Newborn at WDW

[disneyatl]

A question for those who've travelled with a newborn at the World.

My family has planned it's first ever "Smith Family Vacation" in July 2004. There will be 4 families total (mine - husband, me, daughter-9, and friend of daughter-9; sister's family - sis, b-in-law, nephew-3, niece-2; parents - mom and dad; and brother's family - bro, sis-in-law, nephew-4 and a brand new baby due mid-May '04). Well that's my question. This baby is going to be 2 months old when we go. How hard is it to tote a 2 month old around the park? Sis-in-law seems to think it will be easier than toting around a 6-month old but I'm not sure. Also, sis-in-law would like to bring along her mother to help out. I hate to sound like a grump but since this is the first family vacation my entire family has been on, we really don't want her mother to go. Is that unreasonable? Don't get me wrong, sis-in-law's mother is an extremely nice, very kind and loving person. We all really like her but just not on our first family vacation to WDW.

Would love to hear your experiences with a newborn and also any thoughts on the sis-in-law bringing her mother to help?

 

[EthansMom]

I've never taken a newborn to WDW, but do have some advice based on things I've seen while out and about.

Personally, I wouldn't advise taking a newborn on ANY rides. Also, a newborn can't use sunscreen and can't regulate temperature as well as older kids, so keeping baby well-shaded and cool (esp. in July) will be very important. Also, don't forget to feed and change the baby often (easy to forget when everyone is having fun).

If I took a newborn on a trip to WDW (not likely), I would definitely take a reclining stroller with a sunhood (plus a light blanket thrown over for more shade, a carrier (like Baby Bjorn) & sunhats.

Also, since the baby can't be left alone, if your SIL really wants to bring him/her, having her mom come is really a good solution. Grandma can take baby to a nice quiet shady spot and let SIL go on a few rides.

I can't tell you the number of people I've seen at the local zoo and State Fair that have newborn infants out in the sun with no protection from the sun and heat. I've seen babies as young as a couple weeks old being carried around the zoo by hand (no stroller or carrier in sight) and with not even an umbrella to keep off the strong rays of the sun! Also, seen young babies carted around in umbrella strollers (no sun cover & no recline) & jostled around in wagons.

Basically, if SIL is willing to give her her baby all of the care and attention needed at WDW (it'll be a real pain to stop often for feedings and changings) and she makes caring for her infant a higher priority than doing/seeing WDW, then the baby should be fine.

BTW, we're meeting up with DH's family at WDW next week (15 of us total). As I'm finding, there's no way you can coordinate a large group to do everything together. We'll be lucky if we all sit down to dinner together one evening. Otherwise, we'll probaby be getting into a variety of smaller groups on a day-to-day basis for parks and meals. So, basically, SIL bringing a newborn and/or her mother is going to affect your brother, SIL, nephew, and SIL's mother WAY more than it will affect you! (Good news for you!)

EthansMom

 

[crazymomof4]

I would think nothing of toting a 2 month old on a family vacation. We did Amish Country in PA when DD was 11 weeks old w/o any difficulty. Florida in July is another story though. EthansMom gave some very good reasons for this so I won't repeat them. As was mentioned, it would all depend on how responsible a mom your SIL is.
With regards to taking the baby's grandmom along for help: If she is so nice and everyone likes her then things should go fine. Her helping out with the kids will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. If you decide to try to sway anyone into not bringing the grandmom bc. she is not "family", just remember that you are bringing "friend of daughter-9". That may come back at you.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not brought a newborn either, but thought of something to add to the good points already posted.
One thing people often don't think about is that strollers are not allowed in lines or shows (or most of the pavilions at Epcot). Holding a baby while watching the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Hall of Presidents or Ellen's Energy Adventure may not be bad, but holding the baby for the amount of time you might be waiting for the show will make someone's arms very tired. I think babies get heavier by the minute as you are holding them.

