camping with sick kids?
by admin on Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 | 5 Comments
We are going camping this week. It is a “camp” family reunion & my husband has brothers & sisters coming from out of state so he doesn’t want to miss seeing them. My 2 yr old son has a cold & I’m a little worried about the night air (in Northern Michigan). My husband won’t go without us, would you take your 2yr old with a cold?
Go for it.
If it’s just a bit of a runny nose, sure.
If it’s something involving fevers and chills and aches, no.
I would do a ‘Would I go myself in that state?’ sort of assessment. I think the fun of camping and seeing family would outweigh any discomfort from being in the woods with a mild cold for a tot (or myself). I think I (and a tot) would rather have easier access to hot baths and soft beds if very ill, though.
you could always stay home. if that’s not an option, discuss his symptoms & treatment with the pediatrician. do not put unreasonable expectations on his behavior, though.
If he just has the sniffles, I would take him. Just be sure you have a light jacket you can wrap him in, and plenty of blankets to keep him warm. And of course the OTC cough medicine kept on hand (especially night time formula).
If it’s complete with headaches and chills and a low grade fever, then of course don’t go. He doesn’t need that excitement and should be at home resting and relaxing.
No because a cold can turn into something worse. He also won’t be on his normal schedule with the travel and excitement of all of it which will wear his system down even more. I used to live in Michigan and “cool” is an understatement for the night time up there- even for this time of year. With all the flu and other stuff still going around right now I don’t think I would risk it turning into something worse. Putting your sons health second to a trip – for family or not- is foolish.