First time going w/baby

[2002Disneybride]

Thanks justhat! I think we are going to bring him! I have some ?'s

What is the best kind of carrier? We have a premaxx one...we just got it so I am not sure how DS will like it...

What's the best way to heat bottles?

What do you put baby in in restaurants? (carrier, stroller, neither?)

 

[justhat]

Both trips to WDW and our trip to DL we kept our daughter in her stroller in restaurants, or I held her. Like I have mentioned, she wasn't the type of baby you could really put down at that age so it was easiest for everyone if I held her during meals. The first meal I ate without holding her since she was born was at the Flying Fish Cafe-it was wonderful! Occasionally she would settle for being swaddled and would sleep in her stroller and we never had a problem bringing it to the table and we have the biggest stroller on the market (again, I don't suggest bringing the Graco CoachRider, but it was our only alternative since the only way my daughter would stay in a stroller for at least a few minutes was if she was facing me). Even when I held her during meals, we almost always brought the stroller to the table with us in hopes she might lay in it. At 6 months she could sit in a high chair and sometimes did, but because she never really got used to the time difference she usually fell asleep while we were eating dinner so we always brought the stroller to the table then too since she'll now sleep in it (thank gosh). My cousins were with us in May and their baby was 6 months old at the time and they usually brought the car seat to the table and left the stroller at the entrance. She was sitting up, but not well enough for those restaurant high chairs, but was happy to stay in her car seat.

We have the Baby Bjorn Active carrier, which is very easy on your back, even when the baby is larger (I was fine carrying my 23 pound 10 month old nephew in it). People rave about the Maya Wrap sling too and as much as I want to try one, they were out of them here before our trip and then I sort of forgot about it since then since the Bjorn has been serving its purpose well enough. To keep the sun off of my daughter I faced her towards me in the Bjorn, draped a thin, white receiving blanket over the back to cover her arms and legs (plus the white blanket kept the Bjorn coller than if the black surface had been showing), put a sun hat on her (we got it at Target, it's got an elastic headband, with a visor in the front and flaps on the sides and back to cover the ears and neck, I think it's made by i play), and also put sunblock on her since her pediatrician said it was okay.

I didn't really have to deal with bottles, so I can't help too much, but I know they have an Avent sterilizer at the baby care center in AK, which I used to clean some pacifiers, my breastpump stuff, and a nipple for the bottle for the plane (we use the Playtex nursers so I didn't have to clean the actual bottle, but we have the same sterilizer at home and it would have fit along with the other stuff I had in there). I did notice 2x in restaurants that people asked for a cup of hot water to heat a bottle, so that would be an option, and the baby care centers might have bottle warmers, though I never looked. Every place is very baby friendly and everyone is more than happy to help out so you shouldn't have a problem heating bottles. Another option that I hear a lot is to use powdered formula and bottled water, that way it's already room temperature (unless you were to use a cold bottled water...).

You won't regret taking your son, I can assure you that I am very happy I took my daughter, plus think of all those cute photos with your baby and characters you'll have once you get back! And congratulations on your little boy!

 

[2002Disneybride]

Thanks justhat!
My DS is such a good baby--he is totally alert etc...not overly fussy
at all...we take him out a lot at home so I rhink he'll be ok...

Would you recommend a character meal at such a young age?
We are going to WDW in May with DS also...he'll be 10 months then...

I am wondering if I should use the sling or get a front carrier--DS is already around 13 lbs 25 in at 7 weeks...he's a pretty big boy!

It's our 2nd wedding aniversary (we were married at WDW) and at first we were going to leave him in NJ but I can't do it!!!!

