Older Toddler Nursling WDW?

[staci]

I am so excited - 3 weeks to go But now I am trying to figure out what to wear!

DD will be almost 22 months when we go. We took ds at nearly the same age, but he had already weaned.

DD still nurses, however we really stopped nursing in public for the most part about 6 months ago. She nurses often at naptime, and also at bedtime/throughout the night.

HOWEVER, I am not sure what she will want to do in WDW. When we got to the mall or out for the day, she often forgets about breastfeeding. But when we are out later in the evening, and she is tired, she will ask.

So I am trying to figure out what to expect from her? Did you find that your toddler nurslings nursed more during the trips or less? Did you use the babycare centers with kids this age?

TIA for any advice!

 

[bumbershoot]

After thinking about it, I don't have much knowledge for you, but I wanted to give a big YAY about extended nursing!


My guy nursed much less at Disneyland, for what it's worth, but he has always been voracious about nursing so "less" probably means "how much other kids nurse" for us. And he made up for it while we slept.

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

My 2 oldest were actually completely weaned WHILE we were on our WDW trips..... they sound a lot like your little one and were down to only night time nursings (to get to sleep) and every once in a while to nap. We were so busy at WDW that they never even asked and were so exhausted at night that they went right to sleep w/out needing to nurse. After a week and a half of no nursing, they didn't feel the need to nurse when we got home..... made it easier on me, too (doing it somewhere away from home where I didn't miss it as much either)... BTW, they were both 20 months when we went so about the same age as your little one, too... Have a great time on your trip!

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I nursed all three children until 2 years old. I did much the same as you are doing, naptime and bedtime. At this age, they understand that they don't need to nurse if it's not an appropriate place.

My kids did tend to skip that naptime nursing in DW because they were so exhausted from running around that they just crashed in the stroller. My one suggestion would be to carry a small blanket or towel in your baby bag. I did this because my toddler would get distracted and it embarassed me to have her pull off and have myself showing.

There are many quiet areas where you can sneak off and discretely nurse. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find someplace. There are also some shows that are extremely dark and I have been known to take a back row seat with my other children surrounding us and use that blanket. I had no problem doing this in A Bug's Life. No one has ever said anything negative to me but that's because I seriously doubt they knew I was nursing.

We'll be there in three weeks too!

 

[tzolkin]

my situation is similar. my DS is 23 months and only nurses occasionally at home now. he's to the point where he usually doesnt even think about it, especially if he's occupied with something else. i really don't forsee that he's going to want to nurse while at the parks. we plan to go back to the room for a nap each day, so if he still wants to there will be an opportunity.

although i don't mind nursing in public at all, i would probably divert his attention if he asked to nurse at the parks. he's very easily distracted while nursing, so i think he would just nurse for a minute or so and would be looking around and decide he was done. i just believe that it would be pointless to find somewhere to sit, etc only to have him not really interested.

my DDs self-weaned at about this age, so it may not even be an issue by the time we get there (next month! woo-hoo!)

 

[wishtdream]

Hi:
I nursed all three children until 2 years old. I did much the same as you are doing, naptime and bedtime. At this age, they understand that they don't need to nurse if it's not an appropriate place.

My kids did tend to skip that naptime nursing in DW because they were so exhausted from running around that they just crashed in the stroller. My one suggestion would be to carry a small blanket or towel in your baby bag. There are many quiet areas where you can sneak off and discretely nurse. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find someplace. There are also some shows that are extremely dark and I have been known to take a back row seat with my other children surrounding us and use that blanket. No one has ever said anything negative to me but that's because I seriously doubt they knew I was nursing. If you hold the towel/blanket as if you are rocking your toddler to sleep no one will be the wiser. Even though I was nuts about nursing it really bothers me when women think they have the right to disrobe and nurse anywhere. Be respectful of others feelings and no one will mind.

We'll be there in three weeks too!

I like minnies suggestion. I would like to add though that anyone who would dare make a negative comment is just plain rude and should mind thier own **** business.
jmho

 

[staci]

My 2 oldest were actually completely weaned WHILE we were on our WDW trips..... they sound a lot like your little one and were down to only night time nursings (to get to sleep) and every once in a while to nap. We were so busy at WDW that they never even asked and were so exhausted at night that they went right to sleep w/out needing to nurse. After a week and a half of no nursing, they didn't feel the need to nurse when we got home..... made it easier on me, too (doing it somewhere away from home where I didn't miss it as much either)... BTW, they were both 20 months when we went so about the same age as your little one, too... Have a great time on your trip!

That would actually be great! My goal was to get through this winter and all the cold/flu bugs, and of course I want to keep going until the trip because of ears/airplane, but you are right it would be so much easier at Disney away from home and the schedule. It has always been my goal to cut her way back by this summer.

I am glad to see that most of the kiddos seem to do okay with nursing less, I was hoping it would be that way for time and convenience.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

[Minniemouse07]

Ds is still nursing and turned 2yo while we were at WDW in December. He too only asks to nurse when laying down to sleep (nap or nighttime).

