Do you pack diapers etc. or buy there?

[skippelm]

HI!

This is our first trip with DD, she will be 9 mos. Between the car seat, the stroller, the baby carrier etc. I dont know if we'll be able to carry everything! So I'm wondering if instead of packing the diapers, bottles and formula I shoudl buy there? But then I'm thinking I don't want to waste vacation time at the store.

What works for you?

Thanks!

 

[4greatboys]

When I took my 5 month old we did pack diapers. I also suggest a lightweight stoller that reclines. We got a great one at Babies R Us for $39. We didnt take a baby carrier--we just used the stoller, that baby carrier is going to get awfully heavy. If your using a towncar service they will make a grocery stop and you can get diapers, formula and the like there. If you buy those items at Disney its going to be $$$.

 

[tink2]

I've taken two infants. Both trips, I brought my own. We did, however, end up sending DH to WalMart one morning for a baby sling- we didn't think we'd need it. But, we didn't want to waste park time at a store- so we got up and left at like 5:30am! LOL
However, we drove to WDW. If you're flying, I'd understand not wanting to lug all that stuff! You might just want to do that the first night you're there - if you weren't planning to go to a park. DH said WalMart wasn't very far- execept he took a wrong turn on the way back!
They do have some of these things available at the hotels and in the parks- but they are much more expensive and limited brands!
Good luck!

 

[frannn]

With all the other stuff you will have to lug, it is a pain to have a ton of diapers as well. We packed about 10 regular diapers, and stopped to get more at a FL Publix. We also bought baby food, snacks, water, wine. I would suggest bringing a few swim diapers if you can get them cheaper at home. If you have a car, you can do the outlets, Publix, and eat off site on the same day. We do this if it is rainy or very overcast, or if we need a break from the parks. You could always stop on your way from the airport, though. I definetly second the stroller, and not the carrier. Maybe you can use highchairs and the stroller in restaraunts, and a hip carrier/stroller in the parks.

 

[dsnycrzy]

where will you be staying- on-site or off-site?
How long will you be staying?

We stayed off-site by a supermarket and a walgreens, so it was better to buy pampers and wipes there, plus b/c we were staying 14 days.
As for the formula, again depends where you stay and how long you stay and if there is a refrigarator.
Say you're staying for a week, watch what the baby normally drinks in a week and bring that (buy powder instead of the consentrate b/c of the weather and it spoiling during the day) If he drink 16 oz of milk a day then times that by thenumbers of days you stay and see how much of the powder will get you close to that amount.

I had to do this b/c my baby was a preemie and her milk was alot of money, so I was put on W.I.C. and got it free, so I had to take it. It was hard to find and the risk of getting all the way to FL and not finding her milk available would have been a headache.
Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Denine]

We drove the 1st 4 times and we took everything, including the bouncy seat whe DD was 3-1/2 months old.
If we fly, like last time, we take just enough diapers to see us though until we can get to a store. I also buy milk and juice and yogurt and fruit. We actually signed up for a Winn-Dixie card the last time we were there. We go to WDW often, plus we get Upromise points.

 

[CEDmom]

If you have a rental car then it's probably not worth bringing all the supplies you'll need. There's a huge Walmart not far from WDW to get baby supplies. Have enough for a day or 2 just in case. As far as a baby carrier our DD preferred her Baby Bjorn much more than her stroller at that age.

 

[erikalk]

I took DD last year for her 1st bday. I took my own diapers and plan on taking them again this year. I only take what I need plus a few extras. The space in my suitcase for the diapers turns into souvenirs space for the trip home. This way I don't have to carry all those extra items as well.

 

[Desnik]

I have taken both my out kids at that age. We always drive so we just bring everything. Also DS was on special formula and only 1 type of diapers worked well for him. I did't want to be stauck without them or take that chance of not finding what I needed. I have heard of people here shipping a box ahead of time to their resort with all the baby items like food, formula, diapers. I know it is exhausting all the stuff a baby needs!!! Also if your baby uses a pacifier and only a certain kind, bring extra just incase!! I had 6 with me for my DS!!LOL It might be easier for you just to have 1 suitcase with all the baby essentials. On the way home it can be used for souveniers.

I used my carrier for both kids. For DD I had the snuggli brand that broke my back!! I got smart and for DS I had a Baby Bjorn. It was great and no back pains!!! It gives the baby a break from the stroller and was great for DtD. Ever try to manoover through World of Disney store with a stroller? Not easy!

 

[Annette_VA]

I will either buy once I'm down there or I'll ship a package to the hotel before I go. I'd put wipes, diapers & non-perishable food in the pkg.

 

[Rapunsel]

You know how there are huge front pockets on suitcases? That was where I put my diapers... usually you can stack them about 3 high and lay them flat against the 'top' of the suitcase.. it ends up being a puzzle.. I got about 40 size 5's in one of mine... Also swim diapers are about $2 for 2 when you arrive...

 

[nyyankees5]

We have travel with our kids since my DS was 6 months old, we are expecting our 3rd this july on will be traveling in Nov. What I do is I call the formula company direct and purchase individual 4 or 6 ounce bottles. I caculate how many oz they drank. This was a little expensive but help while you are in the parks. If you carried already filled bottles and they didn't drink them, you would have to diguard them after a coulple hours. With the individual bottles you can just open them up when you need it.

This also help when we flew or when when drove down.

The formual companies will ship directly to the hotel. All you need is your traveling date/ ressie #, phone #.


Hope this helps

Erin

 

[skippelm]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'm absolutely going to order the ready to feed bottles from the company!

You guys are awesome!

 

[tink2]

One suggestion for bottles:
We measure out formula and put dry formula in the bottles. We carried bottled water with us one year and just mixed them in the park as needed- that way it didn't waste. If we didn't mix it and use it- we used it the next day. Or, as we did with the first baby, we would ask restaurants for water. Be careful with this though, if you ask for hot they will give it to you from the coffee pot. Our first was used to warm milk so this caused a problem- none of the bathrooms have warm water. We ended up mixing cold water and the water from the coffee pots to get a good temperature. We learned. The second baby didn't have to have his bottles warm- not cold either, just luke warm. This was great b/c we just used bottled water and made it easier to mix when not at home.
However, buying the ready feed bottles is the easiest thing to do- just a little more expensive.
Have a great trip!

 

[sgtpet]

I buy them down there. We bring a day's supply with us.

 

[gw_lit]

If I'm flying I always try to bring 2 days worth of diapers, I've been stuck at a hub during a connection due to bad weather and finding diapers at 2 in the morning at an airport or an airport hotel is difficult at best.

 

[slo]

I'm buying diapers and wipes there. That is just one thing I don't want to be bothered to remember. I will take enough for the plane trip and that is it.

We will hit a grocery store or Wal-Mart and they may be a little more money - but somethings are just worth it.

 

[gary4jenn]

I shipped a bunch of disposable items ahead of time to Allstars and it was waiting for me. Cereal, diapers, wipes, snack, juice boxes.

You stuff that we wouldn't be bringing home so i wouldn't have to find room in my suitcase to bring home.