First trip as parents - advice please

[Agent J]

hello,

i have been a serial lurker for some time - now that i'm home on mat leave i get a few more minutes to read the boards for great disney planning advice

we (dh, my mom and ds3months) will be going to OKW for 7 nights in early May/07 and i have lots of questions about taking an infant (he'll be almost 7 months by then).

It will be the baby's first experience with warm weather, humidity - would a little fan for his stroller be a good idea or is that too much in such a small space?

we are DVC members so will likely have most meals in our villa but what are the best TS choices for an infant - i was thinking a buffet is good in case one parent needs to attend to baby, you can eat in shifts so food isn't cold?we are thinking Crystal Palace or Garden Grill for lunch - any experience with babies at these places?

baby is not really on a regular nap/sleep schedule yet (we're trying) but it is making it hard to figure out what the best time for ADRs would be (before baby we were later diners) - i am thinking either late lunches or early suppers?

any other tips/tricks or can't live without advice is greatly appreciated - who knew such a little guy would need so much stuff and planning

thanks so much in advance!!!

 

[connorsmom911]

We took Connor on his first trip when he was 20 months, but I did gather a few really good tips beforehand that will apply.

-get them used to napping in the stroller before the trip...spend afternoons walking outside or at the mall
-if the stroller is a dark colour, pin a white towel to the seat (you can even use the ones from the hotel), it'll help reduce the heat that is absorbed by the sunlight on dark cloth
-you are welcome to bring your diaper bag into the park with all your "supplies", plus you can pack drinks, bottles, baby food
-if you can find one of the clip on fans for the stroller that would work, or we also used one of the mister fans when it got really hot...it was a good game in line too, as most other people welcomed the cool mist
-go with the flow and your baby's schedule, do early mornings and take a big break in the afternoon back at the resort to swim/nap and then head back to the park in the evening when it's cooler
-the baby care centers in each park are awesome, air conditioned and quiet, nice for a break
-ziploc bags are great...I packed spoons and toddler food in a bag, change of clothes, great for dirty diapers (especially since you don't get daily maid service at OKW if you're staying on points)

As far as table service, I would recommend Crystal Palace with the Pooh characters. The breakfast is awesome, and like you said, you can eat in shifts, take your time and enjoy. If baby sleeps through the meal that's ok. You can request a table off to the side so it might be a little quieter and not so hectic. Plus the photo ops will be so cute. The characters really are good with babies and will make such a fuss!

Are you staying in a studio or a one-bedroom? If you have laundry, then you won't need to bring as many clothes...we brought 2 outfits per day. Also, bring all the diapers/wipes you might need and more...they are expensive to buy on Disney property and may not have the brand you usually buy. Leaves plenty of room for souvenir packing on the way home!

That's all I can think of for now. We're at the next stage now planning for April...Connor is finally toilet trained, so now I need to plan out bathroom visits and the like! But I'll be back in your shoes next January...our new little one will be 6 months old for our land/sea celebrating Connor's 5th birthday!!

Let me know how it goes and any other tips you discover!

 

[mericletwins]

We took Connor on his first trip when he was 20 months, but I did gather a few really good tips beforehand that will apply.

-get them used to napping in the stroller before the trip...spend afternoons walking outside or at the mall
-
-go with the flow and your baby's schedule, do early mornings and take a big break in the afternoon back at the resort to swim/nap and then head back to the park in the evening when it's cooler
-the baby care centers in each park are awesome, air conditioned and quiet, nice for a break
-ziploc bags are great...I packed spoons and toddler food in a bag, change of clothes, great for dirty diapers (especially since you don't get daily maid service at OKW if you're staying on points)

As far as table service, I would recommend Crystal Palace with the Pooh characters. The breakfast is awesome, and like you said, you can eat in shifts, take your time and enjoy. If baby sleeps through the meal that's ok. You can request a table off to the side so it might be a little quieter and not so hectic. Plus the photo ops will be so cute. The characters really are good with babies and will make such a fuss!

Are you staying in a studio or a one-bedroom? If you have laundry, then you won't need to bring as many clothes...we brought 2 outfits per day. Also, bring all the diapers/wipes you might need and more...they are expensive to buy on Disney property and may not have the brand you usually buy. Leaves plenty of room for souvenir packing on the way home!

!

I second the getting them used to napping in the stroller. Also, if you are formula feeding get the baby used to having room temp bottles and powder formula. We took our twins when they were 9 mos old and the powder formula packets were a life saver.

