for those who have gone w/ a child under 1 yr old

[ahilly]

I want to know what you thought of traveling w/ such a young one? I really want to go this fall, DD will be 4.5 yrs old and DS will by 7or8 months old (depending on if we go in Sept or Oct). DH thinks we would be better off waiting until next spring because of all the 'stuff' we will have to bring for the baby...bottles, formula, baby food etc. How did you all do it w/ the little one? Dh says if we wait until May 06 then we don't have to deal w/ as much stuff for DS. Any thought/suggestions would be helpful (I really want to go this fall ).

Thanks-
Ahilly

 

[GEM]

Well, for me, traveling with Paul was easiest BEFORE he was one! Since he wasn't walking yet, he was very happy to be in his stroller, sling, backpack carrier, etc. Once he started walking, he wasn't as happy to ride - so it got a bit harder taking him places. Also, he was breastfed exclusively up until he started solids at 9 months, so I never had to worry about packing any food or bottles or anything at all up until that point. He was a pretty laid-back kind of baby, so we never really worried about sticking to his schedule or anything like that. He was happy napping in his stroller, staying up late for the fireworks, etc. We just pretty much followed his cues. Of course, we didn't really have a strict schedule at home either, so he was used to that kind of flexibility. We didn't have to worry about what he would enjoy or about keeping him happy. He was pretty much just happy taking in the sights and sounds.

He's two now. To tell you the truth, I find traveling with a toddler much more complicated than traveling with a baby! We still have a great time, and he is a pretty good traveler, but it takes more to keep him entertained, he has MUCH stronger opinions about things, he doesn't much care for being in the stroller, etc.

I'm sure whatever age you decide to take him, you'll all have a great time!

 

[MelodyMack]

Obviously the temperment of your munchkin should be considered, but as a generalization I think it's the way to go. We traveled with our 8 month old nephew during our last trip, and I would recommend it!

Yes, his Mom and Dad had a fully stocked diaper bag, and they brought their own stroller (no rentals), but it was no problem at all. He napped well because of all the stimulation, and was probably the best behaved of all the kids

I think that traveling with a child under one makes a lot of sense....you aren't "tracking" him all over the park like you would be a toddler who is walking, and as long as you keep them on their schedule they're really just along for the ride. Also, we made bi-daily trips to the Baby Stations (which are awesome) just to get out of the crowds for a half hour or so.

It's really up to you and what you know about your family dynamics, but it's easily do-able, and makes for great family memories.

Hope this helps-
Mel

 

[TiggerStac]

We traveled with our son when he was 5 months old and it was a wonderful trip!! I prepacked a lot for him, diapers, wipes, formula. I purchased baby food when we got there. It left extra room for souvies on the way home with packing diapers, etc. You could always purchase them down there, too. When we needed diapers, formula..i purchased them at BJ's Wholesale Club, so it was more econimical to bring it with us.
I have a baby bjorn that I put him in on some of the rides. We, also, did the baby swap. On this particular trip, we had several vistors, including my mom for a couple of nights, so we got to go out on our own!!
It is a trip that will always stand out in my mind. It was my sons first and both of my grandparents last trip...and I got to experience it with them!! My grandparents lived in florida, but summered home in MA. They never went back that fall as my grandmother got sick...they sold the house in FL and moved home!! They both ended up passing away within 8 months of moving "home" to boston.
So...that trip has a special place in my heart~!! I get my love of Disney from my Nana!!!

 

[andriade]

My son was 9 months old the first time we went to WDW. He was wonderful. It was way easier than taking him at 20 months old!

 

[amy1976]

We took our DD when she was 10 months old and she was wonderful. She had just started to walk so she didn't mind being in the stroller. She was good on all the rides and I think she had fun. We did have to pack a lot, formula, baby food, etc., but it was worth it. We are going again this august and I think this trip is going to be harder with her. I would definetly go on the trip.

 

[rchristiansen]

We took our DD when she was nearly 1 and it was a piece of cake! Who care about packing extra bottles, etc...eh! That's nothing!

We went again when our DD was 2 and we couldn't get her to go sit in her stroller and we had to head back early most days for naps. When she was littler she would nap in her stroller. Also, at 2 they have a "say" in everything that goes on. Under 1, they just go with the flow

Ya know what else though, you really will only be packing one less thing if you go in May 2006 - That would be the formula. Replace the bottles with sippy cups and you have the same stuff to haul anyways.In fact, maybe more if you include Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks and juice boxes!

 

[my3princes]

I've been on several trips with kids under 1. We have always had a great time. The kids would be entertained by everything going on around them and nap when they got tired in their own strollers. I breastfeed all of my children so we didn't deal with bottles or formula, but we did with my niece and it wasn't a problem at all. Bring what you need with you as things are pricey in the parks and resorts, otherwise I would highly recommend going.

 

[tbelfonti]

My DD turned 10 months during our trip - it was the PERFECT time to take her since she wasn't mobile yet ... just a few weeks later she wants to be down and out of the stroller so we timed our trip PERFECTLY

 

[meandtheguys2]

Doing Disney with a wee one is actually a bit simpler than going to Sam's club with them! (Having had to change one in the bathroom of Sam's once...!) The baby centers are great. They love the sights. If you are reasonably low maintenance, you don't have to lug around the whole nursery. Just what is necessary. The worst possible scenario only involves paying a bit more if you've forgotten something.

 

[cycyk]

which rides were you guys able to take your babies on? I will be taking a 4 mo. old in Oct. and am wondering what my limits are.

