No matter how much of a die-hard festival-goer you are, the thought of doing one with a baby, toddler or small child in tow might seem about appealing as sticking pins in your eyes while listening to a Little Baby Bum nursery rhyme compilation on repeat. But what if we (or a mum who has just been to Glastonbury with her 15-month-old daughter) told you that not only are festivals with children do-able, they’re actually fun? Louise Weedon, said mum of 15-month-old toddler, shares her tips for surviving a festival with small people…
“I’d done countless festivals before having my daughter, but the thought of looking after someone other than myself at Glastonbury, in a field with two thousand people, seemed ridiculous. However, now that I’ve done it and lived to tell the tale, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. Since I got back, a lot of people have asked if it was hard with a baby – the answer, like a lot of experiences with kids, is that it wasn’t hard, it was simply different. Yes, it was unlike any festival I went to pre-kids, but it was most definitely just as much fun. Here’s what I learned from our baby-filled weekend of festival madness…”
Louise, her husband Paul and daughter Amira living their best festival life at Glastonbury 2022.
“We went with a very light plan of what we wanted to see and do, but quickly realised that it takes a hell of a lot longer to get around the festival with a trolley – more on which below. This slower pace actually worked for us on a practical level but also allowed us to stumble across some unexpected glorious moments; The Blossoms inviting Mel C on stage to sing Spice Up Your Life anyone!?”
“The designated kids areas at Glasto truly blew our minds, they were almost like mini festivals for kids of all ages. From reading, crafting, painting to circus skills, music lessons and stage shows, the things on offer were truly beyond what we had imagined or hoped fo. Plus, in the specific areas for children, each and every helter-skelter or ride was absolutely free. I know that this will differ depending on the festivals, but at Glastonbury, where kids enter for free up to the age of 12, it offers outstanding value for money.”
“From a practical perspective, there were lots of places that sold milk and milk alternatives. And in the family camping area they even had a place to sterilise bottles and give baby baths. Food-wise, I’d recommend going armed with snacks, snacks and more snacks. Fruit, cheese, bread and yoghurts all good choices, and porridge pots were nice and easy to make in the morning. That said, there was such a variety of food stands that finding something for a meal wasn’t difficult.”
“For sleeping, we took one large double sleeping bag so we all cuddled in together. After a long day of stimulation getting to sleep was a pretty quick process for all of us. If your little one is used to certain things to help them fall asleep, be it a comforter, night light or white noise machine, don’t forget to pack them – anything you can do to make sleep happen!”
“Much like travelling anywhere with kids, preparation is key. Some things that we found absolutely essential were:
- A big enough tent for sleep AND play.
- A trolley with storage pockets and an overhead a canopy – perfect for pulling little ones along the field.
- Small toys to keep your little one entertained in said trolley while Mum and Dad watch the bands.
- Noise cancelling headphones – for some reason our daughter wouldn’t keep a sun hat on but the headphones were a winner.
- Fairy lights for the trolley for some illumination/entertainment in the evening and so that other festival goers can easily see it in the crowds.
- A sling for times when little one doesn’t want to be in the trolley. Also great for when the bands were on and they want to get involved in the action.
- Layers, lots of layers – it felt like we experienced several different climates across the 5 days.
- Sterilsing tablets in case you need them to clean bottles. We didn’t use them in the end, but fail to prepare, prepare to fail and all that!”
“The whole experience was truly magical, the lights, the songs, the interaction with so many people. And for my husband, a Beatles fanatic, getting to hold our daughter whilst Paul McCartney played Beatles songs was a moment that will stay with us forever. My most important piece of advice? Let routine take a backseat, try not to worry, and let the festival spirit grab hold of you.”
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