doubting myself about taking my infant help please?

[dzneprincess]

Hi everyone
OK OK I know what your wondering, whats an old pro like me doing freaking out about a trip to the world?? Well OK maybe not, but that is waht I am thinking! LOL
Although we have been numerous times in the past 6 years, this upcoming trip will be my first with someone younger than 2! I have always left behind my kids who were younger than 2. However I feel horrible for my youngest son, who will be 10 months when we go. Because I have already left him behind twice to go on trips! Once, when he was only 6 weeks old we left him, for 10 days, with grandma, to take our older children to US/IOA. I was not about to take him down there at 6 weeks old. Than again, in October, he was left behind for 9 days, while we went out the Disney Magic. I only agreed to do it, if DH promised to let me rebook another cruise, this time with the whole family. We did, as you can see by my countdown! LOL Anyways, I just cant bear to leave him again. Especially for such a short trip(5 nights) . My husband thinks I am loony for wanting to schlep all baby related paraphanelia to WDW when his mom is perfectly willing to keep our youngest, yet again.
So, the help I want, from those of you who go with infants, is well HELP LOL We are very familiar with the parks, and feel no need to go commando, (this is the main point to my DH). I just would like my 10 month old to experience it and get some wonderful pictures and memories. We may not be able to go again for quite some time, as I may be getting laid off. ( I havent hear for sure yet) So, can you tell me what you did to make your trip with an infant a little less stressful?

 

[disneymama73]

Hi!

There is absolutely no reason to leave your 10-mos-old at home. We have taken our girls at 4-mos, 6-mos, 10-mos, 16-mos, 18-mos, etc. They had a great time, and I would be so sad to think that they had missed out on all the fun!

You're going into it with the right frame of mind. You know you're not going to see everything. You're an experienced mom and know that kids are unpredictable. I think you'll be more than fine! Yes, there is a little more "stuff" you need to bring, but we didn't find that to be a problem at all. Plus, a lot of it you could buy once you got there if need be.

Check out this thread. There have been a couple of discussions on the board this week regarding this issue.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=491846

My advice: Take your infant and have a ball!!!

Here is my second child at WDW at 10 mos. My oldest was almost 3 at the time.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[disneymama73]

Hmmm... I can't get that pic to show up for some reason. Try clicking here...

http://images.snapfish.com/339759;923232fp54=ot>2328=42<=69;=XROQDF>2323496:94;55ot1lsi

 

[prplcrzy]

By the time my son was 10 months, he had 2 trips under his belt! Taking a little one isn't that much of a big deal. As you mentioned, commando is out this trip.

My son would sleep in his stroller, so his morning nap wasn't an issue because we'd be in the parks. I would find a quiet spot and he would take his nap while the others went off. (it was actually a good chance for me to have a little Mommy time LOL). We would head back in the early afternoon and he would nap back at the room and we would rest too or hit the pool. We'd head back to the parks early evening and then he'd fall asleep in the stroller and then move him to his crib for the night.

My son was 10 weeks and 6 months, so he went on a few rides, but he was too little to realize what was going on. Our trip when he was 13 months was a different story, which is close to your son's age.

We started getting him ready for the trip months in advance by watching the sing along videos and showing him the different characters. Once we got there, he recognized quite a few things, esp. Mickey, and really enjoyed all of the sites to see.

Dont' worry about the trip. It's easier to deal with them at that age than older! LOL

As far as taking all the baby stuff, depending on where you stay, it may already be there.

Good luck and have a great trip with your "whole" family!!

Nancy

 

[dzneprincess]

So, how do you all handle bottles and what not. At the resort it wont be a problem, as I can wash them in the sink. BUt what about at the parks. Silly me, I was just there for NYE and didn't even think to check out the baby centers at the different parks! LOL
My son uses powdered Good Start 2. The thing about him, as this he really likes his bottle warm. If it is not warm enough he will not drink it! WE always refer to it as his coffee! LOL Can someone paint me a visual picture of the baby centers and what is in there?

