparing them for their holiday by telling them about it in advance. Get your little one excited and start telling them about the fun activities they’ll be doing and the things they’ll encounter on the holiday. This is also a great idea for children who may be apprehensive or nervous about visiting new places.

Bring familiar toys

Bring along some toys for your tot to play with once you’re settled at the caravan site, as well as a few car suitable toys for them to enjoy on the journey to the caravan site. If you will be caravanning for a week or more, you may even want to bring your toddlers bedding and pillow to use in their caravan bed, so that they can recognise it’s still bedtime, even though they’re somewhere new and exciting.

Allow a daily budget

If you’re planning to caravan by the seaside, your tot will see plenty of opportunity to request various treats, including toys, money for games, ride and more! Allow a separate daily cash budget for those toddler treats and keep it separate to your overall family spending money. They may be too young to understand the concept, but this way you’ll be able to see exactly what you’ve spent on your little person alone, and budget accordingly throughout the week.

Browse Online for deals

Before you set off on your caravan holiday, or even once you arrive, browse the web for money off deals and coupons to the places you’re planning to visit, particularly children’s play centres and theme park entry.

Enjoy Yourself

No caravan holiday with children will be smooth sailing, but there’s a good chance it will be a lot of fun! If you find yourself becoming too stressed from the pressures of travelling with kids, take a step back, relax and remind yourself, you’re caravanning to enjoy it.

Caravan Parts

Make sure to keep your family as safe as possible on your caravan holiday and use the correct parts for your caravan. For caravan stablisers, caravan secutiry hitchlocks, caravan movers and more, head to our caravans parts page.