Parent-child camping: Prepare for the first appearance of the whole family. Do you and your children still stay at home all day long on a beautiful weekend? Maybe you still don’t know the beauty of camping. Quickly turn off the TV, put down the 3C products in your hands, plan your itinerary, choose a campsite, and decide on the number of days of camping. Get ready for the first trip of the whole family. Let’s get lost in the fun together! What do you do on weekends? Let’s go camping together!

Camping literally means spending a night outdoors. It is different from "camping" in hotels or B&Bs. Camping areas usually only provide water, electricity and toilets, and you need to complete the setup of the overnight place yourself. .

Lin Maoxun, a children’s occupational therapist at Weixin Rehabilitation Clinic who has been involved in the Scout Rehabilitation Club for high school and college for 6 years and participated in parent-child camping for 1 year (about 1 or 2 times a month), pointed out that the camping trend has become popular in recent years. , "RV camping" (Recreational Vehicle), which mostly uses cars as the main vehicle, whether it is modifying the car's interior equipment (such as a bed in the car, a roof tent), adding a double camper, or stacking camping equipment on the car All fall into this category.

Judging from the mushrooming of newly developed camping areas in Taiwan and the fact that it is hard to find a camper, the family-centered camping format does have its charm, attracting one after another. Families devote themselves to weekend camping activities. Understanding Camping Is it really a lot of trouble to take your children to camp?

Dad has more or less camping experience than Mommy. At least he participated in school camping activities when he was a student. His impression of camping may be that he went through a lot of hard work to set up a tent, and even You have to collect firewood to make a fire to cook, plus it’s inconvenient to wash your hands, and your whole body is dirty... And when you think about the amount of things that adults need to prepare for camping on their own, it must be even more troublesome if they have to go camping with children!

Q1. Is it really troublesome to have a lot of planning and preparation before traveling? Taking children out is already not an easy task, and the things to prepare for spending the night outdoors are of course even more complicated. However, in order to give their children the opportunity to get close to nature, Mommy Zoe and Mommy Xiaoping don’t find it so troublesome. Especially when Peter’s father saw how much his child had grown by going camping, the fatigue of preparation before the trip disappeared. Moreover, Xigua Ma found that as children get older and start to participate in planning and help prepare equipment, the family will become more cohesive.

Dad Wen Zou and Zou Bi, who loves parent-child camping, feel that if he likes camping, he will not be afraid of trouble! Alex’s dad also believes that it’s not a hassle at all as long as you plan ahead. Every camping trip is like a big move. If parents are really worried about trouble, Jimmy’s dad doesn’t recommend taking your children camping. Happy Mom said that when camping out, children will find their own companions to play with, which makes it much easier for parents. Letao Dad pointed out that when you take your children camping, you want them to eat well, sleep well, and have fun, so the equipment must be complete, and preparing equipment is also one of the joys of camping.

Q2. Is it safe to stay overnight during outdoor activities in the mountains? When it comes to camping, I feel like spending the night in an uninhabited mountain wilderness with hidden dangers. However, Peter's father said that today's campsites are not like the past camping era. Most campsites are divided into separate areas, and some even have gates. Most of them are safe. When they arrive at the camp, Wen Zou and Zou’s father will first patrol around and observe potential dangerous locations, then remind the children and ask them to avoid playing in that area. Alex's father will take care of the children with his friends who are camping together. And Zoe’s mother’s child is still young, so she and her husband will take turns to keep the child away from dangerous places.

In fact, engaging in any activity has its risks. Both Happy Mom and Cookie Mommy believe that as long as you choose the camping site carefully and keep an eye on your children, camping will be a great parent-child activity! Moreover, Xigua Ma feels that life is inherently an adventure, and only by letting children learn from daily life can they effectively protect themselves. Letao Dad reminded that when you go camping, it is not as dangerous as you think for your parents to eat more snacks.

Q3. Is it okay to go camping with my baby when he is only a few months old? Camping seems to be an outdoor activity suitable for children over 5 or 6 years old. Is it not recommended for children who are too young to go camping, especially those under 1 year old who are still drinking milk and cannot move on their own? Can my baby go camping? How old are your children before you can go camping together?