Oh yeah, disneymama, I still could not get your link to work. I would love to see your picture though.

 

[disneymama73]

Hi again!

Your son sounds like our first child! She would only drink her bottle if it was a certain temperature. The baby centers were a godsend! They have changing tables, bottlewarmers, microwaves, sinks, a stove (at least the one in MK does - trying so hard to remember the others), high chairs, nursing rooms with rockers. And there is always a CM stationed there to help. They sell everything from formula to baby food to bibs to cold medicine!

Also, and your post made me remember this, I brought a little bottle of dish soap (in one of those small travel containers) and a bottle brush. At sit-down restaurants, they would wash the bottle and/or bowl. I just asked very nicely, and everyone seemed happy to help.

I don't know what the problem is with that picture! I just can't seem to get it to post. I have a Snapfish account and don't usually have trouble posting pics from there. I'm working on it...

 

[Vanryan]

My last trip we took our 3 kids who were 7, 5 and 10 months at the time. Our little guy did just fine! If you are in the parks or at a restaurant and he needs a bottle, order hot tea and then use that water to mix his formula. Try to have high protein/calorie snacks with you so he doesn't get too hungry between meals, you know how hard it is to wait if they need to eat right then. My 3 always slept in the stroller without a problem. Try using the time you have before your trip to have him sleep in the same stroller you'll bring with you, so he won't get over tired. Keep him well hydrated so he doesn't get constipated. Good luck!

 

[Denine]

DD will be 16 months next week and is getting ready to go on her 5th trip to WDW and we live in Ohio. It is soooo worth it!!!!!

 

[Vanryan]

What is US/IOA? And what is commando? (I always thought that meant not wearing any underwear!!!)

And by the way, it is so refreshing to have found this board, because you are all disney addicts! My friends/family and co-workers think my husband and I are nuts because we will be going for the third time in four years. (Actually I am surprised I am allowed to post on this board with that shabby record! )
People just get the magic or they don't.

 

[justhat]

While we haven't been there with an infant yet, we will be making 2 trips, one in May and one in June, with our daughter who is due March 12. Even though she's not here yet and the trip is even further away, we've pretty much gotten everything down in terms of gear to bring and feedings, etc. The first trip I'll be there with my girl relatives/friends, no guys so that means no daddy to help out. Now, with all women around, including my mom, I'm guessing it will actually be easier than our June trip, but it does mean that I'll be carting lots of gear through the airport possibly by myself.

I'm planning to breastfeed, but since there's that chance that it may not work out, we've looked into the baby care centers and how to heat/mix formula. From what I've heard on these boards, any restaurant, even counter service, will give you a cup of hot water to mix formula. And if you need to wash bottles in the parks, use the baby care centers since they have much cleaner sinks.

In terms of gear to cart around, you could probably limit it to just the stroller. I'm not sure how you'd get to the resort if you're flying, but the town cars will provide a car seat and rental car companies will rent you one too. They also have pack n' plays available at the Disney resorts so you wouldn't need to worry about a place for him to sleep.

I would bring him and I'm sure you'll have a great time and you'll have great memories of hsi first trip!

 

[dsnycrzy]

My baby is just turning 17 months and she's been to WDW 2 times already. I brought her home when she was 3lb. 15oz. in mid august (she was a 34 weeker). Early November I was on the train to WDW. My sister had her baby who was then 10 months. Just make a list and jot down these things if you think you can't remember.
Tylenol or Motrin- just in case they get that 24 hour fever (my daughter did this our very 1st trip had a fever before our train even hit DC but I gave her the motrin and the fever never came back
A thermometer- to check for a temp.
nasal aspirator for stuffy nose -even from allergies.
diaper rash ointment
PACIFERS- MORE THAN 1 OR 2. take 2 to the park leave 2 at the hotel. you have no idea how fast they get lost in the rush of things and enjoying the magic.
A Jacket or sweater for the evenings. I almost forgot the babies.

