How young is too young?

[labst60]

We have some banked points expiring at the end of May that we are trying to rent- but it is more hassle then I had originally thought it would be. We hadn't originally planned on renting points - especially this year - but when we found out we were expecting our 1st baby in March 2005- life pretty much turned upside down. With work and schedules and the fact I've felt lousy for the past month - there is no way we can go BEFORE baby is born. So we figured we'd rent some, bank some, and take a September or October trip.

But now I am wondering if late May would be too early to take a baby? We're due March 20 - so most likely the baby would be 6 - 8 weeks old. Of course, we'd probably spend limited time at the parks... but could we do ANYTHING. Since this is our 1st I don't really know what to expect? But I would imagine we could shop and/or hang out at the pool (as long as baby was well covered up and lathered in sunscreen). Part of me thinks this would work fine and part of me thinks it is a ridulous idea.

Would HHI or Vero be a better option?? (Would I still be able to get reservations for May?)

Thanks!!!

 

[queenof4hearts]

I would probably take an infant at that age if he/she was my only child at the time.

You may be very tired at that time as the baby will probably be just beginning to sleep through the night.

I don't believe babies under 6 mo. old are supposed to have sunsceen at all and for the most part just kept out of direct sun. I would definately ask your peditrician this to verify.


We are going w/ our 3 children 4,5, & 8 in Dec. when I will be 33 weeks pregnant. I am going to be very tired but we just won't kill ourselves.

Congrats on your impending 1st. That is very exciting. I think as long as you are in good health and have some energy you should have no problems. Good luck!!

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Congratulations!!!

My only concern would be if you would be flying or not and whether you will be giving birth on time.

I, personally, wouldn't fly with an infant under 8 weeks old. Too many germs, not to mention the cabin air pressure.

My first DD was almost 2 weeks late. I thought she would never get here.

 

[MrsM]

A friend of mine had the opportunity to go to WDW for a few days since her husband had a convention at CS. Her son was 6 weeks old at the time and she wasn't sure whether she should go. She did go with him, and she said the baby was fine. She got a baby carrier, and she said he slept most of the time. They didn't do many rides, but she said they were fine to walk around and the baby care centers were great for nursing.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Congratulations,
Angelina was born March 28th and we didn't do many outside activities for her first summer. No sunscreen. No airplanes. Our furthest drive was 1 and 1/2 hours to Cape Cod. We hung around with some friends and took a walk along the beach but didn't stay outside for more than an hour. Keep trying to rent your points at a reasonable rate, There'll be plenty of time for Disney when your little one gets older. Trust me, when the baby is born, Disney will be the last thing on your mind.
Good luck.

 

[zurgswife]

I'd do it....have a leisurely trip ....

 

[AFMom]

Congrats!!!!!!!
I really don't think there is one specific answer. We took our(then) 4 mo old to Disneyland in a baby carrier and were fine, but it was quite a hassell! You have to really plan things out for the day! And you may be happy just relaxing by the pool - but I'll be a 6 week old won't be.....
As far as flying - We know plenty of people who fly with infants - some as young as 2 weeks old. The air pressure changes can be a problem - but if you can get the baby to suck on a bottle or pacifier duting takeoffs and landings, usually they don't even notice!
I'll 2nd the no sunblock on the baby until the 6mo point. And also - remember it's quite warm in Orlando even then, and the littler the baby, the more difficult it is for them to keep their temperatures regulated.
Anyway - IMO - it really depends on the baby! Try this link, lots of Q and A about infants and toddlers in the parks!

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/infant.htm

 

[MinnieGi]

I'm sitting here typing with my new 2 week old DS in my front carrier and already dreaming of our first WDW trip! We also have a 4yo DD and all four of us are soooo looking forward to visiting WDW with our new one. We have our first trip planned for Feb. 2005 when he will be 5.5 months old.

However DH just may have some business to attend to in Tampa at the end of October and we are thinking of taking a little WDW fix trip for the four of us. He'll be around two months old. I feel confident we could do the trip, but with my first born I don't think I would have had the same attitude. We were still too new to parenting to attempt any trips outside our immediate area for a while. In fact we never took DD to WDW until she was 14 months old. But now as more experienced parents we feel more relaxed this time around. You might just want to wait until your baby arrives to see how you feel about taking such a big trip.

