Any tips for Disney with a 9 mo. old?

[Ted72]

Been to Disney 10+ times over the years. 2011 we will have a new addition and will be 9 months old. Any tips? Different perspective this time around so any would be appreciated.

 

[5stljayhawks]

good stroller is great, holding supplies. Afternoon naps rock for all involved. Fireworks can been cool for kids, also scary if trying to sleep. It seems to me, the characters like little ones about that age, makes for super duper pics

 

[dunbarfamily]

I've been to WDW lots of times with our little ones when they were that age. I think one trip one of them was exactly nine months, and there were a few trips where they were around nine months. I carry our babies in a sling. I find that at nine months, they still sleep when they need to, so I don't worry about trying to schedule a nap in, unless the older children (or mom and dad ) need one. I like the sling because it keeps them close when otherwise they might be overwhelmed due to all the noise/things to look at. I really like traveling with them when they are so young, very easy! I like traveling with them at any age really, because each stage has its own advantages and they see things so differently from age to age. Have a super trip!

 

[cseca]

First of... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Here are my suggestions:
1. Let the baby set the pace and try to follow your normal routine as best you can. Keep in mind your touring pace will slow down quite a bit. Especially since you the parent are still trying to recover from lack of sleep ...
2. Make note of the baby centers in each park, they will be a nice place for a break from the long days in the park (especially if you're going during hot season). If you guys decide to breastfeed, this is also a wonderful place for that. Although there are lots of other places to do this around the park.
3. I agree with the PP to get a great stroller. Full recline with a great canopy, for those days where you just have to put the baby in the stroller for nap time. I think the majority of DIS parents love Baby Jogger City Mini and Joovy Kooper. I have City Mini and it works so well on all our vacations so far.
4. If you are flying, and you want to minimize packing baby supplies go with the grocery deliveries (we go shop or garden grocer). You can order diapers, wipes, lotions, baby food, water, etc. This could be a double edge sword, because you will pack less going there but with the leftover supplies and souveniers you might be coming back with more stuff. So you've been forewarned
5. Take LOTS of pictures!!!! Characters I don't think are allowed to hold babies but they love to interact with them... so hopefully your LO isn't scared of them. We went on DCL when DD was 9mo and she loved to see them from afar but would sorta freak out when she got too close. Then we went to WDW she she turned 1yo, she couldn't get enough of them. She would freak out when we had to leave the characters... So good luck!!!
6. Sunscreen!


That's all I could remember now, I'll try to post more if I have anything to add.

Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[justhat]

Wow, I saw this and thought I could help as we took my older 2 kids at 9 months old. Then I thought of my youngest, who will be in DL in 2 weeks, at just under 9 months old. And I realized they are so different I can't even begin to help you!

With my older 2, they napped in the stroller or whatever baby carrier I was wearing (sling with my son, Bjorn with my daughter). They went on every ride without a restriction, slept when they needed to regardless of where we were, nursed on demand, ate with us at table meals, etc. We didn't get them in bed on their exact schedule, but we did stick to early days, early nights. Basically very, very easy travelers all around.

My youngest, however, thrives on her schedule so I honestly don't know how this trip will go. She only sleeps in her crib, literally. If we're out she just stays up. And up. Till she is exhausted, tired, and irritable. If she's out past her bedtime, same thing. She won't sleep in a stroller or carseat, only the bed. I haven't worn her in awhile, but I am hoping she'll at least pass out in the wrap (I use a Moby Wrap primarily with this one).

And with my older 2, my first LOVED characters, totally loved them. 2nd one, not so much. He cried anytime any character came within his line of sight.

So really, it depends on what your little one is like. If he/she's the type to live on the schedule, then plan to go back for naps. If that isn't an issue, then let him sleep while you stroll along.

