If you are someone who loves to travel in RVs then chances are you would love to camp in one too. But finding a safe and convenient RV campground is not easy. You cannot just park anywhere out in the wild or an open area especially if you are traveling with kids and pets. Such a thing is not wise even if it’s just adults in the RV. So, it is important to find safe campgrounds before your trip.
Consider these tips to find the best RV campgrounds in your city.
Perform a quick online search.
One of the best ways to find local resources is to use online searches. With the right keyword, you can find local businesses easily. You can utilize it for finding RV campgrounds in and around your city too. Use keywords with your requirement and location such as RV campgrounds in Fort Worth TX or something similar.
The many names you find will give you a starting point for your research. You can then quickly sort through the links on the first search result page to know more about the various RV campgrounds and their suitability for your requirements.
Check the websites for details.
Begin by checking the websites one by one. Look for specific details about the RV campgrounds in resorts, parks, and other camping sites. If you like a campground but don’t find the information about RVs on its website then feel free to call them with your inquiry.
Ensure that you don’t only look for information about the RV facilities but also about the campsite in general. It should be a safe place to camp with your family.
Check the policies regarding pets, reservations, and cancellations. Some camping grounds allow pets at RV campgrounds albeit with some restrictions. So, ensure that you find out about the same before reserving the site.
Also, find out if impromptu visits to the campgrounds will be entertained or not. Perhaps you decide to take a trip suddenly or are traveling from elsewhere to a city. In such cases, it is best to know beforehand if you can visit the campsite without a reservation (of course, it will be possible only on the availability). But knowing that you have this option can be a safety measure when you are on the road in your RV with your family.
Look for facilities available at the site.
The campground space must be sufficient for your RV. You will need to know beforehand if the campground you like has the space for RVs of every size or not. A concrete road wide enough for easy back-ins to the parking site will be quite convenient for campers.
Other facilities to look for –
- Patio with a cover
- Sewer, power, and water hookups.
- Digital cable TV connection
- Wireless Internet
The power hookups must be of at least 30-50 amps. A smoker grill and built-in fire pit are good facilities to have by your RV (though only really good camping sites may offer these). The facilities available in the camping site must be in the easy reach of the RV parking site.
If you choose a camping resort as your RV parking site, you should be able to visit the restaurants on the site easily. The facilities in the camp must be easily available for you and your kids.
Analyze the budget.
Before you reserve your spot, it is important to check if the campground is in your budget or not. You wouldn’t want to face a hefty bill without access to any facility on the site. The cost of the parking site must be in accordance with the facilities available to you.
If you are charged a hefty amount just for the parking site without the use of campground’s facilities then it doesn’t make sense financially to rent such a spot.
The camping ground must also be safe in all ways – the site, hygiene factors, and the overall environment.
Reserve your spot.
Nice RV campgrounds are always booked in advance. Once you are satisfied with a campground with all the above aspects; go ahead and book your spot without delay.
Camping with your kids can create a lifetime of happy memories. But if you don’t plan it right then things can take a turn for the worse and your camping trip can turn into an ordeal; and worse – a nightmare of a vacation. So, it is important to organize the trip to the last detail. Here’s how you can make the most of your next camping vacation with your kids.
Choose the Right Camping Site
When going on a camping trip with kids, it is best to plan it well in advance rather than to go on an impromptu adventure. You can choose the camping site depending on the age of your kids. If your kids are quite young then it is best to choose a camp that is set up in national or state parks. You can also find camping resorts that offer all the fun and adventures but in a safe manner.
You can search online with keywords such as family camping vacations near me to find out such places. Check the websites of the camping sites or resorts that you find on the search result page.
Thoroughly assess the location of the camp, facilities available, and the rates. It should be safe and hygienic. The campsite must be in compliance with the hygienic norms set up by the authorities.
Choose a campsite that is perfect for your family’s needs. You can do so by taking the steps mentioned in the point below.
