Age to take a baby?

[la79al]

DH announced today that he is considering a DW trip next year. We just went in June and he said at least 5 years before he would even consider it. I was fine with that but apparently he keeps thinking about what a great time we had and wants to do it again, with a few modifications. The thing is, we are having a baby in May. There are also 2 stepkids in the picture. I told him next year is absolutely out. There is no way I am doing Florida in the summer with a 3 month old. So I'm wondering whether to try for 2009 or wait til 2010? The stepkids would be (girl) 8 and (boy) almost 13 in 2009 or 9 and almost 14 in 2010. Obviously the baby would be slightly over 1 or slightly over 2. If this would really be our last trip for awhile, is it better to go when the baby is 1 or 2? I'm taking into consideration things like actual time we would all get to do things together, ease of taking the baby on the trip and enjoyment of the baby, and whatever else. Opinions?

 

[Rylees_Mommy]

My family went to Disney when my DD was only 3 months old and it was wonderful!! She slept alot of the time but still could enjoy some of the rides on our laps. Now we did go in the late summer so it was in the high 80s and low 90s. But we had a stroller fan and she stayed very comfortable!!! Good luck!

 

[HelenePA]

we took our then 11 month old last year. He did wonderful probably the best out of all 3 kids. he just napped in the stroller when he got tired, he LOVED all the rides and all the people he got to meet, he'a good kid over all. the only thing he had a problem with was sleeping in a bed, he was not a co sleeper at all! Not even as a infant. So that was interesting. He slept in his stroller at night, hey he was happy. He was on the verge of potty training so diaper changes were not a problem he only pee'd as often as we did. It sucked having to actually pack all those diapers, looking back I'd have sent them ahead of time to the resort. He was off the bottle and fully fed normal foods and drinks (yes he even had soda now this is not something I did with the girls they were 3 before they had soda at all!) so food was not a problem I'm glad we went when we did. Everyone had a great time. He still talks about it personally I think its amazing he can remember something that happened to him while he was under a year old! Next year will be the last we'll go for at least 2 years as we are going to TTC right after we come back from disney for #4. We went in may/june it was hot and humid, but we all just wore light weight tank tops and were fine.

 

[alyssa810]

We're headed down today with our DS who will be 12 weeks old tomorrow. We also went twice while I was pregnant. We're hoping to have a great time, but we know it won't be the same as when it was just the two of us.

 

[TJA]

Well congrats on your DH loving Disney! Mine does too and it makes the trips awesome being that we both feel the same way about Disney. Also congrats on the new upcoming baby. We took our twins to WDW when they were 7 months old, 13 months old, 18 months old, 2 yrs old, 2-1/2 yrs old. So I can comment from personal experience about those ages. Age 1 was a great time in Disney. My girls were content in the stroller and loved all the rides they could go on. They napped right in the stroller too. Age 2 was also great, but it was busier because they were more active. They wanted to walk/run and it kept us on our toes. And they were also more aware of things at age 2, so they were scared of fireworks and characters, but yet they got excited about things which is fun to see the excitement in their eyes. My opinion is to go to WDW when your baby is 1. We think it was easy and we loved that age; however, we didn't have older kids like you do, so hopefully others will post what that part is like. We went on our babies' schedule, but you will be going on the older kids' schedule, probably, which I think will be fine but cannot comment from personal experience.

Good luck and happy planning!

 

[blessedby3]

We have taken our kids at all ages and the baby stage is definately the easiest for us. Before they are walking is great because they are content to sit in the stroller or be carried in a sling. We are heading down in Jan with our 4 kids (the youngest being 3 months) and cant wait. I would never do Disney in the summer myself much less with a baby. I would maybe consider going at a different time during the year instead of the summer and go when your new addition is under a year. Whatever you decide have a great time!!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I think a 3 mos old and a 1 year old are easier to handle b/c they don't really have opinions, sleep more easily in the stroller, etc. But, I think our kids at 2 enjoyed the trip more. Not that they didn't "enjoy it" at 1, but really at 1 they were just along for the ride. At 2 my ds could participate, understood a ton more, etc.

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

We went in May with my three kids, ages 5, 3 and 3 months. I was worried about taking the baby, but he was great. Slept in the sling and stroller, drank his bottles, no problems. It was more tiring for me, but he was fine.

We first took the two older kids when they were almost two and almost four, and that was really great. My son who was almost two was great, he enjoyed himself immensely. We had a few problems with him not wanting to wait in line for rides, but other than that, he was great.

