Disney with a 12 month old....

[renae0118]

We are going back to Disney in September. Our DD will have just turned 1 2 weeks before. Anyone have any experience in taking a 12 month old? Any tips or advice?

I am dreading packing that many diapers & stuff. Do you have to drag a lot of stuff to the parks with you? How did you pack baby food in your luggage? Will the airlines let you pack baby food?

Any help or information is greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!
Renae

 

[alliesmommy]

We took our DD for her 1st birthday last year. It was a fantastic trip.

We learned a few valuable lessons on that trip that we'll use again when we return in September:

Noises really bothered DD. We had a rental car, so we bought her some of the kid sized wax earplugs for fireworks and shows. She enjoyed them a lot more after we did this.

Disposables were our friends for the entire week. We brought disposable bibs and changing pads and the stick on placemats for eating. When you are finished, just toss them. One less thing to lug around in the parks.

When I packed our diaper bag (Backpack) for the day, I would put a diaper, a few wipes (in a small ziploc) and a disposable changing pad in a larger ziploc. I packed several of them in the bag. When I went to change DD, I'd just grab one of the bags so I didn't have to lug everything into the bathroom and it made everything convenient. No digging for everything.

If your DD hasn't had her first haircut, consider taking them to the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street. We took DD there for her first cut, and the were incredible. For around $20, we got her haircut, pink Mickey ears hat with "First Haircut" embroidered on it, and a certificate. They were so patient with her and she loved it! They just cut about 1/4 of an inch from DD's hair, then they wrapped it up with Mickey confetti. When I got home, I put it in a baggie and scrapbooked it along with the certificate and pics.

Afternoon breaks back at the hotel are essential. We kept DD on her nap schedule and would leave the parks every day for a couple of hours. She was usually asleep before we made it back to the hotel. It was a nice break for us as well.

As for the baby food, can't help you with this one. We rented a car and made a grocery run after checking in.

HTH! Have a great time! The memories that you create on this trip will stay with you forever.

 

[msmama]

I was there with my 10 month old in Feb. He was walking then though so it was a lot like having a 1 yo.

My guy was off babyfood by then. So, he ate what we ate. We did eat at buffets when we could so it was easier to find food for him. I took things like cheerios/puffs, yogurt melts, a lot of the gerber snacky-types of food. I think I took maybe one jar of baby food for emergency purposes but didn't end up using it.

I didn't have a problem packing diapers really. I figured the used diaper room would be extra space for souveniers on the way home.

I did the opposite of the pp on the disposable route, lol (well, except for diapers). I have a diaper pod thing that holds 4 diapers, wipes and all rolls up into a changing pad so I just had to grab that out of the bottom of the stroller for changes. I also got a "Tiny Diner Placemat" from Babies R Us. It's a rubber mat that sticks to the table and has a little trough for food spills and then it all rolls up into a tube for easy portability.

You know your baby the best. We didn't bother going back to our rooms in the afternoon - he would have slept on the bus and then been awake by the time we got back. We did, however, keep our days at the park short. The only thing we did at night was Illuminations at Epcot because it was within walking distance (we stayed at the BWI).

I don't know if you are or will still be nursing but I nursed in a lot of shows and he fell asleep during several shows or on rides.

I'd say the most important thing for us was making sure we were prepared to go at his pace and to go KNOWING that we weren't going to get to do as much as we normally would. We had a list of a few things at each park that we MUST do's and then we just told ourselves that everything we did over those was a bonus. I didn't leave thinking that we missed much (though when I think about it critically, there's a TON we didn't do).

Have a great time!

 

[Colleen27]

I am dreading packing that many diapers & stuff. Do you have to drag a lot of stuff to the parks with you? How did you pack baby food in your luggage? Will the airlines let you pack baby food?

Any help or information is greatly appreciated!!!

We don't pack diapers, wipes, baby food, or any other disposable/consumable baby products other than what is in the diaper bag. Instead, we arrange a grocery delivery for our arrival day. We use Wegoshop.com and have been very happy with them. Others use GardenGrocer.com. For a small fee (smaller than a checked bag fee), they'll bring anything you order to your resort.

