How old was your baby on its first Disney trip?

SnowWitch

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Jan 22, 2001
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I don't think I have ever posted on the family board before but now I have a reason. We have several Dis trips planned in the next 10 months- the one I'm concerned about is the one in June. Last week we found out we are expecting a new family member next May. Canceling this trip is not an option the older kids 12 and 15 will flip out. We will be staying in a 2 bedroom at the BWV's.

Just curious, how old your babies were when you first took them. I realize I will be spending alot of time at the resort but I was hoping to get into the parks some. Baby will be 1 month old. So what do you think?

Also planning to go back over Thanksgiving- Baby will be 6 months old. Words of wisdom on this age.....

Thanks!! This little one is a major suprise and the boys are very concerned being the self centered teens they are that it will totally screw up their vacations. So any positive input is greatly appreciated.
 
We took my youngest DS when he was 9 months old. I can't be much help on when the little one is itty-bitty but there are lots of people there with babies. You should be fine except for the heat -- that would be my concern much more than anything else. When he/she is 6 months old, it should be easier and so magical. My DS just loved everything and was so into the characters, etc.

Congratulations!
 
Congrats on your new addition and hope you have a healthy and fast pregnancy!

My ds just turned 3 and he has been 5 times already. His first trip was when he was 10 weeks old.

We went in October so the weather wasn't too warm and we just took it slow. We went to the park everyday and he slept most of the time in his stoller. He was content and looked around at everything and went on a few rides as well (any rides without a height restriction).

The only concerns I can think of with a baby 1 month old would be that I don't think you can fly unless they are 6 weeks old (you live in GA so you're probably flying anyway, but just thought I'd mention that). Is the weather really warm in June? I've never been that time of year, but that could be a factor as well. I know people recommend a baby sling for touring the parks.

Another concern would be if you were to deliver late. You could possibly have a 2 week old at that time, which may be too young to be in crowds of that size. I'd talk to a dr. and see what they think.

Good luck and happy planning!

Nancy
 
We will be bringing our 2.5 month old this December. Trip was originally planned for right now, so with the hurricane it probably turned out well that we aren't there!

I think the big key will be for you not to try to do too much. Don't be a martyr. If you need to rest or skip the parks - do it. Babies are very resilient, and unless there are medical problems you shouldn't have any concerns about bringing the baby. We are planning to use a baby carrier rather than a stroller at that age.

Make sure to try to keep baby's skin out of the sun without overheating them. I think they like the heat though, as they spend 8.5 months at body temperature and the air feels pretty cold after that!

Another tip would be to read some trip reports from people travelling with young babies. They will have good ideas of things to avoid and things not to miss.

Have a great trip and don't worry. Oh, and congratulations!
 

We went when my son was 4mths old, my oldest was 3 1/2 at the time. If you are bottle feeding don't forget to bring bottled water! It was acutally a very easy trip compared to how he is now.....uuuggghhh/ Terrible 2's have arrived!
It wasn't hard at all!
Good luck :)
Hookedondizney
 
My ds was 13 months on his first trip (last May) so I don't have a lot of advice on those ages, but I highly recommend bringing your own stroller that baby can nap in and a baby carrier for when baby wants to be held. Other than that just relax and enjoy yourself. And congrats on the pending arrival!
 
It can be done. But the heat will be your biggest challenge. I would keep careful track of baby's schedule to be sure he/she is drinking enough. The heat may cause the baby to sleep more than usual, and therefore not drink as much. You don't want an overheated/dehydrated baby!!!

Is your DH going as well? I would think your teens would be much happier going off with one parent some while the other (mommy of course) hangs out with the baby.

Also, keep in mind that you just don't know what to expect when having a baby. If for some reason you end up with a C-section, for example, I don't think you will be ready to head to disney 4 weeks later.

Could you make ressies for Fall or Winter Break as a back-up plan? There is no cancellation fee if you cancel at least 30 days in advance.

I just wanted to add that we were in a similar situation this summer---had trip scheduled then found out baby #3 was coming in May (SURPRISE)!!! I did not know if I would be ready to take such a little one to Disney, so we rescheduled for this year at spring break. My DS's were disappointed, but we just told them the baby would be too little to go to Disney in the summer. Since we weren't cancelling but just rescheduling, they were fine with it.

As it turned out, this delivery was my hardest so far (I thought it would be a piece of cake--DS #2 was born in 1/2 an hour). My recovery was long and painful; DD had some feeding/nursing issues--long story short, I would not have been ready to go to Disney at 1 month.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!!
 
I kinda figure worse case scenerio- the baby and I spend alot of time in the room. We will book a 2 bedroom so we will have plenty of room if I have to spend alot of time there. We own in DVC and canceling close to the date is a pain as far as reserve accounts so now is the time to decide. I would ahte to change plans now because the older boys would be livid and this has been a huge shock to them.
 
Congratulations!!

