Anyone taken a 6 month old to Disney?

[leighe]

DH and I are planning a trip for late July and are trying to decide if we'll be taking Abby with us or not. She'll be almost 7 months by then. My parents will keep her if we go without her and we'll probably take a shorter trip (3 or 4 days).

Anyone have any experiences to share?

BTW - please don't flame me or anyone else. I just want to hear about people's experiences, I don't want to start a debate about if it's right or wrong to take a child so young or to leave a child at home, etc.

 

[5wdwfans]

We left of first DS at home with Grandma when he was 5 months old because we knew we would be restricted on what we could do. On third child and many disney trips under our belts we took DS 9 months old but we were traveling we our older two children and used baby swap and still had a very enjoyable time. So if your not traveling with other children you will have to ride the hight requirements rides alone. I think I would leave him with your parents this trip.

 

[numbersman]

I say go and enjoy it. She's part of your family - why not take her? We took our DD last year when she was about 3 1/2 months old, along with DS9 and DD6, and we had a great time. The baby can actually go on most everything they have there, except height requirement rides, so either my wife or I would stay with the baby while the other went with the older kids, then we'd switch and let the other parent go. The older kids always got to go twice, which they loved!! However, it doesn't look like you have older kids at this point, so that really wouldn't come into play. I'd ask yourselves WHY you're going - do you want a vacation ALONE, or do you want to take a family vacation? If you want a family vacation, then you obviously need to take her, and live with either not riding the "big" rides or riding them by yourself, one parent at a time. If you want a vacation ALONE as your goal, then leave her with your parents.

Either way, you'll have a great time!

 

[WantToGoNow]

I took my ds when he was 6 months. It really was an easy trip. I packed everything he would need for the day in a big diaper bag, took our own full-sized stroller so we’d have plenty of storage space, he could sleep comfortably, etc. He went on every ride that didn’t have a height restriction and sat through every show that we did. He was a very easy going baby and just went with the flow.

Went again when my dd when was turning 1 (ds now 3.5). It was a little more difficult with her. She was not as easy going as my ds and did not want to be in the stroller all the time – she had just started walking 2 weeks before we went. She also weighed a ton (or atleast it felt like it) when carrying through the cues. Again, she went on all the rides and to all the movies. The only thing I had to take her out of was The Terminator at Universal – all the gunfire scared her to death – my 3.5 y/o ds loved it.

Personally, I feel that it’s a family vacation and the family will be going – no matter their ages but then again, I’ve never left my children behind while I went on any trip.

 

[Addicted2TheMouse]

I'd say take this opportunity to go by yourselves. Soon she'll be old enough that it would be cruel to go to Disney without her. This time, you should go and have a romantic time together. I took DS when he was 5 months. It wasn't bad but would I have had more fun with just DH? Definitely.

 

[mommyintn]

JMO, if you have parents that wouldn't mind keeping her do that. When our boys were 4yrs & 6 months old we were in California for a wedding and went to Disneyland in August. It was burning up hot outside and we all felt horrible after that day and our 6 month old would've been content somewhere else. There are so few times you're able to get away as a couple I would take this time to reconnect as a couple (who are also Dad & Mom now) and let Abby bond and get loved on by Grandma & Grandpa! Our boys are now 6 & 3 and we are going to Disneyworld for the 1st time in March and I know we'll all enjoy ourselves this time!

 

[elmonshea]

We are going in March with son 7 years, dd 2 1/2 years and dd will be 7 months.
I am looking forward to it..
we took ds and dd when they were 1 and they loved it both times..
I know we will have to limit to what we can ride but I will be happy to let dh and the older kids ( more kids going with us) go do whatever they want while me and dd take it easy and take breaks either walking , sitting , going back to the resort OR they also have baby centers that will be a lifesaver.. ( I think they are listed on the park maps and if they are not any CM will laed you to one)

And in Dec-Jan we will be taking another trip when our youngest dd will be alittle over a year old and my brother and sil will be brigging there 6 month old.. She is preg. now..

I say if you want to include the baby then take Her if you two want to do alot and adult stuff.. Let her stay at home this time around.. And you can pay attention to others there with kids so you will be prepared when you do take her.
Either way is great !

 

[rgribik]

I would say if you have someone to watch her, go for the shorter time alone.
We have done it with babies, and just got back from our 2nd long weekend without the kids(it was wonderful!!!)

The biggest reason I wouldn't take her is the time of year that you are going. We have been there many times in July. It can be super hot and have soaking downpours(they usually only last 15 mins. but it can be nasty with a baby and stroller and no place to hide) Don't forget July is a very busy month also. Maybe consider taking the vacation and baby at a slower, cooler time of year, January was great, so was October and November.

 

[labst60]

Hi - we took DD at 3 months (in June) and then again at 7 months (Oct).
The 3 month trip was tough - but I really think we "learned the ropes" with that trip and the trip when she was 7 months was our favorite vacation ever. All three of us (me, DH and DD) had a blast - she had just learned to crawl and pull herself to standing 2 weeks before the trip, also she liked to "walk" with us holding her hands above her head. I'll never forget "walking" her down the boardwalk late one night. Sure - SHE"LL never remember either of those trips, but I have a ton of great memories that I'll never forget! She was a good enough sitter to be in a resturant high chair- and we got a "Buggy Bag" at BRU for a little extra support- she did great at all meals - we usually got her saltines and then a cup of hot water to heat her baby food. She was breastfed both trips and we just fed her whenever she was hungry/thirsty (wanted to avoid any dehydration). We'd stop at a quiet bench or feed her in a show or on the ferry. She's fed on-demand at home, so that was no different for us. We flew down for both trips - no problems there - actually her first flight, I met DH in Orlando - so we were on our own - and it was still pretty easy!
Another thing to consider is that you may or may not be ready to leave the baby overnight at 7 months. DD is 11 months now and I have yet to leave her overnight- even with family, even though I've had multiple opportunities. Not that I don't trust them- they are wonderful with her - it just doesn't "feel" right yet (probably b/c she is still nursing at night). If you have any more questions or want any more tips, send me a PM!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

We took our kids for the first time when ds#1was 2 and dd was 8 months and then we went back when ds#1 was 3 and dd was a little over 1 while I was pregnant with ds#2. Got that? We are now planning another trip and ds#2 will be 6 months old ds#1 will be almost 4 and dd will be almost 2.5. WE LOVE IT!!!! It is so much fun with the kids! Even when the kids are really young it is so wonderful to see how they enjoy some things so much and some things.....not so much! Take the baby. The memories you will make will be priceless for you and dh.

 

[brownj15]

Just got back from WDW 2 weeks ago. We were there for a week. We took our 6 month old along with our son who is 5 and our daughter who is 2 1/2. If I could do it over again, I would not bring her. She was really fussy whenever we went to the parks. At the townhouse she was fine. Luckily, grandma came with us so we could keep her back there while we went to the parks on some days. I probably would have shortened our trip too if she had stayed behind.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I think you should take her

For our last trip to Disney, my son was 6 months old. It did take a bit of preplannng, but everything worked out just fine.

We got one of those bags that hang on the stroller, so we wouldn't have to worry about lugging a big diaper bag. We just made sure we had bottles with water and a formula container, a bunch of diapers/wipes, and a changing pad. It was so easy. We would time his bottle feedings for longer rides (TTA) or a show. He wasn't relying on baby food yet, so I didn't even mess with it on the trip.

I got him used to sitting in the regular seat in the stroller. I wouldn't recommend dealing with the infant carseats with the stroller. That would have made things more difficult on the bus. I also brought my Baby B'Jorn.

He was able to go on most everything with us...at least those attractions that my other children wanted to go on. The only thing I can think of was the Orbiter. I think he went on everything else that my 6 and 3 year old went on.

Now, we did have to do some advanced planning since I realized ds would not be sitting by himself yet. We were flying, and therefore, were limited with what we could bring. I knew we couldn't very well hold him or plop him in the crib every minute in the room. I got one of those no-frills bouncy seats (just your cheapest, basic one) that came apart. I was able to take it apart and pack all the pieces right in the suitcases. That was a lifesaver!!! Oh, and for baths we brought along an inflatable baby tub. The only problem was that we couldn't deflate it enough to fit back in the suitcase, so we ended up leaving it behind.

6-7 months is actually ap retty easy age to work with on a Disney trip. I've since added another ds to our family, so I know it will be more challenging next time, since he'll be 14 months. It sure will be fun juggling four!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

We took my oldest for the 1st time at 8 months, it was great.

My youngest went for the 1st time at 7 months. IMO that is a great age to go. She had a blast, was easy to care for. Was able to sit up, eat in high chairs and had started a little baby food at that time so we had something to feed her at the table (keeping her from getting bored.) She loved the baby bjorn and had a great time. This was March, my best friend had her 6 month old, and he did good too.

We went again in May she was 9 months old, that was even a better trip.

My biggest (and only really) concern is the time of year you are going. July is hot and sometimes rainy. If you are prepared for it and make sure the baby doesn't over heat and sun burn you should be good.

I know from another thread that your baby is very young right now. I would guess you could not even imagine leaveing your baby right now. I would feel the same way too. At that age all my babies really needed was me, so as long as they were with me they were fine. It would of been much harder to be away from me, then on vaction with us. (I was her main food source too.)

Do what you are most comfortable with. You don't have to decided now, infcat I wouldn't. It is too hard to know what kind of baby she will be in that many months. Take some time for both of you to get used to things and decied later.

Best of luck.

