4wd Trip and camping with 2 under 3yo

[cookie087]

Not sure if this is in the right area, but feel free to move it If need be.

We are organising a 4wd treck around WA, stopping and camping everynight at a new location and also doing some 4wd while we are going around. The trip in total will take 4 wks and this to me is a bit scary so we have decided to do a smaller trip first as a test. We will be traveling around the southern part of WA over 2 weeks and fingers crossed will have two bubs by then. All going well, they will be 2 (only just) and 3 or 4 months old. We are looking at going in March or April in a Nissan Patrol so the car is big enough for everything we will need. Oh and we will be taking our dog too which is a Kelpie! We will be going with a couple of others with 4wds too.

So my questions are, has anyone done it before, is it possible with two Kids so young, what tips/advice can you give to us and what are essential items that we will need to take with us? Or are we nuts to even consider it?!?

[~Bec~]

I've done long 4wd/camping trips (2 weeks across the Simpson Desert and around Lake Eyre). The 3/4 month old would probably be ok but the 2 year old might be a bit more challenging given their usual energy and curious nature.

We went camping recently and I decided that I want to have something that we can use as a bit of a fence when we go camping to stop James from wandering off. Just something where we can put some posts in the ground and wrap something around them. Big enough that there's lots of room to play and run around, but they are enclosed. Alternatively, I want a bit screened enclosure.

Most definitely go on a practice trip and write a list whilst your away. We're always thinking of new things to take with us to make camping more fun and relaxing.

Just worth mentioning, obviously going with a group makes it safer, however, I would be taking at least 1 satellite phone with you.

[DKW]

We took DD camping over the long w/e in June this yr it was about 4 or 5 days and she was 13 mths she was really good we just had to keep her entertained! we took new toys she could play with (out door ones so it didnt matter getting them dirty) All we needed to do was keep a good eye on her as we were about 15mtrs from Beach (if that). she was pretty easy at night time went to bed just around sun down and woke at sun up. TBH I think bubs will be pretty easy around 3 or 4 mths they dont do heaps more than eat sleep and poop they will need some sort of stimulant while driving but hanging toys should also be good. Not sure about the dog as we've never had one but good luck i think you'll find it a little stressful but the majority fun it was so nice to see DD running around outside all the time, we even want to go bush camping over Easter next year!

[cookie087]

Thanks for ur advice, we did go camping this yr at Easter with bub then 2 months and the dog and learnt alot, it's more the drivin and the 2yo I'm worried about, but with lots of stops we should be ok. I'm just Not sure how I'll go with the two kids! One is fine, I've done that before just not on a big trip like this!!! And I'll remember about taking some sort of enclosure for him!
Any more advice would be great!

[BabyPaparazzi]

We have been taking DD on camping and fishing trips since she was about 6 months old, nothing as long as you are talking about usually about a week. Recently did a trip with DD at 16 months, her cousin the exact same age and a four year old, they were all very well behaved.

It can really depend on the child, some friends children just do not have the discipline to behave, not run off etc in a camping situation. I recommend lots of toys, and if they get the attention they need from you they will stay occupied. You just learn to have one eye on them at all times.

Consider buying one of those fully sided fly screen shade tents, you can zip them up while you set up camp, put all their toys in there and it becomes their own little zone ;) and portable dvd players in the car for long drives.

[cookie087]

I forgot I have one of those fully incloses shade tents! It's been a while since I got it out but it's still like new so I'll add that to my list.
And I think I'm going to have to invest in a portable DVD player! Thanks bel04

[Seacretsquirrel]

We have a patrol too and it is perfect for 4x4ing and long trips cause there is a fair bit of room (plus with ours the seats are a 50/50 split fold so the kids are far enough apart that DD can't annoy DS too much unless she throws things).
I agree a safe zone is a great idea for when actually camping plus it give the kids a bit of protection from the elements too.
We drove fronm Darwin to Brisbane in Sept (so not 4x4ing) and with the drive I think lots of stops is the go and perhaps have a ball or similar that you can kick around and get your older one to stretch their legs, and a big picnic rug is a godsend too as you can pop bubs on it to stretch out and crawl/roll or what ever.
Lots of snacks and drinks on hand too I found a box of tiny teddies was invaluable when we had only a short while before we got to the final destination for the day.
We also found that the kids were great in the mornign but after lunch once they had had a sleep they were really crank and restless so we tried to leave super early and be at out next stop by mid afternoon that way the kids had some daylight to run around and play in the afternoon and we could set up in the light too and it made for a much nicer trip.
good luck hope you have a ball!