My first was 8 months old, and it was fantastic! He spent the whole time just taking it all in, sleeping, go on a few rides, sleeping, eating,sleeping,etc.
I really enjoyed it!
Go and have fun!
 
My youngest ds was 5mo. on his first trip to WDW. It was a November trip. The weather was bueatiful. It was a wondeful time. He had his first ice cream and his first kadoozi. He loved the characters and the rides. My older two dss had a ton of fun with there baby brother who thinks they are just the coolest things since slice bread. It was an awsome trip.

For your trip in June. I think the biggest thing is to keep your little one cool. They make fans that attach to the stroller and you can buy a little water mister. In june parks are open later. so maybe you can go after 4p.m. when it may be cooler at the parks.

The hotels can be alot of fun as well. We did a hotel is the destination trip in WDW this June. Dsons were 2, 6, 8. It was a wonderful and relaxing trip.

Good luck with your precious arrival. Your teenagers just might surprise you.

Joy :teeth:
 
DD#1 went for the 1st time when she was almost 9 months old (early Dec 2001). It was a great trip.

I have a 1 month old right now. I don't think I would be ready for a WDW trip right now, even with a one or 2 bedroom. (but I do keep dreaming about it.) Since it has been a while since your sons were babys it is easy to forget how hard it is to heal after the baby is born (even a "normal" delivery.") One month post pardom you shouldn't be walking that much. Heck I am on month right now and I still bleed sometimes because there is no such thing as taking it easy when you have a 3 year old also. Right now you have no idea if there is any complications (even little ones, like my baby is having spiting up problems, they thought she might need surgery for it, but thank God she doesn't.) Also it can take a while to get the feeding down well (both with breast feeding and formula). I am just getting to the point that I feel comfortable taking both kids out by myself, it takes a while for you and baby to get settled in. (and for the most part I am a very laid back mama!) Keep in mind that the Dr. wants to see a newborn for every little thing, when they aren't so worried about older babies. My baby has been to the Dr. 4 times in her 1st month of life, and she is a very healthy and happy baby.

Is it at all possible to move up the trip to when you are 6 month pregnant? That would be my sugestion. I understand you might have to work around the older kids school. I think the earliest I would try was 2 or 3 months old. (We took a car trip to Virgina Beach when our baby was 12 weeks old, that worked out fine.) We are even planing on going trailer camping in a few weeks (just 2 nights, only 45 min away from home.)

The good news is a 1 month old does sleep a lot, (not so much at night.) ours is a very easy baby so far, her 1st trip will be March 2005 when she is 7 months old. (we will be going with friends who will also have a almost 4 year old and a 6 month old baby.)

Also keep in mind, you are 12 years older then you were the last time you were pregnant. Dr's have a whole new prodocal for mothers over the age 35, and they are much more picky (more tests, more careful etc...) Don't get me wrong, I kinda of hope to have another baby when I am over 35 (my mom was 41 when I was born.)

Is just dad taking them an option (maybe someone else going to help, and someone stay home with you to help too.) I guess if you are driving you could go if you felt up to it and things were going well, but stay home and let the others go with out you if you werent comfortable.

Congradulations. Here is to a smooth next 10 months!
 
we took our dd when she was 12 weeks, and that worked great - but I am inclinded to agree that 4 weeks is just too early. And bear in mind, babys don't arrive on schedule, it could be up to 2 weeks late, so you could be talking about a 2 or 3 week old baby.
 
We were in DL when my oldest son was 2 months old. WDW when 2nd son was 6 months. My daughter's first trip was 10 months.

All the trips were great! And each time, the babies had a great time. I know they don't remember it but they love looking at the pictures and video. More importantly, they loved the sounds and sights while they were there. They never smiled so much, for that matter, neither did we.

:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl:
 
My oldest 3 were ages.....4,3,2....but my youngest started going when she was 3months old....
 
Our first DD went when she was 10 months old - we had a great time.

Our second DD went when she was 3 weeks old - we had a great time. The area you are staying in is perfect, you can visit parks, enjoy meals and still be close to home if you need a break, a kitchen or anything else.

Not sure how - but almost forgot... We too got an unexpected surprise too. DS is expected for New Years. He should be about 10 weeks old on his first trip.
 
4 months.

I took 8 year old DD, 4 year old DS and 4 MO DS. I went alone. I had never flown and never been to Disney and I was probably the best time we have ever had. We go in the winter so heat wasn't a problem. He was the 'perfect' baby. He nursed, slept and was just great. The only trouble we had was at meal times and PORS was just PO and had a very nice restaurant. He would get cranky when he stopped moving and we had waiters that would carry him through the restaurant while I ate. The next year, one of them came running out when we were checking in remembering the looney old woman with three kids there on her own. Shot, they should have been her grandkids and she was doing this on her own. I am sure they thought I was nuts but the two older kids still talk most about that trip.
 
First of all, Congratulations!! :)

I took my first son for his first birthday and had a fantastic time. He would have been a relatively easy baby to take to Disney as he was sleeping through the night at 9 weeks and was very content in his carseat.

