Any tips for taking a baby and preschooler by myself?

[Monkey Monkey]

I will soon be making my first trip back to DLR since October of 2008! And this time I have an additional companion - my 8 month old baby girl. DS is now 4.5, so he no longer needs the stroller, but obviously I will be bringing it for DD. I'll be wearing her in a Mei Tai carrier most of the day though I'm guessing. DH and I brought DS for the first time when he was 8 months old, but there were 2 of us and 1 of them instead of the other way around.

Since we are getting APs and will be going back fairly often, we can kind of take it easy and not worry about seeing/riding everything. DS and I are so excited about showing Evelyn the wonder of Disneyland! I can't wait to get her some ears!

I am very familiar with the Baby Care Stations. DS is very patient when DD needs a diaper change or to be nursed.

I think I'm most nervous about the tram! I am already dreading carrying a diaper bag, camera bag, stroller, baby, and preschooler by myself.

Any specific tips/experience?

 

[jory29]

You've got everything in the bag... literally!!

You seriously sound prepared, IMO!

When our DD was 4.5 on her first trip to Disneyland, she walked everywhere and had no problems. I had considered a stroller for her but hadn't needed on at all. It does depend on the child though, and as your 4.5 year old is a first born, might still feel he needs the stroller, too, it's hard to say! It does depend on the child, I think. In my experience though, our first born was far less ready to do similar things that our second born did at his age... I suspect it's nature - Moms tend to nurture (and overprotect) first-borns to the point where they don't do as much for themselves at a certain age as second borns do. (Correct me if I'm wrong, 2 or more child Moms, LOL!!)

Unless your babe is REALLY tiny/small, I think the stroller would be the best bet for her for a lot of the time. Carrying an 8 mos. baby around gets really heavy, REALLY fast.


You seem willing and ready to take it at your child's pace; an excellent thing to do. I was alarmed to read your posting title, lol, but as soon as you mentioned more, I totally understand and am all for it.


You guys will be just fine.

Do NOT though, under any circumstance, let your toddler get hungry/melt-down... feed him at at least 2 X more if he wants, and more often, to prevent melt-downs. Toddlers are growing soooo fast - they need a lot of food, and at more frequent intervals than we might think, because they are exerting themselves so much when they are in the parks.

Also - mid-day nap... VERY important for toddler, and possibly for baby and you (baby will nap whenever, wherever.) Are you able to make it back to the hotel for nap?? I would also suggest YOU elevate your feet on a pillow and use some sort of a cooling lotion on your feet and legs before retiring. (Advil is one of my best friends when in the parks, ha ha.)

You can do it, it will work; you sound prepared, and willing to go slow if need be. Kudos to you!!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Thanks!

We will just be making a day trip as we live in San Diego, so no naps for the 4yo. He eats constantly at home, so I will be bringing food and planning for frequent snacks and potty breaks! My 8mo is NOT small by any stretch of the imagination, LOL, but the carrier is very comfortable and I can easily carry her for a couple of hours at a time. She'll spend some time in the stroller, I'm sure, but she'll nap better in the carrier (she falls asleep on me when we go grocery shopping!).

Thanks again for the tips!

 

[Nala83]

Regarding the tram:

Position yourself next to a kind looking solo traveler or a couple traveling without kids. I think you'll find people are more than willing to pass a stroller up to you and help you unload (as long as they aren't juggling their own young kids/strollers). I know I often lend a hand with this.

 

[Karebear]

My friend went to WDW by herself with an 18 month old and a 4.5 year old. She was there by herself for 2 days before husband could join them (he was on active duty leave). She brought one of those sit n stand strollers. She said that it was a life saver as the 4.5 year old could sit on the ledge of the back when she got tired while the 18 month old sat in the stroller part. She said that it was the same size as a normal stroller and that it was easy to get around with. She purchased it on craigs list so it was pretty cheap--just an idea......

 

[Brady's Mom]

The tram would be the worry for me, too! My little kids love the tram, but folding up the stroller and making sure they get where they need to go and all would kinda freak me out.

I would explain to my 4.5 yr old what we are going to do - maybe after watching a tram get loaded up so he could see exactly what we were going to do. You might be in a line that is long for the stroller seats and I would use that time to try to explain what is going to happen.

I have had people give a hand up or help with folding up a stroller, but I am usually with DH, so we just split up the kids and the stuff. You could also consider telling the CMs near the tram that you need a little help. But, if your DS is not prone to running off and is patient about stuff - I would just explain what you are going to do and you'll probably be just fine.

Can you put DD on one hip in the carrier and messenger bag the diaper bag over your neck and shoulder so you have your hands free for the stroller and to hold DS's hand? Is it a big stroller and hard to manage? That would make a difference for me. Also, could you practice having DS step up on a bench of some sort while you practice stepping up with DD and stroller and diaper bag? That way he might have some idea of what to expect. You might get some funny looks at the park or wherever, but you would know how to balance everything and what order to go in.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Thanks so much for the tips!

DS has been to DLR at least 20 times, so he knows how the tram works and he's very helpful with the baby. I'll "wear" her in the front carrier so my hands will be free - I guess I'll try to have DS go first, pack as lightly as possible, and practice holding the stroller with one hand before we go.