WOMAD

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  Hi all,
  we're bringing our 18 month old to Womad for the first time (we've been once before on our own) and I'm wondering about bring a buggy - she cant walk very far and thought it would be good for sleeping on the go and at night while we're watching bands but am not sure if we're going to have problems getting it around the site (especially if muddy!) - any thoughts?

  Also, have never been camping with a little one so any tips gratefully received (especially ones which help them sleep past sunrise!!)

  Thanks in advance!

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 12:02pm by Pickle2010

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  I think it will depend a lot on the size of the wheels and the state of the mud. The site is almost flat so that's no problem but from my sack trolley I know mud and small wheels seem to love each other too much and weld themselves to each other, esp with sticky mud.

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 12:23pm by Prue

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  A buggy is a definite must have. I've been to Womad every year sine 2009 n first went with a 10 month old. She's now nearly 4 and she has a little sister who will be 1 for Womad. If you only have the one 18 month old I would opt for the fold down lightweight stroller variety. See if you can borrow someone's old one or get a cheap second hand one as chances are it's not going to come back very clean! Some of them have shoulder straps on them so that when they are folded down they can be carried easily (most maclaren's). I've never done Womad in the mud so I don't know about that, but even so I don't see how you would manage without one. On mud free Womad's I've never had a problem getting around the site. If you don't take one it will drive you crazy carrying her around all the time and you're right about the sleeping on the go.
  Let's see . . . what other tips do I have?? Soooooooo many. Lol!! I'm afraid mine don't sleep past sunrise .. . but I actually like that at Womad. It gives you a head start on everybody else! I've usually got me and 2 girls washed, dressed, breakfasted and ready to go by the time my hungover friends are just sticking their heads out of the tent! Lol! But as a thought (not something I've ever done) it's the light that wakes them so how about tacking some black out blinds to the inside of her bedroom in the tent?
  At 18 months I assume she's eating normal food? So you should be able to feed her from the stalls, but I always pack some food bits for the tent so that I've got something if I need it. N they usually have breakfast at the tent being that they get up so early! Here's a list of food I usually pack for them . . .
  Cereals
  UHT Milk (You can bring powdered toddler milk if she still drinks it)
  Bread
  Butter
  Peanut Butter
  Fruit (Although the tea n toast stall does free fruit for kids)
  Digestive Biscuits
  Multi pack of crisps

  You get the idea. Also if you don't think she'll eat well from the stalls you can buy toddler meals in jars that you can heat on the go by taking a thermos of hot water with you.
  Also pack a box of toys, whatever are her favourites and keep her entertained for the longest! You may get rained in n need to keep her happy and also useful for the mornings before you've left camp yet.
  You need to pack enough clothes so that she is going to be comfortable whatever the weather. A waterproof all in one is a really good idea. And I'm a fan of layers! The weather is so changeable that if you dress them in layers you can dress them up or dress them down depending on what the weather does. Even if the weather is sunny during the day the temperature really drops at night so make sure you really layer her up for bed and bring plenty of blankets. Is she sleeping in a travel cot?
  Bring a back (like a nappy changing bag or rucksack) that is big enough for you to fit all the bits that you will need for the day in. That way you can pack a bag each morning to take with you up to the arena that has everything in it that you might need, that way you won't keep having to come back to camp for anything.
  Oh!! Ear protectors . . . you need ear protectors . . . but you can buy them there or online if you prefer.
  Don't worry about it!! You and she will absolutely love it! My eldest calls herself a Womad Baby!! And gets so excited every year!! It's a totally different experience with kids, but soooooo wonderful!!!
  Top tip! See if you can convince a grandparent to come to share in the childcare arrangements!! Lol!! My mum came first in 2010 n now comes every year. She likes to be in bed by 10 so perfect! She kicks back at the tent with the kids n me n the other half still get our nights out!! xxx

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 12:49pm by Yummy Mummy

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  *bag

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 12:52pm by Yummy Mummy

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  Also, Year 1 I felt really guilty that I hadn't taken my lg (10 months) to any childrent's workshops. N kept looking at the timetable. (I was used to taking her to all number of groups every day at home). My friend (who is a proper Womad veteran n who's kids who are now grown up grew up at Womad) said . . . . 'Don't be ridiculous! She's going to be dragging you to those things for years, you should enjoy this time while she's still happy to come around with you'. So I didn't take her!. She's 4 this year and I'm going to take her for the first time because she has asked about it . . . but in the mornings before the music starts!! I concur my friend was right!! xxx

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 12:55pm by Yummy Mummy

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  OH!!! First Aid Kit!! xxx

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 1:01pm by Yummy Mummy

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  Wow - that's great, thanks! She'll eat absolutely anything so don't see a problem with eating from the stalls although I'd thought about taking snacks anyway, just in case.

  I wasn't going to bring the travel cot, we have self inflating mats which are pretty thick so was just going to use them, and I thought about putting her in her grobag and then a sleeping bag plus clothing layers and blankets if need be - and she could always just get in my sleeping bag if needed or should i take travel cot?! Hmmm, too much to think about when taking a little one!!

  Yep, we have ear protectors ready to go (well, they would be if she'd keep them on!!).

  Thanks so much for your advise - very helpful - buggy it is!x

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 2:59pm by Pickle2010

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  A Buggy will be ideal, she'll be familiar with it, and you'll be able to cover her up from rain, sun, cold easily (we'll probably get all three!) And as long as the Ear Protectors are good, she'll sleep through evening performances. All that lovely fresh air will do her the world of good and she'll sleep better and better as the festival goes on.
  YM has plenty of useful advice here and your daughter will have a lovely time too.

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 3:12pm by Bloohair

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  Hmmmmm up to you really . . . I like the travel cot just because they can't roll off it and I like to have mine in a separate room, but you know her and what suits your family best so whatever you think so long as she's warm!
  Lol! We literally pack the world and its wife but it's worth it for you all to be comfortable there! x

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 3:45pm by Yummy Mummy

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  Just remember all the buggies will need SUN shades.
  Oh and when the children have finished with them that flat bit by Mollys bar- buggy race track- Mollyville flats!
  

  Posted on 13-Jul-2012 5:16pm by Desert Traveller

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