Hammock for my 4 year old.

**nathan.custer** · 08-06-2013, 11:11

I want to make a hammock for my 4 year old to see if he likes it better than a tent. Not sure which route to go with. I'm thinking double layer 1.1 and use his ridgerest shortie as bottom insulation. DIY gear supply has 48" seconds for cheap. That should get him 3-4 years I think, before he would need more width. My other 2 options are 1.9 double or single layer, or maybe shorten a tablecloth. We do go backpacking so light weight is better. I've already made us both sleeping quilts so sewing is not a problem. I thought if he was hanging bunk style that less stuff hanging down would be better for me.

**rabyrn** · 08-06-2013, 11:20

Go for it! My .2 is a tablecloth mod.

**JohnSawyer** · 08-06-2013, 11:33

If you are using a pad, dl is the way to go. For summer use, though, even a small underquilt would be light and offer better coverage. Half of a poncho liner should get him into the 50's, and be full length... my son was far too active of a sleeper to stay on a pad.

John

**nathan.custer** · 08-06-2013, 19:38

Thanks. I might go ahead and get some 1.6 ripstop for a hammock and some 1.1 and apex for a couple underquilts.

**hk2001** · 08-06-2013, 23:29

at 4 years old (unless he's really tall) You can actually get away with a yard or 1.5 yds of 60" wide 1.1 / 1.9oz and whip is so the width of the fabric is the length of the hammock.

We did that for my daughter, in purple 1.1 I found. She's just turned 7, and still has another year or 2 in the hammock.

Get a cheap $20 walmart kids sleeping bag, (typically rated to 40*) and mod it to an UQ and TQ

**Mikeinajeep** · 08-06-2013, 23:43

My four year old sleeps and plays in a hammock made from a bed sheet. Single, double, queen or king size. Pick your size, tie a simple over hand knot in the ends, add suspension. Works well and let's the kid try hanging with no money out the door if they don't like it.

**Catavarie** · 08-06-2013, 23:56

I cheated for my daughter's hammock that I made for her.

When she told me she wanted her own hammock I showed her two pictures and let her pick the type of hammock she wanted. One was a gathered end, the other a bridge. She chose the bridge. So I made it big enough to fit me so that I too could try out the bridge hammock design.

It is one of her favorite colors, purple, and she enjoys laying in it every chance she gets. She's not willing to try sleeping in it overnight yet, but one day, one day.

**SnrMoment** · 08-08-2013, 18:03

Hammocks from a WMT shower curtains. They're already hemmed and lots of colors. Gather the ends, add suspension and you're all set.
Granddaughter wanted pink & white, grandson's is blue, tan & green: