We're getting ready for The Baby Show Olympia, London, 23-25 October, and if you're planning to bring little ones along, you'll know that a busy, buzzing day out with kids takes some preparation. It's something our festival-loving mum Natasha Hewett from Project Baby knows well, so here are her top tips for taking the kids to a festival.
As you’re reading this, you’re probably sat there thinking, “Am I insane for considering taking my children to a festival?”
The short answer is: no!
But preparation is absolutely key!
I’ve taken my boys to festivals since they could crawl, and I’ve never once regretted it. In fact, some of our favourite memories have come from those festival adventures together.
So here are my top 10 tips for taking the kids to a festival:
We took the Thule and it was SO good! Plenty of space for the boys to get in and have a snooze, plus room for all the essentials… and maybe a little extra booze.
Pack plenty of their favourite snacks from home. Having something familiar amongst all the chaos can really help and gives them a little sense of normality.
Get into the festival spirit! Buy tails and costumes on Vinted before you go and just embrace the fact that anything goes. Don’t show the kids everything beforehand, keep the glitter, tails and costumes hidden and bring them out as little surprises. It makes it even more exciting!
Never underestimate the power of a baby wipe. Sticky fingers, dirty faces, grazed knees. Sometimes a good wipe can fix absolutely everything!
Give each child a disposable camera and let them capture the festival through their own lens. It’s so lovely looking back at what they chose to photograph once you’re home and the photos are printed.
You’re going to need them, so why not all match?! There’s something so fun about getting the whole family in their festival wellies.
Buy things like bubble machines/ glowsticks beforehand and pack the batteries. DON’T show any little eyes before you go! Bring them out at the festival as if you’ve just bought them.
Don’t forget extra bubbles for refills!
If your little one is still small enough for a carrier, USE IT! You can wander around, explore and even groove to the music together without worrying about a buggy.
Protect those little ears from the off. They can still enjoy the atmosphere and music while giving their ears some extra protection.
Things probably won’t go exactly to plan. They might get tired, muddy, overwhelmed or covered in glitter… and that’s okay!
Just go with it. Enjoy the chaos, make the memories and soak it all in.
Because honestly, the memories are worth everything.
And if you’re heading to The Baby Show at Olympia, London from 23–25 October, come and visit Project Baby at stand H43! We’d love to see you there and chat all things festival, family and baby life.
