Cover image: @TripInAVan

VanLife is a spectacular experience that more and more families are embracing. This lifestyle is attractive to many because it encourages making memories over collecting possessions. But to make the most out of these precious moments, it is essential to plan for your family’s essential needs.

1. Safe sleep, good sleep

How you rest will depend heavily on your vehicle, the type of trip you’re taking, and the ages of your children. A lot of families opt for built-in bunks, optimising them to fit their needs. For example, if your kids are older, installing a bed rail may be sufficient. If you have babies or toddlers, a baby gate that encloses the bunk fully may be preferred. Other popular options include portable cribs, co-sleeping beds, and children’s camping mattresses. 

Image: @slowly.salty

2. Temperature control

It’s no news that the Australian heat can be tough. This is especially important to remember when it comes to little humans, who are susceptible to exhaustion and restless sleep. 

We recommend equipping your rig with the Sirocco II 7010 Fan, a class-leading favourite chosen again and again for its solid performance, low power draw, long-life motor, and flat stow away functionality. 

This fan is especially awesome for naptime because it delivers ultra-quiet, 360° airflow. 

3. Light

When it comes to lighting, you will probably discover that your RV’s inbuilt capacity doesn’t meet all your needs. Two important lighting solutions to consider before your family embarks on a journey are night lights and evening activity lights. 

Night lights can be difficult to secure once you’ve hit the road, so if your children rely on them, make sure to plan ahead. 

When it comes to activity lighting, nothing compares to the JOI Candle Powered LED Lamp. This weather-proof, lightweight, portable lamp runs off a single tea light, which is safely enclosed in a stainless-steel housing. The 8 LEDs produce an amazing amount of light, so you don’t need to strain your eyes while reading or playing board games. 

4. Peace and quiet

Silence is golden... and difficult to find on the road. If you or your kids are sensitive to noise, then a sound machine can be a helpful tool. Sound machines produce ambient noise, white noise, and restful soundscapes to lull you into deep relaxation. If parents want to stay up late while the children sleep, these gadgets can be a lifesaver. There are numerous options out there, from phone apps to battery operated speakers, so you are sure to find one that suits your space and budget.

If you’re taking a long trip it's also worth considering child-friendly headphones that have volume-limiting standards to protect growing ears. Among other benefits, these allow you to rock out to INXS in the front while the kids listen to the Frozen soundtrack on repeat in the back. 

Image: @freetoexplore.co

5. Entertainment

When packing toys, try to include those that are versatile and can be used again and again. Craft supplies, building blocks, and card games are tried and true additions and a tablet or an e-reader are awesome for saving space. 

6. Food

There are no hard and fast rules but many wise travellers, including Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi from the RV Atlas, espouse the benefits of routine, balance, and adventure when feeding kids on the road. The routine of cooking your family’s favourites can provide great comfort to kids who are being bombarded with so many new and unusual experiences. Balance means accepting that you will have to compromise for convenience – sometimes takeaway food really is the best option. And adventure means stopping to smell the roses and enjoy all the local produce and restaurants the region has to offer. 

7. Cleanliness

Your RV is where you eat, sleep, and play... so it will get messy. For family travellers we recommend:

• A handheld vacuum, because nothing tracks in beach sand and desert dirt quite like little feet;
• Microfiber cloths, because they’re washable, safe for cleaning your RV’s external paint job and absorbent enough to mop up any unexpected spills;
• A chores calendar or tracker, so there are no disputes over who’s turn it is to unpack the dishwasher;
• Toy boxes and wall-secured storage solutions.

We are honoured that so many families choose our products for their RV adventures. Discover some of our best selling items today, including the Sirocco II 7010 in black or white and the JOI Candle Powered LED Lamp.

We’d love to see how your family travels and hear your recommendations for RVing with children. Comment below or tag us in your content at #SEEKRLife.