 

[kmk160]

We took our dd this past summer when she was just nearly 5 months along with our ds, 3.
I thought one of the best things we brought along was the stroller fan from onestepahead.com

It blew enough air to keep her cool on hot days but not too much air at all!
We took both kids back mid-day for a rest, nap, whatever they needed!
Taking a 4-5 month old was alot easier than I expected it to be.
Just do have to strict of an itinerary...those little kiddos have a way of making them not work out that well!!!

 

[NotSoNewMommy]

No specific tips for Disney since we are going for our first time with DS in 2 weeks, BUT we have traveled a lot with our little one so I can give some general travel advice.....

1. For the airplane ride - at 7 months, your baby will probably be starting finger foods, so make sure to bring LOTS of snacks. Cheerios in a bowl or this cute Cheerios Snack N Go Phone (I got mine at Babies R Us) will keep him busy for a while. Also Gerber wagon wheels and stars are a big hit at that age. I always pack a couple of new toys as well. My child has always slept on planes very well....something about the noise and vibration, I think. Make sure for take-off and landing that your son is either sucking a pacifier, a bottle or the breast.

2. Regarding napping/sleep schedule - in my experience, babies adjust VERY well to time changes and changes in schedule.....much better than we do. I wouldn't worry too much about that and just go with the flow.

3. If it's your baby's first time being in warm weather, just be sure to pack lots of lightweight clothing, keep him very well hydrated (most important, IMO) and use sunscreen even if he's under the shade of his stroller. The little clip-on fan sounds like a good idea too.

4. Pack light. You can always do laundry and you can buy all the baby supplies you need when you get there. It might be a little more expensive, but it's worth it not to have to drag a gazillion bags with you. I always pack enough diapers and wipes for a couple of days and then buy the rest when I get to our destination.

Hope that was helpful. Feel free to ask more if you need to.

 

[NemoMOm]

At each park we found the baby care center right off. They are awesome and they do not care if you and the baby need to hang out (in a/c). Also I only dressed DS in onsie because of the heat and ok'd with ped. for sunblock. We kept him out of the sun as much as possible. If you are going in hot mos. becareful of strollers as they do not allow air flow. CM told us they treat alot of adults and children for heat stroke.

 

[Agent J]

wow - these are all fantastic tips - makes me relax a little about this first trip knowing so many have done this with wee ones...we have APs so no commando park days for us and hope to relax at the resort/pool a little

we are staying in a 1 bedroom at OKW so the tips on packing/laundry are great and we will definitely pick up a fan/mister for the stroller

he is changing so much every day that it is hard to know what to expect by the time we go (didn't even think about finger foods so thanks for that tip) - he travels really well in the car and sleeps wherever we are (car seat, laps, sofas) so hope that continues but will try the stroller sleeping to get him used to that too

i usually am a obsessive planner but in 3 short months all those habits are learning to go with the flow - good advice for disney too i guess

those child care centres sound great - we are breastfeeding now but slipping in one bottle of room temp formula per day so he is good with that - do you use bottled water to mix formula without boiling first? that would be most covenient (unless i'm still breastfeeding)

thanks for all your generous tips - hope i'll have some to share when we return!!!

 

[crazywig]

do you use a sling? i'm not talking about a baby bjorn but a true sling or pouch. if not you may want to try one. it was the single best thing i brought with me when my dd took her first trip at 4 months.

she slept in it alot, i ate meals with her in it (although your baby will be old enough to sit in a high chair by then), and it is handy while waiting in queue's. sure a small baby feels light at first LOL but after a while not so much. i used a sling with her in disney up until she was a year old.

i never used one with my first child, i wish i had! it was one of the best baby products i had for number two.

 

[lovethattink]

Hi, I'm a Florida resident with an AP. We are at the parks all the time. When our youngest was born, our oldest was 10. We have had so many wonderful experiences taking an infant, now a toddler to Disney.

The baby care centers are awesome. AK's is the best for an infant. The nursing rooms are private with a changing table, rocker and adjustable lighting.

Each baby care center has some type of method to warm a bottle, whether it's a bottle warmer, or pot of water on the stove depends on the location. I had no trouble warming a bottle.

One note, strollers are not allowed in the baby care center at Epcot or MK. They are allowed at MGM and AK. The MGM baby care center is pathetic compared to the other ones. The nursing room is like a dressing room cramped with a rocker and a curtain for privacy.

The Florida sun can be very strong. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a sun hat. We use to carry along a collapsable cooler bag, like a lunch bag. We brought zipperlock bags and put ice in them and a wash cloth. Through my son playing baseball down here, we learned the quickest way to cool off is something cool behind the neck. The cloth was there in the bag in case we needed it.

