Single Mom With Toddler

[mommyofsamson]

I am a single mom who is planning a trip to Disney in January 2015. My son will be 23 months at the time. His father will only be with us for a couple of days (due to school and work) and so I will be by myself for at least 7 days (10 days total trip). I know I am crazy for doing it by myself, but so far I have managed pretty well with him at theme parks (local and the zoo).

I am going to hopefully get a free rental for a stroller. I will have my Ergo carrier for the plane ride. I was thinking about getting a double stroller (mostly for extra stuff). We will be staying at Pop and I do have my own stroller (Eddie Bauer Portage, an umbrella stroller).

I was just wondering if you guys had any extra tips for travel on an airplane and there by myself.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[kmb584]

I am a single mom who is planning a trip to Disney in January 2015. My son will be 23 months at the time. His father will only be with us for a couple of days (due to school and work) and so I will be by myself for at least 7 days (10 days total trip). I know I am crazy for doing it by myself, but so far I have managed pretty well with him at theme parks (local and the zoo).

I am going to hopefully get a free rental for a stroller. I will have my Ergo carrier for the plane ride. I was thinking about getting a double stroller (mostly for extra stuff). We will be staying at Pop and I do have my own stroller (Eddie Bauer Portage, an umbrella stroller).

I was just wondering if you guys had any extra tips for travel on an airplane and there by myself.

Thanks in Advance!

You can't wear your little one on the airplane. I've traveled solo with DD numerous times since she was an infant without issue. I pack surprises (new coloring book and crayons, sticker book, etc) in our carry-on and give them to my DD when she starts to get antsy and the iPad for movies is a good way to pass in-flight time.

I'd recommend not getting a double stroller. It's nice to have extra storage but turns into a PITA when trying to manuveur through crowded walkways.

 

[mommyofsamson]

The carrier is for the airport, not the plane ride.

 

[Donaldswife]

I don't think you are crazy, I used to go places all the time with my daughter alone at that age as my husband travelled quite a bit for work...we always had a blast.

Don't stress too much, make sure your toddler gets plenty of rest, stays hydrated, and just enjoy! I wish I could go back and take my daughter at that age. We did not go until she was 4, and it would have been magical to see her there at that age.

 

[epsmith921]

I don't think you're crazy. Since you're going for a longer time, you can really slow it down, which is nice.

I had my daughter by myself for hours at a time and it was not a huge deal at all. The good stroller was awesome, though I will admit I didnt take it on the bus by myself. I figure the stroller weighs less than she does so not too bad.

We did practice hand holding at the zoo when I took her there by myself and it worked pretty well at Disney. I also taught her (on the same zoo trip) to hold the jogging strap on the baby jogger stroller we have if she didn't want to hold hands. That was nice to give her a little bit of freedom but still keep her attached.

I will recommend a lightweight bag though and not carrying a whole lot. Also, if you can send stuff you buy back to the resort or even just to the front of the park that will be nice. Remember the stroller most likely needs to have everything out of it to get folded and onto the bus.

 

[Hannathy]

I traveled a ton with my kids by my self when they were little. 23 months is better than 9 months. He can stand on his own when you have to empty and fold the stroller, he can walk on the bus holding your hand while you carry the stroller. He can be entertained easier.

2 things do not get the double! remember YOU have to be able to fold it and get on things by yourself and maneuver it in stores and places.

second you don't need a lot of stuff. It is just you and your little one. The less stuff you have to deal with the better. keep it to the bare minimum.

And start now working on him staying with you and walking with you, if he doesn't. and be consistent and firm.

It's fun when all you have to answer to is you and the little one!, want to spend another 30 minutes playing in the boneyard? Sure don't have to rush to EE this trip! Want to eat at the same place for lunch for 3 days in a row because of the chicken nuggets? sure why not.

 

[mommyofsamson]

These tips do really help (and I love that I can look ahead and see where we both want to eat, not a group of 12! ).
He doesn't like to hold hands, but I did buy a backpack harness because I know how he is (plus he can hold small stuff in there).
I did think about the bus but didn't fully! I will probably just get a single.