Just back with 5yo & 8mo any questions?

[Desnik]

We are just back and we drove with our 5yo DD and 8mo DS. DD did the Pirate Cruise and Tea Party and we went to the Storybook breakfast. We went to MK, MGM, and Epcot. Also, DtD and we stayed 5 nights at BWV and 1 night at ASSMo. Would love to answer any questions.

 

[momofmikey]

Hi Desnik! I asked you a bunch of questions on the other board. I didn't know you drove from NY! How was it? I am so dreading it! My same son who doesn't like his stroller, doesn't love the car either. We bought a tv/dvd thing for the car, but I'm not sure how that'll be with him being rearfacing (I bought the mirror - I just hope he doesn't get sick looking at the tv that way). Did you drive straight through or stay over? Do tell !

Thanks again!

 

[Desnik]

My son doesn't like to be in his carseat either. I had the same concerns as you. What we did was we left at 4am in an attempt to drive straight through. We would play it by ear if we were to stop for the night. We left on Sat. and had ressies at BWV for Sun. I fed and changed the baby right before we left. He was so tired and fell right back to sleep in the car. He slept till 9am!! We stopped, got gas, fed and changed him then back on the road. We have tv's in the headrests of the car so there is a screen for each kid. This was great for DD, she could watch movies all day!! I had the mirror and the baby could see the movie from it, but I don't think he watched. We brought some of his favorite toys and he really slept alot. We made it to WDW by 9pm. We tried to arrange our gas stops with food/potty stops. We got a room at ASSmo for that night.
I would recommend this way we did it for a few reasons. I like to get most of the driving done during the day. I feel safer with the kids at rest stops during the day. Most of the stops have security. We got to bed early the night before we left and were well rested for the drive. Everywhere we wanted to eat was open. We have driven through the night before and it was alittle scary at some rest stops and very few fast food places were open. If you have any other questions just ask! I know how it is I had so many worries/concerns and questions!!

 

[bunny]

We also have a five year old and an 8 month old, so the timing of your post is perfect, since we leave on Thursday. I am agonizing over my stroller situation. My 5 year old never uses a stroller at home, but friends who have gone to Disney recently said after a couple days their 6 year old was whipped. We were on vacation last summer and the 5 year old did good the first day but subsequent days he was dragging. Anyway I was wondering how you handled the stroller situation. Any suggestions?

 

[Desnik]

My 5yo also doesn't use a stroller at home. On our trip last year I brought an umbrella stroller for her and she used it once. This time I just brought the baby's stroller. I also had my Baby Bjorn carrier and used it when on 3 ocassions my 5yo fell asleep. I have a Pe Perego and DD 5yo fit in it perfectly! I just had the baby in the carrier and DD in the stroller and both slept while DH and I enjoyed Illuminations! This also helped get the baby out of the stroller and it help when going back to the resort with 2 sleeping children! Thank God it happened when we were at Epcot and MGM, we were able to just walk back to the resort(BWV) without waking them.

Do yourself a favor and bring your carrier, if you don't have one invest in the Baby Bjorn. It really doesn't hurt your back at all, unlike some others I've had in the past.

 

[momofmikey]

Thanks Desnik. We're actually planning on leaving here Friday night, and driving straight through. We did this last time with my then 1 yo DS, and it worked well b/c he slept and we were able to go 10 hours w/o a peep from him. My DH and I switch off when the other gets tired. If I thought my youngest would be OK in the car, I would leave early in the morning since my oldest is fine in the car, but since I'm not sure, we're trying this way.

You said your son slept a lot - does he normally at home? My son sleeps about 3 hours a day (in 2 naps), and then is all over the place the rest of the day. I'm nervous that he's going to want to be moving when he's not sleeping, and that's why he'll be cranky. We'll see. Or maybe being in the car that long will make him sleep more.

By the way, your son is adorable!

 

[momofmikey]

Just saw your above post about the Baby Bjorn. I have a Snugli - I've used it once, and it killed me. I thought maybe I adjusted it wrong. Have you had any experience with the Snugli? How much is the Bjorn? Sorry so many questions !

 

[Desnik]

Aww thanks about the picture! I actually just removed it to put a new one soon. Anyway, I had the snugli for my DD and it was a killer on my back!! The Baby Bjorn is about $80, but well worth it. I didn't believe all the hype about it not hurting your back. I was so surprised. You can put the baby facing you(I did this when he was sleepy, he fell right out)and foward facing. Front facing has alot of support for the head. this carrier is so easy to use and take on and off. I love it.

At home DS sleeps about as much as yours, sometimes maybe an hour more. We did drive straight through the night with DD when she was 8mo. No other kids at the time and we had MIL with us and her and DH took turns driving while I took care of DD. It worked out well. I would've done the drive at night, but lately DH and I just are too tired, and as I mentioned the worried mom in me!! Anyway, DH is use to being up at 5am to commute for 1hr+ so it worked well.

Ask as many questions as you want. I don't mind, I'm glad to help.

FYI when we drove srtaight through we left at 6pm and arrived about 3pm the next day. We stopped alot for DD.

Also, I hopped in the back seat and fed him his baby food sometimes. When it was time for a bottle we had to pull over. I had a bottle warmer travel kind that plugs into the lighter, it worked great. He's on special formula and it has to be mixed a certain way with cereal so I had to have the bottles premade and I kept them cold with icepacks like I do at home.

I should add that DS was a very sick baby, was premature and hospitalized 3 times at the age of 3mon. He almost didn't make it Needless to say I was very worried about how he would do on the long ride and with his feedings and such. Everything worked out great. I'm sure your Ds will do fine.

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

I wish I had read your post a week ago. We have a DD5 and a DS 10mos. We were planning on driving down for Christmas. But DH was panicky about the drive (DS is not a good passenger) and booked airfare last week. We are planning on bringing two strollers but your use of a carrier when the older child gets tired sounds like an easier less stuff way.

Thanks for the tips.