Choosing a campsite suitable for toddlers
The first secret of a successful stay is the choice of location. Many campsites have now understood the needs of young families and offer dedicated services: loan of a cot, high chair, baby bath, even a bottle warmer or changing mat on request. A not inconsiderable convenience when every centimetre of the car counts. Some campsites go even further. Camping Le Sérignan Plage, in the Hérault region of France, welcomes babies in a real crèche area, run by childcare professionals. Children are looked after for a few hours a day, leaving parents the luxury of a moment to themselves. At Camping Les Alicourts Resort, in Sologne, the emphasis is also on family holidays, with facilities designed to make life easier for parents, and a natural setting conducive to relaxation.
Prepare your equipment with care
Even if some campsites lend out equipment, it's still essential to pack the essentials. A travel cot, an all-terrain pushchair, feeding bottles, the usual milk, a well-stocked changing bag... all items that will enable you to keep baby's routine while discovering a new environment.
Don't forget to pack a practical, accessible bag: nappies, wipes, special baby sun cream, a change of clothes, a comforter, a hat... When camping, the weather can play tricks, so it's best to opt for layered outfits, which are easy to adapt as the day progresses.
Respecting baby's rhythm
One of the challenges of camping with a toddler is preserving his bearings. Naps are important: a hammock, a well-shaded tent or an umbrella bed under an awning often do the trick. Don't forget to recreate a reassuring cocoon: a nightlight, a musical mobile, a familiar sheet... every detail can help baby fall asleep peacefully.
To avoid waking up early because of the light, some families hang a dark sheet over the entrance to the tent or use removable blackout curtains. Finally, it's best to choose a quiet spot, a little away from the entertainment, to encourage peaceful nights.
Protecting yourself from the sun and insects
If you choose a sunny region like Provence or the south-west, you'll need to be extra vigilant. Before the age of 6 months, sun protection should be purely physical: shade, anti-UV clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Beyond that, you can use a mineral sun cream suitable for babies. And for the evenings, don't forget the mosquito net, which is essential over your cot or pushchair.
Gentle, fun activities for toddlers
An increasing number of campsites now offer real early-learning activities for toddlers, adapted to their pace: fun paddling pools, water games, or even baby-swimming sessions supervised by professionals, as at Les Criques de Porteils campsite in Collioure. Others, like Le Sérignan Plage in Hérault, have indoor areas specially designed for the under-4s, with sensory games, early-learning mats and cocooning areas.
Outdoors, safe play areas can be found alongside mini-farms, reading corners, family walks and even gentle shows designed to awaken the youngest children without over-stimulating them.
A number of campsites also offer mini-clubs for toddlers aged 3 and over, where specialised activity leaders organise calm, appropriate activities such as painting, storytelling, sensory games or craft workshops, allowing babies to enjoy themselves while parents enjoy some free time.
Because camping with a baby isn't just about managing the logistics, it's also about giving them their first taste of travel, their first laughs in the fresh air, and their first discoveries in freedom.
Some campsites suitable for families with babies
Here are some recommended addresses for a worry-free stay with an infant:
- Les Alicourts Resort: Cots available, children's club, very attentive team, family water park.
- Sérignan Plage and L'Océan Breton offer facilities dedicated to 0-4 year olds, for a peaceful family holiday.
- Sunêlia Le Fief in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins offers a safe and serene environment for a successful first holiday with baby.
- The Domaine du Clarys in the Vendée or Les Vignes in the Landes offer the ideal setting for a successful first family holiday: babies are welcomed with all the comforts they need: cosy mobile homes with separate bedrooms, baby kits (cot, high chair, bath).
Before booking, please contact the campsite to confirm availability. Facilities vary according to the season and type of accommodation.
The pleasure of camping... even with a baby
Camping with a baby doesn't mean giving up comfort, it means relearning simplicity, in a setting where birdsong replaces routine, and where every little moment becomes precious. By relying on the right services, respecting your child's rhythm and letting yourself be carried away by the relaxed atmosphere of the campsite, you'll transform this holiday into a gentle, joyful and unforgettable experience.