DL w/ a baby

[shellncesar]

Hello all,
I have a baby boy that we want to bring to DL in April when he is around 8 months old. We are huge DL fans and know the park inside and out. But we have never gone with a baby. Any tips or ideas on special things we can do with him?

 

[skiingfast]

Make use of the baby care centers. In DL on the hub end of Main Street near on the east side near first aid. In DCA on the Pacific Warf near Boudin Bakery.

 

[Liat]

We found that the characters were awesome when my kids were babies. We always do one character meal and they were always so good to pose next to the baby and gently pat them and make a big deal about it.

Also, just in case you didn't know, you can go on every ride without a height restriction with the kiddo, but if you are using a sling or baby carrier, every ride seems to have a different rule regarding them.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

. In DCA on the Pacific Warf near Boudin Bakery.

This one is kinda hard to find...it is actually "behind" where the Mission Tortilla factory was located.... it is back by first aid.

If you are nursing...the one at DL is a big room with wicker rockers all facing one direction, pretty discret. The one at DCA is actually private areas with curtains, better chairs, but they only have 2.

DL has cold filtered water, DCA doesn't. DCA has a family restroom, DL only has potties for the littles.

They will be redoing DCAs soon! The ladies are awesome at both places.

Don't forget to take advantage of the ride swap for parents, so both can ride while the other watches the little! I say take your baby on as much as you can, might as well get them used to it now ! It is great! We took my daughter from the time she was 2 1/2 months and by 8 months she LOVED it...looks all around, points, etc. Last time she was 11 months and was iN LOVE!!!

ENJOY!

 

[Mama Who]

We took DD for a week at her first birthday and she LOVED the Tiki room. We allowed her 13 year old brother to take her off for a sibling moment in Fantasyland (while DH and I rode Matterhorn) and he bought her very first pair of mouse ears. She loved the princesses but hated the "fur" characters.

By best advice is, "slow down." Disney with a baby is a totally different experience but absolutely wonderful.

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

It's actually a lot easier to take a baby than I thought it would be. We didn't have any meltdowns. The First Aid center (at least at DL, and possibly DCA) will check your pump and keep your BM fridged for you. I love the MOBY. It takes a little bit of training to tie it, but it is super secure and I was able to discreetly nurse DD in line while she was in it.

 

[Niebz]

Make use of the baby care centers. In DL on the hub end of Main Street near on the east side near first aid. In DCA on the Pacific Warf near Boudin Bakery.

Yes, this is definitely the number one tip for travelling with a baby IMO. The baby care centres are amazing, with high chairs, feeding supplies, a mother's nursing room and the best change tables on property. They have large paper liners, are padded, and are kept very clean. They also have filtered water and baby supplies available for purchase if you forget something.

 

[shellncesar]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know if the men's bathrooms have changing tables? My son is formula fed and we just take it in a thermos or make it fresh. He will be eating solids by then too. Will the baby center hold his mashed food in their fridge?

 

[shellncesar]

Also, are there any shows that are good for babies? We want to do fantasmic! and WOC. What bout Aladdin or Playhouse Disney? Any other shows or other attractions that are good for babies?

 

[ChicoChico]

Any tips or ideas on special things we can do with him?

Have so much fun with your little guy! There's truly nothing like experiencing Disney with a baby...

People have already covered the Baby Care Centers... I agree; they're awesome ( I never knew about them until I had kids and considered myself a Disney expert )

Take your baby dancing in Carnation Plaza Gardens. I have a picture of my husband dancing with our daughter (6 months old) and Minnie Mouse that makes me melt.

Try and slow down; at 8 months old, he'll really love looking around at all the lights, decorations, flowers, ducks, kids, etc... My kiddos were in awe watching the parades as babies.

Have fun!

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Fun!! We happened to be going to LA for a wedding when our youngest was 8 months old and our older one was 4. No way would I miss including DL in our plans! Our secret weapon - baby backpack! We didn't even take a stroller I don't think.

Have a blast!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I would say no to Aladdin (but depends on your son). At DCA, Disney Junior is fun!

What mashed food really needs to be refrigerated, I would suggest bringing stuff that doesn't, that way you don't have to run to BC each time.

 

[ChicoChico]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know if the men's bathrooms have changing tables?

My husband just confirmed this... Yup!

 

[DLfamilyU5]

I've taken 4 month old twins to DL the pace is slower with feedings, changes etc but still fun! A favorite place to feed for us was at the animation building at DCA if we didn't feel like walking all the way to the back where the baby centers are. Also a carrier is useful to have in our experience. With long days in the stroller my babies got sick of it and needed variety.

 

[shellncesar]

I read somewhere to buy noise canceling headphones for parades and shows. Anyone do this?

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I read somewhere to buy noise canceling headphones for parades and shows. Anyone do this?

No, I really don't think anything is too loud, it's not like are standing right where they are letting the FW off! My daughter has never minded!

 

[monkey30]

We have done Dl with a 18mth old and WDW as well with a 2mth and 18mth old!

As everyone has said BC centres are awesome! Plus remember to avoid melt downs take the cues from the little one, if they are getting really fussy maybe take a break for a hour or 2 and go back. I would rather break during the day and take a extra 30 mins or so in transport then deal with a complete melt down that ruins the whole day!

Strollers and wraps are great, I have a sling that works well for my DS as he is a big boy and likes to be hip carried so he can see everywhere!

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[lorieintucson]

If you need a calm place to get out of the hustle and bustle, remember the Enchanted Tiki Room. It was always a walk-by, but now it's my ace in the hole when things in the park get overstimulating (and the herd of empty strollers out front show it's kid calming powers).

Having BTDT, at 8 months, I wouldn't spend too much time tailoring your trip to the baby as far as shows go. Bugs Life has some great areas and easy rides, and Toon Town is so fun and has the best photo ops. Best part of that age is at Disneyland is that they are portable and fall asleep anywhere, and you get to have a vacation and meals where kids are loved and catered to.