baby sleeping arrangements

[bimblebee]

I will also be attending this years festival with my 6 month son. I have been attending festivals for the last 18 years and fully know what to expect. We bought a caravan so we don't have to carry everything we need, but would have been hapy camping in family camping.

It surprises me people being so against taking a baby to a festival that actively encourages it. There is even a section on the Glastonbury website called tips for parents bringing babies.

Glastonbury us many things to many people. In the past I would have been in the thick of the crowd watching the bands for most of the day then at the late night area. This year I will be at the kids field and circus. At night the three adults going will be taking it in turns ti be back at the caravan with my son and niece.

We have just as much right to go as anyone else.

[redmosquito]

Although we're in a camper as its a VW space is limited so we tend to sleep in the awning. Our toddler sleeps in a blow up bed that comes complete with a headboard type thing and a duvet attached and when it's cold extra blankets over him. When he was smaller he was on the seat cushions in the van and in his grow bag with blankets. We use the van a fair bit for holidays and he's always loved it and if he could he'd sleep in his camp bed everyday. This year we'll have an 8 month old so we're planning on buying an inflatable camp bed that has raised sides and looks a bit like a little swimming pool she'll probably just be sleeping in a grow bag and blankets too.

We've found that something that offers a nice bit of comfort and keeps them off the cold ground works best and extra blankets for when it's cold.

[hallamboy]

I really think that children at Glastonbury is one of the most fantastic aspects of the festival. I would argue that some of those who have suggested that Glastonbury is no place for children, don't really get the festival. Kids have been going to the festival right from the beginning.

There is so much for them to see and do and I really can't think of anywhere better to take a child to. I'm sure that most of us have had a wild one at the festival, but equally for others it is place to relax and take things easy. I think that avoiding pissed knobheads at Glastonbury would we pretty easy there.

Yes, when the weather is bad then it could well be challenge, but I would trust a parent to make a decision if it is something they want to do.

So bravo! I'm not a parent, but well done to those of you who give your little one the best start in life...a trip to Glastonbury.

[mr gumby]

Selfish parenting

[sjp61]

I know formedaband isn't the only poster who's suggested my wife and I shouldn't be taking our baby at all, but this post roughly sums up what he/she and a few others seem to think of me.

Just a few points I want to make in response.

1. We will be keeping a close eye on weather forecasts in the run up to the festival, so we can be sure to have appropriate equipment and clothing.

2. We have already arranged with my in-laws that they will be available as a back-up option for us. If the weather is expected to be very bad, or it turns bad, and we feel it's best for our baby to be elsewhere, we will call them, and they will kindly collect him. Likewise, if we simply feel he is overwhelmed by the crowds etc. they will be an option. If this happens, either myself or my wife, or perhaps both, may decide to leave early with him.

3. We have both been to Glastonbury before, both in dry years and wet. We therefore know the layout of the site (except for any site changes this year), the terrain, what the people are generally like, where the quieter areas are, what facilities are available, what support services are available etc. etc. There are some festivals I wouldn't consider taking our boy to, such as Download or Reading, for fairly obvious reasons, but Glastonbury has a tradition of being a family-friendly festival, especially in recent years, and I can think of far worse places for him to be.

4. We will be camping with some other parents we know, in the family camping field. We are planning to have a group of tents arranged so that each has at least one sleeping compartment sheltered by other tents, so babies and children can sleep in these. This way, if anyone does stumble and fall into one of our tents, they will be landing on an adult, not a child.

5. We will not be taking our baby to Shangri-La at 4 a.m. believe it or not. My wife and I will probably have one late night each, if any, and we'll take it in turns, with the other having little or no alcohol during the day beforehand, so they're able to look after our baby responsibly. If we are at main stages or in tents which are busy, we'll be on the outskirts, where we can still hear well, but there is a good amount of space. Our baby will also have ear defenders, plenty of warm clothing for when it's dark, and protection from sun or rain (sorry to use the 'r' word).

6. Having been to Glastonbury before, we know that the vast majority of drunkenness there is very good-natured. I personally haven't seen one example of aggression there (I know that doesn't mean it's impossible, but that's my experience). If either my wife or myself found ourselves with our baby, facing a situation involving an aggressive individual, we would act in the same way we would anywhere else. We would simply walk away. If that didn't work, I would pity anyone who threatened my child, whether he was with me or my wife.

7. As far as drugs are concerned, I don't indulge myself any more, but I know others at Glastonbury do. If I'm perfectly honest, I'd rather my boy was sitting in a field where a few people are smoking pot within a hundred yards in the open air, than being pushed through a town centre, with petrol and diesel fumes coming at him from every direction. I certainly won't choose to sit right next to a group of people who are smoking (anything), but that's part of parenting, making sure your child is in a suitable environment.