Check the Facilities
Don’t simply go by word-of-mouth publicity or the camp’s aesthetics. Check the website properly to know more about the campsite.
In safe camping sites, you can choose from a number of accommodation options without worrying about your family’s well-being. For instance, you can stay in Smoky Mountain cabins with indoor pool or tents, and even RVs depending on your kids’ preference.
Check the activities available at the camp. Kids can get pretty bored pretty fast if all they can do at the campsite is to sit by the fire or go on hikes. Really good campsites have activities such as fishing, scavenger hunts, maze, and rides.
Games can include laser tags, paintball, cornhole, etc. with an outdoor setting. Themed weekends, swimming pools, art, and crafts, etc. are other facilities available at kid-friendly camps. Look for novelty activities such as gem mining and dedicated adventure areas. You may be even able to plan a birthday party at the camp for that special treat for your kid.
When going for a weekend trip, find out about the nearby attractions as well. Popular campsites are built in such a way that campers have easy access to sporting events, cultural activities, and fun outings in the vicinity. Choosing such a site will provide you with extra avenues for fun activities with your kids.
Inquire well in advance if the campsite is pet-friendly. Carefully check the pet-friendly policies so that your animal companions are not distressed at the campsite.
Check the rates for both day-long camping trips and for the whole weekend. The rates must be in accordance with the facilities available at the camp.
Reserve your Spot
When camping with families, it is best to plan properly in advance. You can easily make reservations online via the camp resort or park’s website. Depending on your head start, you may be able to reserve the accommodation you desire.
Ensure that you check on the website the reservation and cancellation policy of the camp resort or park.
Inquire about the Gear
Camping requires campers to ferry a lot of gear and stuff such as tents, tarps, stove, flashlights, batteries, fuel, insect repellants, sleeping bags, first aid kit, food, etc. You may not need to carry your gear when going to established camps with good accommodation options. You may even have restaurants at the campsite.
But it is still wise to carry flashlights, extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellants, appropriate clothing, medicines, water bottles, and snacks when camping with kids.
Refrain from Over-Planning
Fight the temptation to plan the camping trip excessively. Simply take care of the basics mentioned above and let your kids choose the activities to do or miss once they are on the campground.
Regular pediatric dental care is a must for babies as well as children since having healthy teeth is crucial for their healthy growth and development. Whatever your baby or child eats can affect their teeth, and, if you fail to clean these after every meal, their oral health may lapse. As a result, they may develop plaque, and tooth decay can follow. While permanent teeth will eventually replace the baby teeth, you should still make every effort to keep them clean and in good condition.
Make a point of cleaning the baby teeth with clean, warm water and a piece of soft cloth or a baby brush after every meal or drink. You should also brush their teeth after giving them any medicine as the acid in the medicine can damage the tooth enamel if not cleaned at once. Start using a pea-sized dab of toothpaste when your child is older, has the coordination to brush his or her own teeth, and is not likely to swallow the toothpaste.
It is advisable to take your child to see the dentist once or twice a year. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should preferably see a pediatric dentist at least once before they are one year old. Here are some of the reasons why you need to consider taking your baby or child to a pediatric dentist:
Your baby or child may have neonatal teeth
Some babies are born with neonatal teeth, although these instances are rare. If your baby happens to have such teeth, it will be a good idea to have a pediatric dentist check them. It may be necessary to remove these neonatal teeth as they don’t have any root structure and are wobbly. There is a risk that they may fall and, if the baby swallows them, they can get stuck in its airway and cause choking.
For developing baby teeth, the pediatric dentist will recommend a teething ointment to soothe your baby. They may also suggest providing relief by giving your baby a cold teething ring or massaging their gums.
Your child may require dental sealant application
A dental sealant can help protect your teeth from decay. Depending on the necessity, a pediatric dentist may recommend the application of a dental sealant to ensure that your child’s teeth remain in good condition. The procedure is safe and will not put your child at any health risk.
