Need advice..would you take an infant to Disney?

[crow11ad]

Hello all. I need a little help in trying to convince DW we need to go back. Here is the story. DW and I got married in 2004 and had our Disneymoon in April of 2004. So yes it's been 2 years since our first visit. Not 2 weeks after we got back from our 1st trip, I had to go back. DW agreed. So we went in Dec of 2004. Truly the best time. Well after that trip I found out that my dad and step mom are living in FL in Boynton Beach. So in Oct. of 2005 we went to visit them and then to WDW and nothing beats Disney at Halloween. Well in 2005 we bought a house. Woohoo. DW first time to live in a house. Well it turns out before we even went to Disney in October, we were pregnant. Our child will be born in July of this year. Well, now that there is the free dining, hotel, and tickets for around 430.00 it will be too good of an offer to pass up. Yes the child will only be 2 months if we go, but have any of you ever gone with a child that young and if so, what were the good and bad experinces? We are offically supposed to go back in 2008, but I need that Disney fix. I know it will be a different experience. Anything you can suggest might help.

 

[Quinn222]

My biggest concern would be a baby out in the extreme heat and strong sun for a long time. Little ones can't control body temp the way older kids can.

 

[Barbday62]

we took our 5 month old grand son and it was August. His favorite place was the stroller with the battery operated fan on him. we went through at least one set of batteries a day but he was cool all the time. We did let him out in the evening and less warm part of the day or when we was in a building with a front pack,. He prefered to face outwards on it.

Our biggest problems we ran into. Heating the bottles!! we carried bottle water and powder but he had to drink it room temperature not heated like he wanted.

We stayed at shades of green and they had nice cribs for us to use. But my daughter (Who is a great mom) decided to bring a big suitcase for the kids and she packed a bumper pad from home. She felt it woudl give him come comfort of familiarity. That was a great idea. He slept so good and the crib didnt have a bumper pad anyway.

Be sure to have a hat with for any time out in the sun. Especially the pool if you swim.

We used a full size stroller with recieving blankets pinned around it to keep him out of sun and the air flow was perfect to keep him cool. That battery operated fan was about $25 but worth every penny. It clipped on the stroller then could point any where on him. (We got it from www.onestepahead.com)


That all I can think of for now. I say go for it!! Things will be slower getting around but its Disney and its great. Also the pictures with charaters will be so worth it too at that age.

 

[NJBILL]

This is a tuff sell..It all depends on how you have reacted to the "new baby"..do you help out alot, or does your wife do most of the work?

If you wife feels she can depend on you to shoulder some the care of the baby while you are there..you may have a shot..if not..there is not a lot of "magic" for your wife on those days..

if you could somehow arrange for your Dad to "babysit" a day or two..you could both enjoy the park alone..or all of you together with the inlaws "helping out"...

I have 4 kids..you can tell your wife that although the baby is a wonderful thing..it would still be good to get away and relax for a few days....

or you could just grow a pair of ears..and say thaty you are going...

Either way..you need tom make your case..

 

[ryanally]

We took each of our kids when they were babies, but not that little. Also free dining is last 2 weeks of Aug and Sept. Very hot and humid. Could not imagine carrying such a little one in that heat. When babies are that little they like to be held close. Imagine walking around Epcot's world showcase in the blazing heat and the baby is crying because it can't regulate its temp. Not my idea of a good time. I'd wait til the baby is older. JMHO.

 

[RVGal]

Let's see, a baby born in July taking a trip to WDW at 2 months would mean you're looking at traveling in September, right?

Pros:
September should be milder than high summer temps (but you'd still be looking at a big, floppy baby hat and sticking to the shade... plus baby sunblock if the doctor says it's okay... they have different opinions for babies under 3 months).

A baby of that age should still be sleeping a LOT, so you can probably ride some rides while the little one naps on your shoulder.

An infant considers "home" wherever YOU are. As long as those wonderful, familiar big people who take care of him/her are around, a baby will pretty much put up with whatever else is going on.

Cons:
If this is your first baby, it is possible that you will still be overwhelmed at the awesome task of caring for an infant full time... so the added challenges of caring for the baby away from home may be more daunting than fun. (Not trying to scare you, just speaking from experience.)

A baby of that age can't sit up on his/her own, so you're looking at either carrying the baby all day, or bringing the full-support stroller from home.

However you choose to feed the baby will have to be dealt with, breast or bottle, about every 2 hours or so. (Not trying to discourage you, it can be done.)

If the baby is developing any kind of schedule, a trip will disrupt it.

People carry germs. Crowds of people carry bunches and bunches of germs. That can be a concern for an infant.


These are just things to take into consideration. Not to state the obvious, but a trip with a baby will NOT be the same as any memory you have of your trips in the past. Not that baby travel can't be great, but don't go with the same expectations.