 

[justhat]

2002Disneybride, my daughter was always very alert too and since you said your son is, I think he'll enjoy the trip a lot. We went to a couple of character breakfasts with our daughter at 3 months, mostly because we we re travelling with other families and their kids were 6, 2, and 6 months. Well the 2 year old was terrified of characters, but the other 2 loved them, and my daughter was sorta indifferent at 3 months. She would stare at them when they came over, but really could have cared less if they stopped at our table or not. At 6 months though she was absolutely enthralled and would kick her legs, wave her arms, and jump up and down when she saw a character. As soon as they got to our table she'd put her arms out to them and smile and laugh (amazing since she won't even put her arms out to her daddy!), so maybe that's a better gauge for your son at 10 months.
My daughter was about the same size as your son when she was 4 months, around the end of her 2nd WDW trip, and she was in a front carrier all day, with short breaks in the stroller just to change her position. Being carried all day is what she really needed at that time, so she was always happy, in fact I don't think she cried once the whole trip (except for a minute on the plane when I pt her in her carseat) and we got lots of "wow, she's the perfect baby" comments from our family/friends, as well as from strangers. Of course, your son at 3 months might be closer to my daughter's size now (she's 16 pounds and 26 1/2 inches) and I still used the Bjorn a lot for her in Disneyland last week. She did use her stroller much more this time, since she can sit up and play with her toys in it, so when we got to a ride, I would just hold her in the line. If it was the kind of ride where I really needed 2 hands to get into the ride vehicle (nothing I can think of offhand at WDW), then I'd put her in the Bjorn. I'd also use it in Fantasyland and just park the stroller at the first ride and walk to the other rides, rather than taking her in and out of the stroller at each ride.
Congrats on your anniversary!

 

[2002Disneybride]

justhat--Thanks!
I think we are going to do a character breakfast or two...DH and I enjoy them also so it will be fun for us too!
DS absolutely HATED the front carrier I got today--I got a cheaper version of the Bjorn at Target--made by Infantino--he wailed in it! And he is not that kind of kid...He did the same thing in the sling...YIKES! What will I do if I can't get him to like them?
I thing I will try to get him used to them around the house...
I bought him a little swim diaper outfit today on clearance in Target..did you take you DD swimming at all at 3 mo?

Thanks for all your help! Your DD is so cute!

 

[justhat]

Thanks-if only I could say she looks like me!

We did take Madison swimming in WDW and she loved it. of course, she usually took baths with me in the regular bathrub at home so for her that's kind of like a pool too. The first time she was in a pool was in May at the GF and she had a great time. Her 2.5yo cousin was there and she was a bit too wild for my daughter at the time, splashing and yelling, so maybe keep that in mind, though I'm sure you'd stay away from toddlers anyway since you won't be related to them. She didnt' like water in her face at the time, but loved the rest of her body in the water, so whenever she got splashed in the face she'd panic a little, but then was fine. The next time she really loved it, laughing and splashing herself. That was at AKL and there were lots of other young babies in the zero entry area too. I kept her sun hat on her in the pool (it was a very lightweight hat so it dried easily if it got wet) to keep the sun out of her eyes and used a Little Swimmers disposable swim diaper, under a reusable swim diaper (also from Target), under her swimsuit. The only reason I did all those layers is the Little Swimmers smallest size was 16 pounds and she was 12 1/2 pounds at the time, so they didn't really stay on her. Plus, her swimsuit was size 3-6 months and she was still in 0-3 months so that didn't stay on either. So I used the reusable swim diaper to keep the disposable one in place and bluk up her body for the real swimsuit to stay on. Luckily now she fits in the swim diapers and her swimsuit just fine.

Madison did not like the Bjorn very much at first either. She went in it for about a minute, then cried. That was at about 1 or 2 weeks old. I didn't bother with it again for awhile, then at 6 weeks we went to visit my mom and she went in it then more willingly. This was great for me since she constantly needed to be held so it freed up my hands. So I kept using it for short periods of time and around 2 months she'd nap in it almost as soon as I got her in. At WDW she was so used to being in the Bjorn so there weren't any problems, so I would maybe see which one you like better, the sling or the front carrier, and just do it a little each day. Hopefully it'll grow on him! If not, I did fine holding my daughter in lines in DL last week, and she's 16 pounds now. I put her in the stroller between rides so holding her in the line itself wasn't too bad. Also, if he gets heavy you can always pass him off to your husband (at that age Madison typically let others hold her, now is a different story, even Daddy) for a little while!

