Taking Your Baby Or Toddler To A Family Festival? Follow Our Family Festival Tips

You might have done Glastonbury before you became a mum, but festivals are a bit different once you have kids. But don't let that stop you taking your children along this summer.

The Rise Of The Family Festival

In the past ten years or so, family festivals have become increasingly popular, with more and more popping up around the UK.

Family festivals range from the small one day events with local bands, a bouncy castle and a burger van, to the larger-scale festivals where you camp for a couple of nights, there are well known acts playing and an array of activities.

Rob da Bank, who runs what is arguably the original and best family festival Camp Bestival, says it can be a challenge to keep everyone happy. "It's difficult trying to tick all boxes," he says. "The breastfeeding mum has got to have somewhere to feed her baby, the 16 year olds want to have a few drinks and listen to dub step and the grandparents like a bit of jazz. That means a pretty eclectic line up but that's what I love."

Our Tips For Taking Kids To A Family Festival

If you're taking your little ones to a family festival for the first time, this summer, here are some handy DOs and DON'TS....

DO book the right kind of ticket. If you're a camping novice, check whether the festival has a glamping area or a section where tents are erected for you, before you arrive. This will make a family festival as stress-free as possible, and also means less to take with you.

DON'T pitch your tent near the loos (smelly) or at the bottom of a hill (soggy if it rains).

DO take plenty of extra changes of clothes - it's a great idea to layer your kids at festivals as the temperature can change so quickly and it can get quite cool in the evenings. Likewise, exepct all weather and take sandals, wellies and a waterproof coat.

DON'T worry about the musical line up too much. Even if your favourite band ever is playing, you might not get the chance to see them, should your toddler be more interested in the bubble gun stand.

DO be prepared to spend a small fortune on bubble guns and bubble mix! Children are drawn to this stand at festivals like a moth to light.

DON'T feel you have to spend lots on food. There are often loads of tasty options at festivals but you can always pop back to your tent to eat or take a picnic with you. Stock up on healthy summer snacks to take with you.

DO find the baby change tent - most festivals have them now, and many have wipes and nappies there for you to use.

DON'T worry about breastfeeding. There are often special breastfeeding tents, but many mums happily breastfeed around and about the festival.

DO pack a cool bag with snacks for your little one if they're on solids, especially if they're keen on a specific thing and you're not sure if you'll be able to buy it in the festival.

DON'T forget to pack SPF, plasters and medicines just in case you need them.

DO allow your normal routine to go out the window a little. Naps and meals probably won't happen when they usually do - there's so much fun stuff going on, it's OK if things get a bit flexible while you're there.

DON'T forget to carry loo roll and wipes with you - great for mucky hands!

DO think about hiring a wagon, which many festivals have, which are great for transporting your stuff, and small people when their legs get tired.

DON'T forget that when it gets dark, people might walk into or trip over your buggy or wagon, so it's a good idea to pop LED fairy lights on it (and it'll look pretty!)

DO pop a wristband on your little ones with your phone number on, should the worst happen and you get separated from them.

DON'T forget that phone signal can often dip at festivals so it can be tricky to call your partner if you get separated from them!

DO pack ear defenders to protect little ones' ears.

DON'T forget to relax and enjoy yourself! Family festivals can be a brilliant bonding experience for you all!

Now read tips for a stress-free family picnic and 5 brilliant days out for you and your baby.