Disney trip with new baby?

[Bird-Mom]

I wouldn't do it. As much as I love Disney, I don't think it is a good idea. I was so tired in the early days (still am at 12 1/2 months!) that it was a miracle if I could get a shower or something to eat. A good nursing relationship takes about 6 weeks to settle in, so you could do some serious damage at this cruicial time. And remember, a newborn can nurse over an hour at a time and shouldn't be rushed! Not exactly conducive to a Disney vacation! You aren't supposed to use sunscreen on such a wee babe either.

After the birth, my recovery was very easy, but remember that your DW most likely will still be bleeding at 4 weeks and the hormone swings can be pretty crazy because her system will still be adjusting. What if she gets baby blues or ppd?

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Sorry, but I'm with the do not go group. There are so many things to consider. Chances are with a first baby that he or she will not arrive on the due date and could in fact only be a few weeks old at trip time. I also would be very concerned about the infant's imunity. There is no way my DS's doctor would approve a trip like this.She belives in keeping the infants away from all crowds even church for 6 weeks. WDW would be full of situations where you would be in crowed closed in areas. A plane trip at this age would not be approved by our dr. either. All that recycled air is not good for the baby. It is really very much up to ,you but as first time parents, sometimes reality hits hard when that little one arrives. I know you will make the right decision for your family.


jordan's mom

 

[Jen D]

Torn on this one. We had to fly to a funeral when my daughter was a month old-- the flying is fine, they sleep alot and if they nurse during take-off and landing their ears aren't a problem (although then they aren't strapped in-- 'nuther issue) One month olds are bad sleepers everywhere, and parents are tired and sleep-deprived everywhere, so traveling isn't so bad. And I sort of had cabin-fever by the end of a month so I didn't mind the trip.

On the other hand-- the two-month thing is no joke-- it is a serious event if a baby gets a fever at under two months. Of course there are hospitals everywhere but when such a thing happens it is good to be close to home. Also, as parents, particularly first-time parents, you're just gonna be EXHAUSTED. Really. Maybe Disney is just the ticket- (I'd advise almost no parks, just pool sun and rest) but you might do better to stay home.

I'm sure it will be fine no matter what-- and if yo DO decide to go, DO feel okay about it-- it will be fine-- but know it might be hard.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Add me to the list of no. I know how hard it is to pass up, but life with a new baby can be tough in the beginning. First of all, most pediatricians (and well baby books) will tell you to keep your child out of crowds for the first couple of months. Fevers can be very dangerous to a newborn, so they really don't want the baby exposed to things like a flu or virus. Someone mentioned being protected against chicken pox in the beginning, but there is little protection from the common cold or virus. And they also suggest that you don't fly with a baby until 2 months. With my first child I did this, but with my second, it just wasn't possible. But I did make sure that he was kept in a baby carrier when out in public. People are less likely to touch a baby while in the carrier imo. Second, if your wife plans to breastfeed, she and the baby may still be in the learning stages. It can take time for Mom and baby to get the hang of it. And I can tell you that newborn nursing babies require a lot of nursing, so your wife will be kept very busy. And finally, the new Mother will probably still feel out of sorts by her new job. She may be exhausted, sleep deprived, and if there were complications, she may still have some pain. And, I don't know about the rest of you, but my hormones were on overdrive for about 6 weeks after delivery. I could be in a great mood one minute, and totally panicked about my new role as a Mother the next.

I know it's a hard decision, and you are obviously asking because you are a concerned Parent. I will say this, we took our 3 month old to Disneyland and it was a precious day! I say wait a couple of months, then go for it!

