Two Kids, One Hammock...or Two?

**Dylan** · 12-13-2010, 17:38

To those experienced camping with small kids, I could really use your help on this. I have 4 1/2-year-old twins, and I plan to get them hanging this Spring. I got some nylon to make two kid's hammocks from the plans on Just Jeff's Web site, but I could use it to make a full size one to be used as a kid-sized double hammock.

I like the idea of them sharing a hammock because that is one less hammock to hang and protect from weather. Has anyone done anything like this with kids? Did it work? Were they comfortable? I was thinking they could each have a head end and there legs can go side-by-side in the middle, forming a diagonal from head-to-head.

Thanks.

**titanium_hiker** · 12-13-2010, 18:05

Dad! Sibling is touching me again! --> is that something that happens in your house?

Hammocks, while on the diagonal you lay sorta flat, still force everything into the middle and touching.

When I was little we used to love rolling around in the jumbo hammock, but being separated meant climbing up the sides- ok for being awake, but we nearly flipped out a few times! Also, when we got bigger we ripped one in a tickle fight...

I would hang them next to each other in individual hammocks under the same tarp- from the same trees, almost like one adult hammock, in two parts. You could also try off setting the hammocks so that one is closer to one end than the other.

*disclaimer- only a child's perspective here.

**ShadowAlpha** · 12-13-2010, 18:09

No experience here - but I would go with one double hammock to start.

**GGT** · 12-13-2010, 18:19

I Would make 2 smaller hammocks if they have tried and liked hammocking otherwise one large one for the few times they go and to keep as a spare

**grampa** · 12-13-2010, 18:28

My daughter and son-in-law slept their twins in one hammock for nap times - but that was when the twins were under two years old!

I'd go with two hammocks, unles they are already used to sleeping in one bed.

**Bubba** · 12-13-2010, 19:34

I don't have kids but I grew up with one brother and my parents always got us the same things so we wouldn't fight. I think two smaller hammocks would be more fun for them.

**thekalimist** · 12-13-2010, 19:43

2 small hammocks for sure - you could whip them up out of anything

**Just Jeff** · 12-13-2010, 19:53

I put mine in the same hammock several times and it worked great for a while. How long that while lasts depends on your kids...and how hot it is when they're sleeping.

Nylon isn't that expensive...you could always just make another one if the big one doesn't work out.

**te-wa** · 12-13-2010, 20:42

bridge hammock, sleep feet to feet. you'll only need one uq this way.

**Browny** · 12-13-2010, 20:45

FWIW, my kids are 11 months apart and may as well be twins the way they act.

I'd definately go two hammocks, and hang side by side. My two in the "lounger" I keep out
the back are ok if they're getting along, but if they get tired/grumpy (which they would out hiking I would think) then being squished together in the centre of the hammock
only makes things worse.

If at all possible, do a backyard hang with them first. I have done this and WILL NOT be taking my daughter overnight for a whiles yet!

Personally, if you can get cheap enough fabric, I'd make two full size. Sure its a little extra cost/weight now, but you wont have to re-do stuff later.

And remember, you can NEVER have enough hammocks to choose from!