 

[rt2dz]

I'm not reading anyone else's posts because I don't want to be slightly influenced in my response. I'm just going to tell you about my experience when we went when DS#2 was 7 months (since this is about the same age).

First, a little about DS. To call him high maintance is being exteremly nice. This is a child who at 2 still doesn't always sleep through the night. He also has a lot of respitatory issues and at that time was still fairly in and out of the hospital monthly and in the dr's office weekly. He has no schedule, although a general routine and ate about every 1 1/2 hours up till the time we left. During our week at WDW he did start eating every 2- 2 1/2 hours. I nursed. He just started sitting up about a week before we left. You get the idea.

I absolutely, positively do not regret taking him. The times we have been at WDW with him (he has been more than once), have been the easiest weeks of my life with him. He even slept better. He fussed less because there was more for him to do/look at, and being outside so much was wonderful for him. And babies are so portable. Everytime a child gets a little older, it gets a little harder.

We did not miss out on one thing by having him there. We baby swapped rides he couldn't go on, which really isn't that much. Diaper changing stations are everywhere. Benches are everywhere. At restaurants, cms were quick to get anything we might need and offer much more without being asked (warm bottles/food, get him something to eat like mashed potatoes). If he was sleeping, "oh, don't disturb the baby--you can bring the stroller in; we'll find a way to accomadate him.

Magical moments were their galore. Characters went out of their way to see him, not always making their guides happy. When at Rafaki's in AK, there were face characters there down on the floor playing with him for ~20 minutes. Granted, there wasn't anyone else there since it was almost closing, but that would not have happended if it were only our older DS. He got his first haircut at WDW. And I have a lot of great pictures and wonderful memories. I would bring any baby again in a heartbeat.

We drove (necessary with all his medical equipment), so when we got there we went shopping for the needed baby stuff. If you are flying, you could pre-ship it, have a limo stop, or have it delivered to your hotel. We brought our stroller from home that he knew well and is much more comfortable thanumbrella's or rentals (which infantsshouldn't be in anyhow). We also brought a frontpack , which he was in A LOT. Everything was easy & convienant.

 

[tiff211]

I say if you can leave her behind and not be in Disney thinking and wishing you had brought her along then go for the trip with just the two of you. As she gets older and if you have kiddies it will be harder and harder to leave her/them behind. She will have a blast if she goes but won't remember it and also won't remember not going either. Her GP will probably love the opportunity to spoil their GD without the watchful eye of mommy and daddy.

We took a trip alone to Cancun in 2004 and the first 12 hours I was racked with guilt but then I let it go and enjoyed the much needed time alone with DH. Go and enjoy!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I say if you can leave her behind and not be in Disney thinking and wishing you had brought her along then go for the trip with just the two of you. As she gets older and if you have kiddies it will be harder and harder to leave her/them behind. She will have a blast if she goes but won't remember it and also won't remember not going either. Her GP will probably love the opportunity to spoil their GD without the watchful eye of mommy and daddy.

We took a trip alone to Cancun in 2004 and the first 12 hours I was racked with guilt but then I let it go and enjoyed the much needed time alone with DH. Go and enjoy!

Good point, the differnce between Cancun and WDW is babies are EVERYWHERE at WDW. Everytime I have taken my DD's when they were young we have meet mother's eye mine wistfully telling me they had a baby the same age, but they left them at home. They were having a good time, but every baby made them think of them and miss them.

Myself personally, as much as I love WDW (with and with out kids, because DH and I have gone many times before having children) I would tend to lean towards an adult only vacaiton for more of an adultly place, like Cancun. (However I have yet to take one of those myself. )

If you are nursing or bottle feeding will make a difference in your choice. Nursing it is just as easy to have the baby with you so you don't have to worry about pumping and all, but it can be done.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Amelia was 5 months old when we took her. It was a wonderful trip! We spent a lot of time just walking around and relaxing. Our afternoons were spent i our villa away from the heat while she slept. We saw a few shows -- she enjoyed Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Disney Playhouse and even Mickey's Philharmagic.

Because I'm an EPing Mom, I was able to pump in the Baby Care Center's nursing room. It was piece of cake! I kept her bottles and my BM chilled in a softsided cooler with ice packs.

I was most nervous about the flight but that worked out great!

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

My youngest has been to WDW at 4 months, DL at 10 months, and DLP at 18 months. I wouldn't have it any other way! At 4 months she was looking around and enjoying herself. At 10 months she was dancing and wiggling - if she could go on it she did and she loved it all. At 18 months she's an old pro and becomes the happiest baby in the world as soon as we hit the parking lot. She points out the castles when she sees them and screams Disney. So it accomplished two things, we had an awesome vacation and got GREAT pictures (the princesses covered her in kisses at Cinderella's Royal Table - she had lipstick all over her little head!) and at 19 months she's a hard core Disney fan!

I say take her and have a great time!