Worried about taking your baby to a festival? These top tips - from ear protection to sleep solutions, are everything you need to make it fantastic!
Top Tips for Taking a Baby to a Festival and Actually Enjoying it!
You're scrolling through social media, seeing photos of friends enjoying summer festivals with their families.
The colourful tents, the great music, the joyful atmosphere – it all looks so inviting.
But then you glance over at your baby and a wave of doubt washes over you. Can you really take a baby to a festival? Won't it be too noisy, too crowded, too unpredictable? You used to love going to festivals but could you still enjoy it with a baby in tow?
Many parents find themselves in this exact situation. You want to experience the magic of festivals with your little one, but the thought of managing nappy changes, feeding schedules, and nap times in a field full of festival goers seems daunting, if not impossible.
Let's face it – the idea of taking a baby to a festival can be overwhelming.
Your mind is probably racing with worries:
What if the noise is too much for your baby's sensitive ears?
How will you manage feedings in a crowded, possibly muddy environment?
Where will your baby sleep when they're used to their own cot?
What if your little one has a meltdown in the middle of a packed crowd?
How can you possibly pack everything you need without looking like you're moving house?
The fear of judgment from other festival-goers or the anxiety of disrupting your baby's routine might be enough to make you consider staying home.
Isn't it easier to just wait until your child is older?
Here's the thing – if you don’t go, you’ll be missing out on creating wonderful family memories and introducing your little one to the joy of family festivals. Yes, it will be different to going alone but if you embrace that, it can be just as good.
Imagine the joy of dancing with your baby in your arms under the open sky, the laughter shared over a picnic blanket, and the pure delight of watching your little one explore a new world of sights and sounds.
Why should you give up on the activities you love just because you’ve become a parent?
With the right preparation and mindset, taking your baby to a festival can be an incredible experience for the whole family.
Read on for our top tips that will ensure you and your little one have a fabulous time.
Top Tips for Taking a Baby to a Family Friendly Festival
#1. Choose Your Festival Wisely
Not all festivals are created equal when it comes to baby-friendliness. Look for family-oriented events that cater to young children. Many festivals now offer dedicated family areas with:
Quieter zones for feeding and changing
Baby-friendly activities
Early bedtime options
Pro tip: Research festivals that specifically advertise themselves as family-friendly. These often have better facilities for parents with young children.
Babies have sensitive hearing, so protecting their ears is crucial. Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones designed for infants. These will muffle loud sounds while still allowing your baby to hear you and experience the festival atmosphere.
We bought a pair of baby banz when we took our 10 month old to a festival and he still wears them now, 11 years later (they are a bit tight though!).
#3. Create a Cozy Sleep Haven
Just because you're under canvas in a field doesn't mean your baby can't sleep comfortably. Use a travel cot or an airbed with raised sides so they can’t roll off it. Keep it as close to the centre of the tent as you can, so that late night guy rope trippers don’t stress you out by falling onto it.
If you are close to floodlights or just worried about sunlight streaming in the in the morning, you can create a dark, quiet space by draping a breathable blanket over it. I always made sure I had my son’s favourite comforter and would dress him in a sleep sack to ensure he stayed warm all night.
It goes without saying that you should never leave your sleeping baby alone in the tent, however much you love the band that’s playing. Some festivals have nanny services you can use if you absolutely mustn’t miss a moment. But honestly, I used to love nothing more than listening to the headliner from the comfort of my bed all warm and snuggly with my baby next to me!
#4. Master the Art of Festival Feeding
Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, knowing how you are going to approach it is key.
At most festivals, a breastfeeding mums won’t get a second glance, but if you feel uncomfortable you can take a nursing cover or small blanket for privacy.
Bottle-feeding parents should pack plenty of pre-measured formula portions and cold water sterilizing tablets. Don't forget a cooler for storing expressed milk or prepared bottles.
If they are eating, take plenty of healthy snacks and a few pouches so you know you have easy access to something they’ll like.
