Friends of mine are often put off the idea of going camping as they can't imagine how their kiddos will ever get to sleep in a tent! We actually find that our two (aged 4 & 2 yrs) sleep really well after a full day out in the fresh air, even more so now with our Bundle Beds bumpers, so after a few camping trips this Summer, we thought we'd share with you a few tips for ensuring a good night's sleep...
1. Blackout...
Summer nights are long and bright, which I love, apart from when trying to get the kiddos to sleep! We bought ourselves a Boutique Camping Dark Inner Tent for our bell tent, so that the kids "bedroom" is darker, even when it's still light outside.
2. Bedtime Routine...
We still put the kids to bed reasonably early when camping, as unfortunately they don't yet understand the concept of a lie in! (They're usually in bed by 7pm at home, and we usually get them into bed by 8pm when camping). We try to stick to a similar routine to back home, so give them a wash in the campsite showers (they do usually have a bath, and we used to use a bucket when they were babies!), brush teeth get them into PJs and then have bedtime stories in their Bundle Beds.
3. Audiobooks...
Once we've read them their stories and given them a kiss goodnight, we play them an audiobook to listen to whilst they go to sleep. We've found that this helps to block out the noises on the campsite, and helps them to relax and drift off.
We use Winnie the Pooh, Paddington & The Tractor who wants to Fall Asleep, all downloaded on the iPad before we leave, and we pop it just outside their "bedroom" so that they can hear it, but aren't tempted to use it!
4. Bedtime Clothes...
Despite days being pretty warm in the Summer, the nights get pretty cold, pretty quickly. We put the kiddos in long sleeved & legged PJs (we love Bernie & the Beanpole), and then put a onesie over the top. We also pop a pair of slipper socks on their feet, over the top of the onesie. This means that even if they lose their covers in the night, they're still toasty and warm.
5. Extra warmth...
We usually stay up a bit later than the kids to play a game of cards and have a glass of wine. When we head to bed, we often pop a hat on the kids to make sure they are nice and cosy for the whole night, and don't get a cold head. We absolutely LOVE Zaini hats, and can highly recommend them for both kids and adults. They also allow for extra warmth during the day, when the "English Summer" decides to do its thing!!
6. Beds...
And of course... Bundle Beds really do ensure a great night's sleep for the kiddos! For the littler ones, you face a tricky in-between stage when your toddler is too big for a travel cot but not quite ready for a standard bed. This NEW Kids' Travel Bed solves your dilemma.
Smaller and lighter than the Classic Bundle Bed, but with the same top notch materials and super soft bedding, the Toddler & Junior kids' travel beds creates a familiar, safe, sleep space for children. With an integrated waterproof sheet and the option to add-on clever inflatable safety bumpers, you'll sleep soundly too.
For older ones, our Classic Bundle Beds are a fantastic option... With the pillow and duvet buttoned in top and bottom, there is no losing bedding in the night. The bottom of the bed can be zipped up slightly around the kids feet, to stop their duvet slipping off them at night, and they really do feel like your own bed, away from home.
If you're struggling to know which bed to pick, then do take a look at our comparison chart for Bundle Beds to help you decide...
Happy Camping! x