Ep. 71 Sweet Sleep While Family Camping with Tara Sliwkanich

Is figuring out sleep arrangements for a whole family keeping you from diving into camping? Have you camped with kids, but sleeping was a disaster? Or, do you simply need to upgrade your sleep plan for tent time? Today, Tara Sliwkanich, who calls her family casual campers, gives so many helpful tips to let go of sleep expectations, but still be prepared for it all! 

 

Her last episode – Episode 47, How To Enjoy a Road Trip: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-47-how-to-enjoy-a-road-trip-with-tara-sliwkanich/ 

 

Disclaimer: Tara Sliwkanich is not a baby sleep expert. Please always do your own further research and talk to your care providers if you have any questions/concerns.  

 

Baby Sleep While Camping: 

Refer to the Safe Sleep Seven: https://www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/ 

NOT safe for babies to sleep on air mattress or air-filled sleeping pad (baby needs to be on a closed cell, hard pad only) 
For baby’s under 1-year-old, no loose blankets or pillows 

Sleep Space Options for Baby: 

KidCo Pea Pod – designed for baby’s 1-year-old and up (Sleeping pad is attached underneath, so no risk of baby rolling into sleeping pad or it covering their face) - https://www.kidco.com/product/peapod/ 
Moses Wicker Basinette 
Travel Basinette 
Pack N Play (large tent required) 

What Else You Need to Think About for Babies: 

 

Weather-Appropriate Clothing:  

Merino wool or synthetic base layers, so it’s moisture-wicking 
Fleece mid-layer 
2 Tog. sleep sac 
Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bag (rated sleep safe for kids; good to minus 7 degrees Celsius) - https://morrisonoutdoors.com/collections/baby-sleeping-bags 
Babies = one more layer than adults. Check back of neck for temperature  

Diaper Disposal: 

Soiled diapers should not be left in tent, even in the middle of the night 
Soiled diapers go in a bear-safe garbage, in a car if front-country camping, or in a bear hang if backcountry camping 
Reminder to leave no trace, take out everything you brought in 
Do not leave anything scented in tent, because it can attract wildlife [Check episode 15, Wildlife Safety While Camping - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-15-wildlife-safety-while-camping-with-kim-titchener/ ] 

Breastfeeding: 

Practise side-lying or cross-legged cradle hold breastfeeding positions 

Safe Space for Baby During Set-Up/Cooking: 

Babywear 
Bumbo multi-seat with tray – https://bumbo.com/product/multi-seat 
Travel high chair  
Foldable camping high chair 
Keep eyes on them and within arms-reach 
Toddlers can be given tasks to help 

First Aid Kit: 

Check episode 41, Holistic First Aid Kits - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-41-holistic-first-aid-kits-with-katie-braswell/ 
Always have one with you!  
Have something for bug bites, pain relief, possible allergies, and anything else you may need – be prepared! 

Also mentioned: Gloo tent for daytime SPF coverage - https://joovy.com/gloo/ 

 

Expectations on Sleep: 

Embrace later bed times 
Go with the sun 
Have more cuddles 
Find fun things to do in the tent with the adults (bring a little light) 
Have your coffee ready in the morning! 
Practise at home first  
Keep trying!! You don’t need to be a hardcore camper to be a camping family  

Other Recommendations: 

Native Shoes - https://www.nativeshoes.com/ca/ 
Our Great National Parks Documentary  

Follow Tara: 

IG: @tsliwk 

 

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/ 

 

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music