Your baby will have a regular checkup at 2 weeks and at 2 months. If your baby's doctor says it's okay to go... and you decide it's worth it... then go! I went to WDW while pregnant with both my boys... and then went back when both of them were babies (they were each closer to 6 months old, but that's just how our schedule worked out). As with everything in parenting, the final decision is all up to you!

 

[Bev J]

Babies that young can overheat so easily. We have observed babies in the park so hot and cranky and their parents don't look much better. WE took our son when he was 9 months old, had plenty of older sibling help but the best place in the park was the baby station sitting in a rocking chair in the AC.

At 2 months the baby might be sleeping through the night but don't count on it, your DW will still be tired and worn out, you know how much energy it takes to tackle WDW, plus all the stuff you have to drag around with you.

It would be great if you can make a little short trip and someone can watch the baby for you, otherwise wait till your baby is a bit older and plan your trip for the cooler off season..

By the way- Congrats!

 

[AmyBWV99]

We had our first on April 27th 2005 and on July 2 headed to WDW. We stayed for 8 nights and had a great time. When there, the temperature reached greater than 100 degrees for the first time in like 5 years, so it was brutally hot. My advice:

1) buy the stroller fan from One Step Ahead (www.onestepahead.com). It was a lifesaver. with his little fan running and the hood of the stroller shading him, he never once got overly hot
2) Take time to go inside and out of the heat (the bars at Epcot are perfect for this; especially the Rose and Crown)
3) Make sure to keep the baby hydrated. Our pediatrician suggested Pedialite unflavored

We weren't overly careful with our son (no running back to the room 10 times a day, etc) and he did just fine. You'll have a blast, believe me!

If you've got any questions, feel free to send a message!

 

[minkydog]

Since you asked, no, I would not take a 2month old to WDW. At that age babies have limited immunity and poor temperature control. I think you will have to make a lit of concessions to keep the baby safe from harm. My idea of a great trip to Disney World does not include spit up, sleep deprivation, and nursing every 2hrs. But it's your call

 

[tc]

I went with some friends as their nanny a few years ago to watch their 6 week old. They won an award, but didn't want to leave him at home. He did great, as long as I was willing to go by his schedule. It was in March, so not too hot.

I am taking my 6 week old granddaughter in three weeks, and I'll let you know how she does. We are planning on having a very relaxing trip. No power touring, and letting her nap (we'll have an 18 month old too, so we know we won't get much riding done). Babies are very versatile. I say plan on it, but plan on resting more, taking more breaks, and enjoying the atmosphere. Have fun!

 

[maxsmom01]

I empathize with your plight. My DH and I went on a vacation to Colorado when our son was 3 months old...even though it was lovely weather, I was miserable. I was to tired and worn out from the lack of sleep and effort that it takes to keep an infant happy that I wasn't able to enjoy myself. We ended up coming home after a couple of days.

I don't think I would be able to manage an infant in the Florida heat, but maybe I am just a wimp.

 

[jann1033]

congratulations on the new baby !

i think especially with your first that might be rushing it...not just the heat, which is a major big deal... but will he/she be sleeping through the night or will you still be getting up every few hrs? that is pretty tiring and you might rather just sleep than run around a park

will it be colicky, fussy, ,,,no way of knowing that but that's the time i think that usually happens. just so many new things to consider

adjusting to such a big change is pretty awesome much less just becoming a "family" , the first few months are such a nice time to spend together just the 3 of you...i love Disney but i think I'd wait and hope for free dining next yr. when you'll get a thrill from their enjoyment also.

 

[CinRell]

Nooooo.. toooo little. Sept is HOT and HUMID and it will rain if even just a little bit, likely, every day. And most people get sick while going on vacation. The baby's little immune system won't be very good at that young age... plus what enjoyment will baby get out of hte trip? you're just taking the baby because YOU want to go... when you become parents, the baby has to be #1. And will your wife feel up to WDW 2 months after giving birth? Babies are a lot of work and giving birth does a lot to your body.. I think hold off...

 

[lclark0621]

At that age, at that time, I dont think I could take a baby. It is going to be really hot & little ones, just cant handle the heat well. Even with constant a/c breaks, it will be tough on the baby. And then you have to worry about an infant going from heat to cold (a/c) all day long, and if that will make them sick.

My DS was born at the end of July, we live in TX, so it is HOT here. And I was not taking him out for long lengths of time at that point.

Not to mention, I did not feel like going out for long periods of time 2 months after the baby is born. I was to sleep deprived to worry about it.

The first time we took DS was when he was 9 months old & it was perfect.

I know Disney is a great place. But it will always be there. Enjoy the baby a bit before worrying about vacation. Trust me, that little one is going to fill you with so much love & joy, Disney will be a distant thought!