 

[gigi729]

Don't forget to check out the wonderful Baby Care Centers in each of the parks. There have nice changing tables, a full kitchen you have access to if you need to heat food or bottles, rocking chairs for nursing or napping. Very nice places for a break. They also sell essentials there in case you may have forgotten anything.

We too usually arrange a grocery delivery, but we do travel with a few things on the plane. Yes you can bring small amounts of baby food on board the plane, I think the size I did last year was the stage 2 and there was no problem. I even ended up having to feed DD on plane because of all the delays we had!

I also swear by the Tiny Diner mat, we LOVE this product. The kids eat on it and then just rinse or clean with wipe, roll it up and its ready for next time! I usually just toss a few diapers, wipes and cream into a changing pad roll up and toss in bottom of stroller, and 1 change of clothes. We also found these neat clips that go around babys neck and clip a napkin to it to make a bib. Instead of having to carry around dirty bibs or keep buying disposables, we have an instant bib anywhere!

Relax and enjoy! Its fun to have little ones in the happiest place on Earth!

 

[tjknitz]

I am going to WDW for the first time with a 12mo old as well in Sept. I have never done this before so I'm also interested in any answers from this post. I will tell you, however, that I plan on having the diapers shipped to our resort so they are there before we arrive. I don't plan on checking in any of that stuff. I also plan on shopping at wegoshop.com or gardengrocer.com to get the things that she will need (cheerios, gerber graduates snacks, etc).

 

[princess pooh]

We just got back with our 13 month old. We ordered diapers, wipes, bibsters, and toddler snacks from Garden Grocer. We also brought some Take and Toss sippy cups, bowls, and spoons, as well as disposable place mats. I kept some dish soap in the hotel room to wash his sippy cups.

The baby care centers were a life saver for us. He isn't walking yet so it was a safe place for him to crawl around and blow off some steam. We usually fed him there too since the high chairs were spotless.

I was also really glad to have brought an umbrella stroller that reclined all the way. My kiddo would pass out in there every afternoon so it gave us time to eat and shop in peace.

We didn't end up taking much to the parks. Just a few diapers, a package of travel wipes, sippy, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. They sell baby products in the shops and baby care centers if you forget anything.

I was really stressed before leaving but it turned out to be a great trip.

 

[bekkiz]

This is such great info! We're taking our boys, who will be 11.5 months, in October. The main thing I'm worried about is the daily schedule. But, hopefully, they won't mind missing their morning nap--or at least napping in the stoller or carrier while at the park. Then they can have a proper nap back at the room in the afternoons.

 

[figment41]

We took our DD1 last September and then again in December. So here is what we found helpful.

We did a once umm twice in a lifetime trip by staying at the Grand Floridian. We normally stay at All stars or for an upgrade Dixie Landings oops sorry Port Orleans Riverside. But this time I wanted to be able to use the monorail system as much as possible.

We brought our own fully reclinable safe and clean stroller from home. We did not rent a car so Disney transportation was our only option. Being on the monorail meant we did not have to collapse the stroller. Although there were times when we did. So for those times I do not recommend just throwing everything into the bottom of the stroller. Make sure you have it in an easy one bag system. This would have caused a little less aggravation from DH. He also would not have mentioned I was bringing/buying too much stuff at this point.

Bring lots of wipes... antibacterial for your self and others and also to wipe off some of the handles they might grab onto. I am not a complete germ freak but I am getting there. My DD sucks her thumb and everything she touches goes right into her mouth. I know they have the gels etc but that kills the germs it doesn't seem to get them off. That is my choice to use wipes do as you wish.

As far as food goes... my DD has severe alllergies sooooo I brought it all.
On the airplane I brought at least 2 days worth of baby food in her diaper bag. I declared it before going through security and explained her allergies and had no problem. I also had her epipens and benadryl liquid with me. Along with this I ahd a note from her Dr. explaining I need to bring these liquids onto the plane. (I never even showed it) As far as checking food I used 2 small soft sided coolers like you would use for bringing lunch to the office. Every 3 or 4 jars got put into a ziploc bag incase of breakage or leaks and then into the cooler because it was padded in between the sleeves of ziploced food I put our socks etc. Things that we were packing anyway.