 

[akrake]

with our baby & she will be around 7 or so weeks when we go. It'll be cool so i'm not worried about her being too hot....and will be in a sling or covered fulling reclining stroller. i think it will be easier with her than an older child also. and, to put in my two cents....your sister in law obviously considers you part of her family & that her mom is part of the extended family too. i think that if everyone gets along, that you should welcome her mom with open arms....esp if she's really easy going....now, i'd have another opinion is she were the wicked witch of the west!!!
good luck.
akrake

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by akrake
our baby....will be in a sling

You will love this! I carried DD all over Lancaster, PA in a Snugli carrier. It didn't bother my back a bit, I guess bc. I had just finished carrying her around inside me!

 

[Samandmom]

I took a 3 month old and 4 month old before to WDW. (not at the same time ) At that age they still sleep most of the time. I agree about the heat. We took our DS in December 2000 and DD in April 2003. So worrying about the heat was not too much of a worry for us. On this most recent trip in April I did not go with my DH it was DD (3months) DS (2.5yrs old), me and my sister-in-law and her kids plus her sister and kids. (8 total) I had alot of help from SIL with my DS. I was only nursing DD at the time so I was at the baby stations alot. DS had a great time with everyone else.
I agree with the previous poster, about your SIL taking her mother would be great for her. Also you are taking DD's friend with you.

 

[ahutton]

I have taken a newborn to WDW. My DD2 was 3 weeks old, and it was the first opportunity to see my parents after she was born. We took our time, took many breaks, and stayed out of the heat of the day. We had a GREAT trip. My DD1 was 2 1/2 at the time, and really felt special getting to do something like that during the adjustment time. Find the baby centers, they are wonderful. Get a good Snugli front carrier, but be aware that they can get a bit warm since the baby is right up against your body. Lots of fluids and hydration - I kept track of diapers (wet/dirty) to make sure we stayed on track with what we did at home - I kept track at home for a few days before we went so I knew for sure what to expect. We went in April - and it was plenty hot. My hormones were still out of whack, so it actually helped me to realize the heat better than I did when DD2 was 8 months old and we went back.

As for extended family, at 2 months old I would guess she would like to feel safe to be away from the baby, or to have extra help at night. I'm sure it will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone in the long run.

Remember, as one who has done this, that while it is great to be out all day... The new Mom is also up all night. I pushed myself too hard because I wanted to be with everyone and did not rest enough. After a few days it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was lucky that DH and the family understood that I just needed to go lay down for a while.

For the record - I did consult my pediatrician before we went, with DH there. She said to be aware of heat and hydration and to have a good time. We did!

 

[Spinning]

We went with Ds when he was about 7 weeks old. We had a blast! He was so easy. I was nursing so I didn't have to worry about bottles. We went in Feb and it was cold! I just made sure I brought his snuggle suite with us. It was fine. He was either in a sling or in the stroller. No problem at all. I would duck in to the baby stations and nurse him while DH took our DD on rides or watched the parade. We had a blast! Very easy!

 

[justhat]

I would let her bring her mom. After all, your SIL is now your family so isn't her mom sorta your family too!? I think she'd be a huge advantage so that SIL is not so exhausted and can do more group activities with you.

 

[Belle5]

I really think SIL's mom should come to help. Can you imagine if you said you didn't think she should come and so she's not invited and then your SIL has a bad trip because the baby gives her a difficult time? Even you may benifit from some extra help.

You may find that it's so hot in July that you can leave SIL's mom in the room for 2-3 hours at a time just to keep the little ones out of the heat. I have done WDW with a 3 1/2 month old and should be doing that again shortly, but I wouldn't take a baby that young (7 weeks ) in the heat of July. We went in January when my now 6 year old was an infant and will likely take this baby (4 weeks now) in December or February. I have no problem with the age--it's the heat!

Be careful and have a great time no matter what you decide. And take all the help you can get!!

 

[crazymomof4]

Congratulations Belle5!!
Time flies, it seems I just read a post where you announced your pregnancy!
Hope Mom and baby are doing fine.

 

[Belle5]

Thanks Crazymomof4! We are doing well!