Travel with a 2 year old

[Maria53]

Hi, I am from North Dakota and I am planning to travel the el Camino France in May of 2017. I will be accompanied by my daughter and her 2 year old son. Can a chariot (jogging pram?) make it over the Pyrenees ? This is just one of a million questions. . ....and how vital is it to speak Spanish? We all know a little ... High school Spanish.

 

[SYates]

I can answer the Spanish question, others might chime in regarding the pram.
The people on the Camino are used since 1000+ years to pilgrims that cross their country without speaking any Spanish at all in some cases. But they do appreciate every effort made. As you have ~1 year to prepare for the way, have a look at https://www.duolingo.com (free and fun) to brush up your Spanish. You will enjoy the way more if you can communicate a bit. Amongst pilgrims English has become the lingua franca btw.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Robo]

OK I'll ask the obvious question....

Why would you even want to take a 2 year old over the Pyrenees or on the Camino? (And yes I have 4 kids myself)

I know others have taken small children but it still puzzles me. They won't remember the journey.... and it's going to put significant added stress on your daughter physically and emotionally.

But to answer your question. I'm sure a jogging pram would make it OK over the pyrenees by taking the road route down the final section.

Other sections would be a nightmare though. Like down to molinaseca......

You'll likely have more Spanish than most non Spanish speaking pilgrims.....

 

[bunnymac]

Hi, I am from North Dakota and I am planning to travel the el Camino France in May of 2017. I will be accompanied by my daughter and her 2 year old son. Can a chariot (jogging pram?) make it over the Pyrenees ? This is just one of a million questions. . ....and how vital is it to speak Spanish? We all know a little ... High school Spanish.

My advice would be to go for it. Much of the Camino is manageable for a baby buggy ( I'd suggest a 3 wheeler with robust tyres). I would also suggest that you get a copy of a guide book for the Camino by bicycle. This will offer you alternate routes which you should be able to manage with said buggy. Another factor I would look at is where to stay. Is the wee one a good sleeper? Does he make strange with people? This will dictate where you rest your head as albergues are busy places and come 10pm your fellow peregrinos will be looking for a good night's sleep and may not take to kindly to being woken by an unsettled child. That said, Spanish people love kids. they are kind and accommodating (you will be given enough sweets and lollies to open your own candy store). Children are welcome in all restaurants and cafes until late at night. Also even small supermarkets carry a wide range of baby products. Look at the website Gronze.com -this will give you an idea of terrain, elevations and accommodation lists.

 

[Maria53]

My advice would be to go for it. Much of the Camino is manageable for a baby buggy ( I'd suggest a 3 wheeler with robust tyres). I would also suggest that you get a copy of a guide book for the Camino by bicycle. This will offer you alternate routes which you should be able to manage with said buggy. Another factor I would look at is where to stay. Is the wee one a good sleeper? Does he make strange with people? This will dictate where you rest your head as albergues are busy places and come 10pm your fellow peregrinos will be looking for a good night's sleep and may not take to kindly to being woken by an unsettled child. That said, Spanish people love kids. they are kind and accommodating (you will be given enough sweets and lollies to open your own candy store). Children are welcome in all restaurants and cafes until late at night. Also even small supermarkets carry a wide range of baby products. Look at the website Gronze.com -this will give you an idea of terrain, elevations and accommodation lists.

Thanks, bunnymac! The bike route is an excellent idea - I will check into that. Thanks for all the other considerations you mentioned. My daughter and I will have some ideas where to start. Thanks!

 

[Maria53]

I can answer the Spanish question, others might chime in regarding the pram.
The people on the Camino are used since 1000+ years to pilgrims that cross their country without speaking any Spanish at all in some cases. But they do appreciate every effort made. As you have ~1 year to prepare for the way, have a look at https://www.duolingo.com (free and fun) to brush up your Spanish. You will enjoy the way more if you can communicate a bit. Amongst pilgrims English has become the lingua franca btw.

Buen Camino, SY

Thanks, SYates - I did find the duolingo site and I am working on it. Gracias!

 

[Maria53]

OK I'll ask the obvious question....

Why would you even want to take a 2 year old over the Pyrenees or on the Camino? (And yes I have 4 kids myself)

I know others have taken small children but it still puzzles me. They won't remember the journey.... and it's going to put significant added stress on your daughter physically and emotionally.

But to answer your question. I'm sure a jogging pram would make it OK over the pyrenees by taking the road route down the final section.

Other sections would be a nightmare though. Like down to molinaseca......

You'll likely have more Spanish than most non Spanish speaking pilgrims.....

Thanks, Robo - I know that traveling with a two year old will add some stressful dimensions - hopefully we can overcome most obstacles with calmness and let the way become our guide. Thanks for pointing out the possibility to cross the Pyrenees via the road.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Jogging prams do great. I have seen a lot of them. Buen Camino.

 

[jirit]

Last time I walked the Frances route I met a young couple that were walking the route with their two year old toddler. The wife's sister joined them for the walk.

They all took turns pushing the baby carriage and every once in awhile the young girl would walk some of the route (but not much). I believe they started in Pamplona and when we crossed paths it was just after Burgos. Obviously it was slow going as the young girl would want to stop, get out and check things out along the way.

 

[Maria53]

Thanks for sharing. it might be nice to use the pacing of the little one and enjoy the way of St. James a bit less hurried.

 

[Kiwi-family]

We travelled for over a year with a two year old. Why? Because we were going and couldn't bear to leave her at home! She may not remember as much of that trip as her older siblings, but she was blessed to have a year in close (24 hours a day) contact with daddy in a way none of the older kids did at her age. Toddlers just need to be with their family and be fed regularly. Not much else matters. Go for it!

 

[SYates]

... Toddlers just need to be with their family and be fed regularly. Not much else matters. ...

Apart of nappy/diaper changes and the occasional tummy tickle SY

 

[Jennifer from Colorado]

I absolutely adore children...but not in an albergue. If you think snoring is bad at 2am, try a crying baby

Wouldn't baby love a month with Grammy? I know your fellow pilgrims would be grateful for your thoughtfulness

 

[Maria53]

I absolutely adore children...but not in an albergue. If you think snoring is bad at 2am, try a crying baby

Wouldn't baby love a month with Grammy? I know your fellow pilgrims would be grateful for your thoughtfulness

Unfortunately or luckily - I am the Grammy who will be traveling with the little guy. I am hoping to stay in albergues that have a private room. Not sure if that is a realistic expectation. But I shall give it the ole college try. Thanks for your input , Jennifer.

I absolutely adore children...but not in an albergue. If you think snoring is bad at 2am, try a crying baby

Wouldn't baby love a month with Grammy? I know your fellow pilgrims would be grateful for your thoughtfulness

 

[notion900]

I worry about kids stuck in a pushchair for hours on end. What are they getting out of it all?

 

[Maria53]

Valid observation - my daughter and I have talking about this exact question. We will not be racing - we will take our time. We are fortunate that we do not have rigorous time constraints. But there are so many more things that will enter the equation. Thanks for your input.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Four year old in training (with Pacer Poles) for September: