Can I take my baby to a festival?

Glastonbury 2024 is over and if you watched it at home while the little ones slept, the thought may have crossed your mind – could I take my baby or toddler to a summer festival? 

We believe the answers is yes. It just requires some research and prepping. To help you, we’ve put together this quick and easy guide.   

Choose your festival wisely  

As well as mainstream events, there are so many UK summer festivals that are designed to be family friendly. From Deva Fest a top-rated family friendly music and food festival right here in Pura’s home county of Cheshire, to probably the most famous family festival Camp Bestival, in Dorset and Shropshire. These festivals are designed to keep the whole family entertained with fun activities ranging from yoga to crafting. We like this guide to the best family festivals in 2024.  

Should I stay or should I go? 

If this is your first festival with the kids, you may prefer to attend a festival close to home, just go for a day, or find accommodation nearby. However, if you do want to camp, it’s not impossible. Many mainstream festivals offer child-friendly camping areas and family parking, so you don’t have to walk too far with all your equipment. Opt for a tent that is big enough to fit your moses basket, travel cots, potty and whatever else you need. It’s also important to ensure that you have the appropriate layers and bedding to keep babies, toddler and children warm when it gets cold during night. Camping in the quieter family area should mean your wee ones sleep – especially after all the fresh air and stimulation they get at a festival. When packing clothes for the whole family, make sure you take plenty of layers and waterproofing clothing for the unpredictable British summer.  

How to get around 

If you have a small baby, a sling or baby carrier is a great way to get around as pushing a buggy on muddy and uneven terrain can be challenging. For older toddlers, some parents prefer a pull along wagon or cart that can also double up as transport for your camping equipment.  

What about feeding and changing? 

The loos at festivals are notoriously dicey! For yourself and older kids, don’t forget to pack your Pura toilet tissue wipes to keep you clean when there’s no loo roll! When it comes to babies and toddlers, some family friendly festivals have special baby changing and feeding areas or tents equipped with microwaves for sterilising bottles and warming food. It’s a good idea to check this out before you go so you know what to expect. Make sure you take pack plenty nappies and wipes for the event and stock up on snacks to keep you and the littles one fed throughout the day.  

What about the noise?  

It’s important to protect little ears from loud music. As well as making sure you way stand back from the noisy part of the show, you can also pick up good quality ear defenders for babies and children. Prolonged exposure to music can damage kids’ sensitive ears so another way to keep them safe is to take regular breaks from the noise.  

Go make precious memories!  

Although they may require more thought and preparation than the ones you attended pre-kids, summer festivals can be so fun for the whole family. So why not dig out your wellies and enjoy?