Take a baby at 3 months or 7 months?

[AZMermaid]

Hi! We are DL regulars but first time parents. Our little guy is due at the end of September and we (okay mostly me) can't wait to take him to DL! I know at this age the trip is really for us, but I am looking for some advice. We have two options that we are toying with.

A little back story- I am a teacher but currently laid off. I might be recalled the week before school starts but I have not decided if I will go back or take a year Leave of Absence. The idea of returning to a new school, new staff, new kids and setting up my room at 8 months pregnant is very overwhelming. So, money is a bit tight but not unmanageable.

Option A) Go in mid December, baby will be almost 3 months old. We have GAD tickets that will be expiring if we don't use them. If we don't do this trip, I will donate them to the Boys and Girls Club. We would stay at the Hilton on DH's points. Pros- pretty cheap trip, baby should be fairly easy at that age, Xmas decorations

Option B) Go in early May- baby will be about 7 months old. We would have to buy tickets. We might stay on property if a good deal comes out, but could stay at the Hilton if money is still tight. Pros- baby will be more "engaged," possibilty of staying on property, more time to save money, better weather

What do you think? My biggest concern is the baby- when would you say is a "better" time to take him? Oh yeah- either trip we will be driving (5-6 hours)

 

[kazbar]

I would take option A. Your baby will sleep almost the whole time (except for feeds) whereas at 7 months they could possibly be a little more fussy

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I did a lot of traveling with dd when she was little... since either trip will really be more for you guys, I'd do the earlier cheaper trip... at 3 months the car ride will be much easier on all of you... you'll just have to pull over to nurse/diaper change a couple of times... and the rest will probably be sleep... at 7 months baby will be more active... and have started some solid foods, so you'll have to haul that stuff with you too! Get a good baby carrier (I loved my ergo) and go when the bambino is tiny... then save up your $$ for a really fun trip when they are 2ish and will love riding dumbo etc!

 

[DisSarahK]

I would go when the baby is 3 months--he'll be content to be in a carrier, snuggled up close to you.

 

[cccdisney]

Hands down, go in December! A 3 month old will be much easier to travel with than a 7 month old.

 

[Barbday62]

Took my grand daughter at 1 month and then again at 9 months old. Both trips were great. The first one she slept most of the time and the baby statins became our way to get her fed (Heated bottles ect....) At 9 months she was more alert to watch and interact. She hated Mickey and minnie mouse. That trip was still as much fun. Id vote plan A because of money saved.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Are those the only options ~ why not 5-6 months, not quite so new and not yet mobile..... But if it's 3 or 7 months I'd probably say 3.

 

[momtotwolittleones]

I would take option A. Your baby will sleep almost the whole time (except for feeds) whereas at 7 months they could possibly be a little more fussy

Yep. 7 months and it's likely they will be crawling and want to be put down and exploring. I would go at 3 months, no doubt.

 

[bigpuma]

We took our daughter at 3 months and other than my wife having to stop and feed every few hours she really just slept and hung out in a baby bjourn. I agree with the others and would reccomend 3 months vs. 7.

 

[corgi_monster]

I would wait until she's 7 months. At 3 months, she's still building up the last of her immunities. With so many people from all over the world congregating at Disney, there's so many germs! Some Asians have a 100-day celebration for new borns because that's the time when the baby is believed to be strong/healthy enough to not have to worry about those things. Then again, it's an extremely antiquated tradition.

 

[dmked]

I vote for 3 months too. A 7 month old get bored easier and might be crawling at that point and want to get in/out of the stroller.

 

[AZMermaid]

Thanks guys! I am actually surprised and I really thought everyone would say 7 months! 5-6 months is spring break/ Easter time and we want to avoid the bigger crowds. Easter is April 24 this year and AZ spring breaks start March 14, so I figured it was best to avoid everything in between. I guess late Feb/ Early March is a possibility. Any earlier than that, I figure we may as well go when we have our free tickets.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[goldies 5]

Either age is great fun. Christmas is beautiful though and less ride closures.

 

[superme80]

I'd vote 7 months. Babies are not nursing quite as frequently, but they still sleep a lot.