8. We have both experienced the boozy, loud, crazy, manic side of Glastonbury before. This year we hope to have a different experience, but that doesn't mean it won't be a worthwhile, or enjoyable one. We may well take turns with the baby a couple of nights to give each of us a chance to cut loose for a night, but our lives are different now we are parents, we can't both do that every night. This is something we accept, and embrace, It's called growing up.

So, to conclude, if anyone feels what I've said above suggests I'm a selfish or irresponsible parent, then fine. Frankly I'm not interested in your opinion, as you clearly have no idea about having children.

Personally I feel that anyone who, without even having children, suggests they shouldn't be brought to Glastonbury, are likely to be the ones who'll become selfish parents, as they'll be thinking of their own enjoyment first, not their children's (if they have any in the future). I totally understand parents who choose not to take their children, as they have made a judgement call, but I don't expect anyone else to tell me how I should raise my son, or where I should take him.

All those who will be taking children in June, and also those who are open-minded enough to accept our choice to do so, I look forward to seeing you there!

All those who think I'm some sort of unfit parent for considering it, fuck right off.

[Wooderson]

I know formedaband isn't the only poster who's suggested my wife and I shouldn't be taking our baby at all, but this post roughly sums up what he/she and a few others seem to think of me.

Just a few points I want to make in response.

1. We will be keeping a close eye on weather forecasts in the run up to the festival, so we can be sure to have appropriate equipment and clothing.

2. We have already arranged with my in-laws that they will be available as a back-up option for us. If the weather is expected to be very bad, or it turns bad, and we feel it's best for our baby to be elsewhere, we will call them, and they will kindly collect him. Likewise, if we simply feel he is overwhelmed by the crowds etc. they will be an option. If this happens, either myself or my wife, or perhaps both, may decide to leave early with him.

3. We have both been to Glastonbury before, both in dry years and wet. We therefore know the layout of the site (except for any site changes this year), the terrain, what the people are generally like, where the quieter areas are, what facilities are available, what support services are available etc. etc. There are some festivals I wouldn't consider taking our boy to, such as Download or Reading, for fairly obvious reasons, but Glastonbury has a tradition of being a family-friendly festival, especially in recent years, and I can think of far worse places for him to be.

4. We will be camping with some other parents we know, in the family camping field. We are planning to have a group of tents arranged so that each has at least one sleeping compartment sheltered by other tents, so babies and children can sleep in these. This way, if anyone does stumble and fall into one of our tents, they will be landing on an adult, not a child.

5. We will not be taking our baby to Shangri-La at 4 a.m. believe it or not. My wife and I will probably have one late night each, if any, and we'll take it in turns, with the other having little or no alcohol during the day beforehand, so they're able to look after our baby responsibly. If we are at main stages or in tents which are busy, we'll be on the outskirts, where we can still hear well, but there is a good amount of space. Our baby will also have ear defenders, plenty of warm clothing for when it's dark, and protection from sun or rain (sorry to use the 'r' word).

6. Having been to Glastonbury before, we know that the vast majority of drunkenness there is very good-natured. I personally haven't seen one example of aggression there (I know that doesn't mean it's impossible, but that's my experience). If either my wife or myself found ourselves with our baby, facing a situation involving an aggressive individual, we would act in the same way we would anywhere else. We would simply walk away. If that didn't work, I would pity anyone who threatened my child, whether he was with me or my wife.

7. As far as drugs are concerned, I don't indulge myself any more, but I know others at Glastonbury do. If I'm perfectly honest, I'd rather my boy was sitting in a field where a few people are smoking pot within a hundred yards in the open air, than being pushed through a town centre, with petrol and diesel fumes coming at him from every direction. I certainly won't choose to sit right next to a group of people who are smoking (anything), but that's part of parenting, making sure your child is in a suitable environment.

8. We have both experienced the boozy, loud, crazy, manic side of Glastonbury before. This year we hope to have a different experience, but that doesn't mean it won't be a worthwhile, or enjoyable one. We may well take turns with the baby a couple of nights to give each of us a chance to cut loose for a night, but our lives are different now we are parents, we can't both do that every night. This is something we accept, and embrace, It's called growing up.

So, to conclude, if anyone feels what I've said above suggests I'm a selfish or irresponsible parent, then fine. Frankly I'm not interested in your opinion, as you clearly have no idea about having children.

Personally I feel that anyone who, without even having children, suggests they shouldn't be brought to Glastonbury, are likely to be the ones who'll become selfish parents, as they'll be thinking of their own enjoyment first, not their children's (if they have any in the future). I totally understand parents who choose not to take their children, as they have made a judgement call, but I don't expect anyone else to tell me how I should raise my son, or where I should take him.

All those who will be taking children in June, and also those who are open-minded enough to accept our choice to do so, I look forward to seeing you there!

