Taking a six month old to Disney World in November! Help!

[chillcoupons]

As you might have guessed our DD is still in the womb! We are going to be a part of a large family trip that is the work of my father. He wants to take the entire family because he is afraid he won't be able to get around in the future. (he is only 73 and is as healthy as a horse) But any way we are going and we can't wait to get there!

Please give your best tips and things needed for traveling with an infant. This is our first child so we have never done this before!

Chill

 

[estherhead]

First children are tricky on vacation only if parents are nervous. I just took our 6 month old to Disney in Sept. & it was great. They just ride around in their stroller looking around & have no opinions at all. They're just happy to be along for the ride. In November it won't be hot so that is good. In Sept we took a little battery operated stroller fan (bought at Walmart) and it was fabulous. It really kept her cool.

We didn't find the afternoon nap that is so recommended necessary at this age as our baby would just fall asleep when she was tired. I did sometimes find the nap necessary for me!

The baby centers in each park are very nice to use, but don't feel like you have to. The restrooms are kept very clean and convenient. But they do sell diapers in baby centers so if you run out, pop over there.

Most rides you can take the baby on & the baby will enjoy them. Definately take your favorite stroller, your most comfortable baby carrier or wrap (yes, buy one or borrow one if you don't have one) and a lighter weight diaper bag.

Any questions? You can see my trip report below if you click. And the carrier/stroller we brought. It really will be delightful & with the whole family there, you can use the baby swap so you can ride the few things the baby can't while your family holds the baby. You'll have a fabulous time & more than likely be WDW convert. It's such an easy vacation with a baby.

Edited to add: Also, if you are staying on property, don't be afraid to leave your family at the parks while you take a bus back to your resort. You can always meet up with them later & sometimes Mommies and babies need an extra nap, especially on days you'll be watching fireworks.

 

[chrisw127]

We took our nine-month old twins in December. Since the weather was just about perfect, they were very comfortable in slings/strollers. We used the babycare centers, which were great, and we used a sitter (actually two sitters at once since we have twins) from Kids Nite Out for one of the days. Just go and have a laid-back attitude and you will be fine. We didn't overplan anything and to be honest, we spent only a few hours a day with them at the parks, as it was really all they could handle. Also, I think it depends on the kid. Some babies are just very flexible and can nap anywhere. Our babies are more used to sleeping in their cribs, so napping in the stroller wasn't really possible.

Despite having some limitations, we had a great time. We are not the type to go to the park all day, every day, so it was fine for us.

Good luck!

 

[KariC]

We "just" got back with that age baby...and he was the easiest on the trip! I wore him in a babyhawk carrier for most of the trip, and for some reason, I never used a baby center (they are nice, tho). We had a jogger stroller with us, and occasionally he rode (and i changed dipes in there too).

Our little Anderson loved the characters! It will be fun!

 

[chillcoupons]

Thanks to everyone who has responded all comments have been very helpful. I guess what I am thinking now is with a child that age is a stroller or baby sling or back pack easier? Should we take both with us when we go to the park?

Chill

 

[KariC]

Thanks to everyone who has responded all comments have been very helpful. I guess what I am thinking now is with a child that age is a stroller or baby sling or back pack easier? Should we take both with us when we go to the park?

Chill

i vote both. if you have a chunky monkey like me...you might want to give your back a break.

and my dh won't use my babyhawk and doesn't like our old bjorns (he did use with the twins, tho). Our pouch style carrier doesn't work well for us anymore, and i've heard that slings might not be the most comfy for that much carrying time.

 

[latexscooter]

We took our DD for the first time when she was 5 months old and it was one of the easiest trips we had. We brought our own stroller which was good because the Disney ones aren't really designed for infants. Our stroller has a sun shade and can fully recline. But when she was awake I usually carried her in the front pack Bjorn and that was fabulous. It was a breeze to get on and off rides because she just sat on my lap naturally. She was 24 pounds at 5 months and I don't think my back could have taken the backpack the whole time even though we brought it. But with having to take her off and on with rides the convenience was lost. Make sure you take advantage of the baby care centers they are FABULOUS.

 

[chillcoupons]

i vote both. if you have a chunky monkey like me...you might want to give your back a break.

and my dh won't use my babyhawk and doesn't like our old bjorns (he did use with the twins, tho). Our pouch style carrier doesn't work well for us anymore, and i've heard that slings might not be the most comfy for that much carrying time.

Is the babyhawk more comfortable than the baby bjorn?

 

[chillcoupons]

Should we take some kind of portable battery operated fan for the stroller? We will be there the first week of November.

Chill

 

[KariC]

Is the babyhawk more comfortable than the baby bjorn?

yes. here's a pic from our trip:

cool fabrics!

i did use a bjorn when we went to nyc in november. my back hurt, neck hurt. Had no problems with the babyhawk, and he's much heavier now!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1691166 this might be a helpful thread!

 

[estherhead]

We have a Baby Bjorn & dh & I both wear it off & on & take our stroller so we can have back breaks.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Rachel is a Disney Veteran - her first trip to WDW was at 7 months old, and it was so easy!! She slept most of the time, and we just took it easy, went for breaks, and into the cooler attractions (Philharmagic, etc). You will be fine with a young one.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Should we take some kind of portable battery operated fan for the stroller? We will be there the first week of November.

Chill

You are more likely to need extra blankets for the baby.

 

[chillcoupons]

yes. here's a pic from our trip:

cool fabrics!

i did use a bjorn when we went to nyc in november. my back hurt, neck hurt. Had no problems with the babyhawk, and he's much heavier now!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1691166 this might be a helpful thread!

Thanks we will try the babyhawk.

 

[chillcoupons]

You are more likely to need extra blankets for the baby.

