Camping with a young toddler/baby?

[Phil1]

Hi all, I’m new to the campervan scene and still in the process of converting my panel van. We have an 18 month old son and all being well we would like get started in the Summer once basics are done. It’s not a full camper, no pop top yet and it has a 2nd row double seat which we need to keep. The plan is for a slide out bench/bed behind the seats and utilise the seats. I just wondered if anyone had any tips or advice for camping in the van with a young baby/toddler of similar age?

First thoughts are some sort of cab bed, are these safe with all the dash buttons exposed and seatbelts nearby?

More than likely he’ll get the main bed and I’ll be kicked out into a small pop up tent!

Any advice appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Frigo110]

More than likely he’ll get the main bed and I’ll be kicked out into a small pop up tent!

The hanging beds are fine for kids.

You want an awning anyway (don't want to get the dressing stress with the little one in the van) - most have a hang-in bedroom.

 

[Phil1]

Thanks, do you need swivel seats though?

I’ve thought about an awning and will get one at some point, however wasn’t planning on using it for just a weekend getaway, I want to keep things simple to start with.

 

[Frigo110]

Thanks, do you need swivel seats though?

I’ve thought about an awning and will get one at some point, however wasn’t planning on using it for just a weekend getaway, I want to keep things simple to start with.

You can't keep it simple with a baby
No swivels required.

Pardon our interruption...

@tommy_t6.1

For Sale - Kiravans Redbed childrens bed

We bought this about 3.5 years ago for our little girl (she's not so little anymore), and she loved sleeping on it in the front of our van. Ever since fitting the Audi wingbacks at the beginning of last year she's slept with us on the r&r bed so this has just been made redundant so it's still...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Phil1]

That’s very true!!

Thank you, it looks ok but doesn’t seem “much to it”, especially for that money. I like the look of this (again though it’s £££). Does anyone have much experience with this style?

 

[John A]

I'm having the same conundrum at the moment. Our little one has just turned 2 and I would like her to come with us (me) on some trips.
I have a pair of captains chairs in the front, so am looking for something to give her a good night up front.

 

[CJW]

Our lad was 8 months old when we first took him for a week in the campervan. We just rolled up some jumpers to act as bumpers so he didn’t wriggle away. He just slept on the main bed with us. Never a problem.