 

[mjmcca]

I have 2 children they are 17 months apart. I took each of them to WDW before they were a year old.


I took my son for the first time when he was almost 120 months old. It was in August and it was hot. He wouldnt drink his milk in the parks during the day because of the heat. I wound up giving him lemonade and water. I was always onthe go with him so i already had a compartmented storage container for my powdered formula. They sell these at babies r us and some toys r us.I took empty bottles inot the park and used bottled baby water. If i didnt have baby water i used any room temperature bottled water. The baby centers are hosted by carnation and have carnation formulas. ( at least they did and were the last time i was there)

I took my daughter and son when she was about 2 months old. I wanted to take a vaccation before going back to work after my maternity leave. I only gave her formula because she was soo young. I did water it down at times so she would take in more water. I took her in June and it ws also hot. I also breast fed her at times and used the baby centers for nursing.They ususually dont allow strollers in but since i was traveling alone with 2 babies they let me bring in the stroller. The nursing rooms are really nice. They also have highchairs to feed solids there, and a play area for slightly older kids to keep them occupied.

If your little one is eating solids then i would suggest you bring either the glass jars or the new plastic contaiers that gerber has. I used to get allthe differnt brands of baby food for my little ones based on the ingredients and what they had already eaten. I woudnt try too many new foods on vacation in case of an allergic reation. If they are only eating baby cereal then take some of that in small contaiers with you and mix with water in the parks.

Personally i liked the cereal inthe jars premixed with a fruit because they are convient. Both of my kids really liked the tender harvest bannas and peaches with oatmeal from gerber.


Babies r us and toys r us have or at least had a carrier for your spoons that fit 4 spoons in it for travel. Dont forget to take a bottle brush to clean the bottles. Avent makes on with a reusable cover. ( i used that on my last trip a few weeks ago to clean my sippy cups)

I like the pampers dispoable bibs instead of always using hte ones that you have to wash. I would pack extra wipes insteead of a wet cloth.


I see you have other kids, what type of stroller do you have? do you plan to rent a stroller for them in the park? I kist got bakc and i took the kids who are now 2.5 and almost 4 and they both spent a good amount of time in the stroller ( a double). You may have a problem with the middle child wanting to be carried or in hte stoller iwht the baby if you dont watch out.


Since you have the stroller and older kids i would invest in a smaller cooler and get water for the parks. I did that and i had no problems bringing it in with me.



My daughter went swimming for the first time when she was in florida at 2 months old. She loved it.

 

[justhat]

Check with your pediatrician first about giving a baby not yet on solid foods any water. I asked about how to be sure my daughter didn't dehydrate on our trips when she was 3 months old and her pediatrician said "They're on an all liquid diet, so just keep nursing her whenever she's hungry and she'll be fine." I then specifically asked about water and she said that giving a baby that young water when they're only on breastmilk (not sure how it applies to formula fed babies, but I assume it's the same) can make them sick or even kill them because their kidneys are too immature to process the extra water and as a reult the water just thins out their blood. (If it got too thin is when you'd be in danger of it becoming fatal, which is probably not too common, but who wants to take a chance.) She added that if the baby is hot or sweating a lot then they will want to nurse more frequently on their own to replenish lost fluids, but you can always offer to feed them more often if you think it's necessary. She also said that up to about an ounce of water would be tolerated by a baby without any adverse effects. I don't mean to discredit what anyone else has done with their kids, just want to be sure people check with their own doctors before trying something new on vacation, the last place anyone wants to deal with illness.

 

[mjmcca]

The OP's baby is going to be 7 months old according to her posts. A 7 month old baby can handle water.

 

[disneyandme]

If your baby is not used to powdered formula, wdw is not the place to try it out. You can order read to feed formula in sealed bottle from Enfamil-- the other companies proabbly have this too. They are glass-- so we always put them in plastic bags in case one breaks. But the are very convenient and can also be used fro mixing cereal. They come in 3 oz and 6oz. We've used the Nutramigen for years now-- DD has a milk allergy and still uses this. Good luck!!