I think we will probably take both. I guess when you have someone depending on you for everything it is better to be over prepared.

Are there any other items that were helpful at the parks?

 

[Rylee]

Hi,

I just want to add a few thoughts...

Since the baby will be 6 months old, she won't exactly be a newborn, and you won't exactly be a "new" Mom, but... since you are a first-time Mom and are traveling with a large group, you might still be receiving advice from well-meaning relatives... "She needs a sweater on. She's too hot in that sun bonnet. A little ice cream won't hurt her," etc. Trust your own instincts, you (will) know what's best for your own baby. If you have this "type" of family member traveling with you, you may need to be polite but firm.

Are you flying or driving? Are you staying on-site at a Disney resort?

I recommend taking both a stroller and a carrier. You will definitely want your own stroller with you. Light weight is best if you'll be using the buses, and you'll want one that reclines. I like the Bjorn, you need to try them on and see what's comfortable for you.

Will you be nursing or still nursing? You may want a little "baby cooler" with dry ice packs, if you'll be taking bottles into the parks.

Because of her age, you'll want to speak with her pediatrician about which sunscreen to use. (Protect her skin, and watch out for the top of her feet, too.) I would have a sun bonnet on her, protects her scalp and keeps the glare out of her eyes.

As for bath time, you'll want her own baby products with you but also... I hated sitting my children in hotel tubs. Bring your own disinfectant from home, I travel with my own can of Dow Bathroom clearner and a can of Lysol. (You don't need to scrub the tub, but spray it completely and then rinse with the shower head.) Bring something to sit on in the tub, so you don't have to use the germy rubber mat.

Also, throw a container of the pop-up disinfectant wipes in your diaper bag and use them to wipe down high-chair trays or dropped toys.

You'll need all the basic items with you... infant tylenol, blankets, butt cream, etc. After she's here and as the trip gets closer, you'll know more of what she needs to keep her comfortable and happy... lots of bibs if she drooling, teething gel, favorite toys and teethers. etc.

I have 5 children and all of them have been great little travelers.

 

[chillcoupons]

Hi,

I just want to add a few thoughts...

Since the baby will be 6 months old, she won't exactly be a newborn, and you won't exactly be a "new" Mom, but... since you are a first-time Mom and are traveling with a large group, you might still be receiving advice from well-meaning relatives... "She needs a sweater on. She's too hot in that sun bonnet. A little ice cream won't hurt her," etc. Trust your own instincts, you (will) know what's best for your own baby. If you have this "type" of family member traveling with you, you may need to be polite but firm.

Are you flying or driving? Are you staying on-site at a Disney resort?

I recommend taking both a stroller and a carrier. You will definitely want your own stroller with you. Light weight is best if you'll be using the buses, and you'll want one that reclines. I like the Bjorn, you need to try them on and see what's comfortable for you.

Will you be nursing or still nursing? You may want a little "baby cooler" with dry ice packs, if you'll be taking bottles into the parks.

Because of her age, you'll want to speak with her pediatrician about which sunscreen to use. (Protect her skin, and watch out for the top of her feet, too.) I would have a sun bonnet on her, protects her scalp and keeps the glare out of her eyes.

As for bath time, you'll want her own baby products with you but also... I hated sitting my children in hotel tubs. Bring your own disinfectant from home, I travel with my own can of Dow Bathroom clearner and a can of Lysol. (You don't need to scrub the tub, but spray it completely and then rinse with the shower head.) Bring something to sit on in the tub, so you don't have to use the germy rubber mat.

Also, throw a container of the pop-up disinfectant wipes in your diaper bag and use them to wipe down high-chair trays or dropped toys.

You'll need all the basic items with you... infant tylenol, blankets, butt cream, etc. After she's here and as the trip gets closer, you'll know more of what she needs to keep her comfortable and happy... lots of bibs if she drooling, teething gel, favorite toys and teethers. etc.

I have 5 children and all of them have been great little travelers.

The thought of bath time had not even crossed my mind yet! The disinfectants are a great idea, I think they will make me feel better about the tube too! You're right in saying I will know a lot more about what she will need by then. I think the learning curve is about to get steep!!

By the way I am the Dad not the Mom but we are both reading the messages.

Chill

 

[chrisw127]

I like a Maya Wrap for when it's warmer, but I find it's not as comfortable as a Bjorn. To me, the Bjorn is super comfortable, but maybe not as much so for taller people? My husband, who is tall, didn't like it. He said it hurt his back. Some pediatricians don't think a baby should spend too much time in one, but my kids lived in them and walked very early (maybe they just wanted to get out of the Bjorn ). We also use an Ergo carrier, which is nice because you can use it for front and back. All of these carriers are kind of expensive, so if you can try one out first or buy one on Criagslist, that's a plus.

I would definitely bring the stroller. Good for napping, a break for you and dad. I didn't have any trouble using our stroller in the park (and it's a double) although I've read in some guides that people thought they were a pain.

I definitely have to second bringing some cleaning products along with you, if only to clean up the tub for baths. We did that as well.

Good luck. Six months is a great time to travel with a baby!

 

[Rylee]

By the way I am the Dad not the Mom but we are both reading the messages.

Chill

Well then, I guess you won't be nursing.

Glad to see a Dad showing concern before the baby arrives.

My children are blessed to have an involved Dad, too.


You might want to bring an additional blanket to throw on the floor so she can roll around, stretch out and play on the floor when in the room.

We have spent a great deal of time in hotels rooms, and no matter how nice or how clean they appear, the germ factor still worries me. When we first arrive, I spray everything, door knobs, the remote, light switches, sink handles, etc., and then crack a window and leave the room for a little while.

 

[chillcoupons]

Well then, I guess you won't be nursing.

I plan on doing my fair share. Ahhh the joys of a brest pump! lol

Chill