How Young

[dbanzai]

A few questions about the approriateness of bringing young ones to DL:

1) How old was the youngest child you ever brought to DL?

2) What's the youngest child you've ever seen at DL?

3) How old would you suggest a child be if you wanted to go to DL, not ride the ride necessarily with them (doing a parent swap, or perhaps guardian would be a better definition, but I guess in reverse), but still to be able to enjoy a group outing?

 

[8gr8mouseketeers]

Let's see, the youngest any of my children have been on a trip was 2 months old. My others were 3, 6, 7, & 9 years old at the time. I used the baby centers for nursing and diaper changes. It worked out fine.

I think any age is fine for Disneyland as long as you are comfortable with it. I know lots of people who don't like to go out in public when their babies are tiny. I was never one of them though.

 

[avalon451]

I've seen newborns there. I mean, looking like 2 weeks old or less.

Something I read once put it well: If your child is an infant, you're not going to Disneyland for their sake, you're going for your own. It's not the ideal place for infants (noisy, germy, not a lot of privacy outside the baby station) but babies are pretty tough and adaptable. If you can go and enjoy it, and give your baby the comfort needed, why not? If you and your baby both thrive on order and routine, it may not be for you.

That said, lots of people say their 6 months old and older love it-- lots of colors and pretty music, etc.

I'm thinking 2 years old is maybe closer to when they are developmentally ready to really appreciate the characters, interactions, rides, etc.

Just my opinion, though.

 

[becky_AK]

We took DS when he was 9 months old, but I have seen babies very, very young in the parks.

I think it just depends on each family how young you should take your children. We knew that taking an infant would mean a slower pace for us, but it turned out to be probably the best vacation we ever took.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

We didn't take either of our DD's until they were about a year old.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

The first time my family went, my younger son was 2yo, the older 6yo. The younger boy was old enough to enjoy character interaction and the rides and parades and fireworks; the older one was still young enough to believe that it was all real, so it was a very magical vacation.

Now they are 4yo and 8yo; the older boy just wants to ride the thrill rides, the younger one still enjoys characters, but not as much as he used to. And he looooves the rides!

 

[JaneJetson]

We took went with my niece when she was 15 months old. We only stayed a few hours but she seemed to enjoy it.

I've seen newborns there before.

When we have kids, we'll probably bring them when they are young (not newborn though. We won't fly until they are slightly older. Toddler age, perhaps.) Mostly because we love Disneyland. We don't care if we can't go on rides. Just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere is fun. (We used to go to the park at least once or twice a week.)

We probably won't bring our kids to WDW until they are all out of strollers though. WDW is way different.

 

[katieandallycat]

We took our youngest when she was 4 mos. Had a great time, she was still light enough to carry, and she wasn't mobile yet, so she liked being held.

I also had a detachable snugli, where the straps stayed on you and the pouch can be taken off, so would carry her in line and detach her when we got to the ride and placed her on my lap.

 

[bumbershoot]

I didn't go to DLR until DS was about 16 months old, but that's just b/c the opportunity didn't arise until then. And NO, it wasn't for him. Heck, even the 2 and 3 year old trips weren't for him! The 4 year old trip basically was, but it's not like hubby and I hated every minute of it, LOL.

I would take a newborn assuming I was healthy enough to go (which wasn't the case when DS was new, but future babies' beginnings will be totally different).

We went wherever we felt like going when DS was new. Put him in the sling and we were off!


And if we had a newborn when our big family reunion trip ends up scheduled in WDW I'd go there as well.

 

[Davids-Coco]

We took our 15 month old, who is going back again this November! We had an absolute blast with him. He loved the characters and walked right up to Goofy, of all choices... I thought someone that tall may scare him. But he proved us wrong over and over again on that trip. His favorite rides were Mr. Toad and Haunted Mansion (with holiday overlay).

It depends on the family and child too I think. Your touring style comes into play. If you have an older baby who is happy carried or in a stroller, you will do better than one who hates both. If they are nursing, the frequency and your comfort nursing in public come into play too. Also, if they will nap anywhere other than a bed is important... going back for two naps isn't always easy.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

My oldest was in the park at 7 days! I was sick with the younger one, so she was around a month before we got her there.

