5 month old-questions??? please help

[debbrion]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking and am coming out because I leave on the 19th and am getting stressed out about it. I'm travelling with my almost 3 year old and my 5 month old. I think the younger is worrying me more than the older.

I saw mention of renting a crib....how do I do this? How much is it? I'm worried about the pnp without the bassinet part of it. I'm not sure if he'll wake up with me bending down or not....even so, it's going to be difficult doing it in the middle of the night.

I was planning on bringing 2 strollers. One for each. I'm going to bring a carrier for my 5 month old. I figure he'll go between the two. I'm realizing that I'm probably going to want some type of rain cover for the strollers too. Never thought about that.

I guess the crib was my main question, but any other info that you could provide and ease my mind would be much appreciated!!

Deb

PS. I have been there...numerous of times, but since I had kids, I haven't. So, this is a new thing for me. I actually have a friend there and she's going to buy the baby food for me, so I don't have to worry about that. Thank goodness. My parents and husband are also going, so we've got four of us to watch the 2 kids. Anyways, I just wanted to give you a little background.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

On property--the cribs are actually pack in play cribs. I don't recall ever paying for it.

I know my girls at that age were too large for the bassinet. (one was a small baby, one was a larger baby). Also....once they reach a certain milestone (I forget which one)....they shouldn't use them anyway.

We used our own pack and play at home anyway for in our room...and it has never been an issue. Usually when it comes to placing baby in crib in those situations--daddy always did it better than me. DD would realize I was dropping her off...and immediately wake up. For some reason with daddy, it was a non-issue.

 

[staci]

The cribs can be rented through www.abbf.com (also, idk if this would be an option or not? maybe someone on here has tried it? but i saw the pnp's they have there and they look like standard ones, i wonder if you could bring the bassinet thing from home if you have one? idk if there would be anything unsafe about that. im sure someone will tell me if there is ) You can rent other things too at that website.
ive never used them but others here have.

the raincover - you will want one. ponchos will work too, but not as efficiently. I would get a real raincover for the baby's stroller at least. i know ds2 wouldnt ride in the stroller with the raincover on it last week, we used it when we went on rides and when he was in it, we had the raincover over the stroller, but he stuck his head out under the front he wanted to make sure he didnt miss anything. cheap 99 cent ponchos can be purchased at walmart or about anywhere.

we just got back last week, ds was 23 1/2 months old (today is his birthday ) and we had a blast. Just take it at their speed and you will be fine.

 

[KristiKelly]

Where will you be staying? If, by chance, you're staying in a DVC resort you can use the cushions from the sleeper sofa and place them into the pack & play(it's almost a perfect fit). I had the exact same problem. We were just down the last week of Sept with our 3 kids, youngest being 3 mo. I put the cushions into the pnp then place a sheet over that. Worked well for us.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

our DD for her first trip when she was five months.... and it was the best trip ever!!!! She slept when she wanted to we didn't have to chase after her, like this past time when we took her at 16 months, it was so wonderful.

We have always used the pack and plays from disney, and brought our our sheet and blankets. However my DD would not sleep in it and she ended up sleeping with us.

Our DD at 5 months spent most of her time in the carrier and really just slept in the stroller. I would hate to think of bringing 2 strollers, considering what a pain it was with just our one large stroller, but what ever will work for you. Maybe you could just bring the one stroller and rent one for your older child? Of course I do not know what would work for you.

You are going to have a great trip!! My DD at 5 months went on most rides, she really did not like the shows though, I guess they were too loud, she would just cry for about 30 seconds and then fall asleep. It was our best trip ever and I am sure you'll have a great time

 

[bjakmom]