 

[Jen D]

I was going to start my own thread but this one seems to be going strong, so hopefully I can get some advice too. I was all calm about this upcoming trip with our seven month old (and our seven year old) but now at nine days away I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed.

A few of my obsessions, worries, concerns, thoughts, in no particular order:

1) A packing issue. I need a weeks supply of diapers and baby food. Diapers are bulky and baby food is complicated to pack. We are flying and then doing Towncar with grocery stop. Should I buy a pack of diapers and the baby food at Publix? Or is it too risky not getting the brand, etc. I like?

2) We are fine with the pack n play and high chair provided by the hotel, I felt no need to call Baby's Best Friend. Except... I really thought maybe the baby's sleeping issues would be worked out by now. Not! The kid is somewhat hooked on being rocked to sleep. Trying to break the habit but things like this usually get worse not better when we travel. We spent 3 nights in a hotel recently without a rocking chair and it wasn't too bad but there was a little exhausting body-rocking to get him to sleep. Could rent a rocking chair from BBF but geez, one more expense, one more piece of gear in the room, seems like overkill. What do you think?

3) On a related note, getting a bit nervous. We're going out on our 10th Anniversary and leaving kids with Fairy Godmother. We have a 9:15 seating at V/As. We figured the baby usually goes down at 7:30pm so we're good to go. Well, lately the baby is very hard to get to stay down, he gets up a lot between 7 and 10. I guess the babysitter will just be working for her money that night but I'm a bit nervous about it. Maybe I should do the earlier seating? But that might be worse because I'm sticking her with the bedtime routine; with the later seating the bedtime routine is through, she just has to deal with any occasional wakings. Sigh

4) We have a stroller, a Bjorn, and a sling! Anybody ever just leave the stroller behind some days and bring the baby in a carrier only? Or is stroller too useful for carrying other gear? We don't drive here, we walk everywhere and I still only occasionally use the stroller, we just like the ease of Bjorning or slinging. And the boy weighs nearly 20 pounds!

Phew, that's all I can think of now but something new pops into my head once an hour.

I'm not worried about the parks themselves... I know this kid, he's going to dig WDW.

 

[justhat]

I know the OPs baby can handle water, but I thought I'd mention it since plenty of other moms read this with younger babies who can't have water. The poster who mentioned giving their baby water was referring to a 2 month old and at that age my pediatrician so absolutely no water. Like I said, that info is for babies who are exclusively breastfed-not on solids yet like the OP's baby is.

Jen D, we left our stroller a few times, usually only if we were going to visit another resort, to a meal, or to a park just for a short amount of time. This was mostly because we didn't want to have to carry the diaper bag, camera, waters, etc. We live in DC so we walk almost everywhere too and often just use the Bjorn at home, but then again, we don't usually walk around for hours at a time at home, usually just to and from a rather close destination.

We brought diapers with us, but bought the wipes down there. They didn't have the brand I wanted (Huggies Newborn) so I just got another Huggies, Natural Care or something like that. It wasn't a big deal to me so I'd risk buying them down there again. My cousins came with us and they didn't have the diapers in the size she wanted (Huggies Ultratrim size 3). She had enough for a couple of days so when my mom flew in the next day, she got them at her grocery stop. We didn't need any babyfood at the time, but I'm guessing that unless you want an uncommon brand/flavor, most stores in my area carry the same ones so you'd probably be fine buying it at Publix. The good thing about packing diapers was that it left lots of room for souvenirs on the way home!

 

[all4fun]

Jen D, try to answer a few of your questions, share my limited experience:

1) A packing issue. Diapers....
We brought diapers with us (Pampers) but then ran out just before the end of the trip (miscalculated I guess) We went to Publix and they only had the jumbo packs so we bought their cheap brand for the last few days which worked just fine. We didn't want to pack them home so we just left the rest behind. It wasn't really a matter of not finding the right brand, they just didn't have any small packages. It probably would have been better if we had just bought a big pkg when we got there.