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[pearljim]

My oldest grandson, Andrew visited for the first time at 9 months and my youngest grandson, Zachary visited for the first time as a 5 month old fetus so I guess I'm not the one to ask. What we have found out is that the best ratio of adults to young children is 4:1. Enjoy!!

 

[NMW]

I have young children and one thing I can tell you (having vacationed with them as babies) is that infants prefer movement. I don't think a baby that age would be happy sitting by a pool at all. Too hot, no movement. However, a baby that age in a nice comfy stroller with the shade up being pushed around the parks would probably work. Also, baby carriers are great. You could alternate between the stroller and a front facing carrier (Baby Bjorn makes a great carrier-very comfortable for both of you). Disney will also let you bring a stroller with an infant into all restaurants and let you park it at the table. That's really nice if you time eating with a sleeping baby in a nice air-conditioned restaurant. Also, on a plane the baby should be fine if you have them drink a bottle at take off and landing. I think pacifiers are less reliable (they don't swallow as much) and some babies don't ever learn to like them. I honestly think Disney with touring the parks is pretty easy with a baby. You might not get on many rides or attractions but you still could have a nice time. I have never been to VB or Disney's HHI, so I'm not too sure about them. I know it would have been easier for me to go to Disney because you can push a stroller & walk through every park as opposed to a more traditional beach resort vacation. They make hats that deflect the suns rays for babies too! Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[NoWorriesMate]

you should have no problems travelling with a six to eight week old baby. especially if you are breast feeding they are very portable and easy to travel with.
As far as the flight goes i travelled with my first born on an international flight when he was three weeks old and am sscheduled to do the same with the next one (also due in March). Just feed them on take off, climb and descent to help their ears adjust, once again if you are able to breast feed this is very easy to do.
for transporting them around the parks a sling or similar baby carrier is great - although take a pram/stroller as you can put the baby in that while you eat etc.
with switching off you can eve take turns to enjoy the rides.
At that age they sleep anywhere and you could probably do with the holiday to help both with recovery and it is good for family bondong - so go and enjoy.

 

[rombar]

I brought my daughter was she was very young - just a couple of months old and she just couldn't stop throwing up from the heat!!!! We tried to keep her in the air conditioning as much as possible, but as soon as we tried to go outside she would just keep throwing up!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by AFMom
IMO - it really depends on the baby!

I think that pretty much sums it up!!!

This may seem petty to some, but if I had to make such a decision, the issue I would have the hardest time coming to terms with was the potential impact on other WDW guests. Our first son wouldn't take a pacifier. He was also rather...ahem...gassy. Basically when you add these two together, it could equal HOURS sitting in a rocking chair trying to get him to sleep while he fussed to varying degrees.

My worst nightmare would be how I would handle the situation if it were 3am and junior were screaming his head off. You've got other WDW families on four sides and nowhere to run...

Of couse, if your baby takes a pacifier and/or starts sleeping through the night very early, it's a non-issue.

I decided a long time ago that I would never pass judgement on how early anyone wanted to take their child to WDW. We took our son at 18 mos (even though some said that was too early) and he had a fantastic time.

If you want an OPINION, I'd personally wait. That first child is gonna change your lives in ways you cannot begin to imagine.

Whatever you decide, be sure to discuss it with your OB before making any firm plans. Good luck!

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

I certainly think you can have a nice time with a new baby.....it's a good idea to make sure you find ways to fit the baby into your life right from the start. You also though may want to reconsider trying to make a trip before the baby is born. My first trip with my own family was done when I was 7-8 months pregnant....had just one child at that point, and he was nearly 4. I had had near constant morning sickness (nothing serious from a medical standpoint but very aggravating), swollen ankles, waddled like a duck, etc., so we took everything very slow, took lots of rests, etc. The result was we had an absolutely excellent time. We spent lots of time appreciating the little things and following our son's interests. His biggest thrills were the Disney Buses (always in the back seat!), water fountains, the old Brinks truck at MGM, the interactions with the CMs, etc. We didn't see most of the attractions (DS afraid of any ride that was dark or too wild), but we loved every minute of the experience. Despite my concerns about how that trip would go given the pregnancy, the fact that we took it slow is what led us to really appreciate all of the little touches. It was the trip that led us to love Disney. If you make the trip before the baby, it will be a trip like no other, and there will be plenty more opportunities to make the trip with the baby as well. Just something to consider!