Your child may require fluoride treatment
Fluoride is known to alter and strengthen the tooth molecular structure and make it resistant to tooth caries. That is the reason the US health authorities have approved putting it in drinking water. You should check with the water authorities in your area to find out if the water you get contains fluoride, and also with your dentist to check if your child is receiving a balanced dose of fluoride. If it is too less, their teeth may be at risk of decay. If it is too high, your child might suffer from fluorosis.
Your child may require orthodontic treatment
By undergoing regular dental care from a pediatric dentist, it may be possible to catch dental issues early on. The pediatric dentist, for instance, will notice teeth developmental problems or occlusion and recommend immediate and effective treatments. By undergoing the treatments right away, your child may be able to avoid future orthodontic treatments.
Along with providing essential dental care, the pediatric dentist can also counsel you on other aspects of your child’s dental healthcare. For instance, if your child has the tendency to suck their thumb or uses a pacifier, the pediatric dentist will inform you how these habits can harm the proper development of their teeth. They will also offer suggestions on how to discourage them.
The pediatric dentist can also advise you about the proper diet your child should have to develop healthy and strong teeth. They may suggest a list of food items that your child should avoid and the foods they should consume more. Additionally, they will recommend regular teeth cleaning routine that your child can follow daily to maintain good oral health. As you see, visiting a pediatric dentist is ultimately beneficial for your child.
If your child is over six months old, you’re probably considering giving them formula. Now, the formula needs to be mixed with water, and not just any water will do. You need to be careful when it comes to the kind of water used. For years, concerned parents have raised questions about the safety of using boiled water or bottled water in baby formula. One thing is for certain: do not add just any water to the formula, make sure the water quality is good before giving it to your baby. A baby’s developing body can only handle so much.
Distilled Water For Baby Formula
Distilled water has undergone the process of distillation, a means of purifying water. During this process, water is boiled and then cooled back to its original state. This process is believed to remove potential contaminants such as heavy metals and inorganic minerals from the water. Needless to say, this is the best form of water you can include in baby formula.
Benefits of Using Distilled Water In Baby Formula
Now let us go over some of the health benefits of choosing distilled water in the baby formula over other kinds of water.
1. The purest form of water
We have already established that distilled water is the purest form of water you can use in preparing baby formula: it is clear of chlorine, and various other harmful chemicals we cannot see. Since water is boiled to a very high temperature, there is essentially the very little risk of the baby being exposed to harmful chemicals. Therefore, in a way, distilled water is the safest form of water for preparing baby formula.
2. Avoiding chlorine
A chemical used to keep water safe and clean for consumption, chlorine is something we’re all familiar with. If you’ve spent time swimming in public pools, you are probably well acquainted with the smell of chlorine, too. While it does a good job killing harmful bacteria in water, it is a dangerous combination with certain other compounds in water, capable of creating harmful carcinogenic chemicals. Needless to say, that is not something you want to expose your baby to: so, stick to chlorine-free distilled water for formula.
3. Prevent water-borne diseases
Bacterial and parasitic infections can be reduced severely by consuming distilled water. Did you know that many infants are diagnosed with water-borne diseases due to impure water consumption? This may be the water used for preparing baby formula as well and must be avoided at all times. A growing baby must be presented with the safest options, especially something as essential as water. That said, you may want to bathe your infant in distilled water also, as exposing them to tap water also makes them prone to all kinds of water-borne diseases. Make baby formula with distilled water to prevent this from happening.
4. Improves health and appearances
Now even though appearances are not something we associate with babies, but there’s no denying the fact that distilled water helps promote smooth skin and shiny hair (this applies to anyone consuming distilled water). You may want to change the water you’re bathing in to improve the health of your hair and skin. Likewise, for your baby, you’re ensuring that they have naturally smooth and soft skin and hair. Stick to distilled water for making baby formula, and use it for your consumption too.
