I HAVE MOM-TYPE QUESTIONS from a TRAVEL W/KIDS NEWBIE!!

[gypsydoodlebug]

We're taking DD21 mos. to Orlando and will be in the parks ONE DAY only (surprise business trip...we're going down early and using this as a test run). I have NO idea what to pack in the diaper bag. We'll be in AK in the morning and will go back to the resort for a nap, then parkhop over to MK. Or, we might just go to MK since there will be a nap involved somewhere. Still not sure...

OK, so here's the questions I have since this is my first time traveling with DD.

• What do I need to pack in the diaper bag?
•*Should I rent a stroller? We have a HUGE Peg Perego, but I think she'd like traveling in one of those biggie WDW strollers better.
•*What do you do with the diaper bag when you're on rides? Do you just leave it with the stroller? (All valuables with stay with me.)
• Do you bring an extra sippy cup with you?
• When you are on the plane, do you check your stroller or just carry it onto the plane with you? And if so, does it count as a carry-on? We'll have the diaper bag, my purse, DH's laptop, the car seat and, if you guys tell me to take it, the stroller...
• What else am I forgetting?

Ugh. I'm stressing out about this, but everything has to go well for DH to consider letting her come with us again in the future. I travel once a month for work, but this is our first family-type trip.

 

[DMAMom]

Well I've never been but am going in 9 days with my 22 month old - and so I have read EVERY thread on here in regards to what to pack - so I"m an expert by osmosis!!!!!

Anyway - in regards to the stroller - if it's just one day - and you plan on heading back to the hotel for a nap - then you are probably okay with renting one there. For me - we plan on having her nap in the stroller so she needs her big comfy one.

As for the diaper bag - there are many opinions on this - "less is best" is one and "more is better" is the other!!!!! I myself go for the less is best. My DD can drink from a straw so I bought a juice box holder so she can't squeeze it all out. And I'll bring an empty cup with me just in case. But she can drink her milk from a straw at meals and stuff.

Then I'll pack a few diapers (probably 5 for the day) extra wipes, plastic bags for the poopy dipes and extra sunblock. And I'll be leaving my diaper bag with the carriage but have a shoulder bag for my valuables.

 

[lpberg]

I posted just a few days ago to another "1st-time-kid-traveller" with some tips for the airport/airplane. Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=800092

The thing you have going for you is that you're only trying to pack/prepare for one day. So the diaper bag shouldn't be *too* bad. Sounds like you'll be fine with a days worth of diapers, a change of clothes and some pj's. I'd also suggest bringing some snacks for the plane (see above post) along with some toys/books. I would bring two sippy's - one for water/juice and one for milk (depending upon what your DD drinks). And for yuck diapers, Wal Mart sells these blue colored scented bags that are GREAT!

I also never bring a purse with me when I travel. I put everything in the diaper bag. That said, when I'm at WDW, I bring a slim, tri-fold type wallet that I can slip in my front pocket and use it to carry the following: *a* credit card, $, room key, ID, ID cards for the kids, stamps, change and park passes. This way, I can leave the diaper bag in the stroller when we go into a ride or attraction and I have all my valuables with me. (DH holds the cell!)

If it were me, I always worry about the kids getting tired from the walk at the airport. Therefore, I always bring a stroller and "gate check" it - basically, you can use the stroller while in the airport, and then when you board the plane, you leave it at the door (folded) and they will put it in the belly of the plane for you. When you land, they'll bring it back up to the door of the plane (sometimes can take a while depending upon the airline and airport). Be sure to ask for a gate check claim at the desk at the gate. I would also consider buying a cheapy umbrella stroller (wal-mart, target) so you don't have to worry about lugging a big Peg. (Although I've brought my Pliko on planes before without a problem.) And it doesn't count toward carryon's or checked baggage.

As for the car seat, don't know if you bought a ticket/seat for your DD or not. The rule of thumb from the airlines is that if there's an empty seat next to you (if you *didn't* buy a ticket) then you can put the car seat in it. If not, you'll have to gate check that too. Unless you don't plan on putting your DD in the car seat while on the plane. Then you can just check it as baggage. The airline agents will probably be asking your DD how old she is - that happened to us when DD was just about to turn 2 (they want to make sure they get their $).

Between this post and the other one I linked you to, hopefully I've given you some useful tips. Enjoy your trip, and if you have any other questions, let me know!

Lynne

 

[tbelfonti]

Pack the usual in the diaper bag - snacks, diapers, change of outfit

I would STRONGLY suggest you bring your own stroller. Because while Disney rents them in the parks, you are without a stroller out of the parks - so you're talking a lot of walking or carrying. Not to mention if your DD (who is adorable, btw) is a wanderer - if she's in the stroller in the airport, she's not going to wander off. And if she falls asleep on the way back to the airport, you aren't carrying her around.

We bring our valuables with us and leave the diaper bag in the stroller.

Bring a few sippy's with you.

You "gate check" your stroller which means you roll your stroller down the walkway and leave it JUST before you enter the plane. when you get off the plane in Orlando, your stroller is waiting for you VERY convenient!!

The other bonus of bringing your stroller w/ you to the airport is it's a place to put the carseat, diaper bag, etc when DD isn't in the stroller.

 

[swilshire]

My best suggestion is to be calm. You take the babe out for the day at home. Disney World is no different except that it's probably hotter. Pack the usual stuff: more diapers than you think you need, at least one change of clothes, whatever she will need to eat and drink for the day, and be sure to bring the sunscreen.

I'd bring along a soft sided cooler for the drinks. We use one with a large side pocket instead of a diaper bag. You'll want it on the plane as well. Make sure you have plenty of supplies should you get stuck enroute.

I agree with gate checking the stroller. It's handy in the airport and good for hanging other bags on. The diaper bag will be fine on the stroller while you go in rides and shows at WDW.

We flew DD down to Orlando when she was a bit younger than this. She amused all the other passengers by waving at every single one of them as they exited the plane (we waited until last). She's 19 now.

Sheila

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Pack the usual in the diaper bag - snacks, diapers, change of outfit

I would STRONGLY suggest you bring your own stroller. Because while Disney rents them in the parks, you are without a stroller out of the parks - so you're talking a lot of walking or carrying. Not to mention if your DD (who is adorable, btw) is a wanderer - if she's in the stroller in the airport, she's not going to wander off. And if she falls asleep on the way back to the airport, you aren't carrying her around.

Oohhh...I didn't think about the rest of the time we're on the trip. Outlet malls, traveling around the resort (it's huge...). That's a good point. Now I have to decide whether or not I want to take the biggie Peg Perego (also known as "The Cadillac of Strollers" in our family) or get a smaller one.

Thanks for the complement on DD, by the way. We're getting her excited about the trip. She's more excited about "fly(ing on the) airplane," but she's also talking about Mickey Mouse. I let her watch the opening part of the Web site, with the sweeping music and the Mickey-shaped globe and her eyes got all huge and she say "WHOA!" It brought tears to my eyes...


Lp: I read your other post, printed it out and added many of the things to the Checklist (didn't even think about packing Motrin) of things to pack. Seriously...this is her first time away on a trip (excluding sleepovers at Grandma's). Grandma has DOUBLE of everything we have, so it's always been so easy...