4wdriving / Camping - What age did you start with kids?

[mtjt25]

Hi

DH and I before DD did a lot of 4 wheel driving - since having DD we have done a bit of camping and driving on dirt roads but are keen to have a long break away.

Just intereted in hearing from anyone that goes 4wdriving and camping and where they went with young babies and what ages they were?

[Funkychicken]

Our DS#1 had his first camping trip at 5 months (I think approx.) and DD was about 3 mths. We only started 4WDing about 3 years ago so DD was about 2 when we started it with her. DS#2 is yet to experience camping-it's too cold and wet around here for now! We will definately be taking him as soon as it warms up again-probably late spring.
My only concern with 4WDing is when they are still too young. I would preferably not do anything too serious while they are under about 10 months as they still haven't got complete head control.
Our fav camping/4WDing place is around Walhalla. We usually camp at a particular spot on the Aberfeldy River that is fantastic for children but being on the river could be a bit dangerous for a toddler. Although having said that we had friends join us 2 years ago and they had a 12 mth old and he was fine.:D

[WDT]

DS no 2 had first camping trip at 6 weeks and DS no 3 was a little later at 4 mths. DS no 3 had (still has) colic so that was a bit of a downer, though DS no 1 and 2 slept through the midnight wakenings no trouble. Our last trip was for 5 days which was the max I would want to do at this age - too much luggage with changes of clothes, nappies, baby food. I would not take them 4 WD until excellent head control though 8-10 mth.

[k15s]

We are keen 4wd/campers and 2x DS have gone since birth. DS2 went away recently at 7mths and still had his car seat in capsule mode since he's a littli! Have since changed it so he can see out window. Both boys absolutely love it! Both actually find the 4wd relaxing and we do most of our stuff during their nap times! I have heaps of photos of DS1 asleep while cruising a dry creek bed, or up a mountain!
Next trip is next month over long weekend to northern NSW - camping & 4wd property. PM me if you want some details - heaps of families going in group.

[mtjt25]

Thanks for your inut guys - we were thinking between 8-10 months we could attempt something more than adirt roasd and that seems to be what you guys have done - thanks for the offer of the details of the trip k15s but we are in Melbourne so a bit far for a long weekend - oh well never mind. SalOO8 we love alhalla