Once we advised folks we’d reside, work, and journey in a van for 9-plus months with our 2-year-old daughter, Finola, we acquired blended reactions. Everybody was completely happy for us however some people mentioned, “You guys are courageous; there’s no method I might try this.”
A number of folks have requested us the way it’s going, what we’ve discovered, how lengthy we plan to do van life, and so forth. After answering these questions so many instances, I noticed the knowledge may very well be useful resource for anybody contemplating van life or an prolonged highway journey along with your child(s).
We have now discovered a rhythm after a number of months of working and touring within the van with a toddler and needed to share some suggestions with anybody contemplating this life-style.
Moreover, I’ve listed some gear objects we’ve come to like.
Issues to Contemplate to Put together for Van Life With Youngsters
Finest Timing for Van Life + Life Adjustments
There’s by no means an ideal time to strive life on the highway. On the finish of 2021, we lastly determined to cease dreaming and researching and simply go for it. We didn’t have an actual plan or know what we had been doing, however we had been decided to maintain an open thoughts and determine it out as we went.
Our thought was that it could be greatest to reside full-time in a van whereas Finola is youthful since she’s not tied to highschool, buddies, actions, and so forth. Presently, we solely have one child, and she or he’s a toddler, so this information is written from that perspective.
Your youngsters could be completely different ages, which might have an effect on your plans in a different way. A youngster, for instance, will take up more room and wish extra privateness than a toddler.
My spouse, Natalie, and I switched jobs to accommodate the change to residing on the highway. We even rented out our home for 9 months to earn some additional earnings whereas we had been away.
Construct or Purchase Your Van With Youngsters in Thoughts
Shopping for Versus a Customized Construct
We appeared on-line for months at used vans, hoping to seek out one thing with three to 4 seats. After a fruitless search, we linked with a builder in Minneapolis named Colin Timm, who owns Truthful Is Truthful Inventive. We knew a customized construct would consequence within the campervan we needed, and for us, that has been one of the simplest ways to go.
We selected a van over an RV or trailer as a result of driving, parking, and turning round are simpler in a van. Our Transit is the longest and highest roof that Ford affords. We’ve discovered it matches nicely sufficient in parking spots, campgrounds, and roadside pull-offs. Something longer could be too cumbersome for us.
When you can, attempt to get in a van or hire a campervan to get a really feel for the scale. We’ve seen the whole lot from a transformed college bus to a minivan, which reveals that everybody has a unique choice for automobile dimension.
Seating and Sleeping
It was vital to us that Finola has a legit, crash-test-proven manufacturing unit seat, so our builder integrated that into the structure. He additionally added a bunk for Finola to sleep in, and we sized it so she might develop into it.
The 1st step in your customized van construct or shopping for selection needs to be to make sure that it securely and comfortably accommodates all of your creatures, together with pets, in case you plan to journey with them.
Automotive Seat
In case your child is younger and wishes a automotive seat, don’t neglect to issue that additional bulk into your construct or any van you purchase. We didn’t do that — Finola transitioned from a rear-facing to a front-facing automotive seat the day we left. We needed to deliver the van to Purchase Purchase Child to get one that might match with our fold-down desk. It labored out for us, however we must always have deliberate forward.
Youngsters’ Play House
Finola has one essential spot within the van the place she performs, reads, and so forth., and it’s on our mattress. She didn’t try this at dwelling, however we’ve discovered that is nice within the van because it’s out of the best way, and she will unfold out.
She additionally will get into the whole lot, and we have now just a few latches and locks to maintain her out of some drawers and cabinets.
Heater
When you’re planning to journey to chilly locales, make certain to correctly insulate the campervan and get a heater. Our very first journey was in northern Minnesota, and our Espar heater saved us heat in 15-degree climate.
Acquired Extra Youngsters?
We optimized for our present three-person household however wish to have one other child in some unspecified time in the future. With just a few tweaks, our van can be utilized with 4 folks. We made certain to maintain that in thoughts with the construct.
The underside line: Plan for the longer term every time attainable when designing your final camper van.