Before anyone freaks, we had them in the sling the whole time and many folks didn't even realize we had a baby with us. Didn't even take the stroller in for the oldest's first visit. We only went for a few hours, so I would recommend taking the stroller along to give your back a break. Also, don't do a front carrier like Baby Bjorn - do a sling. I feel they are too exposed in the Bjorn and I just can't watch such a little tiny one hanging on someone's chest like a man on a velcro wall! They are curled up in a sling just the way they like to be.

It may be noisy, but many baby's like that if the parents had busy noisy lives. I talked ALL day for work and we have 2 very loud/big dogs, so my girls never got much quiet time in utero. They actually like the chaos. Calms them right down.

As far as germy, it's only as germy as what you touch when they are in that situation. If they are tucked in the sling, they don't get a lot of exposure. It's actually really good for healthy newborns to be out in the fresh air and getting their genetics tested. Keep in mind that you should not use Purell or antibacterials around ones that little anyway. It is VERY bad for them to be exposed to those chemical, which kill off good bacteria.

 

[bumbershoot]

"I feel they are too exposed in the Bjorn and I just can't watch such a little tiny one hanging on someone's chest like a man on a velcro wall! They are curled up in a sling just the way they like to be."

I second that!!!!!!


Not to mention having baby facing out, kicking their legs and moving their arms like they do when facing out, looks PAINFUL for the parent's back! Thinking of all the tiny muscles in the back contracting to keep balance with each little kick just makes my own (healthy) back hurt and want to take a nap.

 

[bonita_babe232]

i didnt take her to disneyland but i took my dd to our fair when she was 5-6 days old. I've never had a problem and i've taken all my kids out while they were super new.... it just depends on your own comfort rate... and health rate after baby...

but i think the baby would like it around 5-6 months as they would start enjoy the lights and sounds!!!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We judged the development of our girls on how they responded to Small World. Since we go to the park monthly or more, it was fun to watch their awareness on the ride.

My oldest could track movement on both sides and the ceiling mobiles at 5 months! Here sister hit the same milestone. Then, it was fun to see what age she was when she started talking and pointing out her favorite things and best of all when she started singing along! Her sister hasn't done the sing along yet, but we think it might be soon. With the ride being down for so long, she hasn't gotten the same exposure!

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

I took both my DDs to WDW before DL. Both of their first Halloween's were at MNSSHP.

My oldest was 9 months old and aside from one incident at a restaurant with a bad waiter (California Grill no less), she loved it! She loved Pirates, Small World, Dumbo, monorail, train, etc. She was a very easy baby. She didn't make it to DL until she was three. (We lived on the other coast back then or we would have.)

Youngest DD went to WDW at 6 months. That was a little harder because she didn't like the stroller. She was not an easy baby, but we just took things slower and stopped at pretty much every baby/nursing station in WDW. She loved all the rides we went on, loved to people watch, etc.
I carried her in the Snugli and yeah it killed my back at the time. It was also an amazing bonding time for all of us and I wouldn't trade that trip (sore back and all) for anything.

They are now 10 & 7 respectively and we've been to DL 6 times, WDW 4 & done 2 Disney Cruises so far. Heading down to DL in 10 days for trip #7!

I have seen tiny ones at DL and always feel it's up to the parents if they chose to do that, most especially if there is an older child too. We considered not going to WDW with our 6 month old because she could be such a difficult baby at times, but we didn't want our oldest to be denied that trip and figured we could handle it. Not only did we handle it, it was a fantastic trip and one I'll never forget.

Over the years I've seen a LOT of people bash other parents for taking babies (the old "you're doing it for YOU, they won't even remember it" spiel). Yes, you ARE doing it for you. And no, they WON'T remember it. But to me, that isn't what is important. What's important is enjoying TOGETHER the time your child is whatever age they are. (They are only that age ONCE.) Each trip has been different, but each trip has been "the best trip ever" and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Besides, that's what lots and lots of pictures are for.

 

[JaneJetson]

.....
Over the years I've seen a LOT of people bash other parents for taking babies (the old "you're doing it for YOU, they won't even remember it" spiel). Yes, you ARE doing it for you. And no, they WON'T remember it. But to me, that isn't what is important. What's important is enjoying TOGETHER the time your child is whatever age they are. (They are only that age ONCE.) Each trip has been different, but each trip has been "the best trip ever" and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Besides, that's what lots and lots of pictures are for.