He didn't ask to nurse ONCE anywhere other than our room.

I did bring a Beco carrier with me and either dh (yeah dh!) or I would carry him when he needed to sleep...sometimes naptime or at night. Generally if he was that tired, dd (6.5yo) would ask to sit in the stroller and ended up crashing there herself!

You should be fine...and on extended nursing, isn't it great!

 

[holly7347]

Both my DD's nursed until they were nearly 2. I wasn't one to run and hide to nurse either. We never covered up with a blanket or anything either. I did try that with #1 when we were still trying to get our latch worked out but she would have no part of anything over her face. Honestly the babys head covers everything except for that split second between when they pull off and when you drop your shirt so I never worried about it. I have nursed everywhere from church to the zoo. By that age they were mostly nursing at home but we did still nurse ocassionally when we were out. At that age I did try to find a sort of out of the way place just because they are easily distracted and could finish faster if they were in a quiet place.

But in the Florida heat there is just no way I would ever put a blanket over my DD's head so she could nurse. I don't put a blanket over my head to eat/drink so why should I expect her too.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I always felt that, as my kids hit the toddler stage, they were easily distracted from nursing. If we were busy, they would just forget. Sometimes they weren't even interested at bedtime because they were so exhausted/overstimulated from the days events. I would say, just go with the flow and don't worry about it. Who knows what to expect when it comes to nursing? While one kid might be too tired to nurse, the other might not be able to sleep after a stimulating day until he nurses!

Congratulations on the extended nursing! I miss it since my ds weaned...until I really think about the mastitis, and the constant waking up, and whatever else comes up in two years of nursing!

 

[Camno's Mama]

Both my DD's nursed until they were nearly 2. I wasn't one to run and hide to nurse either. We never covered up with a blanket or anything either. I did try that with #1 when we were still trying to get our latch worked out but she would have no part of anything over her face. Honestly the babys head covers everything except for that split second between when they pull off and when you drop your shirt so I never worried about it. I have nursed everywhere from church to the zoo. By that age they were mostly nursing at home but we did still nurse ocassionally when we were out. At that age I did try to find a sort of out of the way place just because they are easily distracted and could finish faster if they were in a quiet place.

But in the Florida heat there is just no way I would ever put a blanket over my DD's head so she could nurse. I don't put a blanket over my head to eat/drink so why should I expect her too.

Really? You don't want to eat in a smelly bathroom stall with a large, heavy blanket over your head so that you miss out on all the action?

 

[Nanu57v]

My DD at 18 months also weaned herself at WDW. So be prepared!

 

[mombrontrent]

Hi:
I nursed all three children until 2 years old. I did much the same as you are doing, naptime and bedtime. At this age, they understand that they don't need to nurse if it's not an appropriate place.

My kids did tend to skip that naptime nursing in DW because they were so exhausted from running around that they just crashed in the stroller. My one suggestion would be to carry a small blanket or towel in your baby bag. There are many quiet areas where you can sneak off and discretely nurse. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find someplace. There are also some shows that are extremely dark and I have been known to take a back row seat with my other children surrounding us and use that blanket. No one has ever said anything negative to me but that's because I seriously doubt they knew I was nursing. If you hold the towel/blanket as if you are rocking your toddler to sleep no one will be the wiser. ]Even though I was nuts about nursing it really bothers me when women think they have the right to disrobe and nurse anywhere. Be respectful of others feelings and no one will mind.

We'll be there in three weeks too!

Women should have the right to nurse anywhere they want. I don't think anyone wants to "disrobe" and expose herself to everyone, they are just trying to feed their child. My DD will be 17 months when we go to WDW in 2 weeks ans I will nurse her wherever me and her choose to. She really only nurses before bed at during the night now but if she is tired and cranky you bet I will nurse her.

 

[staci]

My DD at 18 months also weaned herself at WDW. So be prepared!

It is something to prepare for isnt it Honestly, I think when she decides I will be ready(I think) but when it comes down to actually being done, there will definitely be a sadness there. An end of an era kwim?

Also, this is a little OT, but when it comes to coverups, neither of my kids would tolerate a blanket, but since my sides look more like roadmaps with the stretch marks, and my back has the hint of a muffin top, I was always really self concious with those areas being exposed when NIP. For the last two summers have taken undershirts (the tank kind) and cut a two slits across the chest. Then I wear it under another ribbed tank for the layered look. When she wanted to nurse (so basically every 4 minutes or so ) I could lift up the top layer and nurse her through the slit, without exposing everything to everyone. It worked really great. That was actually one of the reasons for starting this thread - I am trying to figure out apparel for myself. Most of my undershirts are pretty worn after two summers, and I was wondering if I should butcher some more or if I can go back to wearing 'non-modified' clothing Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, but I thought that suggestion may be of help so I decided to pass it on!

3 weeks to go I am doing the happy dance tonight!

 

[Minniemouse07]

It is something to prepare for isnt it Honestly, I think when she decides I will be ready(I think) but when it comes down to actually being done, there will definitely be a sadness there. An end of an era kwim?