I don’t want to deprive Dabao of his right to go camping because of his second child. Letao’s father took his child camping when he was just a few months old. Regardless of setting up a tent or cooking, he always carried the baby on his back or chest. Although it will be harder for parents in the past, the baby can grow up bathing in the forest of nature from an early age, and it is worth the hard work. Moreover, Dabao’s right to go camping will not be deprived of because Erbao cannot go out.

Jimmy’s father started camping when his younger brother was 9 months old. Although it was a bit painful at first because he had to be held by adults or sat on a stroller before he could walk, and he was in the oral stage. It is not suitable for him to sit on the ground by himself, otherwise he will stuff everything he catches into his mouth. However, when the child is tired from playing, he will fall asleep peacefully and there will be no other major problems.

After 6 months of age, a fixed schedule is more suitable. Based on the experience of therapist Lin Maoxun in participating in family group camping, it is more suitable for babies to start trying camping after they are 6 months old; because at this time, the baby’s A relatively fixed schedule during the day and night means that you can sleep longer at night, and you are less likely to wake up crying in the middle of the night. It can also reduce the level of disturbance to other family members and campers who are traveling together. If a baby has an unstable sleep schedule at home day and night, he or she will be faced with the challenge of going out to a strange place to spend the night, and may be more likely to have his schedule disrupted and find it difficult to fall asleep.

And from the perspective of resistance, a 6-month-old baby is in the weaning period, facing a decline in immunity provided by the mother, and has entered a stage where vaccinations need to be started. If parents plan to take their babies out together, they may consider using the five-in-one vaccine and the third dose of hepatitis B as a reference time point. After all, camping areas are located in remote areas, and young babies are more susceptible to respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, making it difficult to seek medical treatment temporarily. Therefore, if the baby has been vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae or oral rotavirus vaccine, parents can feel more comfortable taking their children out to share the same.

The baby can’t walk yet, but is easy to care for. In camping situations, you can often see babies who are still drinking milk coming to camp with their parents. Peter’s father took his baby with him when he was 4 months old. To enjoy the fun of camping, Peter's father believes that there is no age issue when taking children camping, but it depends on the parents' personal opinions, that is, whether you are willing or not. Wen Zou and Zou's dad felt that it was just because he was young that he didn't know how to walk around, so he didn't have to worry about running to dangerous places. Cookie Mommy also thinks that babies who drink milk are suitable for camping because the food is simple and easy to prepare.

If you pay attention to climate change, there will be no big problem. Generally speaking, the main reason why children are too young to go camping is because they are worried that children will not be able to adapt to climate change. Hui Huan’s mother pointed out that Huan Huan started going camping with her when she was 4 months old. As long as she keeps warm, it will be no different from her usual outdoor life. Although Zoe’s mother didn’t take her child camping until he was 2 years old, some of her friends’ children have been camping together since they were 8 months old. Zoe's mom doesn't think there is a problem if she is too young, as long as she pays more attention to the principles of avoiding heat in summer and protecting against cold in winter. Xiaobing Mommy suggests that if you are worried about the climate, you can choose a season with comfortable temperatures before taking your baby camping. Family camping: Prepare for the first outing of the whole family. Pre-trip planning. Location: How to choose a suitable campsite?

If you want to go camping with your children, you must first decide on a camping site. What should you pay attention to when choosing a location? In addition to doing enough homework in advance and referring to the word-of-mouth sharing and experience evaluation of camping seniors, what other points should dads and moms pay attention to?

point 1. The campground is safe. Of course, safety is the first consideration when taking children out! Happy Mom will choose a camp that is managed by dedicated personnel, which is more secure, and pay attention to the safety near the camp site. For example, the height difference around the camp should not be too large. Dad Letao and Dad Jimmy also pointed out not to camp near cliffs or near water where there is a possibility of swollen streams.

*Safety protection is adequate. Therapist Lin Maoxun pointed out that many camping areas are divided into upper and lower floors, so fences with nets are common on the slopes of the campsites to prevent children from accidentally falling when they approach the slopes; some campsites have There are sandpits, swimming pools, and ecological pools, and you can also see careful camp owners setting up warning signs to remind children to pay attention to safety. Whether there is sufficient night lighting on the way from the tent to the bathroom or whether there are handrails on the steps should be considered important factors for parents to consider for safety. The safer the campsite, the higher the chance of attracting parents to visit again with their children.

