Hep me decide if I should take my DD to Disney

[disney631]

We leave to Disney this Sunday with my husband and 2 girls which are 3 and 6yrs of age. My sister and mother in law have offered to stay with my little one who is 7 months so that we can enjoy the trip and do more.
The offer sounds amazing but I just can't see myself leaving her behind. I also worry that it might be too hot for her and the occasional rain which my mom tells me that it has been rainy a lot in Florida lately. Another thing that worries me is that I exclusively pump and would have to take my frozen stash with me since I'm not making enough for the day. How do I take my frozen milk on the plane without having it defrost for at least 6 hours until we get to the hotel?
Also does POR-Riverside have a freezer so I can store my milk?

What are your thoughts? Would you take the baby or leave her behind? We are planning another trip next year in November.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Wow, this is a tough dilemma. I can answer some of your questions, but ultimately, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons.

First: Check the TSA website about taking frozen milk on the plane and what kinds of cold packs you could use. You might be able to use a well-insulated bag and several cold packs and place it in the middle of your suitcase (where it would be more insulated). I did that with some cheese I was bringing home from Oregon and it was still frozen 12 hours later.

Second: The refrigerators at POR do not have freezer compartments. And, Disney has had to recall all their fridges and not all rooms have working fridges at the moment. If you got there and didn't have one, you could request one for medical reasons, but it still would not have a freezer. Only DVC resorts and the FW Cabins have full-size fridges with freezers.

In your situation, I guess if I had the option, I would probably lean towards leaving the baby behind. Normally, I'd say take the baby, but it seems like there are a lot of issues with having to take the frozen milk, keep it frozen and then have to take the time to go to the Baby Care Center to heat it up and feed your baby. And since you do plan to take another trip, maybe it would be best to leave the littlest behind so you can focus on your two older girls.

Would you have to continue to pump while you're gone, and take time to do that in the parks, or could you just do it in the mornings before you head out, maybe in the afternoon while you take a break and in the evenings at bedtime?

 

[disney631]

This is my biggest Con. The frozen milk. I currently pump 3x a day. Once in the morning, afternoon and then at night. I use about 2 frozen bags a day so that would mean I would have to take about 20 frozen bags and keep them frozen until I use them. I also feed her solids. So I would also have to take time to feed her baby food but I'm sure I can do that while we are eating at the restaurant.

 

[KalamityJane]

Personally, I would bring the little one with, they are SUPER portable at that age, and you will have to stop and pump anyway, so feeding her the milk as you go will actually solve your freezer problem. We took #2 when he was 6 mo, and it was actually a really great time to bring him since he still napped a ton. I brought a Boba, and we took turns with him. It really was pretty easy.

 

[KalamityJane]

Oh, I see you would have to bring frozen milk. What about asking POR if they will keep it in their freezer?

 

[ZehnJahren]

I think it sounds like a great, great time to focus on the two older kids who have probably been good sports about the new addition that has taken over so much of Mommy and Daddy's time! Plus, how wonderful to have TWO people, your sis and mother-in-law, so eager to get some serious bonding time in with the little one as well! You know the baby will be getting excellent care, and the two little girls will have a treat getting to do more "big girl" stuff with mom and dad.

 

[angelmom27]

I can't leave just one child behind just because of their age. Especially my babies. I go no where without my babies til they hit 2.

Like a previous comment said check the TSA website for transport. As for the freezer/fridge issue yes disney is replacing all fridges but you have a medical reason so they will give you one. I know refrigerated milk last a while so couldn't use just use the fridge part and then freeze at home. You can always ask disney too about using a freezer.

I do babywearing too and baby usually just sleeps all day or just hangs out in the carrier.

Weather wise yes we had a very rainy summer in the beginning but really now it has calmed down a lot. As for heat not bad but I'm a floridian so it might just be my opinion on that.

 

[KalamityJane]

If you don't take the baby, are you going to lose out on all the liquid gold you pumped over that time?

 

[disney631]

yes, another issue of mine. I have to pump regardless. Such a tough decision.

 

[Feckless]

If you are going to pump anyway, then you wouldn't have to bring much of a frozen stash would you? Or at least all of it?? How long is the flight? Why don't you bring some formula for the trip or if you run low of the pumped milk? I personally would not do it if I weren't willing to use formula in case of running low of pumped milk.

It sounds like pumping and feeding while trying to enjoy Disney will be difficult but if you will have to pump and dump if you don't have her, so it isn't much different.

We just got back and it was hot and wet but not unbearable, except during the middle of the day. Problem that I see is using carriers and slings - the double body heat would be really hard. Is she happy in a stroller?

Bottom line is that if your baby would be happier at home with family, then by all means, don't feel guilty about leaving her! I agree with the previous poster that said that it was a great time to focus on your older kids too.

