New Grandma needs help!!!!

[Cjmuma]

Help!! My stepson just got married, and now I am a new grandma to a 18 month old beautiful baby girl! My husband and I are bringing my Stepson, his Wife, and her little girl down to disney in september, and I need some advice. I need to know what kind of stroller everyone recommends, and what kind of presents to get her! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Zeebs]

Will they not bring their own stroller with them. At that age we wouldn't have gone anywhere without ours. If they don't something light and easy to fold up would be my suggestion. We have a McLaren and we love it it has been right round the world (actual world not just Disneyworld but it has been there as well) with us twice and still going strong.

Kirsten

 

[Mrs D]

They probably have a full sized stroller; that is what I'd advise them to bring. I would not go with a $10 umbrella stroller at that age (well, I wouldn't do it for my 2 and 4 y.o. either). But if you are looking at getting a new stroller for traveling the Maclarens seem very nice. I have a lightweight Chicco that I really like except for the small basket and lack of cupholders (but I bought a parent organizer to strap onto it).
I would also bring a soft sided cooler (6 pack size) and soft freezer packs for keep bottles of water, juice boxes, wet washcloth to stay cool and hydrated. I'd also pick up a clip on fan before your trip - you can find them at CVS once it gets warm.

Now, for Christmas presents - little people play sets are GREAT at this age! I love all leapfrog toys. I think the fridge sets are age appropriate as well as the musical caterpillar (which my kids Love).

Have fun!

 

[mupt02]

I haven't done WDW yet with my little ones, so I can't help you there.

As for Christmas presents, as a pp said Little People sets are great. My kids starting getting them for their first birthdays and my 3 1/2 year old still loves them. The LeapFrog magnet sets are great as well. It's another one of those things that my kids still play with. Puzzles are another great thing. My girls also loves books. Hope that helps.

 

[woodkins]

If you are just looking for a stroller for WDW why not rent one? We own the Baby Jogger City Series stroller, which is the one that is available for rent & it is an amazing stroller, fully recline, turns on a dime, easy to push and steer, great storage etc. They are pretty pricey, it would be an expensive gift, but one that will last a very long time.

As for toys, Little People toys are great, a baby doll and stroller, building blocks, Bath toys etc. If you want to got with a disney theme, they make Disney princess dolls that look like babies which are adorable and age appropriate.

 

[jtopp]

Congrats to you and your new family!!!

 

[Cjmuma]

Thank you all so much for your great advise! It is hard trying to adjust to everything, and it can be kinda overwhelming sometimes!

Thanks again!
Cj

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I second the Little People suggestions. Great toys. Also our son liked Elmo dvd's about then too.

We took him to Disney in Sept 2006 when he was 18 months old. Boy, was it hot. Thank the Lord for the spray mister fan. He was a happy kid who went along happily on all the attractions with us. He didn't get too shook up about anything. He was a little nervous with the gunshots during the Indiana Jones show. Silly guy kept climbing on park benches and checking the flaps on the trash cans. We had to carry him or put him in the stroller to get anywhere, otherwise, he stopped at every little embedded thing in the pavement. Everything had to be investigated. Ha!

Well, have fun!!

 

[micheleq]

Congrats!!

My younger DD was 18 months when we took her to Disney last year. It was magical!

As for gifts, she loved anything Playhouse Disney -- esp. Pooh and Friends, she loves her Pluto stuffed animal (her favorite, sleeps with him every night). She also loves Little People playsets. We have a few with animals, and two with people and both gets lots of play in our house. And clothes are always a wonderful gift if you know what your new DIL likes (if not, just include the gift receipt!). I love Gap baby clothes. They are a great quality and wear very well.

 

[Mrs D]

I had one additonal thought for presents - we gave DD2 the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Kitchen last Christmas (neices have the house and there's a barn or something new this year) and both she and her 4 yr old brother still love this toy!

 

[deva]

Another gift suggestion...the Fisher Price piggy bank. My kids have played a lot with it. Good for sorting, colors, fine motor and very reasonably priced.

 

[happymommy]

I totally agree about the Little People playsets! I actually miss hearing the little songs on my son's old one... We have them all packed up in bins for my future grandchildren (of course, took batteries out of anything that had them).

With an 18 month old (or even a bit older), they will want a stroller for the trip to Orlando I would think. Whether flying or driving, I would bring one from home. Whichever one is the most comfortable, especially for a nap in it.

And congrats! Hope it's a wonderful holiday and trip!