I left the diapers in their sealed pkg and used almost an entire suitcase for them. I packed other small things around them but I knew TSA would be searching my bags as there was so much food and liquids in there so anything I could leave sealed I did. Just for my own sanity. Plus they are vaccum sealed so they would take up less room.

I also brought everything disposable. I love the table toppers that you just toss and the bibsters so I was not carrying around dirty bibs all day. Make sure when you buy the disposable bibs they are the ones that can be refastened. When you are at a charachter breakfast you may want to take them off before snapping those adorable pics.

Bring lots of sunscreen and hats.

We tried the first 2 days to go back to our room for naps and wasted a whole lot of time. Whenever we made it to the room napping was the furthest from her mind. It did not help that she could see us even if we were laying down. We did bring her pack n play from home but she just wasn't having it. she must take after her mommy We are id Disney World... time to move it!!! She ended up napping in her stroller or on dark rides or in shows. Not the best napping situations but they worked for her. That led to more shopping time for mommy.

I hope this helps sorry it was so long. Just remeber if you are used to doind Disney commando style...it won't happen. Things are going to be different and a lot slower. Stop and just watch your childs face as they go down Main Street take lots of pictures and have.

One more point.. there are a lot of rides and shows that they can actually go on at this age. Also use baby swap tickets for those they can't go on.

 

[cmdmom]

This is great advice. We are travelling next month with our 10 mth. old son. Alot of the questions that I had are now answered. Thanks!!

 

[wishtdream]

Last year DD was 13 months when we went last August. We go to the parks at rope drop or am emh and stay for pm emh. We only took an afternoon break at the hotel once in nine days. We drive so we would keep extra diapers and wipes in the van for emergencies(we never needed them) We used sling bags and a backpack cooler to carry what we needed in the parks and we had the dining plan We carried 6 diapers, a refillable wipes container, some pre packed sliced apples and dry cereal for her to munch during the day and lots of bottled water. She ate what we ate at meal times and napped in her sling. That was her second trip she was a trooper. We all had a blast especially her big sister who turned six soon after we came home.

My best advice would be to relax. Take with you to the park each day what you would take for any other outing of that length.

 

[bdtracey]

Great thread and tips! DW and I are taking our little fella at the end of Sept. He'll be 14mo by then and have a fairly good idea of what to expect. We did DL in Dec. with him and THAT was an eye-opening experience. We ate most of our meals back at the hotel as he was pretty unpredictable at 4.5mo old.

One question: where do you park the stroller for TS meals?

 

[hardingk]

Our dd is 8mo and has been to WDW several times already. We normally stay at a DVC resort, but have a trip planned to POP in August. She will still be on formula. Any advice for washing bottles & sterlizing? I am used to the kitchenette or dishwasher in the DVC resorts. Thanks!

 

[HGD24]

Our dd is 8mo and has been to WDW several times already. We normally stay at a DVC resort, but have a trip planned to POP in August. She will still be on formula. Any advice for washing bottles & sterlizing? I am used to the kitchenette or dishwasher in the DVC resorts. Thanks!

Buy a travel-sized bottle of dishsoap and pack a sponge. You can clean them in the bathroom sink every night. Or, if your DD will take them, use Playtex Nursers with the liners. The liners are recycleable. We used them on our recent trip when our DD was 8 months old and they worked well. That way you only carry one bottle, a few nipples and a few liners into the parks each day. Keep a spare ziploc on hand to put the nipples in after use.

 

[HGD24]

We just got back with our 13 month old. We ordered diapers, wipes, bibsters, and toddler snacks from Garden Grocer. We also brought some Take and Toss sippy cups, bowls, and spoons, as well as disposable place mats. I kept some dish soap in the hotel room to wash his sippy cups.

The baby care centers were a life saver for us. He isn't walking yet so it was a safe place for him to crawl around and blow off some steam. We usually fed him there too since the high chairs were spotless.

I was also really glad to have brought an umbrella stroller that reclined all the way. My kiddo would pass out in there every afternoon so it gave us time to eat and shop in peace.

We didn't end up taking much to the parks. Just a few diapers, a package of travel wipes, sippy, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. They sell baby products in the shops and baby care centers if you forget anything.