Now I have a one month old and let me tell you, I am so tired the computer screen is blurry. For me, going to Disney now would be a waste of money. He doesn't like the carseat and unlike my first baby, this child is a terrible sleeper and I am up every two-three hours all night long!!! I can't imagine that while being on vacation.

My pediatrician said no crowds, going to the mall, etc until the baby eight weeks old but I this advice may vary from pediatrician to pediatrician.

You could have a fantastic time or you could be unlucky and have a colicky baby, a younger baby than you anticipated, unexpected complications, a rough delivery, a c-section, ongoing postpartum bleeding, postpartum depression, etc. There is a laundry list of unknowns that can't possibly be answered now so you may have to make your decision and hope for the best.

Good luck!
 
Both of my kids have actually traveled to WDW before they were born! We took DD for New Years when she was four months old. We had a great trip; the only thing we missed was the countdown to the new year because it was in the low 20's that night. DH and I took her and our nephew to the hotel while the rest of the family celebrated at MK. DS's first trip was when he was six weeks old. DD was two and a half at the time. That was probably the best trip we've ever taken. The baby slept or nursed the entire time.

Congratulations on your little surprise, and have fun on all of your upcoming trips!

LP
 
I took my daughter to WDW in May when she was 12 weeks old, and again in June at 15 weeks, and we just got back from DL last week and she's now 6 months old. My advice would be to stay home!!!! Like others said, you never know what will happen. My daughter came 2 weeks early with an easy labor, so I thought an easy delivery would follow, but I was wrong. It wasn't that bad, but 2 hours of pushing and almost 2 hours of stitching up the internal cuts and tears the forceps damaged nerves in my out thighs/knees, causing them to be numb. I had this numbness in my legs for over 6 weeks after my daughter was born (actually, I still do, but it's not as bad and going away slowly) and at 4 weeks it was pretty bad, at times causing me to misstep and misjudge the strength of my legs/knees. At 3 weeks postpartum I went to a neurologist who told me it was the result of keeping my legs in that 'pushing' position for almost 4 hours, and pressure from the baby's head on a specific nerve that damaged it and that in time it would hopefully regrow. Like I said, I'm still waiting. Other than the numbness, I had so much pain from the internal stitches (and I thought not needing an episiotomy would save me from stitches) that sitting without the 'donut' was near impossible for 4 weeks. I felt better walking, but boy did I pay for it later when I sat down with intense pain and pressure inmy whole pelvic region. Also, someone mentioned age, and I was 23 when my daughter was born and everyone says it's easier to heal when you're younger (obviously I can't compare).

Aside from issues with your own well-being, you might get a challenging baby. My daughter was not able to be put down for the first 3 months of her life. Well, she was, but she'd scream until she was picked up again, including sleeping. While this was exhausting, at least at home I had the swing, my husband, vibrating pack n' play to give me a short break. On vacation I would not have had these items, and if I stayed in the room alone with her all day (especially with limited tv channels) I would have gone crazy. When she was 3 months we actually brought her aquarium travel swing with us so that I could do things like shower, but what a pain to lug that along. Also, partly because my husband is a medical student and therefore paranoid about illness, but also because of her ped's recommendation, I wouldn't have exposed her to such large crowds at that age, not to mention the heat in WDW in June. May wasn't that bad, but when we came back in June (we were there May 19-25 and June 7-21) it was unbearable. People warned us but we thought "it's only 2 weeks from now, how different can it be!?" But wow was it hot and humid. My daughter was drenched in sweat everyday and she hates to be hot/in the heat so time spent outdoors wasn't her favorite. She was cooler when I carried her in the Baby Bjorn rather than in her stroller, but then I was incredibly hot, which I dealt with since she was happier that way. Actually, my daughter hated her stroller at that age anyway and only wanted to be held, even more so at a month. Yours might not be like that, but you never know, and previous kids aren't the best indicator as my niece was a 'perfect' baby, but her brother was just like my daughter. My daughter's 'high-needs' really exhausted me and I would not have been able to handle a family vacation at that age.

Last week in DL we had a great time. She loved all the characters and loved looking around on all the rides and shows she was able to do. She's still very needy, but at least she was able to sit in her stroller and play in the pack n' play for short periods of time, so it was easier to be away from home. We're planning to go back to WDW in April when she'll be 14 months (hopefully this December too when she'll be almost 10 months).

I wouldn't hesitate to take my next baby at 6 months, or maybe even 3 months again, but not a one month and not if it is in the summer. I know you said your older kids would be upset if you cancelled the trip, but you did say you have a few other trips planned, so I'm sure they'd be fine with you moving the trip. Since you can't cancel at the last minute, I would reschedule now either for before the baby's born, or when it's a little older. It'll be easier on the whole family and you'll have a much greater trip. You'll be able to join the rest of your family in the parks and you won't have to worry about the baby being in the sun or with large crowds, etc.
 
My daughter was 4 months old on her first trip :). She's been back 2-3 times a year since.
 


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