* Grassland activities are more secure. From the perspective of the camp site, it can be divided into grassland, gravel field and pallet. Therapist Lin Maoxun pointed out that although the gravel field has better drainage, even if it suddenly rains Heavy rain will not cause water to flow into the tent, but parents usually choose campsites based on grass to prevent children from being injured by falling while running or doing activities! Alex’s dad also thinks it would be better to have a large lawn where children can play.

point2. Moderate distance. One of the purposes of parent-child camping is to keep children away from urban areas and 3C, and to close the parent-child relationship. Therefore, most parents will try their best to choose areas where they can leave their homes and explore other counties and cities. ; However, considering the time it takes to set up tents, dismantle tents, and set up camp, if the journey is too far, it will increase the burden on Tonglu group members. Therapist Lin Maoxun recommends that a single journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours is more appropriate.

Wen Zou, Zou Dabi, Xigua Ma and Zoe’s mommy will choose campsites that are not too far away (about 1.5 hours). Otherwise, it would take a long time just to get to the campsite from home. I was exhausted when I started camping. Zoe’s mother also pointed out that the location should not be too remote. For example, some campsites in high mountains can only be reached by walking on the road dug by the camp owner. If the car owner has poor skills or the performance of the car is not good, this must be considered.

point3. Complete bathroom facilities. After all, you are going out with your children, so it is very important to maintain daily cleanliness and hygiene. Xigua Mahui hopes that the campground will provide complete bathroom facilities. If it is a modern bathroom, even with a bathtub, Zoe's mother will feel even more special. Moreover, Wen Zou and Zou Dabi also hope that the campsite is not too far from bathrooms and toilets so that they can be conveniently used.

＊Separation of wet and dry areas Most parents would like the bathroom and toilet to be separated. In addition to cleanliness considerations, sometimes the child may have an emergency but happens to meet other friends using the bathroom. There will be inconveniences in use.

＊The space is spacious. Secondly, most parents who are involved in parent-child care will consider the size of the bathroom. After all, they need a parent-child bath to help their children take a bath. If the bathroom space is too small, it will be easy. Causes inconvenience in washing. Some camp bathrooms will thoughtfully provide small stools so that parents can help their children wash while they are sitting; some camps will also provide buckets and ladles. Since the water pressure outdoors is not as high as at home, the water temperature is unstable and can easily go hot and cold. , therefore, it is easier to control the temperature by pouring the appropriate temperature water into the bucket in advance and then scooping the water with a spoon. It is also common for some parents to cleverly use the camping equipment storage bucket "RV Bucket" as a small seat for their children, or to carry laundry supplies to prevent them from getting wet, or directly use it as a small bucket... etc., which are all good alternatives.

point 4. Sufficient space for activities. In addition to basic tent setting and cooking, parent-child camping also hopes that children can experience outdoor activities. Therefore, Le Tuo Dad believes that having a space for children to play in the camp is also a key point in the selection. Xigua Ma prefers campsites with richer ecology, while Alex’s father prefers campsites with large turf. Zoe's mother thinks that a camp with recreational facilities or a safe water play environment in summer are big pluses. Family camping: Get ready for the first outdoor trip for the whole family: How many days of camping trip is suitable?

After parents decide on the camping location, the next step is the number of camping days. However, the number of camping days is closely related to the location of the campsite. Which days and nights are more suitable for camping with children?

For beginners, try two days and one night first. As long as the supplies are ready, the ingredients are properly stored, or the purchase is convenient, Happy Mom believes that camping is just a change of place to live, and it can be a trip of several days. However, for parents who are just starting to try parent-child camping, Happy Mom and Wen Zou Zou Dad recommend starting with a two-day and one-night small camping trip. As for the trip of two days and one night, Alex’s dad thinks it’s better to drive back and forth within 4 hours, so as not to spend too much time in traffic.