 

[snow_white's_mom]

I would say take your time in the parks and let the baby take naps when needed...this can even be accomplished when waiting in longer lines. DD's first trip we used disposable bibs to keep from have to carry around a bunch of dirty bibs. Also, I would get the stick on placemats for at resturaunts so you can put little snacks and finger foods on it for her. The bottles with the drop in liners can save a good bit of room too. I carried one of the bottles and packed a bigger ziplock with the drop in liners and some bottle tops. I would bring light layers of clothing, since mornings and nights can be chilly, especially if you are taking the boat to MK. The ramp up to the monorail can be really step pushing a stroller after a long day at the parks. If your son or daughter still uses a pacifier I would use one of those clip to attach it to their clothes so it doesn't get lost. I would also bring a lot of wipes (especial since their touching ditry rides then putting their hands in their mouths) and a change of clothes in case of a spit up or diaper leak. If your son or daughter has little hair still I would use scalp suntan lotin spray to keep from burning. This age is usually great with characters.

Just enjoy it!

 

[Karenj2]

Perfect question, as I'll have a 9mo on our trip in January! I'm going to keep tabs on this post...

 

[kohlby]

I've been with a 9 month old. I've also been with a 2 month old and 11 month old. At all those ages, the sling helped A LOT. (In all three situations, I had 1-2 more kids with us so that was what we really had to plan around!) Bring a stroller than reclines. At 9 months old, DD would only sleep lying down. We then used the sling over the stroller to block out all the excitement of the sites. At 11 months, my younger son would stay up and fall asleep several hours later in the sling instead. He didn't use the stroller at all - but his older sister did. We never had to go back to the room for naps. You can always park the stroller somewhere if you find you don't need it.

My kids were very slow solids eaters, which helped a lot! I simply nursed on demand and offered them whatever I was eating. At that age, they barely ate anything other than breastmilk so it was easy.

*I rarely used the baby care centers. When DD was too distractable to nurse for several hours, I did need to use one. When it was 40 degrees one day, I also hung out at one. Otherwise, I find that walking to the babycare centers is inconvient and takes up too much precious time. However, remember I always had 1-2 more kids with me as well.

 

[mrs.explorer1977]

We took DS at 6 and 9 months, and will be taking DD at 6 months in January. Here's my helpful tips

- get a good sling -- DS was MUCH easier to hold in lines when he was in a sling, and he could stay in it when we got onto most rides. That way, he could fall asleep when he wanted to as well.

- Make sure you have a comfy stroller with a good recline. We had a Peg Pliko for DS. We've recently bought the City Select for the two of them.

- Use the Baby care centers but don't stress if you're not near them.

- No matter what your husband tells you, there are baby change tables in the men's washrooms too! ;-)

- Go at baby's pace. Some days, we were at the parks for opening, some days we didn't get there until nearly lunchtime.

- Characters could be touch and go. DS loved them at 6 months but was starting to get a little apprehesive about them at 9 months. Just follow baby's lead.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Helpful thread.

Just a question - arne't slings uncomfortable with a 9 month old because all of the weight is on one shoulder?

I'm planning on bring a BabyHawk Mei Tai, and just wanted to mention it because it's a lot easier on the back IMO than a sling (and easier on the back than my Ergo and my now discarded Baby Bjorn - the Ergo is better than the Bjorn though).

 

[mrs.explorer1977]

Helpful thread.

Just a question - arne't slings uncomfortable with a 9 month old because all of the weight is on one shoulder?

I'm planning on bring a BabyHawk Mei Tai, and just wanted to mention it because it's a lot easier on the back IMO than a sling (and easier on the back than my Ergo and my now discarded Baby Bjorn - the Ergo is better than the Bjorn though).

I don't find the sling uncomfortable -- I find that when it's spread out evenly on my back, it distributes the weight fairly well. Also, at 9 months, they're old enough to do the hip carry, which puts some weight on the hip as well.