Whichever you are doing take at least one comfy camping chair with you so wherever you are, you always have somewhere comfy to feed your baby when they want you to.
#5: Nappy Duty
Pack - more nappies than you think you'll need – and then add a few more. Bring a changing mat that you can easily wipe clean, plenty of cleaning cloths, and bags for dirty nappies.
Most festivals have changing facilities, but it's best to be prepared for any situation as you might not get a chance to make it to them in time.
#6: Dress for Success
Layer your baby's clothing so you can easily adjust to temperature changes. Don't forget a sun hat, sunglasses, and baby-safe sunscreen for daytime festivals. For evening events, bring warm layers including socks and a cozy hat.
#7. Good Transportation is Key
Invest in a sturdy, all-terrain stroller or trolley that can handle uneven ground and a napping baby!
Alternatively, baby carriers or slings can be great for keeping your hands free and your baby close.
When you’re using a stroller or a trolley in the evening, it’s a good idea to put fairy lights all around it. It won’t necessarily stop every other festival goer walking into it, but it should stop most of them.
Some parents bring both for flexibility.
#8. Pack Smart
Create a festival changing bag checklist and stick to it. Include essentials like:
Nappies and wipes
Change of clothes
Feeding supplies
First aid kit
Comfort items (dummy, favourite toy)
Blanket for sitting
Hand sanitiser
#9. Do What Works Best for You and Your Baby
When it comes to managing your time at a festival with a baby, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is doing what feels right for your family:
Some parents might find comfort in sticking to their baby's usual schedule as much as possible, maintaining familiar routines for feeding and naps.
Others might choose to throw the schedule out the window for the weekend, allowing their baby to nap when tired and eat when hungry, regardless of the usual timings.
You might even find a middle ground, loosely following your routine while allowing for flexibility.
The key is to trust your instincts and observe your baby. If sticking to the schedule helps your little one feel secure in the new environment, go for it. If your baby seems to thrive on the excitement and new experiences without their usual routine, that's great too.
Remember, you know your baby best. Whether you choose to maintain your home routine or embrace a more go-with-the-flow approach for the duration of the festival, the right choice is the one that works for you and keeps your baby happy and comfortable.
#10: Embrace the Experience
Remember, your baby will pick up on your energy.
If you're relaxed and enjoying yourself, chances are your little one will too. Don't stress if things don't go perfectly – that's all part of the adventure!
Now is the time to relax – because when you bring them next year when they are mobile relaxing time will be a lot scarcer!
Be sure to look after yourself too, your baby will be much happier if you are.
#11. Have a Backup Plan
Despite your best efforts, there might be times when your baby needs a break from the festival atmosphere.
Find nearby quiet spots or have go back to your tent if needed. And if the worst comes to the worst, most festivals will allow you to go offsite and come back later. It’s just worth checking if there are any restrictions on what time you do this.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to introduce your baby to the magical world of family festivals. Remember, every family is different, so feel free to adapt these suggestions to suit your needs.
Taking your baby to a festival might require more planning than your pre-parent days, but the rewards are immeasurable. You're not just attending an event; you're creating lasting family memories and fostering a love for music and culture in your little one from an early age.
So pack that changing bag, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for a fantabulous family adventure!
Want to become a pro at taking your baby to family-friendly festivals?
My book, "The Fantabulous Family Festival Planner," dives deeper into everything you need to know.
From packing lists to festival-friendly recipes, and even tips for traveling with multiple kids, this comprehensive guide will turn you into a family festival expert in no time.
Grab your copy today and make this festival season your family's best one yet!
Written by Joanna Armah-Kinson (Owner, The Fantabulous Family)
Joanna is the wife of a festival performer, who is lucky enough to spend the majority of her summer weekends at festivals entertaining her (now 11-year-old) son. As a mum who juggles a part-time job and managing two businesses, she knows the importance of good planning, and the need for flexibility and good grace when plans fall through! A lifelong adventure lover, travel, photography and spending time outdoors have always been Joanna's passions.
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