You know those cool backpacks that cyclists and serious walkers/runners wear on their backs to have on tap refreshment during activity? They are just as effective with any drink you choose. Avoid the queues at the drinks tents and fill the 'water bag' with your chosen vice. We found that mixed summer fruits with a bottle of Pimms and lots of lemonade did a splendid job of refershing throughout the long hot days at the Big Chill. And we did it very responsibly!

Any good outdoors activity shop (and probably at some bad ones too!)

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Slings are better than prams for babies. Even if it's a mud-fest, you can still feel some of the independence, mobility and excitement that you felt pre-kids, plus your baby will almost certainly sleep no matter what. As long as you remember their ear plugs you can even get in the throng a bit (not too drunk mind!)

Prams are what you need for a toddler. You're less mobile, but the good news is you can stash a box of wine, glasses, and camping chairs underneath. You won't have the same sense of freedom as with a sling, so you need a bunch of friends to find a patch with and claim it as your own.

Other tips:
Look for a small festival. With small kids it's more about the experience and the people-watching than the line-up. If you're too determined to prove to yourself that you're still hip and free, you might end up out of your depth at a manic festival, feeling more down-trodden and left-behind than ever.

Festivals that are known for being 'family friendly' might just be a big pram-fest. (Green Man 2007?) Similarly, avoid a festival that has grown very quickly. Finally, choose something that is within two hours of home. Just knowing you can get home if needed might stop you feeling trapped in a sea of mud and mucky nappies.

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They're obviously great as a DIY bath, but they can also be used as loo paper, and are invaluable for covering your nose when the inevitable stench of the portaloos gets too much - you'll be grateful for the fresh 'baby' scent as a barrier for other smells!

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1. Lots of free newspapers are often available. A layer of these under your sleeping bag/mat will help insulate the chill from the ground and soak up water if there are spillages etc.

2. Avoid tent theft: take as little as possible. When you leave the tent, fill the sleeping bag with other possessions and shape as if someone is asleep in it, obscuring where the head would be. Unless it's raining, leave the door a little undone so it looks like someone's home.

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