Calling all experts! Tips for travelling with a 13 month old!!

[mjmcca]

I have gone serveral times with little ones. When DS was 10 months. When Ds was 19 months and DD was 2 months. The last time was when DS was 28 months and DD was 11 months.


I would get at least an adult poncho to cover the stroller while you are in the attractions. The stroller rain cover is a great idea. I bought one for my first trip withthe 2 of them with the double stroller it worked very well. One step ahead has great baby travel items. I was able to get a side bag for my stroller to put toys in.

I like to take a cooler (the small collapsable fabric kind that will fit into the basket under the stroller) into he parks with snacks and water for the kids. I dont pack full meals but i do take some perishables for them to snack on.

Bring a change of clothes. If the baby gets wet they will be miserable. Pack a few swimmers for the fountains.


Take it slow make sure the little one gets enough hydration. I would stay away from sodas because they have caffine which can cause dehydration I wouldnt hesitate to give the baby lemonade if they didnt want juice or water to make sure they dont get too dehydrated.


Try them with the characters. I took DS when he was little and he loved them . DD seemed to like them too.

 

[averysmom]

lots of great advice and it seems like you have the right attitude - remember you can't be a park commando with little kids!

I don't know if you were planning on renting a car or not. the first time we went with our ds, he was 4 1/2 months - we had never rented a car before and so we didn't think we needed one. It would have been a good idea. When we went when he was 14 months old, we rented the car and it was so much easier! The only place we took DT was to MK; everywhere else we took the car. We will keep renting a car until ds is probably 7 or 8.

 

[N&B'smom]

We've rented a minivan! When my hubby and I went by ourselves we rented a car as well. ( a convertible - oh how things have changed! LOL) It is easier, you don't have to wait on transportation. This time we plan on driving everywhere but MK since we are staying at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and we can take the boat.

Shelby

 

[homeschooler]

Just a little back ground. The first year, I went alone with 3 kids, ds 4 MONTHS, ds 4 years and dd 8. We flew. I had never flown before. I went on a whim. (Actually, more of a fit.) I had a small umbrella stoller and bear necessities. We had a marvelous time. The two older kids still talk about it. We stayed at PO and one of the waiters in the restaraunt (when it was still there) came running out to meet us the next year remembering the loony lady with 3 kids on her own. DH just stood there watching as we all got big hugs, especially the now 16 mo old who had no clue who this guy was.

Two years later, I was again traveling alone and this time driving from Ohio. I was chickening out. Too much. Too long. No support. All the worries. My father came over and chewed me royal. "These are your kids. You are with them every day. What the $%^#$# is your problem." I found out later that that was one of the hardest things he ever did because Mom and Dad didn't want me driving that distance alone either and had their own worries. Anyway, it worked and the kids and I drove, now ages 2.5, 6, and 10. We had a blast and we have done it alone since.

What I am trying to say is, you know your kid. You know you. Just take a deep breath, think it through and decide what you might need. Take a little extra money and a little less 'things." And DON'T LET THE PANIC SET IN. If the baby doesn't have a clean bib on the last day, who cares. If it starts cutting teeth, buy the medicine at the hotel or park. They have just about everything you might need.

I know alot of people take the afternoon off with little ones. My two little ones just slept in the stoller. My oldest probably wouldn't have done that. DD always needed to know what was going on. It depends on you and the baby.

You will have a blast and so will the baby. Just try and relax, enjoy, don't stress, don't let the panic set in. Take what you think you will need and leave what you might want home.

HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

[WDWLinda]

Make a PS for a character meal. Its a great way for the little one to get aquainted with the characters. We first took my son when he was 15 mo.s and started with a late seating at Chef Mickeys - it was great. Mickey approached real slowly, with his hands by his side, and sat across from my son. He reached out for Mickey's nose, and loved all the characters from then on. And you'll have a great time watching them. The Ice Cream Social is another good way to see the characters - in the Garden Grill at EPCOT. Only $7 pp and delicious ice cream - not too crowded.

You've gotten great advice already - all stuff I would have said. Use the Baby Centers in each park - way better then changing your baby on a fold out table, and the 4 yr old can watch TV for a bit to cool down.

Sounds like you've got it all covered - now go have a wonderful trip!

~Linda

 

[princessmurdough]

You guys are all fantastic - have I mentioned I love these boards!
I know we'll have a wonderful trip - and these are marvellous tips.
THANK-YOU!

 

[N&B'smom]

Oh my gosh! Alone with 3 kids at WDW?? You BRAVE woman!!!

Shelby