We took DGrD at 5.5 months and had a wonderful trip. Stayed at BWV and she slept in the pnp with no problem, but she was already used to sleeping in one when at our house. Definitely bring one of the heavier rain covers that covers the entire stroller and put it on the stroller when you go in to an attraction even if it's not raining (won't blow off in the wind like a poncho can) - we came out more than once to find that a quick shower had passed through, but our stroller and things underneath were always still dry because I knew from the DIS to do this - the rain cover also came in handy on a couple of very windy nights to keep the baby out of the wind. We used the baby bjorn when going on rides with her and she did just great - took many of her naps right in her stroller. We just returned from another trip and she is now 2 - the best thing I had with us this trip was the RayShade from babiesrus - for only 14.99 - we used it every day to shield her from the sun and to pull way down over the stroller when she fell asleep - created her own little darker, quieter space, but still allows for air flow - also worked great to keep her dry in a light, misty rain instead of putting the rain cover on and making her too hot - I loved this thing !! http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...ef=sr_1_4/103-7055859-3793427?v=glance&s=baby
Also remember that some of the restaurants have infant high chairs and those that didn't let us take our umbrella stroller in with us. Have a great trip !!

 

[debbrion]

We're staying at Pop Century. I'm sorry. I haven't looked into the abbr. yet. I have to check them out. He still gets up a couple times a night to nurse, so I'm worried about putting him down into the pnp. I figure worse comes to worse, him and I will just sleep in the bed and dh and my other son will sleep in the other.

I saw the Rayshade's. I saw another that protected from the sun and the rain, but I'm having a really hard time finding it and it's a little too late to order one online. I'm more worried about the sun, so I'll just go get the Rayshade if we can't find one before we leave.

I have the Baby Bjorn, which he'll fall asleep in and if possible, I'll lay him in the stroller if I can to sleep. I didn't know they had infant high chairs though. That's nice to know. I was worried about that, but figured I would use the stroller if not.

I know it's going to be tough with 2 strollers, but I have a double and it just seemed too much work. We've got four adults. I figure we'll make a rule that he has to ride in the stroller. he's a little highstrung and he would take off into the crowd if we didn't restrain him. I even have the harness. I know, it sounds horrible, but if I have to use it, then I'm going to....to keep him by my side. I'm terrified of losing him there.

I'm just overwhelmed. I feel like I need to pack the whole house!!! Agh!

If anyone has anymore I advice, I'm open to it. Thanks so much!!

Debbie

 

[spot28]

Don't forget about the Baby Care Centers in the parks, they sell supplies such as food, formula or pacis (can you imagine if you lost your last one of those) and even changes of clothes if you get in a real mess. They also have kitchen prep areas for heating formula or food if you need that. They have rockers for a quiet moment or to breastfeed for those in need of a relaxing place to do so. The changing areas very clean w/ doctor office type paper on them. They had a waiting-type area for older sibs with toys & videos. It's been a year since I was there, I do hope these still exist!

I also scoped out quieter and darker rides around naptime (Carousel of Progress great, but it put even DH asleep.)

I always just brought my own pack n play type sleeper so I can't really answer the crib question. I actually found WDW easier when they were very little compared to now when mine are all mobile.

Don't forget- have fun too mom

 

[Jen117]

We traveled to WDW when my daughters were 6 months and 3 years old. It was easier than I thought it would be. I made an identification tag for my 3 year old because she was bad about holding hands and I was paranoid. I put our names, resort name, and cell phone number on it. I laminated it and pinned it to her shorts waistband underneath her shirt. I then made sure she knew to tell a CM if she was lost from us. Never happened, but it made me feel better.

My 6 month old slept in the pack n play and no problems. We drove that year and brought along our bouncey seat for in the room. We fed her while she was sitting in that. In the parks she sat in the stroller while we fed her. It is surpising how babies get into all the activity and stay amused. At least mine did!

Good Luck...

 

[spot28]

Oh and I always put our cell phone number inside their t-shirt so if God forbid they got separated someone could phone us right away. I wish WDW had the locator bracelets like at other theme parks.

 

[ahutton]

If the PNP isn't working, call and ask about a standard crib. We've gotten them at many of the different hotels. They are standard, full size cribs. That said, we've also been blessed with kids who will sleep just about anywhere.

We always have done two strollers, and gotten ones that were as light as possible so that each parent could manage one child and one stroller. My tip would be to have a bag in the basket that holds everything, that way when you board the bus you just grab the bag (I used a backpack), stroller in one hand and child in the other.