Just some FYI things that might help:

There are 2 rocking chairs in the gift shop before you enter the Splash Mountain entrance area. It's a great place to take a quick break if you all need to calm down and you can take some cuddle time to rock the baby.

The air conditioning inside the buildings can be down right frigid. Be sure to bring some type of blanket or sweater just in case it's needed indoors.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'm reading this thread with interest because we have a similar situation. Our little guys are probably about the same age. We are staying at OKW in mid-April and DS will be almost 6 months by then. Although he is our third child, we've never taken a baby under 1 to Disney.

You've received a lot of good tips so far. I would add that if you're planning to use the Pack N Play, bring your own sheet. Disney does provide a sheet, but it may help your DS to have a sheet that smells familiar. I've been having DS nap in the Pack N Play here at home every once in a while so that he gets used to it. We're also planning on renting an exersaucer and possibly a highchair from A Baby's Best Friend. We're never used ABBF before, but they've gotten great reviews from people on the DIS.

I'm also considering shipping diapers, wipes, and formula directly to the resort.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Monkeyfeet]

I second what a pp said. Invest in a really good sling. The best ones/most comfy ones can only be found online. Kangaroo Korner, Maya and Ero are all great places to look. Also if you are breastfeeding, then no need to stop and sit, you can nurse right in the sling very discreetly.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

While I have not been to Disney I have been traveling with my now 8 month old. I have to disagree with one poster above- it must really depend on the baby because I can tell you mine, who is often a very laid back baby, but when we go other places she doesn't do well when off her schedule. I find although she's big enough to ride in the stroller for our daily walks, when we are traveling and in and out of shops, or whatever she does better and is more likely to relax if I snap the car seat part into the top so she's in a cozy reclined position

also, I would suggest using a pack and play at home for naps and/or sleeping in instead of her crib, this is what I plan to do before we go on our trip in the Fall because right now she does NOT sleep well when in strange places- I believe this started a few months ago.

We will be staying in a villa, but I know sound traveling can be an issue during naps, so perhaps adults can spend time chatting on the deck.

I like using a mix of cloth diapers and disposables- easy to wash and use again. But it does mean more bulk to pack.

You may also want to think about if you would prefer to have groceries delivered or pick up from air port.

Develop a plan on what you will do if your room isn't ready. And ask for a stroller friendly room- if staying at OKW I understand only a couple buildings have elevators, otherwise you are stuck with ground floor.

 

[Perditamarie]

You can order groceries to be delivered to your villa. This is very convenient and a great way to NOT have to pack all those baby supplies. Bell Services will hold your items in refrigerated cases if your room isn't ready when items delivered.

I definately second the baby sling -- great for waiting in lines, dining, going on rides (especially if baby is sleeping), etc.

Also, Garden Grill is not a good choice for an infant in a high chair. The high chair would be placed in high traffic area used by characters and servers.

Have fun...you won't believe how much you will be able to see with your baby!

 

[daisymommy]

We're headed to WDW in four days with a nearly four year old and a six month old. Travelling with infants isn't much different than running about town with them. Try to keep to your schedule as much as possible and realize that Disney will kill you if you try to do everything. Just know before you go that you won't see everything, that it's OK to leave the park to take care of your kids, and that all of you will enjoy the trip much more if you take it easy. This will be our second trip in a year (I was seven months pregnant the last trip!), and I'm pretty confident. We're bringing our own stroller so the little one can nap laying down, we'll bring a snugli (that thing is possibly the BEST invention EVER), and we are eating at all types of restaurants. Don't stress so much about it. Presumably your child is on solid foods by now, so when you eat the baby eats. Bring the baby's food in a little cold pack and take it out a few minutes before serving so it warms up. May is pretty warm there, so dress in light and breezy clothes with a hat or sunshade on your stroller. In the meantime, make sure you take your child with you on all types of outings to "practice" so Disney's not such a shock! Good luck, have fun, and don't think of travel as so out of ordinary behavior!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I think alot of people had some great ideas but the one thing I can't stress enough is Don't Stress! Just go with the flow. Some parents go and they want to see everything, and I can't blame them, but sometimes that doesn't happen. We have 3 children (4.5,3,15months) and 1 on the way! We are taking them on their 6th trip to WDW next month! We don't worry about too much and we just see how everyone feels when we are touring. 7 months old is alot of fun at WDW! I would definitely get the stroller fan. They are priceless! You are going to have a great time so don't sweat the small stuff!

 

[meghan74]

We just got back from a trip with a 6 year old and a 4 month old and it was wonderful! I am also breastfeeding and found it to be so easy to find places to nurse. The baby care centers are wonderful, but I also found myself nursing on the TTA, Pirates of the Carribean, Philharmagic, etc.