All those who think I'm some sort of unfit parent for considering it, fuck right off.

[Paul ™]

All those who think I'm some sort of unfit parent for considering it, fuck right off.

[Krazypinkminx]

I think my reasons for not taking my children are for very selfish reasons, our kids get lots out of life, whereas we don't get any time as a couple on our own so that's my view, Glastonbury is our couple time, we have camping trips for the kids as we live in Torbay and have plenty of lovely places to take them all year, that's why we have chosen not to take ours, yes they could enjoy it if we stayed in the areas suitable for them , but we don't want to, I want to get wrecked,lol

[Ed209]

I know formedaband isn't the only poster who's suggested my wife and I shouldn't be taking our baby at all, but this post roughly sums up what he/she and a few others seem to think of me.

Just a few points I want to make in response.

1. We will be keeping a close eye on weather forecasts in the run up to the festival, so we can be sure to have appropriate equipment and clothing.

2. We have already arranged with my in-laws that they will be available as a back-up option for us. If the weather is expected to be very bad, or it turns bad, and we feel it's best for our baby to be elsewhere, we will call them, and they will kindly collect him. Likewise, if we simply feel he is overwhelmed by the crowds etc. they will be an option. If this happens, either myself or my wife, or perhaps both, may decide to leave early with him.

3. We have both been to Glastonbury before, both in dry years and wet. We therefore know the layout of the site (except for any site changes this year), the terrain, what the people are generally like, where the quieter areas are, what facilities are available, what support services are available etc. etc. There are some festivals I wouldn't consider taking our boy to, such as Download or Reading, for fairly obvious reasons, but Glastonbury has a tradition of being a family-friendly festival, especially in recent years, and I can think of far worse places for him to be.

4. We will be camping with some other parents we know, in the family camping field. We are planning to have a group of tents arranged so that each has at least one sleeping compartment sheltered by other tents, so babies and children can sleep in these. This way, if anyone does stumble and fall into one of our tents, they will be landing on an adult, not a child.

5. We will not be taking our baby to Shangri-La at 4 a.m. believe it or not. My wife and I will probably have one late night each, if any, and we'll take it in turns, with the other having little or no alcohol during the day beforehand, so they're able to look after our baby responsibly. If we are at main stages or in tents which are busy, we'll be on the outskirts, where we can still hear well, but there is a good amount of space. Our baby will also have ear defenders, plenty of warm clothing for when it's dark, and protection from sun or rain (sorry to use the 'r' word).

6. Having been to Glastonbury before, we know that the vast majority of drunkenness there is very good-natured. I personally haven't seen one example of aggression there (I know that doesn't mean it's impossible, but that's my experience). If either my wife or myself found ourselves with our baby, facing a situation involving an aggressive individual, we would act in the same way we would anywhere else. We would simply walk away. If that didn't work, I would pity anyone who threatened my child, whether he was with me or my wife.

7. As far as drugs are concerned, I don't indulge myself any more, but I know others at Glastonbury do. If I'm perfectly honest, I'd rather my boy was sitting in a field where a few people are smoking pot within a hundred yards in the open air, than being pushed through a town centre, with petrol and diesel fumes coming at him from every direction. I certainly won't choose to sit right next to a group of people who are smoking (anything), but that's part of parenting, making sure your child is in a suitable environment.

8. We have both experienced the boozy, loud, crazy, manic side of Glastonbury before. This year we hope to have a different experience, but that doesn't mean it won't be a worthwhile, or enjoyable one. We may well take turns with the baby a couple of nights to give each of us a chance to cut loose for a night, but our lives are different now we are parents, we can't both do that every night. This is something we accept, and embrace, It's called growing up.

So, to conclude, if anyone feels what I've said above suggests I'm a selfish or irresponsible parent, then fine. Frankly I'm not interested in your opinion, as you clearly have no idea about having children.

Personally I feel that anyone who, without even having children, suggests they shouldn't be brought to Glastonbury, are likely to be the ones who'll become selfish parents, as they'll be thinking of their own enjoyment first, not their children's (if they have any in the future). I totally understand parents who choose not to take their children, as they have made a judgement call, but I don't expect anyone else to tell me how I should raise my son, or where I should take him.

All those who will be taking children in June, and also those who are open-minded enough to accept our choice to do so, I look forward to seeing you there!

All those who think I'm some sort of unfit parent for considering it, fuck right off.

[matthewsdad1968]

This will be my 4th year of working as a medic at the festival and I have not had a single incident involving children. I am sure there must be but if I had a new baby I would not have a single doubt about going with them. Have a great time.

[mozzy]

Don't worry mr gumby you can safely ignore anything never had a fully-formed idea says, an absolute fuckwit of a troll that stinks this place out.

[worthyraver]

ll those who think I'm some sort of unfit parent for considering it, fuck right off.

