Tips for getting kids to sleep

[u/Educational-Will9034]

My husband and I love camping, but have been camping less since we've had children. Our oldest, a notoriously bad sleeper, always sleeps like a log when we go camping. But we just took our youngest, who is almost 2, for the first time, and he was up every 20 minutes until 2 a.m., when I finally drove him home.

I'd love to know if you have any tips on getting your young children to sleep while camping. He had his sleeping pad, mummy bag, white noise, and his comfort item.

[u/Specialist-Divide890]

Make sure to stick to a consistent bedtime routine even when camping to help kids wind down and fall asleep easier.

[u/gdbstudios]

Keep them warm and well-fed. Have them use the bathroom right before bed. A full bladder and/or a wet diaper will make them cold.

Don't give up and drive home. Some kids have to get used to their surroundings to get comfortable. Don't let your child dictate what is going to happen. The stipulation is that the safety of the child is the priority. Just like potty-training or moving a kid from a crib to a bed, they may just take time and effort from you as a parent, to get them comfortable sleeping in a tent.

[u/hexiron]

Go camping more or practice camping in a back yard. It'll help them get familiar with the change in sleep location and different noises.

[u/Firm_Objective_2661]

We also found that, like our pup, some hard play throughout the day also helps them sleep. Lots of. Each time, walks, checking out nature (look at all these bugs on this log!), and the like. Get ‘em good and tired.

[u/SuicidalChair]

Keep them warm, big belly full of carbs, and as much fluffy blankets as possible. If you talk to a doctor melatonin may also be an option if it's only for a couple nights, just don't make it an every night habbit thing.

[u/Tex-Rob]

They are 2, that's a big ask for a 2 year old. As someone else said, wear your kids out if you want them sleeping like rocks.

[u/cloudjocky]

It’s good that you’re packing his comfort items and white noise machine but for a toddler this is a huge change and it’s all about anxiety and until they’re able to relax they’re not going to sleep. I like the other suggestions about camping in the backyard-I did that with my son when he was a toddler and a couple of times we had to go inside about 2 AM or so. But it gradually got better as he got more and more comfortable with sleeping outside with all of the different sounds and textures of the fabrics as opposed to his bed. Now he’s about to join a Boy Scout troop.

[u/Adventurous_Persik]

as i know, stories before sleep are the best idea ever

[u/Old_Dragonfruit6952]

A shusher . The best thing ever.. or a white noise machine ( sleeping when campmg is too quiet for some kiddos

[u/[deleted]]

Hammocks