 

[TwingleMum]

ASK YOUR BABIES DOCTOR !!!!!! No offense to the advise anyone gave here but this is a decision for you and your doctor. I don't mean to come off harsh but it seems a little selfish to go. Babies are very unpredictable a due date is no guarentee. Its a guess. What if they're 2 weeks late?? Are you going to take a 2 week old? What if your DW has a c section. Thats major surgery. My twins are 4 1/2 months . I had a c section. I wasn't allowed to walk upstairs for 2 weeks. I couldn't walk any distance for4 weeks. Being a Mom or Dad means making hard decisions and putting your baby/child's best interest first. October can also be warm babies have a real hard time regulating their body temps. Its your decision and your child. But why risk it??? I'm not anti small children at WDW. I took my 2 1/2 yr old DS when he was 1. I plan on taking the twins for they're 1st birthday. I think a baby 1 month old or younger is a recipe for disaster. Good luck with your baby they are truly miraculous.

 

[floridafam]

I agree with the above poster.

Ask your doctor and while you are there ask that your wife be tested for Group B Strep. It should be mandatory in every OB's office but for some reason it isn't.

Even if you don't go, you'll have this wonderful new bundle of joy to cherish and that is more "Magical" than Disney World.

 

[frankiemom]

familyfam,

This is off the topic of the post but I just wanted to say that I totally agree with you about being tested for Strep B. My dr did it for me 5 years ago before my son was born --it was standard in his office and I tested positive. Thankfully I received antibotics right before I gave birth and my son was healthy. I am amazed at how many people do know about this illness and test. I tell everyone I know who is pregnant to make sure then get it done as well.

Just to add you are so right about the illness not surfacing right away---it can take up to 2 months. I am glad things worked out for you.

 

[SueEllen]

I see you have had a LOT of responses here.

My take on this--it will never be easier with your child. We are seasoned WDW vets. I got pregnant with my 2nd child when my daugher was 10! We had a WDW trip planned for 2 1/2 months after he was born. We went, took him and had a GREAT TIME!

One tip I will offer is to use the baby centers often. The baby will sleep for most of the time in a stroller (take your own) and if you have one with the car seat/carrier, you can just pop off the seat and take it into the restaurants to eat (they will allow the stroller too for the infants). The baby centers offer nursing areas, feeding areas, changing, etc. Basically everything you could need for a baby.

I look back at our pictures and they are priceless! It was one of the best trips. We took him again at 9 months and it wasn't quite as easy, but still enjoyable. Whatever you decide have a great time!

Sue Ellen

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Thanks to everyone for the advice... we have lots of time to decide so we will be thinking very carefully about it before we make a decision.

We certainly would not be stomping around the parks all day with a newborn... we realize that this would be a very slow paced vacation with lots of time spent at the resort... luckily my wife has had no problems, health-wise, so far and while that can easily change, we are hoping and praying for the best. Certainly having a baby will be physically exhausting for my wife, but she has run the New York marathon 4 times and is probably tougher than I am... she wants to go... I am actually the one who has the doubts... but, like I said, we have lots of time to decide and will consider all the issues raised here very carefully.

Thank you all

 

[mommyof2girls]

I took my first child when she was just shy of three months old and had no problems. I felt great within days of delivery and was nursing so feeding was no problem. Do whatever feels right for you.

 

[Debbie]

Oh, dear! I've done it wrong again!

I've taken infants twice! My first was born in the middle of November and we were in Florida by the middle of January~and it was the year of the cold snap, frozen orange trees etc. It was really easy to cart him around! Wish I could say the same now!

My fifth child was born the first of March and we were in Disney the beginning of May. AND she was the colicky one. Guess what? She had a wonderful trip because we used the Snugli and she was cuddled all the time. Oh, I do remember her crying through the Empress Lily breakfast, but sleeping in her stroller under the table throughout the whole of Hoop-Dee-Doo. The trip was actually a real blessing and relief for me and the older kids. (Now remember, we were 7 at the time!!! )

I used the baby centres-they are fabulous for a down time. We stopped often, obviously. And for all my babies I was comfortable tossing a receiving blanket over me and nursing anywhere.

So, it sounds like mom will be fine. I'd plan the trip but do the final decision after babe is here. BTW the characters love babies! Great pix!

