I am panicking about infant ds on board

[dis4me]

OK this is my 3rd DCL cruise however it is my 1st with an infant.I am not sure what too bring for hum.He eats 3 meals(baby food) a day so I know I need at least 21 jars of baby food.But I am not sure on diapers formula bottled water etc.I am also worried about dinner.He can't fit in an infant carrier(he's 5mos but 20 lbs) and he can't sit up by himself so it is hard for him to sit in the highchair. Will they let me bring a stroller into the dining room?I hate to miss the dinners but I also do not want to dump him in flounder's for every meal.
Anyone have any suggestions/advice and please don't say leave him home

 

[Gillian]

I don't know if this is a possibility or not - does he still physically fit in the infant carrier? I know he's too big for it to be used as a carrier or a car seat, but maybe it would be ok for him in the dining room? I don't know about on the cruise, but at some restaurants you could rest it on an upside down highchair.

It might be tight in the dining rooms with a stroller, but maybe if they took a chair away it would fit.

I'm sorry I can't help! That's a tough age, when they can't sit in a restaurant high chair. I guess Disney doesn't have infant high chairs, right?

 

[4crusinransiers]

Have you thought about those kind that attach to the table? I know when mine were at that akward not sitting up age they worked really well. I think ypou can get them at ToysR US.

 

[jel0511]

Go to Babies R Us and invest in a reclining portable high chair. They cost about $30 and it would definately work for a child who quite can't sit up yet. It straps onto the chair, so it's pretty sturdy and secure.

 

[SueEllen]

I have an even better solution to your problem!

Babies R Us or Toys R Us--go there and purchase a "highchair helper" It is a cushion of sorts that fits behind your baby and into the highchair. I think its about $10 or so. We started using it when my son was about 4/5 months old. It gives them support and helps them to sit by themselves in a highchair, or even in a shopping cart. It was a lifesaver for us and we used it until he was about 11 months old just for the cushioning ability. You use the highchairs straps to help hold the child in also.

I often had people ask where I had purchased it, as they too wanted one. My sister, who had a baby 6 months after me is using one also.

Go get one and give it a try before you go. You won't be sorry!

Sue Ellen

 

[Gillian]

This is a link to the reclining strap on booster seat.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t.../002-3223022-0849620?v=glance&s=baby&n=547946

It looks like it would work well for you!

 

[Scott5150]

We cruised last year when my son was just over 1 year old. It was a wonderful, but exhausting experience. The servers did everything they could to help entertain him at meals. He was teething and very grouchy during the trip. Also, flounders nursery was wonderful. It cost $6 per hour, but the staff there was top notch. Budget some money to have a few Adult dinners. It was well worth it.

Strollers were no problem, but you need to leave them at the front of the restaurants. There is milk available all day at the pool area.

The hardest part is that he was just walking, and the room is tight and not toddler proof. He had a permanent goonie on his forehead from banging it into the drawers and coffee table.

The rooms are very tight with a pack and play in them.

Have a great time. Cruising without an infant is definitely easier, but having my son with me on board was a great experience too!

Scott

 

[dis4me]

Wow thanks for the great suggestions I can breathe now LOL
OK heading to Babies r us tomorrow.I checked put Toys R us already but they didn't have anything to help.

Scott Did you have the cat 4 room?I was hoping since we don't need the extra murphy bed that the pack n play would be out of the way.I know with the bed down it blocks the veranda but the pack n play is shorter than the bed.We are bringing our own but do you know what kind dcl uses?

 

[Gillian]

The pack n play shouldn't block the verandah much, if at all. And I wouldn't bother bringing your own, unless you need the bassinet or changing table part of the fancier ones. The Disney one was simple, but perfectly fine. They provided a fitted sheet too.

If you use formula at all, the little packets of powder are great! It's worth the extra cost, IMHO. When DS was smaller, I travelled with a can (for the room) and the packets (for days out). I used bottled water to mix it & he was always fine with room temp formula. Breast feeding was even easier, but we did both before we changed to milk at 1.

Have a great time!

 

[dis4me]

thanks Gillian We are driving down then staying with family the week before so we will need our pack n play. Good to know that ther's is decent for further reference.
I will look for the formula pakets I do use powder with bottled water now so at least he will be used to it.
Thanks for all your help

 

[Scott5150]

We had a Cat 5 room, so you will have a little more space with a Cat 4.

Enjoy!

Scott

 

[dmfuru]

Go to Babies R Us and look under HighChair/Accessories. Scroll down to the last roll and there you should find the HighChair Helper thingy. List price is $16.99.

 

[wildernessgirl]

dis4me: Also, ask your stateroom host/hostess for a diaper genie! We did this on our last cruise and it was great! They even emptied it too! If you booked trough a TA call them and ask them to add this request to your ressie! In a cat. 4, you shouldn't have much trouble getting to your verandah with the pack n play up. The host/hostess for your stateroom has rearranged the cabin several times for pack n plays so they know exactly where to put it to give you the best room possible.

Here's an idea too: I know bringing baby food in jars can be tough! I know, I did it and we had a few jars break on us The staff is more than willing to help with food. I know the one cruise the head server went to the kitchen and puree chicken for our daughter to eat for dinner. So don't be too concerned about food.

Another idea, take along with you a garlic press!!!!!! Sounds weird, but it works great!!!!!!! Just take small portions of fruit, meat, veggies and squeeze! It comes out the same consistency that your child eats from a jar without the preservatives!

 

[wildernessgirl]

The only thing I forgot was HAVE FUN AND RELAX! It will be a grat time for you and your family!