You are getting a lot of great tips here, but I must also mention how great it was to have a sling! It was a lot easier for me to keep DD in a sling in places where we were going from ride to ride (i.e. in Fantasyland) than to keep getting her in and out of the stroller. Here's a picture of her in line for the Jungle Cruise:

I got my sling at www.hotslings.com, BTW.

We were on the DDP and did one TS meal per day. We usually did an early lunch (around 11:30) and then just had CS for dinner. That worked well for us. Be sure to tell them that you will have an infant with you. Many of the TS restaurants have infant high chairs. We used one at Garden Grill and Crystal Palace. Liberty Tree Tavern did not have them, but they let us keep DD in her stroller.

 

[airtime247]

We just returned from OKW with our then 9 month old. What a previous poster said was true for us too in that our DD was a completely different child on vacation than at home.

At home she naps really well but refused to sleep in the Pack 'n Play. We ended up renting a crib from A Baby's Best Friend which saved us. She was never very good about napping in her stroller but did really well on this trip as long as we were moving. She also slept really well in her Baby Bjorn.

Our DD is also very vocal at the dining room table. It's something she picked up a few months ago. She is perfectly happy but just yells really loud and waves her arms in the air while shouting. I'm guessing she picked that up from dining with her mother's Italian side of the family!

Eating at restaurants is normally really tough but it was nice being able to pick noisy restaurants at WDW. Buffets were good because they generally go a lot quicker. She tends to get restless after being stuck in her high chair for too long. One of us just waits with her while the other plates up. Crystal Palace, Boma, Restaurant Akershus' Princess Lunch and Donald's Breakfastosaurus were really easy with her as was Ohana.

While we didn't have much heat, we did when we took her to Disneyland in June. We bought one of those clip-on fans which didn't get a lot of use because it wouldn't stay on the stroller. What worked great was the Ray Shade we bought to put on top of her stroller. It kept her completely in the shade so we didn't have to worry as much about sunburns. It also helped block out a lot of the scenery above so when we reclined her she wasn't as distracted and could sleep easier.

-steve

 

[Agent J]

thanks for all the feedback, tips and suggestions - there is so much to learn from

i will definitely take to heart all the advice about not stressing out over this trip - we are planning a laidback time at the resort, a little shopping, some time in the parks and a few meals out - we have ap's and other trips planned since we joined dvc so will help us focus on just going with the flow

i will look into the slings - my little guy hates the snugli so maybe i'll have better luck with the sling - would love to have hands free sometimes

we are debating whether to take our graco travel system stroller since we'll use car seat for the plane and it is fairly easy to fold up although a bit bulky- do you leave diaper bags etc with the stroller when you go on rides - i want to be a trusting person and would hope all would be fine but just curious if you take any special precautions with stroller parking (we are thinking of painting a clear marker on the wheel or attach something distinctive so we can quickly find it in the sea of strollers)

will definitely think about grocery delivery - we usually walk fro dtd to crossroads first night for groceries and cab back but we'll go for convenience this time

lots of planning but really looking forward to enjoying this first special trip with our little man

thanks again for all your help and so glad others have similar questions - will share whatever i learn as well

 

[SnowWitch]

I'm curious how comfy the sling will be in Fla May heat.

Another great place to breastfeed is Spaceship Earth. Cool, dark, and long. The CM's will also allow you to make another lap if your little isn't done.

Our daughter will be 6 months in JUNE when we go, her sister went when she was 2 months and 14 months. Our group ths summer is ds 17, ds 14, dd 26 mon., and dd 6 months. We have agreat time but tend to throw commando touring out the window since our 2 youngest arrived. We always stay in a larger villa so it is great for allowing the kids space. The washer/dryer are a god send with little ones..

We tried to make all our dinner adrs for no later than 6:30p. Early lunch, no later than noon. We tend to do cs for lunch around 11 or 1130 before the lines are huge. Back to the room for a short swim and a nap. Then we have some play time and return to the parks no earlier than 5pm.

 

[wlfans]

I'll just say to pace your self. The baby will be around seven months and probably sleeps a couple hours in the morning and the afternoon. You may want to bring you own stroller. The Disney ones are not good for children under one. Remember to keep the baby out of the sun. You should have a good time with the extra help from your mom. Be aware where the Baby Stations are located. They really a good place to stop for a break.
Are you taking ME or a towncar service ? You may save some money by taking a car service to pick up diapers, wipes and formula. Also, if you have formula how will you warm it up? We your out at a restaurant ask for a picther or warm water. If you have powdered formula it may be the way to go.

We had gone in May in 2003 and found the crowds to be light and the weather was very nice.