 

[shelly3girls]

Once you choose a pediatrician, I would speak to them. I think they would have some valuable advice.

 

[Magic2000]

I would say GO! Although I have not taken any of my girls to Disney at that age (they had each been by the time they were a year old though), I did travel with them to the mall, parks, zoo, long weekend to the beach, waterpark, etc. I felt fine and the babies did fine.

Again, I would plan on going; after the baby comes, if everybody is OK - then go! You can always cancel if need be. And once the baby is born, you can check with your pediatrician.

Take your time, enjoy your new baby, and hopefully, have a wonderful Disney vacation!!!

 

[Desnik]

This is a tough decision and I'm kind of in the same situation.

For my first child, after birth I was miserable!! I had a really bad delivery and couldn't do anything until at least 6 weeks after I gave birth!! DD was 2 weeks early. Formula fed and we had so many complications with feedings, after trying every formula, finally we figured of she is lactose intolerate, still is, this made it a very difficult first 3mo.

I just gave birth to my second child and was put on bed rest at 33 weeks due to early labor. I ended up giving birth at 36 weeks pregnant. I had a great delivery, healthy baby and now at 3 weeks after the birth I feel great!! My Dr. office also does the strep-b test automatically. Baby is very gh his food, easy going and is doing well so far with his formula.

My mother wants to take a family trip and has offered to pay for our hotel at WDW. This would be around the 2nd week in May. My son would be 2mo old. He is a good sleeper, meaning I can get 4hrs straight at night!! To me for a month old baby that's great!!LOL We did take our DD when she was 9mo and that was such a great easy trip for us. We do go often so no commando trip for us. I am in real need for a vacation, had a rough past 6mo and I am ready to go!! So is DD, 5yo, but DH still needs some convincing.

Ultimately I don't see how you could make a definate decision until the baby is here. There are so many factors and you don't know how things are going to be for you and your wife until you are "in it". Some births are easy, some aren't, some people recooperate easier, faster than others, some babies are easier than others. I don't know if you can wait till the baby is here and then decide, that would be my advice.

Good luck and I hope your wife has a healthy pregnancy and good birth!

 

[LoriZH]

You know as long as your plans can be flexible (i.e. if dw ends up with c-section or baby late, illness, etc...) then GO FOR IT! Why waste a GREAT FREE trip (you did say FREE right? lol) I am sure as new parents you will be able to make the right decisions and most newborns sleep a lot so you can do a lot of things you probably think you will not be able to do. BUT, do not think that for ONE minute you will be eating a HOT meal for the next 18 months, babies don't like that, they will wake up and cry the second the server puts the plate in front of your face! lol

HAVE FUN and report back to us!

PS, I have seen many many many many (did I say many?) people at WDW with infants with other kids in tow!!!!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

Seriously consider everything Longracing has said. A number of valid points were made. My nephew had RSV as an infant and continues to have recurrent respiratory problems. He is now 7. Infants are not immune from all the germs out there. I'd do everything to protect mine.

 

[JESW]

You may not know your true answer until the time comes. Your wife may feel great now and has had a great pregnancy but things may change. Our neighbor had the same type of pregnancy but then ended up having an emergency c-section. She had her DD back on 11/1 but is still recovering. I don't know the full details, but she had some problems and is still out of work. She can only work short distances at a time.

This may sound like a selfish comment, but please also think about the people in the resort in the rooms around yours. At one of our trips to the YC we were next door to a family with an infant. The baby cried A LOT. You could hear the parents trying to comfort him/her but the crying went on and on (and on..) The walls are not very soundproof. We have kids of our own, but we were very happy when they checked out after a couple of days.

My oldest was a horrible sleeper and colicky. DH & I were up until all hours and exhausted all the time. Going to Disney would have been the last thing on our minds.

Some of the responses have been from people who took trips with a child that wasn't their first. Big difference. You are more relaxed (usually) with children after your first.