 

[Mugglemama]

I'm torn...I'm a mom of 4 (oldest is 18) with nearly two decades of experience with DLR trips with kids. I'd say 3 months because the trip will be easier on you, but then again, as a PP stated, I'd be concerned about the baby's immature immune system and all the GRIME and germs floating around the parks and hotel.

Case in point...we just got back Saturday from 5 days in the parks. My kids are currently 5,9,12, and 18. When I got to the hotel, I wiped and sprayed the entire place down with Lysol and Clorox wipes (including spraying the carpet AND the sheets/pillowcases!)...we used Purell after almost every ride, and I had the kids wash their hands probably half a dozen times per day. Made them shower and wear clean jammies each and every night of our trip. EVEN had them gargle with saltwater and used Qtips to put saltwater in their nostrils (not every single night, but a few times...) to ward off anything they may have been exposed to.

And still, after all that, my two boys started with sore throats the morning we left the hotel, and now we all have a really heavy duty, miserable cold.

A 3 month old is easier to keep away from the germs, though...they aren't quite as ept at having their hands out grabbing every surface before promptly stuffing their little fingers into their mouths. On the other hand, Christmas time is flu season; just something to keep in mind. Not sleeping for days on end while caring for and worrying about a tiny sick baby is noooooooo fun.

Take care, and be well. Congratulations on your impending arrival!

 

[DisneyPeanut]

from my own experience here. i'm a new parent to a 3 month old. i never expected to have a fussy baby. the thought of taking him to disney right now is scary. he cries unexpectedly alot. never in my wildest dreams did i consider that would happen. i just assumed i would have an easy going child. we are planning tentativly, to go to disneyland in december beacuse we will be in california visiting family. we will just see how he does closer to that time. whatever you do, have fun!

 

[farmgirljen]

What about leaving the baby with Gramma (if close enough to do that) and enjoying a nice weekend there with your DH. The baby is never going to remember any of the trip either at 3 months or at 7 months... but if I had to go to disneyland with a baby, I would def. go with a 3 mo old over a 7mo old...

 

[letitsnow]

I would say 3 months. Baby should at least have their first set of immunizations by that time. I brought my baby at 3 weeks old and just made sure no one touched her. Had her face inward in the baby bjorn so no one gets tempted to touch them because they are soooo cute.

We did bring her again at 6 months this past June and it was fine as well. She didn't fuss in the car except when she was hungry or needed a diaper change. It was fun to watch her interact with the characters and observe al of her surroundings. We took her on more rides...her first time on dumbo!!!

3 months would be the best time. It is not as busy and you'll get the beautiful decorations. You will save money and could this count as an early xmas gift? We will be bringing baby girl again in November!

Whichever you choose I'm sure will br fun. Don't forget to get your first visit button at city hall . And A few suggestions..stay close by to the parks, I think you did say hilton..I think they have a convenient shuttle? We sometimes went back to the room to restock the diaper bag or to take a little break. I also bottle fed my baby, similac and this last trip we used the ready to use disposable bottles you can just throw away after you use it.

Wishing you an easy delivery and speedy recovery!

 

[lyv4him]

Hmmm...that is a good question. I personally have a 1 month old now and plan to take her in Sept (4 months then). She seems to be happy when she is with mamma...so I am not worried she will be fussy. We took our DS when he was 9 months (now almost 3)...and we had such a wonderful time....he did not cry not one time...but I can understand why, now, he is such a people person!...loves to people watch and chat up a storm. You never know what challenges tomorrow brings...go when you can most afford it...and plan something even better for next time!

Have a great time!

 

[the donut]

Congratulations!

I took our 2nd at those ages, and I think the 3 month was a bit easier. We took the snap n go stroller and he stayed in the car seat most of the time or the baby bjorn occasionally. By 7 months, he preferred to be taken out of the seat a lot more. December is a great time to go because the baby won't get too hot in the car seat, unlike in the summer. We did have a bottle of Purell handy at all times which we would use any time we were about to touch the baby, and we stopped at the baby changing station a lot for nursing and changes. The baby changing station is hugely helpful. I also used the nursing cover, which gave us a lot of flexibility. Don't forget to bring extra diapers and changes of clothing for both yourself (in case of spit ups) and the baby.