Tin Box Baby’s first caravan adventure
The thought of camping with a newborn is enough to drive fear into the hearts of most parents. But it’s something we couldn’t wait to do.
Everyone knows that fresh air is great for your health and for tiring out kids. You get plenty of it when you are staying in a caravan. There’s also less to tidy, less chores and you can’t possibly tackle the washing basket until you get home, so you tend to get more rest.
Modern caravans are also warm and come with a shower, fridge and even a microwave. There really aren’t many home comforts that you can’t bring with you.
We were with a Caravan Club rally in a very scenic farmer’s field near Bishops Waltham in Hampshire. We visited the same spot and Bishops Waltham Palace last year.
TBB was on a feeding plan as she had been slow to put on weight and I spent most of the weekend feeding and expressing. Thankfully the caravan rally was geared to entertaining the kids so we hardly saw TBT and I was able to focus on ‘operation feeding frenzy’.
TBT particularly enjoyed making cakes and playing games with the other children under the supervision of her grandparents.
When she wasn’t feeding TBB slept and had wind – you know, the usual baby pastimes. I’m not sure she had any idea where she was but she is going to love caravanning, just like her big sister.
As for sleeping more than three hours during the night, we lucked out. TBB was still too young to be in a good sleep routine and, with the feeding plan, needed top ups regularly anyway. However Mr TB and I did manage to catch a few daytime naps thanks to our onsite babysitters. That alone made it a successful first caravan adventure for TBB!
Baby weight update: our slow starter is now piling on the ounces!
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Great to be able to get away. I remember camping with my son when he wasn't very old but it's not quite so relaxing in a tent as you're worried about everyone else either waking up the baby or the baby waking up them!
I am so impressed! As a child, I always wanted to go on a caravan holiday, but never did. Now my children are hatching plans for an RV vacation (as they're called here in the US) when they're grown. They assure me that I'm invited! So glad to hear that the wee one is gaining! Thank you for linking with #TwinklyTuesday.
It's fantastic that you are camping again this year. Enjoy it!
Caravans have come on a lot since I was a kid – it really is a home away from home 🙂
I definitely wouldn't brave a tent at 14 days, you need to be sure the weather is with you 🙂 Have a great camping trip!
We bearly get 12 hours from the Tot so I'd settle for 6 from the baby at the moment. Just imagine – proper sleep!! One day… 😉 x
Thank you. It is surprising what you can do in a tin box these days 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Thank you. The first few weeks are the most difficult and if I had both of them home all the time I think I would be struggling with the length of time it takes. Toddlers need so much attention!
Caravans are definitely made for family fun in the great outdoors. We love it!
It's so relaxing and would have been more so if we hadn't been feeding 24/7. Hey, it was worth it though 🙂
They are great second time round – I've been less shell shocked 🙂 x
Dead easy too in a caravan – just like at home but the prep can be done outside so less washing up 🙂 x
Awww we love camping and we cant wait to start this year!
This is a nice experience for your baby. Starting with fam tradition early is one way of instilling the practice easily to the kids.
Such a lovely trip. #countrykids
I love how caravans are so homely! My children have never been in one, but I spent all my childhood holidays in one. Looks like you had a lovely time! #TwinklyTuesday
Wow – 14 days! Arthur was six months old for our first camping adventure. Though we were in a tent admittedly. I think the fresh air is so fantastic for sleep! Can't wait for our first camping trip of the summer in a few weeks time 🙂
Hurray TBB – feed feed feed!! That's such good news that the feeding frenzy is paying off 🙂 🙂 when will these babies sleep for 12 hours though? That's what I want to know 🙂 Mim x #maternitymonday
Ooh hooray! And caravanning really has come on with the whole cake baking! Looks fantastic Claire.
#Maternitymonday
Sounds like a greta little break away from the norm and perfect time for the feeding ranzy as TBT had her grandparents there to help and entertain her, meaning you got some rest! Hooray! Glad it all went so well and very glad to hear TBB is piling on the ounces now 🙂 Thanks for linking with #MaternityMondays
Love it! Love your blog and your sweet babies!!!
#maternitymondays
Also, I gave up breast feeding after 3 weeks with my second as I couldn't manage the two of them home alone. I don't mean well done in a patronising way but a hey sister I can relate!!!
Glad to have found your blog
I grew up with caravanning holidays too and have such fond memories. Looks like it is something that you have managed to carry on with your own family. I love the cake baking out in the fresh air and the idea of not having to travel far from home for a lovely outdoor adventure. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
That's great news that she's putting on weight – I spent so much of my daughter's early weeks at baby weighing clinics! And even better that you got some rest. I'm very impressed you're off travelling by 14 days, even if it is a home from home. #countrykids
How fantastic! It sounds like you had a great time….That is so cool making cakes while camping! I'm impressed x
Sounds like a lovely time was had by all, very jealous of the newborn snuggles x