 

[rchristiansen]

We went when my DD was nearly 1 and we did all of these with her:

The slower rides like Haunted Mansion, Train, TTA, CoP, Jungle Cruise maybe Dumbo, Flying Carpets, Pirates, Spaceship Earth (definately - another good one for a nap), Living Seas, Journey into Imagination, the Land Boat Ride, the Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour and the Safari.

But for a 4 mo old - maybe not Dumboish rides, the Backlot tour because of the "excitement" or Pirates because of the Drop.

Also I would think all the shows, etc would be fine too.

 

[R4racing]

My youngest DD was almost 5 mo old when we went. She ended up going on more rides than her 6yr old cousin. I think the only ride her 2yr old sister went on that the baby didn't was the tea cups and Astro Orbiters. Pretty much everything that did not have a height limit she went on. Most of the rides she was in her sling, other rides she rode on someones lap. We even took her on Pirates of Carribean (small drop) The Norway ride (another small drop) Backlot Tour (sat on right side as you face front) Safari (a bit extra bumpy)

Actually the baby was easier than both her older sisters as she just 'went with the flow' and was happy to just people watch. We did carry a bottle each day incase she got hungry while I was doing a 'big person' ride. Other than that we didn't bring anything more for her than we did for the 2yr old.

So far we've taken DD's at ages almost 5mo, 14mo, just over 2yrs, 2 1/2yrs, 5 1/2yrs. Their cousins were almost 3yrs, 6yrs and 8 or 9yrs. The 5mo old really was not any more 'work' or trouble than the older ones. Although I have been told my many different people that our kids are very laid back and they do tend to handle change in their schedules very nicely.

 

[trueminnie]

We took our son for his first trip when he was 10 months old. He was GREAT! We went on everything that didnt have a height requirement. The only thing that startled him a little was the Universe of Energy at Epcot. The loud noises were a bit much for him but other than that.......We had a great time.

 

[mom24/7]

Our DD was only 6 months when we went and I think we packed less for her than DS who was 3.5 yrs. He had sippy cups and favorite snacks and toys for the ride. She slept most of the drive to WDW...We have wonderful pictures of Pluto feeding DD at Garden Grill character meal. She could not say a thing and really did not eat much as she was just starting on baby food but the smile is priceless. We did not even use our stroller after the first day....we put DD in a belly-pack and she was much happier being up close to daddy who carried her most of the time. HE was able to just keep her in the belly-pack on the rides. It really was a fun vacation. We even splurged on the photo of the whole family fighting Zurg on the Buzz Lightyear ride.

 

[rt2dz]

I find traveling with our kids at such a young age super easy. If flying, you may want to send a box to your hotel with things (bottles, wipes, diapers, etc) you'll need in advance or have it delivered to your hotel through a shopping service, or do a stop on your way. Personally, we drive because the kids are so little and we find it easier at that age to have our own car (and more space) than to fly.

But other than that, it's just like a big day trip/all day outing to the zoo. Babies are sooo portable. Much easier than toddlers or preschoolers. I wouldn't wait, but it is a personal decision.

 

[GJM]

My DS first trip he was 8 months old, he is now 5, I think that was the easiest trip of them all so far. He went on lots of rides, would sleep in his stroller, and didn't ask for any toys!

Enjoy!

 

[mill4023]

We went to DL when our youngest was 5 months old. Then we went to WDW last month when she was 14 months. Our other kids are 10,7, and 4. It was definitely easier with a 5 month old, but both were great trips.
When she was 5 months old, she was a very difficult baby but at DL, she was absolutely wonderful. She was so entertained by all the people, characters, rides, parades, etc. that she didn't fuss at all the entire time. She was also content to sit in the stroller and nap in the stroller.

At 14 months, we still had a wonderful time, but it was definitely more work. She was walking so she no longer wanted to sit still for very long. She kept wanting to get out of the stroller to walk and every time we had a meal, she wanted to get out of the high chair and go running around the restaurant.

Either way, you'll be fine, but if your husband wants to wait because he thinks it will be easier, I think he'll be in for a surprise.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

We took our 7 month along with our 4 yr old and 2 yr old. He did great! Bring your own stroller, though. The ones at Disney aren't very good for little ones (we do rent a double for the older two.) . We love our Combii umbrella stroller. He slept in the pac-n-play at the hotel. We brought his carrier for waiting in line, but didn't use it once. We wouldn't wait in lines over 30 minutes though so we just passed him back and forth. Use Fastpass!

He rode everything that we rode that didn't have a height requirement (POC, HM, Maelstrom, Safari etc). The only thing he got upset on was the Universe of Energy attraction at Epcot. It was too loud (as are a lot of the shows). The 3-D attractions often blow air or water at you, too. Just a warning...

Another tip: We packed a separate large zip-loc bag with about 3 or 4 diapers, travel wipe box and disposable pads and another zip-loc with his food for the day, spoons and disposable bibs (no, we were not friends of the environment this trip). We put these bags in our backpack. This way you can just grab one of the bags and head to the restroom or feeding place and not have to fumble around the backpack for all their items. You just refill it every morning and afternoon (if you plan on taking afternoon breaks) You also don't need an extra diaper bag this way.

Anyway, I definitely agree with the other posters that taking a 7 month old is easier than taking a toddler. Tell your husband to go for it!

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I agree with everyone that taking a baby isn't nearly as hard as you think it would be. We took our DS at 9 months and he was wonderful, he enjoyed everything, and we, too, took him on all rides that didn't have a height requirement.

My two biggest tips are:

1) take your own stroller, a lightweight one, but one that fully reclines, and 2) if you can, take powdered formula that you can mix with water, this way you can just pack measured amounts into baggies and buy the bottled water in the parks, that's what worked best for us (although my son would drink his bottle warm or cold!)

We are going again in less than a month, and I think this trip will be harder now that he is VERY mobile...