New member here, question on visiting with very mobile baby

[geminimagk]

Hi all, this is my very first post. I am a Disney newbie, never been to DL. I am visiting with my husband and 2 kids Sept 23-26. My son will be 4 and my daughter will be 8 months. She is a very active crawler, but isn't walking yet. This trip is mainly for my son, since I know she won't get much out of it.

My question is this: She is very mobile, and hates being cooped up in a stroller for extended periods of time. Since she's not walking yet, I imagine it will be very difficult to let her out of the stroller or baby carrier for some active time while at the parks. Also, she takes an AM and PM nap.

I am wondering if we may be better off just getting a babysitter for her and leaving her at the hotel (Grand Californian) rather than trying to deal with her at the park. We are coming from Michigan, so I'm sure the time change will affect her as well. I imagine she will be awake for the day by 4am and ready to nap by 6am PST!

If anyone has experience taking babies to the park, any tips/advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[figment_jii]

I asked about grassy and/or crawling areas a few years ago and got a couple of useful suggestions:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2977542

Unfortunately, there really aren't very many good spots to let an active crawler crawl around without having to worry about them being stepped on. Goofy's area is still the best bet (I think). We tried a few other spots (bench area between Jungle Cruise exit and the Aladdin meet and greet, quiet area across from RSR entrance, back of downstairs Hungry Bear), but none were really ideal.

 

[YukonMommy]

Your baby might surprise you! There is so much to catch her eye with the noise, bright colors and people. She can also go on most of the rides (any without height restrictions she is good to go.)

As for places to crawl, other than your hotel room I would say your best bet in DL is Goofys house in Toontown. In DCA your best bet will be certain areas of the Redwood Creek CHallenge.

Hopefully your baby will nap in the stroller so you won't have to go back to the hotel and miss anything.

In the stroller for the baby:
-attachable toys
-1 diaper for every 2 hours (and then 2 spare)
-wipes
-2 extra outfits each packed in a Ziploc bag
-a spare soother (if used)
-bottles in a soft sided cooler (if used)
-snacks
-a hat and sweater
-a blanket (great for shading for naps and staking out spots for parades)
-Kleenex and hand sanitizer

Have a magical time!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I don't know about places to crawl, but, I do know that the Baby Centers are very nice for changing, feeding, etc.

Have a fun trip! I am sure your 4 year old will love it.

 

[crystal1313]

I second the baby centers! It's a fantastic area to change diapers, etc. There's one in each park and the changing tables are padded and so much nicer than the ones in the restrooms.

I took my son at 10 months and he LOVED it! There was so much for him to look at that he was ok with being held or being in a stroller. When he was tired, he slept in the stroller. If you are staying at the Grand, you can always go back for a break and let her get some of her energy out. Your 4 year old might need a break too, as the parks can be overwhelming! Have a great time!

 

[geminimagk]

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

We just took my 7month old DGS and we thought we would be taking a couple naps at the hotel like we usually do, and since he took naps in the stroller or our arms, we actually stayed in the park from 8am until 10pm and never had a problem with him. We did go to the baby care center every couple of hours to nurse him and let him stretch. We also had lots of adults so he was passed around and entertained quite easily.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

We just took my 7month old DGS and we thought we would be taking a couple naps at the hotel like we usually do, and since he took naps in the stroller or our arms, we actually stayed in the park from 8am until 10pm and never had a problem with him. We did go to the baby care center every couple of hours to nurse him and let him stretch. We also had lots of adults so he was passed around and entertained quite easily.