I LOVE using the Snugli carrier in the rain. I put the baby in, put on a regular rain coat and then hold my umbrella over us both. If it is windy I've used a receiving blanket tucked into the sides of the carrier to create a barrier between the baby and the wind/rain. Much preferred by my kids than riding in the stroller with a rain cover. I did use the rain cover though, to park the stroller and keep it mostly dry for when the rain stopped.

 

[tjmw2727]

Don't worry and if you have a pnp at home try using it without the bassinet now and see how it goes. Maybe you can get baby used to it? FWIW my kids did great in the pnp before they even had a bassinet option, so while its nice I wouldn't stress about not having it. I would bring a few sheets for the pnp from home so they are familiar feeling and smelling.

Two strollers is a great idea with kids your ages. You will want a nice fully reclining stroller for the baby while the toddler can use a smaller model. You can also separate and take baby to change & feed in the baby care center while dh takes the 3yo on something the baby can't do.

I recommend a rain cover for both strollers. They work so much better than a poncho, have better ventilation and the 3yo will be able to see out and stay dry. I also recommend a clip on umbrella for the baby in addition to the stroller sunshade. This can be adjusted to cover more of baby during the day but still provides fresh air. We also used a clip on fan for keeping baby cool and it was nice white noise.

You will love having the snugli for lines and even for wearing baby on some rides and shows. Its esp great in fantasyland when you can pretty much park the stroller and walk from attraction to attraciton.

Try using a backpack for a diaper bag and keeping as much as you can packed up rather than stuffing things in the basket, etc. You will find it much easer when you do want to board a bus/tram or the train. Either that or pack up ahead of time so your not hurrying to get on the bus/tram/train.

TJ

 

[debbrion]

Thank you for all the info. Does anyone know anymore about the Baby Centers. I know they exist. Do they have private rooms for nursing? I know this is going to be my best friend on this trip. Do you know if they have outlets? Could I pump in a private room if need be?

Thank you for the attaching contact info on him. That's a wonderful idea!!! I'll have to get working on that. I don't know how I'm going to do it unless I write everything on his clothes. He is very stubborn and doesn't cooperate too much with strange things. I could see him taking this off of him or doing something to it. He's too young to understand to go to someone for help. I'm hoping he'll just be a little freaked out with everything going on that he'll stay close by. Not to say I want him to be scared, but just a little to make him stay with us.

The stroller rentals aren't for 5 month olds right? The pics that I've seen don't look like it.

I think I covered everything..........keep it coming!!!!!! THANKS!

 

[spot28]

Sorry I can't help about the details of the baby center...unfortunately my guys never quite got the BF thing just right. BUT I read another tip about not losing our kids: take a digital pic each morning with your phone or camera or whatever so that if you got separated you could show a CM the latest pic of your child with the clothing of the day. Thought I'd share...

 

[tjmw2727]

No, the rental strollers are NOT good for baby but would be great for a 3yo if you only want to deal with one. They are expensive though even with a slight price break for a longer rental.

As for ID on your toddler I used a small laminated label with a hole punch and tied it onto the shoe via the lace. You could deocrate it in his favorite character or keep it plain in hopes he that won't notice. I made several but only needed one for each dd as they lasted well.

Here is a link to the info on the baby care centers - they are wonderful and you can definately nurse there. Don't feel as if that is the only place you can nurse though - any quiet, cool, comfy spot that works for you and baby is ok in WDW.
http://allearsnet.com/pl/infant.htm#babystat

TJ

 

[staci]

Thank you for all the info. Does anyone know anymore about the Baby Centers. I know they exist. Do they have private rooms for nursing? I know this is going to be my best friend on this trip. Do you know if they have outlets? Could I pump in a private room if need be?


The stroller rentals aren't for 5 month olds right? The pics that I've seen don't look like it.