Consolidate All of the Stuff
At dwelling, we had a ton of toys and child devices we’d inherited. For sure, the plastic slide and big unicorn didn’t make the ultimate reduce. We’ve discovered {that a} toddler doesn’t want plenty of stuff to remain entertained. We introduced just a few favourite toys for her treasure chest and a few books.
We packed 2 weeks’ price of garments and put them in these versatile organizers we discovered on Amazon to maintain the whole lot tidy. Those with small compartments are excellent for toddler garments in addition to grownup socks, underwear, and T-shirts. Professional tip: These additionally work nice for packing youngsters’ garments in suitcases.
We are able to match the whole lot we have to reside plus journey gear: two bikes, two packrafts, two full fly fishing setups, backpacking gear, some mountain climbing gear, and extra.
Set Cheap Expectations
This was one of the vital issues I discovered in my life. Not daily is epic. That’s as true in a campervan as it’s in a home. Setting cheap — even low — expectations will make you happier on the finish of the day.
The “I awoke right here” pictures you see on Instagram aren’t all the time the truth. When you go into it with that expectation, you could be setting your self up for disappointment.
For me, that is an acceptable expectation for the day: cling with my daughter and spouse, work, see one thing new, spend extra time outdoors than I might have at dwelling, eat a quesadilla for dinner, and sleep in a Walmart parking zone. If I exploit that as my base, it’s simple to exceed that and be completely happy on the finish of the day.
What It’s Actually Wish to Van Life With a Child
Largest Professionals
Van life provides us the liberty to discover extra and go at our personal tempo. Our “dwelling base” is moveable in a van, so we don’t waste time driving again to an Airbnb every night time like on different holidays.
As an alternative of dashing to see the whole lot in per week earlier than heading dwelling, we get to wander and take all of it in. It’s enjoyable to be at our subsequent journey spot when work is finished or after we get up.
Largest Cons
The small house is well overwhelmed by two adults, an brisk toddler, and the objects we have to reside.
Every little thing takes longer in a van, requiring extra persistence and suppleness when issues don’t go as deliberate — like a breakdown or when our child will get sick.
I’ll additionally add sky-high gasoline costs as a significant con!
Plan to Go Slowly
My spouse and I used to make the 18-hour drive to Wyoming from Minnesota in a single shot. With our child, we restrict most drives to about 4 hours. In uncommon circumstances, we’ll push it longer. Typically, we’ll drive at night time whereas Finola sleeps. We cease extra and wish additional time to run round every day.
Past that, the whole lot else is a slower course of. Making a meal, washing dishes, laundry — all of it takes extra time, so be ready for a slower tempo. Attempting to go sooner resulted in frustration because it felt like I couldn’t get to the whole lot we had deliberate for the day.
How one can Work Remotely From the Highway With Youngsters
I’m working full-time, and Natalie is working part-time. The best way we work has modified rather a lot. Natalie will get up early for six a.m. conferences two to 3 instances per week since her job is in Minnesota, and we’re now on the West Coast. She makes use of this time to get a few of her work accomplished and we commerce childcare duties later within the morning.
We constructed a workstation into our van with a standup desk and an additional monitor. We can work with all three of us in there, however it may be chaotic. A greater resolution is to park at a playground or seaside. Whereas one among us works, the opposite two can play.
We frequently use a weBoost cell-signal booster so as to add somewhat additional velocity after we’re in areas with one to 2 bars.
Libraries are the unsung heroes of van life with youngsters. We make the most of libraries a ton since they’re free and dependable. Typically, they are going to have a child part that can hold Finola occupied for some time. When she will get bored, she will play within the campervan, or the nonworking dad or mum can take her to run errands, go to the park, and so forth.
Van Life With Youngsters Is a Lot of Household Time
For me, the 24/7 collectively time is a double-edged sword. The upside right here is that I’m not lacking the moments of my little one rising up. We’re creating a bond that’s nearer than ever. Natalie and I’ve develop into a significantly better group, and we each know Finola higher than ever.
I keep in mind when she was a child, we first despatched her to daycare. She got here dwelling and was awake for 1 to 2 hours every night time earlier than sleeping. I believed, is that this the one time I get with you right now? It was unhappy. Nicely, I’m making up for misplaced time now.
