Infants in the Parks <3<3<3

[JLeeLovesDisney]

We will be in Disney in 9 days! It is the first trip for my daughter, who is 9 months old. We (the three of us, including my husband) are going to be joined by my mom, dad, and sister (who's an adult) as well. So 5 adults, 1 baby.

My daughter is on the verge of walking, so that is all that she wants to practice - cruising around furniture, walking in her walker, assisted walking holding our fingers, etc. She's okay with being in a stroller, but not for the whole day. What are some things to keep in mind in how to navigate the parks with a baby who is restless and wanting to move around?

 

[Thing 1]

My friend's daughter took her first step on Main Street of MK. I would seek out grassy areas and take advantage of the toddler play areas like the one at Splash Mountain. Maybe take a carrier or wrap and take turns carrying her some too. Use stroller times for snacks and drinks and a special toy or two.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We will be in Disney in 9 days! It is the first trip for my daughter, who is 9 months old. We (the three of us, including my husband) are going to be joined by my mom, dad, and sister (who's an adult) as well. So 5 adults, 1 baby.

My daughter is on the verge of walking, so that is all that she wants to practice - cruising around furniture, walking in her walker, assisted walking holding our fingers, etc. She's okay with being in a stroller, but not for the whole day. What are some things to keep in mind in how to navigate the parks with a baby who is restless and wanting to move around?

watch little ones very closely at Splash play area as old kids tend to run over littles, had it happen to a grandchild there

 

[TravelingTotMom]

My son started walking at the Boneyard playground at Animal Kimgdom. It was great bc it has that rubberized ground, so no issues when he fell.

 

[KrazeeK120]

My friend's daughter took her first step on Main Street of MK. I would seek out grassy areas and take advantage of the toddler play areas like the one at Splash Mountain. Maybe take a carrier or wrap and take turns carrying her some too. Use stroller times for snacks and drinks and a special toy or two.

If you do this, try it out at home first for a couple of reasons. First, grass is harder to walk in than a flat surface. My 18 month old can just about run on pavement/wood/tile/etc. (started walking at 14 months), but he still has some balance issues in grass.

Also, my child has a contact allergy to grass. He breaks out in a rash if he sits in it for very long. Make sure your kid doesn't have any allergies, particularly if seasonal allergies run in your family. Disney wouldn't be the best place to find that out!

Have tons of fun, OP! That's so exciting that you have an early walker! I really thought my son was going to crawl for his whole life. Haha!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

If you do this, try it out at home first for a couple of reasons. First, grass is harder to walk in than a flat surface. My 18 month old can just about run on pavement/wood/tile/etc. (started walking at 14 months), but he still has some balance issues in grass.

Also, my child has a contact allergy to grass. He breaks out in a rash if he sits in it for very long. Make sure your kid doesn't have any allergies, particularly if seasonal allergies run in your family. Disney wouldn't be the best place to find that out!

Have tons of fun, OP! That's so exciting that you have an early walker! I really thought my son was going to crawl for his whole life. Haha!

know about allergy to grass our now adult daughter has always had problems with mowed grass. got number of calls from school because teacher would take class out to a shady area in nice weather only to have her break out

 

[Deb & Bill]

Take frequent breaks and head back to your resort. Let her walk around there.

 

[Belle83]

We took DS to Disneyland when he was 13 months old and just on the verge of walking. He had a rough time being in the stroller so much, it became kind of a battle to get him in it sometimes. I would say plan on a lot of playground time in toddler areas if possible. Do you have a baby carrier? That made it easier for us to get through some lines. Take breaks!

 

[DisTravels]

We will be in Disney in 9 days! It is the first trip for my daughter, who is 9 months old. We (the three of us, including my husband) are going to be joined by my mom, dad, and sister (who's an adult) as well. So 5 adults, 1 baby.

My daughter is on the verge of walking, so that is all that she wants to practice - cruising around furniture, walking in her walker, assisted walking holding our fingers, etc. She's okay with being in a stroller, but not for the whole day. What are some things to keep in mind in how to navigate the parks with a baby who is restless and wanting to move around?

There are several rides (e.g. It's a Small World) which your daughter will likely enjoy. Having her stand/walk while in line and being on some rides may also help with her restlessness and you have time to watch and support her.

 

[princessbride6205]

DD walked at 14 months and we took our first WDW trip at 15 months. We weren't sure how it was going to go either! I don't remember doing many rides that trip, or at least not rides with long lines.

Epcot has a lot of great areas for littles to roam. We spent so much time on the musical carpet (Figment ride exit)! There are less crowded spaces in many of the countries in the World Showcase - we liked the UK hedge maze especially.

In MK - the play area in queue line for Winnie the Pooh, the Splash Mountain toddler playground, the grassy areas at the end of Main Street...

In DHS - space is tighter now, but there are still a few good areas. The courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater (she can match her hands and feet to the stars in the cement) and the Disney Jr area.

In AK - The drums near Africa were a favorite when DD was a toddler. Plus a lot of the atmosphere entertainment is engaging for little ones. I love seeing tiny guests groove to the different music.

 

[Kelly014]

When went when DS was 9 months and he did so well in the stroller. He wasn't used to a stroller so I wasn't sure if he would like it but I think there was just so much to look at he was usually pretty entertained. When he didn't want to be in the stroller we did baby wearing which was a life saver. He slept through a signature dinner on me which was nice and relaxing for everyone! Be a carrier was also really helpful on the bus and certain rides. Have fun, DS will be two when we go next and I think I will miss being able to strap him into a carrier instead of chasing a toddler!