QUOTE]

baby care center in mk has a big room with chairs to nurse in. It is a separate room, away from the tv area and changing area, with the doors remaining closed, but there may be more than one nursing mother at a time.

no the strollers definitely are not for five month olds. i wouldnt have even wanted one for ds(23mo). they would be awesome with older kids, but my ds still likes to nap and there is no way to lay down in one. (no comfortable way anyhow!)

 

[KristiKelly]

Thank you for all the info. Does anyone know anymore about the Baby Centers. I know they exist. Do they have private rooms for nursing? I know this is going to be my best friend on this trip. Do you know if they have outlets? Could I pump in a private room if need be?

I used the baby care centers 2 weeks ago and they were wonderful. At MK & EPC, the nursing rooms are rooms with about 4 rocking chairs in them, quiet and low light. At MGM, there were 2 individual, fitting room type, areas. Each with a rocking chair and a bench. Outside the nursing areas, there are changing stations, high chairs, TV (@ MK & EPC, don't recall one @ MGM), if you need to buy any baby supplies there's a place to do that. They only sell Huggies diapers and I believe Nuk paci's (I remember seeing that because we use Pampers & Mam pacifiers).

There were women in the nursing rooms who were pumping, I saw 3 or 4. Some would turn their chair around. I took my pump to WDW and never used it.

I bought a lightweight nursing cover @ Target for $5 or so. I just fed DD on rides that were somewhat long. I asked for the backrow on It's a Small World, Pirates, Great Movie Ride, and a boat ride that is in "The Land" in EPC (can't remember the name). I also nursed her during a few of the 3D shows. She did just fine. I don't know about AK, it was so hot when we were there that we decided to skip it this trip.

Hope this helps.

 

[debbrion]

There were women in the nursing rooms who were pumping, I saw 3 or 4. Some would turn their chair around. I took my pump to WDW and never used it.

I bought a lightweight nursing cover @ Target for $5 or so. I just fed DD on rides that were somewhat long. I asked for the backrow on It's a Small World, Pirates, Great Movie Ride, and a boat ride that is in "The Land" in EPC (can't remember the name). I also nursed her during a few of the 3D shows. She did just fine. I don't know about AK, it was so hot when we were there that we decided to skip it this trip.

Hope this helps.

Do you know if they were using an electrical pump? I have a battery pack for it, but I'd rather plug it in if I could. I'm not sure I'm going to pump anyway....I know I'll do it anytime we're at the room though, like before we leave for the morning and afternoon. I know he's not going to eat as much being held all the time and with everything going on.

Do you have a pic of the nursing cover or anything? I wouldn't mind spending the $5 for it. Thanks!

I love the shoe idea!! I was trying to figure that out so he wouldn't notice...unfortunately, his shoes don't tie. He's got a velcro pair, which we probably won't even bring because they aren't his favorite. His favorite are the ones with laces, but you don't lace them...does that make sense. They are basically just slip on sneaks.

Does anyone know where I can laminate it? Staples maybe?

Thanks!!

Debbie

 

[KristiKelly]

Do you know if they were using an electrical pump? I have a battery pack for it, but I'd rather plug it in if I could. I'm not sure I'm going to pump anyway....I know I'll do it anytime we're at the room though, like before we leave for the morning and afternoon. I know he's not going to eat as much being held all the time and with everything going on.

Do you have a pic of the nursing cover or anything? I wouldn't mind spending the $5 for it. Thanks!

I love the shoe idea!! I was trying to figure that out so he wouldn't notice...unfortunately, his shoes don't tie. He's got a velcro pair, which we probably won't even bring because they aren't his favorite. His favorite are the ones with laces, but you don't lace them...does that make sense. They are basically just slip on sneaks.

Does anyone know where I can laminate it? Staples maybe?

Thanks!!

Debbie

The women pumping were using outlets.

I looked on Target.com and could not find the coverup I purchased but I know that I bought it there. I believe it was $5.99. It's by The First Years, I found a picture of one on E-Bay. Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/NURSING-COVER-U...ryZ20406QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[debbrion]

I looked online too...so, that helps me out a lot when I go to look. I just don't want to spend a lot of money. Thank you!