Just my opinion though...in any case, a carrier is a good thing to have for lines! ;-)

 

[dunbarfamily]

I've been with a 9 month old. I've also been with a 2 month old and 11 month old. At all those ages, the sling helped A LOT. (In all three situations, I had 1-2 more kids with us so that was what we really had to plan around!) Bring a stroller than reclines. At 9 months old, DD would only sleep lying down. We then used the sling over the stroller to block out all the excitement of the sites. At 11 months, my younger son would stay up and fall asleep several hours later in the sling instead. He didn't use the stroller at all - but his older sister did. We never had to go back to the room for naps. You can always park the stroller somewhere if you find you don't need it.

My kids were very slow solids eaters, which helped a lot! I simply nursed on demand and offered them whatever I was eating. At that age, they barely ate anything other than breastmilk so it was easy.

*I rarely used the baby care centers. When DD was too distractable to nurse for several hours, I did need to use one. When it was 40 degrees one day, I also hung out at one. Otherwise, I find that walking to the babycare centers is inconvient and takes up too much precious time. However, remember I always had 1-2 more kids with me as well.

Sounds a lot like us!

 

[Aggiegrl]

Helpful thread.

Just a question - arne't slings uncomfortable with a 9 month old because all of the weight is on one shoulder?

I'm planning on bring a BabyHawk Mei Tai, and just wanted to mention it because it's a lot easier on the back IMO than a sling (and easier on the back than my Ergo and my now discarded Baby Bjorn - the Ergo is better than the Bjorn though).

I guess it depends on the baby too. My 9.5 month old son is 24 lbs and I can't imagine trying to carry him in a sling. He's just too darn big and heavy and too darn independent. With all the wiggling, moving, bouncing, etc. he does, I don't feel like a sling is secure enough.

I have a Mei Tai too, and while it works, even that isn't too comfortable. Luckily, my guy has been walking for a month now, so in another month, I think we'll be totally okay setting him down in lines when we get tired of holding him.

I'm trying to decide if we should take our Maclaren Albert Thurston stroller or rent one while we are there.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

If you are going when it's hot outside, I would suggest getting stroller fans. Disney sells them but I am sure you can find them cheaper before you go. We went when my daughter was a baby in August '08 and she couldn't handle the heat but then we found stroller fans and it was a Godsend. If you are going when it's cooler, bring blankets, coats, etc. for the baby to keep them warm. My niece went when she 9 months old in December '05 and it was too cold for her. We couldn't stay at the parks too long. Also, if your baby is like most babies, counter service meals will be better than table service restaurants. Or if you know when your baby will nap, make dining reservations for that time. Also, the Land at Epcot doesn't allow strollers inside. I found this to be very annoying. But, overall WDW is very baby friendly and you will have a great time. Also, the characters, (the princesses excluded), can be scary to children that young. My daughter and nieces didn't like them until they were older. The best type of stroller for travel is the sit 'n' stroll. It's a carseat that turns into a stroller and is super convenient for traveling.

 

[ilovebassets]

any recommendations for babies a little younger? we will be taking our five month old in february.

we wanted to go when he was a little older but didn't want to take him in summer.

 

[mupt02]

A lot will depend on the personality of the little one. We just went and our youngest turned 9 months on the trip. He spent his time in either our double stroller (we also have 2 and 4 year olds) or the Bjorn. We never used the Baby Care Centers so I can't tell you much about those. We did 9 TS meals with no problems from him. He sat in a high chair and nibbled on what he could from our plates and we brought some baby food with us and used the TS meals as a great time to feed him. He would nap in the stroller (sitting up) and even fell asleep several times while in the Bjorn. He wasn't too sure of the characters. He never got really upset, but just looked confused with some of them. Surprisingly, he actually did more smiling and laughing with characters like Stitch, Timon, Mickey, etc then he did with the princesses and other face characters.

Thinking of how my older two were at that age, it would have been a different story. They were much more demanding at that age and I'm sure that would have made for a different experience.