 

[mommyto3girls]

I would lean towards not bringing her. I know it is hard, but she probably would have just a good of a time with grandma. It would be nice for the older kids to have some time to be in the spotlight and as you have pointed out there is another trip planned so it's not like she won't have other trips to Disney. But whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[Dugette]

I'll preface this by saying that I like the answer of a previous poster about spending quality time with the two older girls. But, as someone who is excited to take a (slightly older) baby on her first trip, I was brainstorming how you may be able to make the breast milk challenge work. I know I've read some things about using dry ice, but I think it's expensive. I haven't checked into it more than that, though. However, this is the best idea I can come up with, since you have several days before you leave:

Feed your DD the frozen bags this week for most or all of her feedings. Keep this week's freshly pumped milk in the fridge - do not freeze. It will keep from 3-8 days in the fridge (per the kellymom website). Then pack it up good to keep cool on the plane and put in the fridge in your room when you get there. As long as you're able to pump enough this week to make up for the deficit you expect while at WDW, you should be able to make it by doing that (and use the milk you brought first). If you don't quite have enough, you could bring some frozen and let it thaw on the plane and use it the first day. Hope I haven't forgotten anything, but I can't see why that wouldn't work? And if you still ran short, you could maybe throw in an extra pumping session and get a bit more if you needed to?

Also, for the feeding solids, does your baby like the puree pouches? Can she suck the food out herself? If so, that may help make mealtimes smooth. Also, any finger foods she can handle (puffs or yogurt melts) might be handy too.

Regarding the heat, we were just out in 90+ degree weather all afternoon yesterday and our DD was clearly hot, but did okay and even took a nap in her stroller. I'd just recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, clothes that will keep her cool, a sippy cup of cold water, maybe a little fan, and make plenty of stops in air-conditioned places (like the baby care centers, where you can also pump). For rain, I've heard of people using ponchos over the stroller, but haven't tried this myself.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[wallskm]

I'll preface this by saying that I like the answer of a previous poster about spending quality time with the two older girls. But, as someone who is excited to take a (slightly older) baby on her first trip, I was brainstorming how you may be able to make the breast milk challenge work. I know I've read some things about using dry ice, but I think it's expensive. I haven't checked into it more than that, though. However, this is the best idea I can come up with, since you have several days before you leave:

Feed your DD the frozen bags this week for most or all of her feedings. Keep this week's freshly pumped milk in the fridge - do not freeze. It will keep from 3-8 days in the fridge (per the kellymom website). Then pack it up good to keep cool on the plane and put in the fridge in your room when you get there. As long as you're able to pump enough this week to make up for the deficit you expect while at WDW, you should be able to make it by doing that (and use the milk you brought first). If you don't quite have enough, you could bring some frozen and let it thaw on the plane and use it the first day. Hope I haven't forgotten anything, but I can't see why that wouldn't work? And if you still ran short, you could maybe throw in an extra pumping session and get a bit more if you needed to?

Also, for the feeding solids, does your baby like the puree pouches? Can she suck the food out herself? If so, that may help make mealtimes smooth. Also, any finger foods she can handle (puffs or yogurt melts) might be handy too.

Regarding the heat, we were just out in 90+ degree weather all afternoon yesterday and our DD was clearly hot, but did okay and even took a nap in her stroller. I'd just recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, clothes that will keep her cool, a sippy cup of cold water, maybe a little fan, and make plenty of stops in air-conditioned places (like the baby care centers, where you can also pump). For rain, I've heard of people using ponchos over the stroller, but haven't tried this myself.

Hope you have a great trip!

I think that's a pretty smart idea! I kept milk (that hadn't been frozen before) in the fridge for up to a week when I was pumping and it was always fine. If you just kept up with which milk is the oldest and use it first that would probably work well.

 

[disney631]

I'll preface this by saying that I like the answer of a previous poster about spending quality time with the two older girls. But, as someone who is excited to take a (slightly older) baby on her first trip, I was brainstorming how you may be able to make the breast milk challenge work. I know I've read some things about using dry ice, but I think it's expensive. I haven't checked into it more than that, though. However, this is the best idea I can come up with, since you have several days before you leave:

Feed your DD the frozen bags this week for most or all of her feedings. Keep this week's freshly pumped milk in the fridge - do not freeze. It will keep from 3-8 days in the fridge (per the kellymom website). Then pack it up good to keep cool on the plane and put in the fridge in your room when you get there. As long as you're able to pump enough this week to make up for the deficit you expect while at WDW, you should be able to make it by doing that (and use the milk you brought first). If you don't quite have enough, you could bring some frozen and let it thaw on the plane and use it the first day. Hope I haven't forgotten anything, but I can't see why that wouldn't work? And if you still ran short, you could maybe throw in an extra pumping session and get a bit more if you needed to?

Also, for the feeding solids, does your baby like the puree pouches? Can she suck the food out herself? If so, that may help make mealtimes smooth. Also, any finger foods she can handle (puffs or yogurt melts) might be handy too.

Regarding the heat, we were just out in 90+ degree weather all afternoon yesterday and our DD was clearly hot, but did okay and even took a nap in her stroller. I'd just recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, clothes that will keep her cool, a sippy cup of cold water, maybe a little fan, and make plenty of stops in air-conditioned places (like the baby care centers, where you can also pump). For rain, I've heard of people using ponchos over the stroller, but haven't tried this myself.