Take it slow & enjoy the newborn-ness. It only lasts a short time.

Then plan a trip once you are over the intense sleep deprivation!

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I have taken an older completely breastfed infant (16 weeks) to WDW and her barely 2 year old brother and have lived to tell the tale. My biggest caution is that if you plan it, be very supportive that your wife can opt out and cancel if there are any caring for a new infant issues of any kind - be they baby health concerns, the regular new mom concerns, or mom post-partum anything concerns.
I was the mom who tried to convince DH that we could manage a toddler and tiny infant at WDW - I doubt I could have been convinced if it were the other way around. We went in January, so heat was not an issue. I, myself, would take an infant in September under the following conditions: breastfeeding comfortably so I didn't have to mess with bottles, lots of SPF protective infant clothing* regardless of what pediatrician says the lotion would add to the hot sticky feeling for a baby, same cooling and SPF type expedition wear for a comfy mom, DH must carry chilled water in hydration pack for me, take own easy to navigate and cool stroller for infant, DH wears baby sling carrier for "snuggle time" and mild rides (yes, my DH has done this), be in parks only before 10 and after 4, spend the vast majority of the time in attractions with AC. It's not just the baby, but DW needs to be comfortable because she will be barely healed from childbirth herself. I doubt this would feel at all like a vacation when you're done. The cost savings of free dining isn't likely worth all this hassle and special gear - I'd suggest being new parents for a few months and then if all is well, make a winter ressie when the discount on lodging may be nearly as good as "free dining" with full priced accomodations.
* I am not talking about regular or inexpensive clothing. UV rays penetrate regular fabric and even if you aren't red, skin damage can be done - not worth the risk to an infant. We have some of this clothing and hats for all of us. It comes in well ventilated, wicking, very light weight fabric - it's great stuff and feels cooler than shorts with sun lotion.

 

[TravelinGal]

We went with friends when their DS was 2 months old and it was fine. We had extra adults so we could trade off and enjoy rides more etc. BUT we went in February when it wasn't so blazing hot.
Simply because of the time of year you're loooking at going, I'd say don't take a 2 month old.

On a side note though - We NEVER warmed DS's bottles. He drank them room temperature from birth (wasn't able to nurse even though I dearly wanted to). That helps a LOT when you travel. Of course if your DW is able to nurse, that makes it one step easier!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Anything you can suggest might help.

I would take an infant, but at 2 months you have to understand that your wife may still be having some difficulty getting out of the house (or resort) with the baby. This is especially true if she is breastfeeding. It is the most rewarding experience of my life and I would never in a million years go back and make another choice, but it CAN be very time-consuming and labor-intensive in the first few months. I would take a 2 month old NOW, but had I tried to take my firstborn to the parks at 2 months, I fear it would have been a bit different. We took him to DTD at 2.5 mos., and he did fine, though. If you can go and not be all commando about it, and she is feeling up to it physically and emotionally, then go! If not, don't push her. She absolutely needs to rest, be hydrated, and not be on a forced march (as my father calls it, lol). It will also be relatively hot still in September, so that is something to think about. If she goes, she must drink water CONSTANTLY to stay hydrated, most especially if she is breastfeeding. That will keep her and baby in touring shape! Good luck with your decision!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

3) Make sure to keep the baby hydrated. Our pediatrician suggested Pedialite unflavored

Just wanted to clarify that a breastfed baby would not require additional fluids...in case the OP is not aware of this fact!

 

[texasthree]

Its a lot of work to go on vacation any time in your life, the packing, planning, traveling, etc. I cant even imagine trying to take an infant to Disney.

I recovered very quickly with my son and resumed normal activities within a few days. Hes flown dozens of times and has been to disney twice already but The though of putting a tiny baby in those circumstances would be way to much for me. There are a lot of "what if's" involves as well. What if she delivers later than her due date? What is she has to have a c-section? What if the baby has colic? What if she has a bout of baby blues? All of these things can make a great vacation turn into a disaster.

I think you should respect your wives decision on this one.

 

[Mo-Yo]

I didn't adjust well...AT ALL... to motherhood the first time around. I read all the books about complications, sleepless nights,etc, but really I believed deep down I would sail into motherhood. What a shock!!!!!!

If I had a vacation planned with my beautiful and much-loved puking, screaming, collicky, sleepless son, I would have had to have cancelled it. A vacation with him would have sent me even further into postpartum anxiety and depression.

That said, my daughter, born 2 years later was a breeze, and a trip would have been fine...a lot of work packing, etc, but fine.

I'm not trying to scare you. Parenthood is a natural condition...but it involves life changes you just can't even imagine until it happens. If it were me, I'd allow your new little family to ease into it as much as possible. Disney will be there forever. Those first months of getting to know each other only happen once.