Good luck to you with whatever you decide. Congratulations on your up-coming arrival!

Jill

 

[megnsamsgrace]

I am due with baby # August 13th. I have had all preemies so far and all my drs are expecting another early bird (they will not stop labor after July 15th). We have a 2 week trip planned for October 3-17/18th. Part of the reason for the 2 weeks is so that we are flexible with going to the parks. I had a hard delivery with DS (#1) and it took me 3 weeks just to move about right, 6 weeks before I felt like myself. Then baby #2 comes and it was a PIECE OF CAKE! I was up moving about within 2 hours, didn't even feel like I gave birth, HONEST. Then #3 came and it was a bit hard, it took me 2 days before I was walking normal again. If this baby is indeed a preemie (as all u/s are predicting right now with cervix checks) the baby will be 2 1/2 months - 3months. I plan on nursing so feeding in the parks will be pretty easy. I will also have DH and my dad with me to help with the older 3 kids (they will be 6 1/2, 5 and 2 1/2 at the time). I honestly say to go, your wife will enjoy getting out and about. And if your wife has a hard delivery, hopefully this is something you can cancel (I didnt see how it was going to be basically free). I have talked to my ped and she was totally fine about the airplane, she said that as long as the baby is sucking on something, he/she should be fine. I also plan on giving some decongestant beforehand just in case. Congrats on the baby and please let us (me) know what you decide to do... this is my first WDW trip with a new baby... Steph due with bean #4

 

[merryweather's twin]

Hi! I just thought I would chime in here..... GO!!!
If you cannot at the last minute then make sure you can cancle.
I have taken a 1 mo to WDW! With 3 sibs in tow. It was the best trip ever. I had an emer C-section and the baby did not have a heart beat at birth.... She was fine... She was born Aug 30 and we went the first week in Oct.
I would make a few suggestions....Pick up your share!!! Push the stroller tell her (your bride) she is wonderful, buy her special things like chocolates just becouse. (post pardom can be hard the first time around I would also say throw any diet or slim down plan out the window for the week!) (please use protection if getting frisky even though your Dr may say no untill 6 weeks sometimes you may throw caution to the wind (4 WEEKS IS A LONG TIME FOR MOST GUYS) and breasfeeding will not allways protect you!) I know first hand! Breastfeed if possable. Have Mom eat what she would if she was at home like vegies and fruit (I once had a cheese pizza and a forth of a new york cheese cake in one afternoon and the baby got sick.)And drink alot of water.
Take the blankie unwashed from home to sleep with(it will smell like home) take 2 -3 outfits a day for changing.It has allways amased me that a very small baby can poop so much! I have went to having the babys sleep in a pack and play for a few nights before the trip so the bed is not new. Our latest Kris loved her stroller so much that she slept in it. ( they are very small at one month and do not roll over yeat and I think she liked the womb like feeling ) Bring your own stroller that has a full recline position.
Bring a snuggly or a baby carry pouch. some have breast feeding holes. Get a few books for light reading like what to expect Preg and 0-3years books.... They give you an idea of what is going on so you don't worry so much. Find out what hospitals are covered in the ins plan you have. Ask your Dr. for referances in Orlando. Carry a cell phone with numbers in case you have questions. Most of all enjoy your new family... You are so lucky to get a week with your first born and your wife. Most guys only see the Baby for a day or 2 after birth and then a few hours a night. Enjoy it! And even if the worst happens and you decide to stay home you will get to spend a week with them! Bobbie

 

[awatt]

TALK TO YOUR WIFES OBSTETRICIAN.

During the first 6 weeks postpartum the uterus is shrinking back to its usual size and the perineum and pelvic floor are healing. Which is why patients are advised to take it easy for 6 weeks i.e. not even carry a laundry basket upstairs. A Disney vacation even at a slower pace is strenuous and perhaps too strenuous for the immediate postpartum period.