Disney with Baby

[chttyangel]

Life gave me an unexpected turn and I now have my grandson full time (on/off since Dec and perm since June). I’m a fairly young grandma and usually pretty adventurous. I also have enough Disney trips under my belt to know the routine. What I don’t have is a trip with a toddler!!! (Ekkk!!!) I didn’t take my kids til there were 5 and swore I’d never be one of those jumping on the rides with a baby or lugging around a stroller. (insert life laughing at me) Next week I head out to DL via a flight out of Nor Cal for a long planned girls trip. I will have a 14 month old little cherub/monster with me and 3 other ladies to help me juggle (one is normally my nanny but for this trip she’s off the clock) I’m bringing a light jogging stroller, a well packed diaper bag and a good sense of humor with me. Well wishes and tips are welcome!

 

[Sun_soakin]

Have fun! We have four kids and took them along as infants/toddlers many times. It was actually easier than 5+ because they can nap in the stroller and not have to walk on their feet the whole time. We also loved being able to throw all our stuff in the stroller (so expect to have all those ladies sweaters in there!). Make use of rider swap and plan to spend some time in the areas that they can run around (we love the wilderness area in DCA).
ETA- at this age they either love or hate those characters....make sure they are in the right mood before the first encounter (one of mine woke up from a nap and we were at Goofys kitchen, he was so disoriented that he was freaking out terrified of the characters despite loving them before/after).

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

My advice is to bring a ton of food/snacks (as nutritious and non-sugary as possible) and let your child's demeanor be your guide. Feed him often before he becomes starving. Try to avoid too many sugary treats. If he's happy and content, maybe he can wait in a line of a ride or stay for a parade but don't push him past his limits. If he needs a nap or just a break, take him back to the hotel for a while. If you let him be your guide (as opposed to trying to force your plans upon him) you will have a much better time. I think you will absolutely love Disney with your toddler. I know I do.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Show him rides and characters on YouTube now.

Have you thought of an ss Carrier? Those save me in the airport. We put stuff on the stroller and carry the baby. www.mysweetpickles.com has grab bags for $100!!! Request a Lenny Lamb if they have any boy colors.

Our kids were exposed to trauma. They couldn’t nap so we had to go to the room for breaks. http://empoweredtoconnect.org/content-types/video/ (Life saver videos) and if you suspect alcohol exposure “trying Differently rather than harder”.

 

[millie0312]

Show him rides and characters on YouTube now.

Have you thought of an ss Carrier? Those save me in the airport. We put stuff on the stroller and carry the baby. www.mysweetpickles.com has grab bags for $100!!! Request a Lenny Lamb if they have any boy colors.

Our kids were exposed to trauma. They couldn’t nap so we had to go to the room for breaks. http://empoweredtoconnect.org/content-types/video/ (Life saver videos) and if you suspect alcohol exposure “trying Differently rather than harder”.

Yes to the YouTube and the carrier!!! I took my DS at 3 months, 15 months and 2 years 3 months and it went pretty well. If you have help and a sense of humor (nothing like a diaper blow out at DL lol) you’ll have a blast! Make sure you utilize the baby centers in both parks and if you can do it a mid-day nap is amazing! I honestly had my son in the pack the majority of the park time at that age (I used an Ergo) and it was great to stow the stroller as we “walked with a purpose” from ride to ride (so much easier then moving it each time or figuring out what to do with him or holdin him in my arms) plus he could nap and it had a cover so the rides and sounds didn’t bug him at all. Don’t forget to bring a changing pad- the diaper changers are plentiful but not always the cleanest lol

 

[smartlabelprint]

Have fun! We have four kids and took them along as infants/toddlers many times. It was actually easier than 5+ because they can nap in the stroller and not have to walk on their feet the whole time. We also loved being able to throw all our stuff in the stroller (so expect to have all those ladies sweaters in there!). Make use of rider swap and plan to spend some time in the areas that they can run around (we love the wilderness area in DCA).
ETA- at this age they either love or hate those characters....make sure they are in the right mood before the first encounter (one of mine woke up from a nap and we were at Goofys kitchen, he was so disoriented that he was freaking out terrified of the characters despite loving them before/after).

We usually leave our stroller in the hotel and use carriers so my fam can’t pile their junk on. Lol

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There are Baby Care Centers in both parks (by First Aid in DL, by Ghirardelli's in DCA). Use them freely! CMs there are so nice and helpful. There are free diapers if you run out. Microwaves for heating formula and baby food. A/C for a nice break for feedings and a little rest time. Little potties for toilet training. Don't forget to put something easily identifiable on your stroller (e.g. brightly colored ribbons on the handle) so you can spot your stroller quickly. Sometimes CMs have to move the strollers around. It's helpful when you can know at a glance where your stroller is and which one is yours.

 

[chttyangel]

Thanks for the tips. I never thought about the carrier; I’ll have to try one out at the store this weekend and see if I like it. Luckily he is really really easy going so I’m hoping that works in my advantage and he’ll nap in the stroller and be okay with going most of the day but I’m prepared to take his lead. My DS 11 and my big kid (DH) are not going this time so that helps too since I will just have him to care for. LOL!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Thanks for the tips. I never thought about the carrier; I’ll have to try one out at the store this weekend and see if I like it. Luckily he is really really easy going so I’m hoping that works in my advantage and he’ll nap in the stroller and be okay with going most of the day but I’m prepared to take his lead. My DS 11 and my big kid (DH) are not going this time so that helps too since I will just have him to care for. LOL!

Try to go to a small retailer. The old snuglis style carriers aren’t healthy for their hips. There has to be a seat so their knees are higher than their legs.

 

[bumbershoot]

Definitely think about wearing him.

For the sake of your spine and his get one that has you put his front against your body. That means he faces your front when on your front, and on your back is faces your back. Better for everyone’s spines.

We loved our ergo, but they have more options out since my 13 year old was wee.

 

[lcp9]

Lots of food, maybe have grocery delivery to your hotel ahead of time? That young, at least my kids, slept most of the time so it wasn't a big deal at all other than having to leave someone behind while everyone else went on rides. There's lots to look at. Now once they hit 2, that's a different story...

I don't ever typically wear my babies, but I do bring an Ergo when they're that young because otherwise you have to hold them while you're in line for things that he can go on.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Definitely think about wearing him.

For the sake of your spine and his get one that has you put his front against your body. That means he faces your front when on your front, and on your back is faces your back. Better for everyone’s spines.

We loved our ergo, but they have more options out since my 13 year old was wee.

Yes. I have an Ergo and a toddler tula and a toddler Lenny Lamb. They are worst to best in that order.