Tell me about taking babies to WDW

[lissawynn]

Tell me about taking your babies to WDW! I'm considering taking my DS in August. He'll be seven months then, and I want to know the what to dos/what not to dos involved with taking the little guy.

 

[2x_dis_dad]

I certainly wouldn't go in August with a baby. It is really hot then. I have seen so many hot, tired and red faced babies in the summertime in Fla. I would wait till a cooler month, then it won't be so bad.

 

[mjmcca]

I have taken my son in August when he was 9 months old. He is now 4. I let him drink lemonade so he wouldnt get dehydrated he wasnt interested in formula during the heat of the day. I let him get wet in the fountains.I brought extra clothes for him so he would have something to wear afterwards.

 

[kilee]

First you are going to need a lot of the best sunscreen you can find. Also, be sure your baby is drinking water. He will need to stay hydrated. Those little ones can dehydrate faster than adults.

I think taking a baby to WDW can be a wonderful expierence-- however I have to kind of agree w/ another poster-- I'd avoid the summer if possible. It is really just so hot-- that I couldn't imagine. We are planning a trip w/ my sister (who has a 3 and 1yr old). I factored in the heat when making suggestions. Those little ones just don't tolerate it as well.

If you can only go in August. I'd plan on taking lots of indoor breaks. Possibly enjoying the parks in the early morning and evening. This will help w/ the heat issue.

Other than that-- there are many rides and attractions you can both enjoy. Provided he won't be scared of the dark or loud noises. It varies infant to infant. I know we took my above neice just after she turned a year. She didn't mind most things. However, she didn't like the expolsions in things like Indiana Jones. She also HATED the characters. The terrified her.

 

[dBugged]

We're taking out 10 mo. old daughter at the end of this month for week. She loves looking at and touching things, so she'll probably have a blast... but won't remember a thing. We're eager to go, especially my wife who finally has an excuse to go on some of the kiddy rides. We have traditionally gone in September, but opted not to go then because the temperatures are very hot and will not be very comfortable for our little one. I'm eager to go because this will open up a whole new world of photo opportunities for me.

 

[sleepyone]

If your baby nurses try doing it on the indoor rides or attractions. This will help cool him off and get a nap in. We took my ds in June, 8mos. at the time and gave him popsicles (sp?) for the first time. Try to get back to the hotel to nap or dip in the pool for down time. Be sure to take him on the carrousel; it can be a first for both of you!

 

[SueM in MN]

Keep in mind that you can't bring your stroller with you into queues or show buildings, so you will be carrying the baby a lot. Some people use slings or other baby carriers, but that also adds to the heat factor.

 

[lclark0621]

We took DS last April when he was 9 months old. It was so magical 7 wonderful.

DS then absolutly loved the characters & all the rides. DH & I have been to Disney World many times so we did not feel the need to baby swap to do the thrill rides. We took DS on every ride he could go on though. He loved the shows & parades, he was mesmorized by the fireworks. All in all it was a great trip.

As for dos & don'ts... Well we are not schedule people, but if you are, I would suggest throwing a schedule out the window. You dont want to be tied to the clock in Disney World. We let DS nap when he was tired (on our shoulder, in the stroller, or back at the resort for our mid day break). The baby centers were the best places to change diapers if we were not to far from them. We packed a thin blanket to lay over the changing tables in the bathrooms.

I dont know if I would do August with a baby. I just think it would be to hot. I would push the trip into the fall. But that is me.

If you do go in August make sure the baby is well hydrated (nurse often, offer bottles of formula & water often is baby is on formula). Keep light material & colors of clothing on your baby. Hats are a must in the summer sun! Lots of sunscreen to. Take lots of breaks into a/c stores & shows. Try not to wait on lines that are really long out in the sun.

 

[Pocahontas1]

We took DD last July and she turned 3 months old while we were there. I know, I know, but the trip was planned before I got pregant, we had borrowed our DVC points, etc.

Anyway, she did not have any problems. Didn't get hot, didn't get red faced, stayed hydrated. We used the baby care centers a good bit. It is just a cool place to take a break. If DS wanted to ride something, one of us would take him on the ride, while the other one pushed the stroller through an air-conditioned shop. Some attraction have stores attached, so that was a good place to wait. ToT by the photo view area has benches and is dark, cool and worked well for nursing.

We went back to the room to rest every afternoon. Just took sometime to cool off. We did everything we wanted to do, but didn't push is since we had been there before. It was not the ideal time, but we made the best of it. The crowds were a bigger problem than traveling with an infant.

We are headed back in June and she will be 13 months. My guess is it will be much more difficult than when we took her at 3 months.

Good luck!