 

[Laurabearz]

Congrats! So much depends on they kind of baby you pop out. Really. And that is something no one can predict.

Are you cooking a calm baby.... a fussy baby... who knows...

What kind of parents are you going to be??? Calm, frantic, roll with it..... Who knows....

I would keep trying the rental thing.... or like you suggested book HHI. Low key.... relaxing..... great place to chill out with a newborn and tired parents.

 

[dcfromva]

labst60,
Some babies that age sleep a lot. And some (like my DS when he was that age ) do not.
Almost all babies (especially the first one) turn your life upside down --but, in a good way.
One thing that I remember quite clearly (even 16 years later) from when DS was a baby was the exhaustion I felt... Just from getting up in the night for the feedings. (DS did not sleep through the night until he was almost 1 year old. )
All babies are different and each situation is different. Some babies are easy going, sleep a lot and are very content. Some mothers are very confident and have enough energy to go places with them. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

There might be another option, too: Maybe a getaway to a location closer to home for just your DH and you. A lot of folks start to feel better during the second trimester --not as tired and less morning sickness--I'm hoping that you will start to feel better soon! (I'm sending some pixie dust your way.)

Good luck--Whatever you decide will be the right thing for you.

-DC

 

[quentina]

I would go!!! My son, Quentin, has been to disney 8 times (He turned 7 in JUly). I have always heard, "He's too young, he won't remember anything". This is a false statement....You would be very surprised at what he remembers trip t trip. 1 really cool thing....At Epcot in the Kodak building, they make the paperweights with the laser picture inside. I get one done of him each time we go. It is a great memory and something that is rare where most other's have never seen it. We have 8 of them and will continue to get them until he's old enough to tell me no.

They are never too young to start enjoying Disney!!

 

[rocketriter]

Look at the child and then decide. It's true that there's a special argument for babies, because they sleep a lot and follow their own rhythms wherever they are. But things are different once they're toddlers or older.

Our son was easily overwhelmed. We waited until he was 5 to take him to Disney, and even then the first 3 days were hell for him. He kept bursting into tears and begging to be taken back to our room. Finally the Peter Pan ride got through to him, he figured things out and calmed down.

In contrast our daughter was probably ready for the parks before she was born. While my son was cowering, she drank everything in with wide eyes and had a fabulous time.

This discussion mirrors one on the boards a few months ago about not telling kids they're going to WDW until you drive right up to the gates, so as to watch their "happy surprise." People who've actually done this report mixed results. For some it worked wonderfully. Others found that they missed out on days or weeks of fun preparation with their kids, or discovered too late that their kids weren't ready for the parks. It all depends on the individual child.

WDW is no place for moralizing or for forcing kids to have a good time because it's good for them. Look at the child and then decide.

 

[mommytomy3]

We went when my DS was 5 1/2 months old and it was great! I think you may even have it a little easier because you can keep your baby in the carrier (mine out grew the carrier by 4 months!)I nurse, so I sat anywhere and fed him, they baby stations are nice, they even have a room with a rocking chair and curtain for nursing! The only bad thing that I thought about the baby stations were that they are at the entrances of the park, and I fed, changed, etc. before we left for the park, so by the time I nedded to do it again, we were far away from the entrance and I wasnt about to walk all the way back, so I just plooped on a bench and fed him! Good Luck!!

 

[crazywig]

i have to say for first time parents, it may be too young. i know i could not have done it with my first at that age, i was still getting my bearings and i was still very very tired.

we took him at 9m and again in june at 2yrs.

i am having #2 in a week and a half and we're taking her in january. i feel confident enough now to take a four month old.