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We're off on our 2nd ever camping trip next week, and the weather's looking a bit cooler than last week (worst luck!).

We all have footpump blow-up lilos/ airbeds, but the children were a bit chilly last Summer, though we had a great time. Should I buy mats for under the airbeds or does it only make a difference if just using sleeping bags?

If so, what sort of mat?

Thanks, and what an excellent site!   

Put a simple picnic blanket between the airbed and you, that should help alot. We always take a fleece to sleep in if it gets really cold.

Or instead of pj's ,try a track suit, they are easy to wear but will keep kids warm.

Happy camping next week

Karen

you will!!!! We have been out today and bought yet more  stuff, we didn't think we would need anything else after a few years of camping!

Every time we go camping we add to our gear.

Today it was battery operated lanterns for the gazebo and some spare stoppers for our airbeds!

Karen

I put a fleece blanket on the airbed and cover it with a fitted sheet. This has always been cosy enough for us, but then again we do have good sleeping bags.

I actually think kids do better with self inflating mats. They`re definately warmer than airbeds and less easy to fall off, take up considerably less space in the car than airbeds and make a far better play surface than airbeds on rainy days.

We always put a picnic rug under the air bed and a fleece between us and the bed. My OH still complains that she gets a bit chilly so I have now just purchased a fleece sleeping bag liner (which apparently adds a season to your sleeping bags capability).

By the way, although technically, the air in an air bed will eventually warm up if you had no other insulation, but your warm body heat would battle against the cold of the ground, in the event, you would probably have to lie on the air bed for several days in order to sufficiently warm the air inside it! (All to do with specific heat capacity of air). Mind you it would be a great lie in!   

Rob