That always drives me crazy when people say "they won't remember it anyway." so what if they don;t remember it? They won't remember any experiences before the age of three. But does that mean people shouldn't do things with their kids? Nope.

 

[cheshiregirl]

We took my DS for his first trip at 7 weeks and then we went again at 13 weeks. I totally admit that both of those trips were for me, in that I wanted his first Halloween photos and first picture with Santa to be amazing, and Disney lived up to my expectations! The photos we got on those trips were priceless and will always be precious to me.

Looking back, those two trips were WAY easier than our more recent visits to the park. Since DS was so young he got to ride in the carrier all day and was snuggled in to mom or dad on every attraction we visited. Also, with the baby center and the fact that I was breastfeeding, it was very easy to take care of his needs right there in the park.

Now that he is 13 months, trips are VERY different. DS is typically up and awake early in the morning so we get there right at open and enjoy FL while he is in a good and happy mood. We schedule break time (so that he can get out of the stroller and work off some energy) and nap time so that we can spend a few evening hours in the park as well. Yes, the trips are more stressful and tiring, but I wouldn't trade his excitement as he rides the carrousel (and makes the horse "go") and the look on his face when we went to the Playhouse Disney show for the first time for anything!!!

 

[Jperiod]

I've also seen newborns there. I took my son when he was 10 months and walking.

We were nursing, he was on 3 full meals of solids, and he still took 2 naps. He's high energy and a sensitive sleeper. Everything took much longer, having to stop to for each meal (even if the rest of us were still full). I tried the morning nap in the stroller, but it was hard for him and he only got 45 minutes in. I always went back for afternoon naps so he could get a good long one. I carried him in my ring sling and let him walk a bit. But at that age, they're still so small to walk much by themselves. He enjoyed the characters, the parades and POTC put him to sleep!

We don't regret the trip, but I learned a lot and what I'd do differently with future kids. I think my ideal age would be younger than crawling/walking or older than 15 months when they're proficiently walking and on one nap. And I don't know if I'd want to take a super newborn because most take FOREVER to nurse at that age and so frequently. I don't think I'd make it on any rides! I think a lot depends on how easy going your baby is -- where to sleep, skipping a nap, being overstimulated, etc. A fully reclining stroller with a leg rest and a blanket thrown over top is a must! And my sling was invaluable. I pity parents in line passing around their older babies/young toddlers.

And even at 2.5~3.5, my son is a challenge at DL. He LOVES it, but his high needs personality and sleep needs can send my DH overboard sometimes. It just pushes him to the max and some extra patience (and a little benedryl) is needed!

 

[kelmac284]

I took my first daughter when she was about 10 months old because my stepdaughter was 9 at the time and we didn't think it was fair to make her wait till her sister was old enough to go since she was just the right age. Plus my dh and I loved DL and really wanted to go. She really enjoyed all the sights and sounds as well as the characters and we were able to take her on several rides that she could sit on our lap or next to us like small world, the fantasyland rides etc. Then we did child swap for the others. I was also pg at the time with my youngest so I couldn't go on any of the big rides anyway.

Then the next trip we took was to Disney World when my youngest was 1 and my older one was about 2 1/2. Again we didn't want to wait till they were a lot older because my stepdaughter was already 10 and if we had waited she would be a teen. My one year old couldn't do a whole lot but she was able to ride the kiddie rides and enjoyed seeing the sights and sounds. My 2 1/2 year old REALLY enjoyed all the characters though and running all over the place.

I don't think kids REALLY can fully enjoy the parks though until they are at least maybe 4 or 5. That is when they can start REALLY riding a lot of rides and doing a lot of stuff but certainly I see nothing wrong with taking kids younger than that and letting them enjoy the sights and sounds. They just aren't able to do as much.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

A few questions about the approriateness of bringing young ones to DL:

1) How old was the youngest child you ever brought to DL?

2) What's the youngest child you've ever seen at DL?

3) How old would you suggest a child be if you wanted to go to DL, not ride the ride necessarily with them (doing a parent swap, or perhaps guardian would be a better definition, but I guess in reverse), but still to be able to enjoy a group outing?

1. My ds was 14 months old when we first took him to DL. He had a great time.

2. The youngest I've seen, geez, had to maybe a few weeks old tops.

3. I like around a year of age. We didn't take any big trips before that age.