The draw back to touring with a toddler is that they require plenty of consideration and may’t do very a lot with out help. That’s coupled with the truth that the whole lot takes somewhat longer with van life; we have now discovered to regulate and be versatile.
Earlier than leaving, we labored full-time, and Finola went to daycare. I used to be working at dwelling and had 8-plus hours to myself every day. That has modified!
Honestly, I’m nonetheless adjusting to that, however I severely underestimated the impact it will have on my work and my temper. I discovered I wanted extra alone time than I believed, and my spouse wanted extra, too. We’re attempting to work that into our weekly journey in order that neither of us goes loopy.
Plan to Spend a Lot Extra Time Exterior
With much less house to reside in, we spend far more time outdoors, which was a part of our purpose for the journey. Not like residing in a single place, there’s all the time one thing new to see.
We love working from a trailhead, consuming an early dinner, and climbing till bedtime, which is one thing we by no means did again dwelling. My spouse and I really like being in nature, and I hope we’re fostering that very same love in our daughter.
Begin With Small Adventures
This builds everybody’s tolerance. That is true of all adventures with youngsters. Begin with a small hike or experience and construct on it.
Additionally, in case your child isn’t feeling it, there’s no have to drive it. Plan to go gradual and take snack breaks.
As soon as your child can tolerate a number of hours of climbing, the subsequent step is to decide on acceptable trails. I’m nonetheless studying this lesson. On a couple of event, I’ve chosen one thing that may be a little too gnarly, and we’ve needed to flip again or change our plans.
Deliver a Lot of Snacks
All the time having plenty of snacks readily available needs to be a prime rule of parenting. It’s much more vital within the van than it was at dwelling. Get a spread and convey 25% greater than you assume you’ll want.
Go on a Child-Led Hike
I discovered this concept on Instagram, and we’ve accomplished it a number of instances. A lot of the day’s selections are made by dad and mom, leaving little freedom for teenagers. Giving them an opportunity to guide slows the tempo, and it’s enjoyable to see what they get into.
Search Out Enjoyable Locations for Youngsters
We’ve visited extra aquariums, recreation facilities, swimming pools, playgrounds, seashores, and parks than ever earlier than. We even went to a bug zoo. The indoor locations are particularly good when it’s wet.
How one can Van Life and Drive on Lengthy Highway Journeys With Youngsters
Display screen Time
Each dad or mum has a unique philosophy about display screen time. Ours modified as soon as we moved into the campervan. We attempt to plan our drives so Finola naps for a part of the time, reads for half, and watches the iPad for half. Then, as soon as she falls asleep for the night time, we drive somewhat extra.
We let her watch one thing after we’re double-booked for conferences or have vital work to get accomplished. For higher or worse, it’s babysitter and retains her calm and quiet.
Professional tip: Get a YouTube Premium account to obtain and entry reveals everytime you need.
Contemplate buying an iPad or telephone holder so the machine doesn’t slip out of their fingers 10 instances day by day.
If they’re holding the machine — and you employ Apple — activate Guided Entry, which restricts them to the app you select in order that they don’t mess with the rest.
The place to Park and Sleep
We use the iOverlander app to seek out parking spots. The free spots are nice 95% of the time, however just a few have made us uneasy as a result of security, so we’ve needed to discover one other one.
We use campgrounds sparingly to save cash. Take a look at these different GearJunkie articles for extra dispersed tenting and boondocking suggestions.
Create a Spot for Every little thing
I’m usually organized, but it surely turns into a necessity within the van. If we simply shove stuff wherever, we ultimately run out of room. Every little thing has a spot within the campervan, and we’re dedicated to placing objects away so we are able to discover the whole lot after we want it.
Plan Relaxation Days Into Your Schedule
Van life could be as wild or chill as you need it to be. We discovered early on {that a} slower tempo was higher with a child. We now plan a relaxation day roughly each 10 days to keep away from burnout.
Life Nonetheless Occurs Throughout Van Life
Issues like getting sick or having automotive hassle occur similar to in regular life. I don’t have an answer for all of these items, however being versatile is essential. Van life is enjoyable, but it surely’s actually not as problem-free because it appears on-line.
Going to the Rest room
We opted to not have a rest room in our campervan and it’s labored fantastic for us. There’s all the time a rest room obtainable at a campground, retailer, library, and so forth. We have now some wag luggage for emergencies and have solely used them as soon as.
Finola makes use of diapers out of comfort, however she’s prepared to start out potty coaching. We are going to possible begin that course of after we’re visiting household for Christmas. I anticipate there will likely be some mishaps, and we’ll simply must take care of that.
Bathing
Showering is a bit more troublesome with a toddler. We did baths at dwelling however did some bathe follow earlier than we left. We have now a bathe possibility out the again of the van, however setting it up is somewhat cumbersome, and we regularly search for options.
The perfect expertise is a neighborhood pool that has household showers in a single room. Finola loves the pool, and all of us get clear, so it’s a win-win. If there’s no household bathe, one among us takes Finola into the lads’s or girls’s bathe room, and it’s a bit extra of a course of.
Make Easy Meals
I like to cook dinner and make fancy, scrumptious meals. We nonetheless make nice meals, however they’re less complicated.
We’re restricted to a range with two burners. We have now three one-week meal plans to maintain grocery purchasing simple and guarantee we have now sufficient house for the meals we purchase.
Cooking with three folks in a tiny kitchen could be difficult, so we’ll use books, songs, or the iPad to maintain Finola busy and protected whereas we put together meals. We additionally make certain to cook dinner additional every meal, so we have now leftovers.
Interacting With Different Youngsters
Finola was at daycare earlier than we left, and we anxious about what a scarcity of interplay with different youngsters may do to her growth. I’m truthfully unsure of the attainable results, however we search locations with different youngsters so she will play with them. Libraries, playgrounds, seashores, recreation facilities, swimming pools, and different van lifers with youngsters are good for this.
Child Gear for Van Life
Rain Swimsuit
A child’s rain swimsuit is a must have merchandise for us. We all the time put Finola in it when it’s raining or windy or after we wish to hold her comparatively clear on the seaside.
There are a number of choices. We went with the fairechild onesie as a result of my spouse favored the model and colours. For a burlier possibility, try OAKI, which one other GearJunkie editor swears by.
Youngsters’ Crocs and Rain Boots
We put Finola in Crocs or rain boots 90% of the time since each are really easy to scrub. The Crocs are nice for public showers as nicely.
High quality Clothes and Layers
Most of Finola’s garments are cotton, however we have now just a few good objects that we belief to maintain her heat on chilly, moist days. We discovered some nice merino wool base layers from Polarn O. Pyret and tiny Patagonia jackets on Fb Market. We’ve additionally heard nice issues about iksplor layers.
Biking Gear
We introduced a mountain bike and gravel bike for particular person and household rides on the journey.
Once more, there are many choices to suit your bike, and we opted to make use of the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi bike seat and the Shotgun little one seat since they match our bikes and within the van.
Mountaineering
We knew we needed a baby service backpack for our journey. We use the Osprey Poco LT because it’s constructed for longer hikes, is comfortable, and collapses down, making it travel-friendly. For extra particulars, try my full overview of the service.
Water Bottle
I’m satisfied my toddler drinks extra water than I do. We have now a CamelBak water bottle only for her that doesn’t leak and may stand up to loads of drops.
Odor-Proof Luggage
Since Finola continues to be in diapers, we feature odor-proof luggage on hikes and have one other useful within the van to maintain the stench down till we are able to correctly get rid of the diaper.
Is Van Life With Youngsters Value It?
For us, van life has been a enjoyable household journey, but it surely’s not with out challenges. I don’t assume a van life with youngsters is correct for everybody. However with some planning and an open thoughts, it may be a memorable and fulfilling expertise for loads of households.
Additionally, van life doesn’t should be a year-round, full-time highway journey. Campervans could be simply as enjoyable to make use of on the weekend at a neighborhood state park or for a weeklong journey to go to household or buddies.
We gained’t keep within the van ceaselessly, however we’ve dedicated to having an journey automobile of some sort, so we’re prepared for spontaneous journeys. Having the van packed and prepared makes it simple to go when an journey presents itself.