I keep debating when to take our next trip (our baby is now 10 months), and I think we're going to wait until he's almost two. He's a pretty active little guy, and I'm afraid he'd be miserable contained in the stroller for long periods of time.

I'm chomping at the bit to go back, though!

 

[mrhodes418]

Personally I follow a 1 yr rule. We took DD when she was 18 mos for her first trip (I was also pregnant at the time). When DS turned 1 yr, we went back. We are planning our next trip soon (DD 3; DS 18 mos).
Florida heat and humidity in the summer are bad and it can be a lot on a little system - my 1yo was not too happy about it last summer. You may be fine or you may get a summer like last year where no one should have been in that heat, let alone a 3 mo old.
Everyone is different, follow your mommy instincts.

 

[mari360]

I went in May of 07 I went with my DD when she was 20 months and she loved it. She was able to sleep in her stroller when tired and enjoyed all the characters she met. My DH noticed this so much that we are going back this may 08. She had a GREAT time. I hope you have a great time when you finally decide to go.

 

[Cinderella728]

DH and I are taking our daughter when she will be 15 months. Apparently, young child may not remember, but will have an impression. We have been playing songs, and showing her pictures so that maybe it will look familiar to her when we get there.

 

[jpaxton1118]

WE are planning on going when the baby is 4 months old. I have two older kids 8 and 5 and they are really looking forward to the trip and I would hate to not take them because of the baby. Right now it is really not about how much the baby will see or remember, because I know it won't but it is more about keeping our plans for the other two kids.

 

[nemofans]

We took DS to DL when he was 6 mos old & he enjoyed some rides & parades. Then we took DS when he was 19 mos old to WDW & had a blast. He was able to do so much more & really enjoyed himself. WDW added 6 new words to his vocabulary, up to that point he only said ball, mama, dada. He loved the Dumbo ride & started saying "Bumbo". The characters did scare him if they got too close. IMO, I wouldn't take a baby til they're 6 mos or older. Then they can sit up in the stroller or still be put in a carrier. They can also be interested in all that's going on around them. Your stepkids are older, which isn't as bad as going w/a baby & toddler. They are more independent. I also don't recommend on going during summer at all. The heat & humidity is horrible & everyone will be crankier & tired. If you can, try to go during Nov, Dec, Jan,or Feb. I would try for Feb. 2009 or Nov. 2009. The weather is much more tolerable & much lower crowds, so you can do more.

 

[MickeyMouseMomofSix]

I have 6 kids of all ages from 11 down to 1, and they ALL did great last year. My baby at the time was 5 months old and she slept most of the time in the stroller, we fed her when we stopped to give the older kids a snack or meal. The only thing that was a bit of a hassle (and this wasn't even that big of a deal) was having to stop for diaper changes frequently. But it was a great experience all in all.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

We went Nov/Dec 2007 with our 9 year old and our 10 month old daughters.
We came home and booked for Dec 1 2008. A couple of days ago I found out I was pregnant and due Sept 8/08. I am trying to convince DH we can do this with a 3 month old. DD9 is concerned we won't be able to go now...so mama feels extra guilty!

 

[jpaxton1118]

I know how you feel about your DD being afraid she is not going to get to go. Our baby will be almost 4 months in Dec and so my mother told my DD5 that we would not be going since we will have the baby. First of all my mother would not be going either way so I am not sure why she is saying that but it upset my daughter. I do plan on going. I think it will be fine with the baby. I now just have to convience my husband!

 

[KiKi Mouse]

You and I can go together with the kids...LOL
I saw quite a few young babies when we were there.
It's going to be harder but it will be worth it.
I told DD9 that we'll need her help with her younger sister

 

[mshoo1]

My wife and I took our then 13-month old daughter to WDW for two days in the MK followed by a few days on the beach outside of Tampa. She loved it. We got there for rope drop and left the park by 1:00. People always ask me at what age they should take their child to WDW. My response is always if you are only going to go once, wait until they are at least 5. If you'll probably get to go back in the future, take them at virtually any age.

Be sure you map out the baby care centers in the park. They are very helpful and provide a great respite from the heat if you are going to be there in the summer.

 

[mom2meiko]

we are taking our 6mo dd in 10 days and can't wait for the trip. she will enjoy the sights and we will enjoy ourselves as always. (we have some other friends going with their kids as well.) i think it depends on the baby. dd has an incredible temperment so she should do great!

do what you are comfortable with - every child and family is different.