What should kids sleep in when camping? This is the number one concern for any parent who plans to take their kids camping. And it is a legitimate concern. Sleeping in a tent is not similar to sleeping in a comfortable bed. But given the limitations of your environment, you have to make do with what is available. Choosing the right kids camp bed or material can make or break their camping experience.
What Are the Best Kids’ Camp Bed and Sleeping Essentials?
For the camping-loving family, you will be delighted to know that there are more options available now than a few decades ago. Thus, you can ensure that your children stay warm, cozy, and comfortable while sleeping when you go camping.
These are some of the selections available on the market for kids of all ages.
Sleeping Bags
Don’t ever go camping without a sleeping bag for your child. This is one of the best ways for them to sleep soundly while out camping. There are several brands that manufacture sleeping bags for kids out there, so you will never run out of options.
A sleeping bag is designed to fit from head to toe so your little ones can stay warm and cozy. There are also models that are adjustable in size so your child can use them as they grow and there is no need to replace them every year.
When shopping for sleeping bags for kids, make sure to consider a few essential features and factors. Choosing the right sleeping bag is essential to not only keep your child comfortable, but it can also spell the difference between a fun-filled family camping adventure or a disastrous one (aka filled with lots of tantrum fits).
Sleeping bags come in a variety of types. The first one is the mummy fit design. This one is supposed to keep your child snug and wrap them from their feet to their neck. This design increases warmth as it is tapered towards the feet. It minimizes the amount of air that gets inside the sleeping bag to ensure that your child can retain heat while sleeping. The remarkable design also keeps it snug to your child’s body so it won’t come off when they roll over or move around during sleep.
There is also a semi-rectangular design that is somewhat similar to the mummy design, but with a little more room inside. Thus, it can provide the same comfort but is not as effective for keeping your child warm. This is a good option when camping during the summer or when the conditions are less chilly. It is also recommended for children who might feel claustrophobic with the mummy-fit sleeping bag.
Finally, there is the rectangular sleeping bag for kids. It is a good option if warmth is not a major factor for buying. This is chosen by many parents because it is far more comfortable than the mummy fit design as it provides adequate room to move around inside the bag.
In addition to the design of the sleeping bag, there are a few considerations to ensure that your child has the best sleep when camping. Make sure to check the type of insulation used on the sleeping bag. Down insulation is excellent if you want something that would be easy to pack and offers the best option for staying warm.
It is also important to check where you usually go for camping. There are certain brands and models of sleeping bags that are made for warm or cold weather. Make sure you choose accordingly so that your child is comfortable and warm during sleep.
It is also recommended that you check the size and fit of the sleeping bag. There are manufacturer recommendations as to the appropriate age range for the sleeping bags, make sure that matches with your child. Meanwhile, there are extended sleeping bags that will enable you to get more bang for your buck as they can be adjusted in size and fit to match your child.
Sleeping Pads
A sleeping bag is another option when you are looking for a kids camp bed. Also known as ground pad or sleeping mat, this is another essential for hikers and campers that are available for kids’ use.
The purpose of a sleeping pad is to provide thermal insulation and padding for your child to sleep on when camping. It provides a barrier against the ground or the floor of the tent. It is made with a foam-like material that varies in thickness, length, and dimensions. Just like sleeping bags, there are also slight variations in designs that you can choose from, depending on how you intend to use it.
Aside from making sure that your child is comfortable while sleeping, the primary purpose of a sleeping pad is to prevent the loss of body heat when your child is sleeping on the ground. This helps to keep them warm during sleep so they can have a good night’s rest.
Baby Carrier
If you are bringing a baby or a toddler when camping, a baby carrier is one of the options for them to sleep on. However, the use of a baby carrier should only be for naps and you should never leave your baby in the carrier for sleeping overnight.
Most parents typically let the child fall asleep on the carrier first and then transfer them onto a bed or sleeping pad after.
Air Beds
The use of air beds is another option when you are looking for a kids camp bed. This is recommended for use by children aged 2 to 6.
An air bed is made with breathable layers to keep your child comfortable at night. There are also models that are made especially for children, so they have raised sides to keep them from falling off the sides in the middle of the night.
Every child has a different sleeping habit and routine. As a parent, you know best what your child is most comfortable with and what gets them to sleep faster. Take note of this when choosing the ideal kids camp bed to keep them well rested at night.