[mr gumby]

Thanks for the good wishes, hopefully now we can draw a line under the name calling. If anyone has more suggestions about baby sleeping arrangements (my original question), then I'd be happy to read them. Anyone else telling me not to take my boy with us, I'll just ignore.

[RainbowChild]

Thanks for the good wishes, hopefully now we can draw a line under the name calling. If anyone has more suggestions about baby sleeping arrangements (my original question), then I'd be happy to read them. Anyone else telling me not to take my boy with us, I'll just ignore.

[bigbilly]

Just make sure you find the baby tent on your first day Mr Gumby. In the kids field run by lovely midwife volunteeers

ALso we fouhd that our kid kept rolling off the blow up mattress that we had so the travel cot is well worth it!!

[loobylou79]

Gallery of shame:

This shameless 'mother' sits grinning in carefree bliss, despite her helpless offspring having to suffer the nearby proximity of Other People.

This reckless parent has put socks on her baby's hands instead of its feet. No doubt during a drug-induced frenzy.

This irresponsible harlot is clearly about to sacrifice her child on a stony altar.

This gentleman has hollowed his baby into a bong, and is surreptitiously imbibing marijuana smoke from it's ear cavity.

Moments later, and he has buried his baby in the sand, and wandered off to watch Muse .

[loobylou79]

the best things for keeping babies warm and helping with the noise is using the rain cover on the buggy in the evening - also the best best best sleeping bag i have found is the quinny cosy toes -

our kids used to sleep in the buggies over night - we used to put them to sleep at bed time and then throw a snooz shade over and a rain cover and head on out for the evening - and then wheel them into the tent when we get back at bed time

they slept better at glasto than at home - the movement of the buggy and the rumbling sounds of the glasto vibe use to lul them into a dreamy state of happiness

the noise levels are not that loud as the buggies are low to the ground - so sleeping at the pyramid stage is not a problem

if your kids dont sleep in the buggy at night then just make sure you have your own double bed and cuddle them up with you on your bed in their own sleeping bag when you get back from the evenings fun

travel cots are a bugger to carry on site - but if you've a camper van take one and them throw a blanket over the top as this helps with the morning sun waking them up early

[loobylou79]

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - silly person - open yer eyes kiddo!!!

you think its safe to take a 6 month old baby into the same vicinity as thousands of people wrecked on drink and possibly drugs? really?

I know you say no harm has ever come to them, but you definitely run a risk.

[Ed209]

OHHHH LOOK!!!!!!! I made it to your wall of shame woohooo - but I only ranked number 2 - boooo !!!! i should be at number 1 in your eyes babycakes!!!

so let me advise you - those little socks you see on her hands are 'scratch mits' its what responsible parents put on their new born babies to stop them from scratching heir face.

so listen up poppet - whoever you are - sounds to me like you need to try a bit harder on your 'funny captions' don't think you're gonna make it as a comedian any time soon - but keep trying hunny!

here is my story of taking my 5 day old baby to Glasto - i'm sure this will give you something to feed into your jumped up judgmental ass

love and hugs and hippy peace

http://www.festivalkidz.com/festivals/newborn-glasto/

[Leggins]

OHHHH LOOK!!!!!!! I made it to your wall of shame woohooo - but I only ranked number 2 - boooo !!!! i should be at number 1 in your eyes babycakes!!!

so let me advise you - those little socks you see on her hands are 'scratch mits' its what responsible parents put on their new born babies to stop them from scratching heir face.

so listen up poppet - whoever you are - sounds to me like you need to try a bit harder on your 'funny captions' don't think you're gonna make it as a comedian any time soon - but keep trying hunny!

here is my story of taking my 5 day old baby to Glasto - i'm sure this will give you something to feed into your jumped up judgmental ass

love and hugs and hippy peace

http://www.festivalkidz.com/festivals/newborn-glasto/

[loobylou79]

I think its really funny babe - but could have been much better with a bit more thought on the captions!

its why i was laughing my ass off!!!! but the judgment is still there - along with a few people on this thread. if anything I love the fact that non parents have such concern for festival babies

[RainbowChild]

I think the satire has been lost on you.

[loobylou79]

OMG!!!! yeah!!!! having had read through a bunch of the threads and then seeing a picture of myself i saw a bit of red!!

see your support whatever man - *slopes off to hang head in shame

[thesecretingredientiscrime]

I think its really funny babe - but could have been much better with a bit more thought on the captions!

its why i was laughing my ass off!!!! but the judgment is still there - along with a few people on this thread. if anything I love the fact that non parents have such concern for festival babies

[Ed209]

I think its really funny babe - but could have been much better with a bit more thought on the captions!

its why i was laughing my ass off!!!! but the judgment is still there - along with a few people on this thread. if anything I love the fact that non parents have such concern for festival babies