Taking an 11 month old.

[WillAndFinn'sMom]

I posted about possible problems with being overweight at Disney and got some great responses. Now I have another question!

I have a 9 year old and a 6 month old, who will be almost 11 months when we go to Disney. I thought it would be easier to take him before he starts walking vs waiting until he's toddling and more eager to get out of his stroller. My first ds started walking at 12 months, so I'm hoping this one waits til then, too.

How hard will it be? Will there be rides (such as Small World, Pirates, etc) that I'll be able to hold him on my lap, or is that a no-no?

I've promised this trip to my oldest son, who has never been to Disney World and I refuse to put it off any longer.

Any advice?

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

DW and I took are DS back in November when he was 11mon. He had a blast. He loved the charet..and especially loved spectro-magic with all the lights and music. Also we got him his first hair cut at the MK barbershop. It went great. No crying at all just smiles and laughter. The barber was wounderful. Took a lot of pictures and video.

Have a great trip.

scott

 

[nativetxn]

Hi WillAndFinn'sMom. Welcome to the DIS. I'm really glad you found us and I hope you enjoy planning your trip here

I'm going to move this to our Disney for Families board. There are some real experts at touring WDW with babies and toddlers there and I'm sure they have some advice for you on this topic.

Katholyn

 

[Muffinish]

Hi, WillAndFinn'sMom!
I will be leaving for WDW next week. My boys are 9yo and 11mo---actually will turn 11mo while we're there---so I'll post my experiences when we get back. Meanwhile, I'll watch this thread for tips!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Hi Will and Finn's mom,

There are many many rides that your baby can go on. Anything that does not have a height restriction is a go. All those you mentioned, anything in fantisty land, many rides in epcot, all the shows, even the safri in AK is fine for a little one. Many people have mentioned that having a snugi type carrier (Can't remember if you had a post about that?) makes them feel more secure with their baby on their laps during rides and makes lines easier. Don't forget you can do baby swap on the rides the little one can't do and your 9 year old can ride twice!!!!
Have a great trip!!!!!


Jordan's mom

 

[Gillian]

My thoughts on this - I'm glad we waited until DS was 2. We had planned a trip when he was 12 months, but ended up cancelling. We took him this past september at 24 months instead.

Even though september is a quiet month, I was very glad that he was able to walk. Yes, it was a bit challenging when he wanted out of his stroller, but the thought of carrying him in all the places where strollers can't go was much worse!

A baby bjorn-type front carrier is wonderful, and they work very well for smaller babies, but DS was ~20 pounds at 11 months and that would have been a lot to carry.

Age 2 was pretty easy! I'm sure 11 months will be easy too, as long as no one minds carrying him while on lines or in certain attractions.

 

[bubbasmom99]

We have taken our DS (now 4) when he was 8 months, 16 months, 20 months, 23 months, 31 months, 3 1/2 yrs, and 4 yrs old (these were to either DL or WDW). We just got back from a trip with our DD, who just turned 1. I have to say it was much easier at just about ANY other age, than this one. Before walking/cruising age, the babies are pretty good about sitting still in the stroller (DD did great at 6 months and DS at 8 months). And after they start toddling, it's fine too. But right at this age, when they can't walk on their own, I think it was the most frustrating for the child and for me the parent. There's nowhere for the child to play freely, and my DD constantly wanted to be on the move. She wasn't happy just sitting the stroller and tried to find any way to wiggle out of the harness, stand up and "surf" while we were walking along. If I had to do it again, I'd wait until she was able to walk.

However, this is my child and yours might be different. I wouldn't let it be the deciding factor.... just something to keep in mind.

Have a GREAT time!!

 

[FriendsOfEeyore]

We just got back with a 14 mo old. Our ds is just startign to walk. He falls all the time. He sat in the stroller very well while at Disney. A couple times my dw and I took his hands and let him walk. He had a great time.

He rode small world, pirates, spaceship earth, haunted mansion and others without incident. My dw asked a couple CMs about holding our son on the rides, and was told that it was alright. We either held him, or let him stand between our legs.

 

[henrylovespooh]

Lst year we took our 7 month old and he rode most everything we did. He sat on my or my husband's lap and no park people said no. We had a ball. This October we will be taking him as a 2 year old, along with his little sister - 11 months at the time of the trip. Can't wait! Hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[ZachnElli]

We took our dd when she was 12mos and not walking yet. It was a great trip and she loved it! She crawled into the stroller every morning! LOL! We did go in January and the lines were almost nonexistent and the weather cool, so I'm sure that helped.