It takes three days and two nights to be leisurely. Le Tao Dad, Xigua Ma, Xiaobing Mommy and Zoe Mommy are all used to arranging three days and two nights, and therapist Lin Maoxun also recommends three days and two nights. The itinerary is particularly good. Because two days and one night excludes the time for setting up tents and setting up camp, it is actually not easy to truly achieve the relaxing effect. It may be after noon when you drive to the camp on the first day. After setting up the tent and positioning the equipment, you have to prepare food and enjoy dinner, and then busy bathing the children and putting them to sleep; since they will return home the next day, Getting up in the morning, having breakfast, and starting to pack up the tent again seems a bit rushed, and it also tests the physical load of parents or children. On the other hand, if it is a three-day trip, you will have time to leisurely do some activities near the campground on the second day. In addition, Wen Zou and Zou Dabi reminded that if the trip exceeds three days, it may be too tiring. Seasons: When do you feel most comfortable camping?

For parents who like camping, as long as the equipment can be carried in the car, they can go camping in any season. However, as a mother, Xigua Ma pointed out that when taking children out, they will consider climate factors. Therapist Lin Maoxun also pointed out that compared to other countries, although Taiwan enjoys spring all year round, when camping outdoors with children, one always worries about the large climate changes in the mountains, and the children's poor ability to adapt to extreme weather such as too cold or too hot. It is a challenge for children, and they may suffer from heat stroke or cold if they are not careful.

There is beauty in nature in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Happy Mom believes that as long as you do a good job of avoiding summer and cold, you can appreciate the beauty of it. What should you pay attention to when camping in different seasons? Which seasons are more suitable for camping with children?

Spring → The temperature is moderate, and the climate in the peak camping season (March, April, and May) is cool and pleasant. It is usually the most popular time for camping, whether on the ground or on the mountain. They are all suitable for camping, but because of the strong convection, it is prone to rainfall. Although the temperature is suitable, you should also pay attention to the problem of rain.

Summer → Run to the mountains to cool down and avoid the heat. In summer (June, July, and August), the climate is hot and there are many mosquitoes. Xiguama reminds you that if you are camping in summer, you must take adequate sun protection and mosquito protection. Jimmy's dad thinks that the tent will be too hot and stuffy in summer, making it unsuitable for children. Happy Mom, Le Tuo Dad and Wen Zou Zou Dad all suggested that you can go to high altitude (1000 meters) mountains to escape the heat (isn’t it good to fall asleep when the summer night is only more than 10 degrees?). Happy Mom, Alex’s Dad, and the Xigua Mah Club found a campsite near a small stream to let their children play in the water and cool off all summer long. In addition, Zoe’s mother mentioned that she should avoid camping during the typhoon season in August to avoid danger.

Autumn → Dry and comfortable, the camping season. The temperature is moderate, dry and comfortable. Autumn (September, October and November) is the season for travel and the peak season for outdoor camping. Cookie Mommy, Jimmy Daddy, Zoe Mommy and therapist Lin Maoxun both strongly recommend a parent-child camping trip in the fall.

Winter → Keep warm enough and go to the plains. In winter (December, January, and February), the climate in the mountains is more unpredictable. Cookie Mommy, Wen Zou Daddy, Zoe Mommy and Alex Daddy are better than usual. I will avoid camping in the cold months of December to February. Otherwise, if the heating equipment is insufficient, it is easy to lose temperature. However, Xiguama said that because there are fewer mosquitoes in winter and there are not so many rainy days, many people choose to go camping in winter. However, due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in the wild, and the temperature in the mountains is even lower, you must do enough to keep warm. It is better to bring more than less supplies, otherwise the gain will outweigh the gain if you feel unwell. You can also follow Jimmy's father's example and move south when the weather is cold, where you have a better chance of enjoying the warm sunshine. Or you can follow the advice of Happy Mom and therapist Lin Maoxun and choose a campsite on flat ground where the temperature is more suitable.

Avoid the rainy season and go camping! The biggest fear when camping is rain. Letuo Dad and Happy Mom will avoid the rainy season, otherwise it will be inconvenient to do outdoor activities on rainy days.

Lin Maoxun’s current position: Children’s Occupational Therapist at Weixin Rehabilitation Clinic, Part-time Lecturer at the Child Care Department of Cihui Medical College Education: Master’s Degree, Department of Child and Family Services, Shute University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung County Experience: Children and Family, Shute University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung County Part-time lecturer in the Department of Services, host of the early childhood multiple potential development course at the Restoration Rehabilitation Clinic, roving occupational therapist for special education at Gao Gaoping, and occupational therapist at the Rehabilitation and Early Care Department of Taitung Veterans Hospital