Babies in Parks

[tweetylori]

I'm relatively new here, so maybe this has been addressed before, and I apologize if it has been...I'm just curious why anyone would want to bring a baby to any of these parks, especially in the summertime. When we were there a couple weeks ago, I couldn't believe the number of small babies I saw, looking hot and miserable. Even up to the age of three or so, it seems like it would be more torture to the child than fun.

 

[DisneyPete]

While I don't even want to submit myself to the heat and humidity of a Florida summer, I have brought all of my children to WDW while they were quite young. I didn't think I should make the older children wait until the whole family was older, that just didn't seem fair.

And some families children are very spread out, some visits are planned over a year in advance and some families live nearby and take day trips.

My kids all enjoyed their trips, not that they could speak to me when they were so young, but there were smiles and laughter to tell their story. Even at 9 months, the site of the characters is enough to get kids hopping in their stroller.

Most parents know their children and there are lots of reasons a child may appear unhappy when you see them but overall have a wonderful trip.

 

[puffkin]

To many people, a trip to WDW is a once in a lifetime event, with much planning involved. Your kids are only in that age group where everything is magical and real to them once. I know many people who plan their trip a year or two in advance. Well, sometimes life happens (literally). Is it fair to deprive the other children that chance? I think WDW is entertaining for all ages, from infant to senior citizen.

 

[laceemouse]

We have 4 kids and went a couple of times with babies, so that the older kids would not have to wait until they were teenagers to go. But I agree with you, we never brought babies when it was super hot. Most people do not realize that sun-block is not recommended under the age of six months, and also under six months babies do not sweat properly and can get over heated and run a fever very easily. But, we do not take our kids out of school anymore for vacation, they would just have too much to make up (oldest 2 are in Jr. High) SO......if we had another baby I guess we would have a problem.....LOL!!!

 

[swilphil]

I don't know what the circumstances are for all people who decide to bring babies during the summer, and I don't think I'm really in a position to pass judgment on them. I can only speak for myself. We have gone in the summer for the past two years. Our youngest son was 11 months the first time and 24 months the second time.

I personally would much rather go to central Florida when it's 10 degrees here in the midwest, but we were meeting extended family, and that is the only time of year that we see them. Their children are older, and they choose not to pull them out of school. As a former teacher, I respect their decision on this matter.

There were 10 in our group and 5 of them were children. I have to say that my baby had the easiest time of all the kids (and a few of the adults!). He napped every afternoon and spent the time in the parks lounging in the stroller. We did make frequent stops for him to get out and run around. I did go to great lengths to make sure both my kids were dressed appropriately, well hydrated and got out of the heat to enjoy indoor attractions. We paid extra to stay at the Swan/Dolphin so we could easily come and go between the parks and the hotel.

If people choose to avoid summer with small children, I respect their decision. But I give people the benefit of the doubt that they have reasons for bringing their young ones.

 

[jann1033]

we never took our kids till they were older since we have 2 , 2 yrs apart. i can see the reasoning behind the older sibling thing but in our case, i wanted to wait till our kids would remember what i thought was a "once in a lifetime" trip ( so i was happily wrong !!!) if all goes well we are planning on taking our grandbaby and kids this winter ..she'll be 5 months or so but i would be more nervous about taking a really little baby in the heat of a FL summer. i'd personally wait a yr or so. i wonder how many just don't think of it, especially first time people from the north who don't realize just how hot and humid it can be and how intense the sun is or how crowded the parks can get.

 

[moinab]

Believe it or not, those of us who live in FL don't stay holed up in our air conditioned houses for 6 months out of the year because it's too hot to go outside with a baby or young child. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that most Floridians didn't even have air conditioning.

As long as you take the proper precautions, young children will be fine. Since my 18 month old daughter was 6 weeks old, she and her 3 year old brother have been to SeaWorld 5 times, WDW 8 times, and on a July cruise to the Bahamas (see photo below.) Occasionally, I'm sure they do look miserable to passers-by, but the same thing happens at the grocery store, mall, or anywhere else in public. Neither one has ever been sunburned, dehydrated, or suffered any type of heat related ailment.

My kids love going to Walt Disney World. My DS studies the park maps in between trips and plans what he wants to see the next time we go. DD gets all excited and absolutely lights up when we drive onto WDW property and she sees the purple road signs.

As a PP said, I certainly understand if people choose to avoid going with young children, but please don't judge those of us who do take our young children to WDW.

BTW, for babies too young for sunblock, you can carry them in a sling and use a Totes-style umbrella to keep the sun off of them.

 

[disneyag]

We brought our children once when DD was 6 months and DS was 3. We stopped frequently for breaks and drank lots of fluid. I nursed the baby in every "dark" ride. We went back to the air conditioned Poly for a nap each afternoon. No ill effects.

 

[SamanthaL]

I hate heat and humidity so that is why I have avoided summertime visits. As to whether a baby should go to WDW, I say YES! My DD was 2 on her first trip and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. She believed it was all real and believed in the magic. She is now 5 and has figured out, to my disappointment, that the characters are really people. Some of the "magic" is gone for her and I am glad we got to enjoy it while it lasted. My son will be 16 months when we go in Oct and I can't wait. He will be 2 1/2 on our next trip. I am hoping to experience his joy over the the "magic" before he grows out of it too.

Babies and young children can have a great time in WDW and as a family we wouldn't trade one minute of any of our trips!!

 

[jann1033]

...from the government medical site Healthfinder:

"To help protect children from the sun's damaging effects:

Remember the sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Schedule children's outdoor activities accordingly.

Dress children for maximum protection. Hats with brims and tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and pants offer the best defense. Look for the UPF to ensure sufficient protection.

Select sunglasses that help screen out both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays may contribute to the development of cataracts. Sunglasses that are close-fitting and have big lenses offer more protection.

Keep babies younger than six months out of the sun. Sunscreens may irritate baby skin, and an infant's developing eyes are especially vulnerable to sunlight. "

it also mentioned the obvious... little ones are more suseptible( sp?) to heat stroke and dehydration ( thinner skin) and should be kept out of areas that have intense sun/heat and poor air circulation and of course make sure they are hydrated, more than an adult.