I did not take my son on my very 1st trip to WDW when he was 15 months and boy did I miss him. I don't know how you left him the 1st time . I was going crazy
hope this helps some

 

[dmonroe]

We're going to be making a trip with an infant this year too! Our baby (due in June) will be about 6 months when we head down in December. The thing I am worried most about is the 10 hour drive we have. We never took ds anywhere that far away until much later.

As far as all of the gear goes, I plan on renting from A Baby's Best Friend. I've heard good things about them; and they will deliver to your resort. I plan on getting a crib and an exersaucer from them.

We already don't do the commando thing anymore. We know it's not our last trip--we'll be back next year! We've learned to take it a little easy so that we don't need a vacation from our vacation! I figure we will all head out to the parks together in the a.m. and if the baby needs to go back to the room in the afternoon one of us can take him/her back and one of us can stay with ds in the park if he wants to stay. I know we'll get it all worked out somehow!

Good luck with your trip!

 

[DJGifford]

We took our dd on a cruise at 13 months...and last summer to WDW at 17 months...she was fine and she really did enjoy the sites...she won't remember them...but pictures are wonderful...she loved the characters and hugged and kissed all of them...my only advice is to be prepared...have snacks and juice in your baby bag that you bring to the parks...I say DEFINATELY bring the baby!

We bought into DVC while there, knowing that we wanted to go everyyear now...my 14, 10 and almost 2 yr olds...loved it and esp. my 14 year old...and 10 year old lol!

Am I making sense here?

I do suggest to bring your own stroller, one that reclines, has a top to block the sun and bring a clear BIG plastic garbage bag to cover in the rain. We have the most adorable picture, she fell asleep in the stroller, at night at the MK in the pouring rain...I have the whole stroller covered in clear plastic..(don't waste your money on the expensive ones made for strollers) It is easier to throw away a garbage bag than to dry an expensive one, lol.

I am going to try to post the pic...
well...I can't figure it out other than adding it to my signature...

Oh well...trust me it is cute!

 

[prplcrzy]

As far as bottles go, we used powdered formula as well and it's much easier to deal with. We got a formula container that has three separate compartments, measure out formula for three bottles. Then we would bring his bottles with the water already in them, when he wanted one, we'd shake one of the compartments into the bottle, shake and done.

We got the formula container at Babies R Us, but you could probably get it at any baby store.

The other thing I found helpful was to keep diapers, wipes and changing pad in a bag under the stroller. That way when it was time for a change, I didn't have to go digging through the diaper bag or lug that in with me too!

Have a great trip!

Nancy

 

[Naisy68]

Ok, I understand your DH point of view BUT I would take your little one. Two years ago we took our DD who was 11 months at the time. We used the baby centers for a little relaxation and play time. As a matter of fact, I have some wonderful pictures of her playing with Snow White at the MK baby center. Snow White had gone in there to get out of the rain for a bit. Our DD loved just about everything that we did. She loved seeing all of her favorite characters. Chip and Dale freaked her out a little bit though, they tend to get a bit carried away though.
We didn't take anything with us except her diaper bag, clothes and we packed half a suitcase with diapers and swim diapers. She was off of formula by that point so we didn't have to deal with that. Otherwise we stayed at CBR and they had a very nice pack -n-play for her to sleep in and play in. She loved the sand and ducks at the beach at CBR. I could probably go on and on. The stroller was the worst thing that we had to carry along on the busses and everywhere with us but even at that, I do not regret taking her at all. Good Luck with your decision. I'd say if you have older siblings to help a little, you'll do fine. Make it a family affair.

 

[dzneprincess]

THanks for all your reassurances folks! WE are definitely taking the baby but some days I think I just may be nuts for doing it! LOL Thanks for the tips they will come in handy. One thing though, he does not use a pacifier. Good thing too, cause it sounds like that is just one more hassle to keep track of.