5. Aids digestion
As stated earlier, the process of distillation eliminates the inorganic and harmful pollutants and minerals from water that can cause potential harm to your body. By switching to distilled water, you and your family are making sure that your digestive tract and other organs are functioning smoothly while absorbing the vitamins and minerals you require the most. Make a safe and positive environment for your infant to grow in, one where he/she can avoid potential health risks.
6. Combats health risks
If your infant is insensitive to light, has headaches or eczema, you might want to check the environmental factors affecting this. One of the main culprits is often unclean water, which is why it is so important to stick with distilled water for baby formula. After you switch to distilled water for consuming, bathing, and cooking, you will notice the difference in your household.
…Do not risk the chance of your infant developing dangerous diseases because you were ignorant!
Many parents, especially first-timers, can be a little confused about choosing the best feeding bottle for their newborn baby. Here are some tips to help with the same.
The material
The most commonly used are plastic feeding bottles, but there are other variants like bottles of glass and stainless steel that are available in the market. Plastic bottles are easy and convenient to use. They are also lightweight and effortless to carry, which is very necessary when you step out of the house with the baby. Also, they do not break easily. However, plastic bottles contain chemicals and pose health hazards for little ones if not chosen wisely. Plus, they cannot be boiled during sterilization or heated directly. But, there exist alternatives like BPA-free plastic bottles that are safer. Glass bottles have the advantage of being chemical-free and long-lasting. However, considering their weight, these bottles aren’t exactly convenient to use on the move. Also, they are more breakage-prone, which can be avoided to an extent using silicon covers.
The size
Feeding bottles come in different sizes suitable for different age groups. There exist tiny bottles for newborns who need to be formula fed for various reasons to larger bottles that can hold enough formula for toddlers. It is common for brands to list down the suitability of a particular bottle size for a particular age group, but if you are not sure, you can always check with your baby’s pediatrician or simply someone who is experienced in this regard – you can rely on your mother, friends, neighbors, or someone from the family circle to help you with the right bottle size for you baby. However, it may take a few trials and errors before you actually settle down on the one that works best for your tiny tot. This is especially true because different babies have different appetites.
The shape
Bottles can be straight, wide, or contoured. The choice of a particular shape depends on how comfortable you and your baby find to hold it during feeding sessions. The shape also affects how easily the bottle can be cleaned. A product with a wide mouth and that is straight is easier to clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
The nipple
The right bottle size accounts for a good part of seamless feeding, the other one being the nipples. When choosing the nipple for your baby’s bottle, it is important that you pay attention to the size as well as the shape of the same. While it is possible to buy nipples separately, most nipples come as part of a bottle and need to be of the same band so as to ensure a good fit and leakage-proof feeding. Babies prefer nipples that closely resemble their mom, so look for shapes that give them the feel of natural feeding. This can help a great deal when you are transitioning your newborn from breastfeeding to a bottle and can help bring down the resistance otherwise faced. Also, ensure that the flow through the hole is suitable for your baby’s age and feeding needs. A fast flow can fill up his mouth and tummy with excess milk, causing him to choke. Too little flow can cause the little one to suck hard while feeding and swallow, inevitably leading to gasiness and colic. Another factor to consider is the material of the nipple. Silicone is firmer, while latex is softer but doesn’t last as long. Like bottles, nippled need to be moved to the next size as your baby grows. They also need to be replaced when they are discolored, cracked, or when they start thinking.
Other features
In addition to the above, it is good to look for features like hands-free mixing and anti-colic. Baby bottles that can be attached to blenders make meal preparation time easy and effortless for you. Also, most of these bottles can be used to prepare formula milk, cereals, and to blend stored breast milk. The best baby bottles for newborns include anti-colic features, which help bring down the quantity of air that your baby sucks in through the bottle, and in turn, makes him less gassy and colicky. Anti-colic features may be present as air vents, tubing, or suction systems, and you can choose the one that most fits your needs.