2) Rocking baby/sleep issues...
My ds (16 mos) also still likes to be rocked to sleep. When we went in May, it usually wasn't a problem. Touring the parks all day wore him out I guess. There were a few nights we did the "body rocking" though so I know what you mean.

3) Babysitting...
I don't have any personal experience here, but I think you should stick with the current plan. jmho.

4) Carrier vs. Stroller
That's a lot of walking. I would bring the stroller along. After the first day in the parks if you hardly used it then you can just leave it at the hotel if you want, but my guess is you'll be glad you brought it along.

HTH and Enjoy yourselves! Looks like we'll be there about the same time.
Cheryl

 

[Jen D]

Thanks for all your advice. Can't believe the trip is just 6 days away.

 

[DWhittles]

Can I just say that I'm here cheering because there are two other people in this world who rock their babies to sleep? All my mommy friends let their babies cry it out and I can't do that!
I'm glad you posted about the diaper thing because I was thinking about that too! I'll have enough in the diaper bag to get me through a day or two but I'll want to buy down there...
Diana

 

[Jen D]

Can I just say that I'm here cheering because there are two other people in this world who rock their babies to sleep? All my mommy friends let their babies cry it out and I can't do that!

I can't either.

My sister has recommended a book called the "No-Cry Sleep Solution" which has a number of recommendations for getting baby to go to sleep on his/her own and be able to get back to sleep when nightwaking without having to resort to cry-it-out. Obviously it's work to get them used to sleeping on their own but it doesn't involve letting the baby cry, you always comfort the baby. My sister had twins and used it and by 9 months old she was putting them to bed awake at 7pm and they'd fall asleep on their own. Anyway, I'm not going to even bother trying anything new before our trip but I will try it when we get back. My older daughter was addicted to nursing to get to sleep (and back to sleep after night wakings) and that was much more tiring.

Although I'd like him to sleep on his own, I really treasure cuddling and rocking him to sleep. This time at this age is so short!

Can't believe I'm leaving in five days. Stocked up on disposable bibs, disposable spoons, wipes this weekend...

 

[all4fun]

Originally posted by Jen D
Although I'd like him to sleep on his own, I really treasure cuddling and rocking him to sleep. This time at this age is so short!

ITA! My ds is my first, last, and only. So I am just cherishing this time with him. He is getting a bit big for it though - I'm reminded every time I get up from the rocker to put him to bed LOL. 22+lbs of dead weight is heavy!

I could never do CIO either. I have also heard good things from others about the NCSS book. I may just give that a try myself.

Have a great trip!

Cheryl

p.s. Diana, congrats on the pending arrival! How exciting!

 

[justhat]

We have that book too, after everyone I know told me to just let my 6 month old cry and I refused to do it. We haven't really been able to try out our sleep plan yet since we just got back from DL and we're headed to visit my mom in NJ on Wednesday, but once we're back I hope to try it out. My daughter sleeps in our bed, but falls asleep on her own about 8:30 everynight, but then gets up many times throughout the night to nurse or when the pacifier falls out. Part of the problem is that she will only nurse for short periods of time during the day cause she wants to play, so all her long feedings are during the night. I try getting her to nurse more often during the day, but she just squirms, turns away, and if I persist then she cries. Oh well, she'll grow out of it eventually!

 

[DWhittles]

Thanks for the congrats! A second unexpected addition! It will make this upcoming trip interesting....

 

[AKQJ10]

Hi! Taking our 10 mo. old for the first time (second if you count when DW 6 1/2 mo. pregnant last year).

We're taking our own stroller and will likley buy sheets at Target after we get down there on the way from the airport. This way, we can wash them ourselves and she will be the only baby to have used them. Will also be taking the Graco stroller (wanted to take umbrella only, but she'll be more comfortable in this).

Stopping at Super Target (with grocery store inside), WalMart, Publix, etc. on the way from the airport will eliminate having to lug tons of jars of food, etc. Plus, if we need anything else, it's close by.