I was really stressed before leaving but it turned out to be a great trip.

I could have written this post myself!

 

[hardingk]

Buy a travel-sized bottle of dishsoap and pack a sponge. You can clean them in the bathroom sink every night. Or, if your DD will take them, use Playtex Nursers with the liners. The liners are recycleable. We used them on our recent trip when our DD was 8 months old and they worked well. That way you only carry one bottle, a few nipples and a few liners into the parks each day. Keep a spare ziploc on hand to put the nipples in after use.

We use the Dr. Brown's bottles which have so many parts. She was very colicy the first 8 weeks and the bottles really helped!

 

[kisaacs]

Here's a list of my pluses and minuses from my trip with my 11 month old:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138027

Kristen

 

[HGD24]

We use the Dr. Brown's bottles which have so many parts. She was very colicy the first 8 weeks and the bottles really helped!

We used Playtex Ventaire with our DD. For daycare, she used the Nursers since they heated the bottles and the liners are BPA free. Maybe you could buy one Playtex Nursers and a small box of liner and see how she does with them before your trip?

 

[dtripli]

We just got back with our 13 month old. We ordered diapers, wipes, bibsters, and toddler snacks from Garden Grocer. We also brought some Take and Toss sippy cups, bowls, and spoons, as well as disposable place mats. I kept some dish soap in the hotel room to wash his sippy cups.

The baby care centers were a life saver for us. He isn't walking yet so it was a safe place for him to crawl around and blow off some steam. We usually fed him there too since the high chairs were spotless.

I was also really glad to have brought an umbrella stroller that reclined all the way. My kiddo would pass out in there every afternoon so it gave us time to eat and shop in peace.

We didn't end up taking much to the parks. Just a few diapers, a package of travel wipes, sippy, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. They sell baby products in the shops and baby care centers if you forget anything.

I was really stressed before leaving but it turned out to be a great trip.

Our son just turned 14 months today. We are in transition with him on food. He still eats baby food, but is also eating some regular food. This time always stressed me out with my other kids. It is soo much easier to just shovel the baby food in and know that they are getting enough!! hee hee Anyway we will be at Disney in June (he'll be 16 months) so ofcourse Im hoping he will be eating alot more regular food by then. I felt like a complete failure when that lady said her 10 month old ate what they ate!! Do you have any suggestions as to what I can offer him, self feeding etc. He is our 4th - we took a long break - our others are 9, 12 and 14 so this is like starting over again. You really do forget alot. I stress soo much over this!

 

[Colleen27]

Our son just turned 14 months today. We are in transition with him on food. He still eats baby food, but is also eating some regular food. This time always stressed me out with my other kids. It is soo much easier to just shovel the baby food in and know that they are getting enough!! hee hee Anyway we will be at Disney in June (he'll be 16 months) so ofcourse Im hoping he will be eating alot more regular food by then. I felt like a complete failure when that lady said her 10 month old ate what they ate!! Do you have any suggestions as to what I can offer him, self feeding etc. He is our 4th - we took a long break - our others are 9, 12 and 14 so this is like starting over again. You really do forget alot. I stress soo much over this!

We don't really use baby food for very long with our littles. I made single ingredient baby mush when my kids were in that 6-8mo, just starting solids stage, but once they were ready for chunkier foods I just used my food processor or handheld grinder to make baby-safe portions of our food.

My youngest is 8mo now. She'll self-feed small bits of banana, steamed carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. and sometimes some ground beef or bits of chicken, and she *loves* Gerber's yogurt bites and dried fruits. So we give her some of that stuff to keep her hands busy and feed her some spoon food to suppliment what she manages to get in her mouth.

In a typical day, she'll have oatmeal mixed with pureed fruit for breakfast with Cheerios to keep her hands busy, some sort of veggie for lunch with chunks of soft-cooked veggies to keep her hands busy, an afternoon snack of whatever self-feed foods I have on hand, and dinner of whatever we're having run through the baby grinder with some chunkier bits of meat or veggies to keep her hands busy. She's still nursing 4-5 times a day so I don't worry much about whether she's getting enough. I just like that she is flexible about the things she'll eat and the fact that she is already to a point where her eating habits are meshing well with the rest of the family.