Hope you have a great trip!

You are a life saver. I'm going to start saving my fresh milk today. This would work out perfect. I'm going to prepare it all as if I'm taking her, if I decide towards the end that it would be best to leave her than my MIL can always feed her that milk. I guess I can do the same in Disney if I don't take her. I can pump and store it well and bring it back with me. Would hate to throw that milk out. And I honestly don't want to go the formula route.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I really do appreciate it.

 

[dalmatian7]

I have never pumped at WDW but we did travel to FL while I was nursing. As for flying I Packed frozen bags in a small soft sided cooler. I froze water in milk bags to use to keep the frozen cold. When you place your items in the belt for security, let them know that you have milk for a child. They will take the bag aside and test it separately. I used a hand pump in the airport, but that is all I ever used. What I pumped there (I pumped every 4 hours at the time) we fed while traveling. You can also put the baby food in the cooler and only one bag has to be sorted out during security.

The rest of the trip I nursed or fed freshly pumped. She was 11 months at the time so not very dependent on milk as her only food source.

 

[Dugette]

You are a life saver. I'm going to start saving my fresh milk today. This would work out perfect. I'm going to prepare it all as if I'm taking her, if I decide towards the end that it would be best to leave her than my MIL can always feed her that milk. I guess I can do the same in Disney if I don't take her. I can pump and store it well and bring it back with me. Would hate to throw that milk out. And I honestly don't want to go the formula route.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I really do appreciate it.

Happy to help! I'm glad I was randomly browsing around the DIS while eating lunch today. Like a previous poster said, I've kept milk in the fridge for around a week too without a problem...just sniff it before serving if you have any concerns. And, yeah, that should work well to bring back anything you pump if she doesn't come along also. Hope you have a great trip and your DD has a great time, whichever place she ends up "vacationing".

 

[Tropics]

I was in a somewhat similar situation in January with respect to the pumped milk issue. I took as much frozen milk as I could fit in my small cooler bag along with a freezer pack. Breast milk is not considered thawed if there is still some of it that is frozen (look up on Kelly Mom what they say about frozen breast milk). Some bags of breast milk stayed almost entirely for 3 days! I was incredibly surprised. The trick was storing it at the back of the fridge (in the cooler bag) and only opening the bag when absolutely necessary. I also took a couple of bags of fresh milk (easy to transport bags versus bottles). DD had the fresh bags that I took with us first and then the frozen bags. Meanwhile I was pumping while down there so then she had the milk that I had been pumping while down there. We were gone for 2 weeks so we had to make stretch things out that long and with the extra boost from brining down the frozen milk, it seemed to work as I was also having a short supply at the time (coupled with multiple problems with my pump just before we left).

In order to try to boost my milk supply while we were travelling I also started taking blessed thistle and fenugreek 2 weeks before we left and then continued for the duration of our trip. This didn't have a huge impact on my supply but my feeling was that even a small increase would help.

Good luck!

 

[princessK30]

We just got back from a trip to Disney's Vero Beach with our 8 month old daughter. took a soft cooler a little bigger than lunchbox size, full of frozen bags of breastmilk (packed totally full, prob about 100oz) on the plane and had no issues. I am still breastfeeding, but also use breastmilk to mix with her cereal and an afternoon bottle (trying to wean currently bc I have a huge freezer supply to use up!). When we got there we weren't sure what the freezer situation would be, turns out our room only had the mini fridge with no freezer so we called the front desk asking if they could help somehow. They were more than happy to keep all of my frozen supply in the freezer in bell services right behind the main desk and told us we could come down as many times a day/night as we needed to get whatever we needed. My husband would go down every morning and tell them he needed in the freezer and would get one bag out for the day - Disney is super accommodating!
As far as the plane, security just took it aside and opened the bag to make sure it was frozen solid and that was it.
Hope that helps! Have a great trip!

 

[peaches0313]

Just my $0.02...I would personally NOT bring the baby... I too have been in your situation last year. My "baby" had just turned one and we left her at home to stay w/ my MIL. We only took my 3 year old. 3 was the perfect age for them to start to do rides, etc. We did not want to deal w/ diapers, multiple naps, bottles/breastfeeding, and what not. My 3 year old got a one on one trip with Mommy and Daddy she will never forget and my 1 year old got wonderful one-on-one time with the in-laws. The "baby" will hopefully have plenty of experiences of her own in the future. Now, this year, we are going again and had the same debate. My DD's will be 2 and 4 this year. This year it will definitely more work but I definitely can't see leaving my 2 year old behind so we are taking her. Good luck whichever you choose! It really is a personal preference. We wanted to enjoy the trip with our 3 year old without worrying about "baby" stuff and IMHO I don't think there's much for a 7 month old to do there anyways. She will have just as much fun with Grandma

 

[disney631]

Thank you everyone for all your advice.

We decided to leave her behind for this one and just focus on my other 2 daughters. We're going back next year in Novemer where she will be almost 2 and will enjoy it more. I know I will be in tears the minute I say bye to her but I know she will be in very good hands.