6 Outdoor Safety Tips When Camping With Kids
We remember to tell our kids not to run by the pool, we never give them glass cups at parties and we always make sure to keep them away from the road whilst walking through the city. But what about when we’re out camping?
In this post, we’ll take a look into six of our safety tips when camping with kids and how to implement them to keep everyone safe in the great outdoors.
Long Sleeves and Trousers Are Essential
Up first on our list is being sun-smart and keeping the kids protected from grazes and sharp objects. The most effective way to do this is to just slip the youngest members of the family into long sleeves and trousers. This way if there is a slip or fall, there’s less likely to be blood or any cuts. On top of falls, long sleeves will protect from sunburns and bug bites so they’re a win-win at the campsite.
If you’re camping in a hotter climate, we suggest choosing thinner fabrics for long sleeves and trousers. This way you’re still able to keep the kids safe, without heating them up too much.
Water Reminders Every Hour
There’s a pretty good chance that you’ve brought a whole load of bottled water, or at a tank with you to camp, so make sure the kids know to use it. Tell them that they must have at least a full glass of water every hour. When we’re outdoors we’re far more active and exposed to the sun, so drinking more is essential.
Without a solid water intake plan for the kids, you’ll find that dehydration and headaches could become an issue pretty quickly. We suggest setting timers on your phone to go off every hour, reminding yourself and the kids to drink a glass of water. This way there’s no way you can forget, and everyone will be thoroughly hydrated throughout the camping trip.
Offer Bug Spray and Poisonous Plant Warnings
One thing that can turn the fun of camping on its head is having painfully itchy or stinging skin. If you’re camping with kids, it’s so important to let them know that it’s not okay to wander into the bushes. There could be a range of different trees and plants that could give them a severe rash, which you may not have ointment for.
In line with warnings about plants, it’s also important to ensure everyone has their bug spray reapplied as frequently as possible. That way, you’re blocking mosquitos from creating itchy bites or spreading disease as easily.
Ensure Kids Know First-aid and Emergency Procedures
This tip is best implemented before you arrive at camp, or during the setting up of the campsite, and that’s emergency procedures. If you’ve followed a guide to packing a backpack, there’s a good chance you’ll have your first-aid supplies and it’s important that the kids know how and when to use them.
Take some time to go over how to use a bandage, how to deal with burns and more. This way if you’re injured or unable to assist yourself, you can rest assured that the kids have at least some direction when it comes to handling the situation.
Take Care of All Trip Hazards
We can all agree that kids don’t walk, they love to run everywhere. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone knows the rules when it comes to where they’re putting their belongings. Make it known that leaving equipment, ropes, toys and sharp objects on the ground is a big no-no.
It may also be a good idea to set up lighting at the campsite so that tent wires and other hazards are well lit through the night. This way no one’s going to trip over something in the dark.
Ban Playing With Fire!
Last up on our list is the limitation of all fire duties and fire starting equipment to the adults. Matches should never find their way into unsupervised tents, nor should any cooking appliances or burning marshmallow sticks.
Make it well known to the kids that fire is a no-go at all times at the campsite. A fire is nowhere near as easy to put out at camp than it is at home and therefore should be left only to the adults.
