I had twin girls in January. They were born 9 weeks premature, but are healthy and doing fine now. Will it be too early to take them on overnight camping trips this summer? I'm thinking of car camping and day hikes, but I'm mainly concerned about sleeping with them in the tent. Will it be too cold for them? I don't want to"expose them to the elements" too early if it's not good for them. Thanks!

Joeth Whitney
Loon Lake, WA

Alice's Answer:

You're a better woman than I, Joeth. The summer after my twin girls were born, my husband and I were too exhausted (and too occupied with house guests) to consider a camping trip. We wanted to, though.

In most cases, I think the biggest question concerning young babies and camping trips is not whether the baby's ready, but whether the parents are rested enough to consider such an adventure.

So, good for you, and no, as long as your daughters are healthy, it's not too early to camp. In fact, in some ways it may be easier this year than it will be next year, when they'll both be running in two different directions at your campsite.

The girls can sleep between you and your husband in the tent. Let them sleep on top of an unfolded adult rectangular sleeping bag. This will act as an insulated sleeping pad for your girls.

Also be sure to have a mattress pad underneath your sleeping bags and your girls' sleeping space. The pads add not only comfort, but an insulating layer of warmth.

For maximum warmth on cool or cold nights, layer your girls with a onesie underneath a warm, footed sleeper or a fleece coverall, or both. We had great one-piece, zippered fleece coveralls from L. L. Bean, which someone gave the girls when they were born. They got an extraordinary amount of use out of them from October through May. The wrist and ankle cuffs can be folded over so that no feet or fingers were exposed. This was one of the most useful baby gifts we received. These coveralls fit snugly enough, too, too allow clear breathing when the girls were asleep. If you need to bundle up your girls during your camping trip, make sure their air passages are clear.

Finally, be sure to keep those extremities warm: feet, hands, and those often bald little heads. Warm exits the body quickly here, so take extra layers of socks, mittens, and hats.

Have a doubly good time!

Another huge help would be a double jogging stroller. Your youngest too are old enough to do some walking, but not too much, especially if you want to actually cover a bit of territory.

You'll all enjoy a jogging stroller. Your younger two can ride whenever they're tired and you'll therefore be able to travel much farther.

These strollers can navigate some fairly rough terrain and you'll also get a workout pushing it. In fact, my six-year-old sometimes manages to hop aboard on the little foot platform, which really makes the pushing a big effort. These contraptions are pricey - - several hundred dollars - - but they're indestructible, which means you can buy them used at a second-hand kids store or at yard sales.

Simple hikes and picnics are probably your best bet for outings right now. Don't expect to travel too fast or too far, but just being in the woods with your children can be a refreshing change of pace. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for everyone.

Go cultivate as many adult helpers as you can, Linde, then hit your local trails. Remember to take plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen to help keep your gang healthy and happy.

Let us know how your outings work out, and best of luck.

Sounds great to me, Tab. Of course, accommodations and children's programs like this are hardly cheap.

You can get more details at www.gorptravel.gorp.com. You can even book your trip by calling 1-800-444 DUDE, or emailing info@gorptravel.com.

Have a super vacation, and let us know where you end up.

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