 

[TLCdisneyfan]

I took my 9mo old last spring. My baby loved the dark rides like Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan b/c of the glowing lights. I didn't get to do many rides, though. Even though I had lots of adult family there, he was VERY mommy-centric, so he was with me most of the time. I agree you'll want a baby carrier as well as a stroller he can sleep in. My baby would do a shorter nap in the morning while in the parks, either in the carrier or stroller, and then a longer afternoon nap at the hotel. We stayed at BLT, so it was easy to leave the parks anytime. Definitely have a plan for leaving the parks for a break. The baby centers were nice for long breaks for nursing and diaper changes, but other places worked too, when we didn't want to trek to the baby center. My best advice is to take it slow, at your baby's pace, and use this opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the parks. I rode the horse trolley up Main Street USA for the first time on that visit, and I loved it!

 

[lakoda]

I wanted to mention that if it is just two adults and baby, and you are both wanting to ride Expedition Everest and/or RNR Coaster, be sure to check the single rider line as opposed to child swap. It ended up being much, much quicker for us.

 

[monicastanner]

Took our little one at 5 months and then again a few weeks ago at 15 months. Both ages were SO MUCH fun!! People thought we were crazy, but being Disney addicts who have gone dozens and dozens and dozens of times over the years we couldn't wait. We knew to expect a totally different experience, go slow and just enjoy being there. Know you can't do everything, it'll be different and that sets the pace I think.

Didn't use a sling ever, hated 'em and so did baby. Used a stroller or we carried him, this time he's walking some of course. (Read: RUNNING)

Used the baby care centers when we could, they are so much nicer and easier than regular changing table in restrooms. BUT, if you're across the park it's not worth the journey. Have something to lay baby on, while on changing table. They are hard, metal and cold. We used the stroller to change alot when he was 5 mths b/c we had the big ole stroller that laid back. This trip we had the light one that didn't.

Both trips we spent mornings at the park until about noonish and then left for lunch or right after, we ALL took a long nap and then headed somewhere for the evening. EVERYONE was much happier after a nap!! We took swimming breaks too while we were back at the resort, both trips!

We took him on TONS of rides, everything we could both trips. I made sure I had something in my hand to distract him if he got upset. A bottle 1st trip or sippy cup this time with juice/water. A container of snacks, paci, toy, something to take his focus off if he got upset. Happy to say we never needed anything other than this trip on the "Great Movie Ride" simply b/c it's longish and he was getting tired, we needed a snack to keep him calm. We should have left before trying one more thing that afternoon

Characters were his favorite part BOTH trips. First time I'd booked a few to see how it went. He LOVED them so we booked more! This trip we booked a ton and he adored them. I agree characters take a ton of time with babies and love to play with them, made for great photos I agree. TRULY TRULY his favorite part!! Character meals were SO VERY worth it!!

We drove and were able to take so much garb both times. Diapers, wipes, bath tub first trip, strollers, toys, formula/bottles first trip & baby food and bumbo seat. This time sippy cups, bottled water, snacks and toddler meals. We move into our resort big time. We stayed for 2 weeks this trip

We also found it was better to just sleep with him than use the pack n play. He would wake up crying both trips at 5mths & 15mths. Just somewhere different. So we just pushed one bed up to wall (we were at Port Orleans Riverside) and then took turns sleeping with him. Parent on edge, baby in middle and then wall. You can ask for pack n play and/or bed rail. We had both, but didn't use either.

For a toddler I'd take plug in covers if I had that to do over again. Will remember for next time You wont have to worry about that though.

Have so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Disney_Girls]

We took our twin girls at 8 months old, they are now 2. My best advice to you is go with the flow. Our girls were just at the stage where they loved their indepence crawling, trying to stand hold on to things, etc. that having them all day in a stroller was challenging. We used the the Baby Care Centres a lot, our favorite is Epcot. We also had infant carriers for them when we went on a lot of rides, that we had a fear they would not sit nicely through, or fear of falling out (ex. Peter Pan's Flight). We used switching off on all the big name attraction we wanted to see.

The best thing is to not over plan because you will not get to everything you hoped. For example we went for 8 days, and planned 1 day at Animal Kingdom and rode two rides because the girls fell asleep right before we were leaving for the park, and by the time we got there crowds were crazy.

Sit back relax and enjoy the trip through their eyes.