Also, this is a little OT, but when it comes to coverups, neither of my kids would tolerate a blanket, but since my sides look more like roadmaps with the stretch marks, and my back has the hint of a muffin top, I was always really self concious with those areas being exposed when NIP. For the last two summers have taken undershirts (the tank kind) and cut a two slits across the chest. Then I wear it under another ribbed tank for the layered look. When she wanted to nurse (so basically every 4 minutes or so ) I could lift up the top layer and nurse her through the slit, without exposing everything to everyone. It worked really great. That was actually one of the reasons for starting this thread - I am trying to figure out apparel for myself. Most of my undershirts are pretty worn after two summers, and I was wondering if I should butcher some more or if I can go back to wearing 'non-modified' clothing Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, but I thought that suggestion may be of help so I decided to pass it on!

3 weeks to go I am doing the happy dance tonight!

Target sells fairly affordable nursing tanks. They have a shelf bra but they are fairly supportive (I'm a 40DD..and the XL was okay). Here is one of them...they have someone's name on them now... they didn't two years ago when I got mine.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Another for extened nursing.

I nursed both girls until they were 2 years old (one was 27 months old, the other 31 months old when they stopped.)

I nursed both at WDW, but at that age it was around sleep times. When they woke up and before they went to sleep (both nap and bedtime.)

They would sometimes want to nurse more when they were away from home.

When DD was around that age she used to want to nurse when ever she saw another baby nursing, or if someone talked about it (like are you still nursing her?) Talk about power of suggestion.

I might stay way from dresses or other clothes that you can't nurse easily in. I stopped wearing nursing bras around that time too. I just pulled my regular one up if needed (not often.)

 

[MomtoGKC]

My DS was still nursing at age 2 when we were at Disney. He didn't nurse any more or less than normal I don't think, but he nursed a lot normally! I never minded nursing in public, but when we were nursing there it was usually to get him to sleep so quiet spots helped. The number on best spot I found was on the train that goes around the MK - I was able to put my feet up while he nursed and was lulled to sleep and my other kids enjoyed the ride.

 

[canadianmom2three]

Hi:
Even though I was nuts about nursing it really bothers me when women think they have the right to disrobe and nurse anywhere. Be respectful of others feelings and no one will mind.

Even though I wasn't "nuts about nursing", I find this really offensive...why on earth WOULDN'T women think they have the right to nurse anywhere? If people were more respectful of the right to feed one's child without sweating under a blanket, or hiding away as though it is shameful, then there wouldn't be mothers who feel like it might be inappropriate to nurse. Women don't "disrobe" to nurse, they uncover the minimal amount necessary to make it possible, which should be just as inoffensive as removing the lid from a bottle. Of course, breast as a source of nutrition for a child should be just as acceptable in public as bottle, if not more...unfortunately, we aren't there yet.
Sorry for the rant, it's been years since I was done nursing, but I couldn't let that one go.

 

[bunnyscootles]

Go mama!

My baby will be 22 months as well when we go. We are along the same pathway, he nurses at night and in the morning. When he is tired mostly.
You'll have to let us know how it goes, I am NOT prepared for him to wean though, oh my

I'm kind of just repeating stuff here, but I've recently been delaying NIP if it's not needed. If he was hurt or tired I'd nurse him in a minute, but I'm trying to start limits and he's ok with waiting.

I doubt I'll make it to a baby care center unless we are close, we will probably just find a shady spot!

 

[holly7347]

Really? You don't want to eat in a smelly bathroom stall with a large, heavy blanket over your head so that you miss out on all the action?

Women should have the right to nurse anywhere they want. I don't think anyone wants to "disrobe" and expose herself to everyone, they are just trying to feed their child. My DD will be 17 months when we go to WDW in 2 weeks ans I will nurse her wherever me and her choose to. She really only nurses before bed at during the night now but if she is tired and cranky you bet I will nurse her.

Even though I wasn't "nuts about nursing", I find this really offensive...why on earth WOULDN'T women think they have the right to nurse anywhere? If people were more respectful of the right to feed one's child without sweating under a blanket, or hiding away as though it is shameful, then there wouldn't be mothers who feel like it might be inappropriate to nurse. Women don't "disrobe" to nurse, they uncover the minimal amount necessary to make it possible, which should be just as inoffensive as removing the lid from a bottle. Of course, breast as a source of nutrition for a child should be just as acceptable in public as bottle, if not more...unfortunately, we aren't there yet.
Sorry for the rant, it's been years since I was done nursing, but I couldn't let that one go.

Glad to see there are others that feel the same as me. I have no problem with moms that are more comfortable nursing under a blanket. But I really get annoyed when others tell us we should go to the nursing room, or cover ourselves. It is especially annoying to hear that from other nursing moms. Nursing takes a big time commitment from the mom, especially extended nursing, and maybe more moms would nurse or nurse longer if they didn't feel like they had to hide every time their child wanted to eat.