Tips for first time mommy

[CastleLight]

We are taking our 6 mo old baby to WDW in a few weeks - and are looking for some tips from experienced parents - maybe things that I wouldn't think of. Someone on another thread suggested shipping the formula to the resort. That's a great idea. Any other things I should know?? THANK YOU!! We've been to WDW many times as a couple - but this is a whole new world. LOL I'm going a little bit nutty trying to plan this trip.

 

[2princesses2princes]

Shipping formula is a great idea. I also heard shipping diapers and wipes from diapers.com or something is a great idea too. We are probably taking advantage of that this time in December. I am sure you may have heard about these, but the baby care centers are awesome. They have many changing tables, microwaves, sinks, rocking chairs, tvs the whole bit and are super clean. I was amazed at how nice they are.

 

[tartemis]

You will have a blast! We took our oldest DD at 6 months and plan on taking our newest addition at 6 months again (we just booked our trip for February 2010, yeah!).

I love the Baby Centers at the parks. Figure out where they are before you go.

Also, I was super nervous about the sun, so I bought a sunsuit and sunblanket from Solar Eclipse for my baby to wear and to shield her in the stroller. I can't say enough about them. (Just google them and you should be able to find their website.) They are super lightweight but work better than sunscreen. That way, all I had to worry about was putting sunscreen (California Baby) on hands and face.

I found many rides to be too loud for my daughter and pared down significantly the list of rides I would take her on.

BTW, we never shipped down diapers. We just packed a duffle bag full of that sort of stuff. With Magical Express, it just seemed easier. (But my DD was exclusively breastfed so I didn't have to deal with the formula thing.)

 

[laughinplace199]

We use Gardengrocer.com for groceries (we like to eat breakfast in the room most days), water, baby soap/shampoo, swim diapers, reg diapers, and wipes. We fly down, so I always packed enough diapers, wipes, etc, and formula/baby food to last 24 hrs - in case of unexpected delays.

I bring disposable changing pads for diaper changes and also scented diaper disposal bags.

If the weather is going to be very hot, I'd bring a baby-safe clip-on fan for the stroller. I also bring a lightweight receiving blanket to drape over the stroller canopy for additional protection from the sun. The blanket can also be used to keep baby warm indoors when the AC is chilly. A raincover for your stroller is a good idea. We also brought a Baby Bjorn, which came in handy when DS was asleep and we were scheduled to have breakfast in the castle (had to leave the stroller outside).

A bigger blanket and toys for playtime in the hotel room.

Warm footed pj's - the hotel AC can be chilly.

Are you using the resort's pack n play? The Disney resorts provide sheets for it, but I preferred to bring my own.

Have fun with your little one!

 

[2binak]

We took our DD last Oct - she was 8 months old at the time and we had a great time with her!

Here are things to consider:
- If you are flying, be sure to nurse or give your baby a bottle on both take
off & landing to help pressurize his/her ears. A paci will work too.

- Rayshade for your stroller - we used it to block the sun and to block out
noise & light when she was napping

- Bag that attaches to the back of your stroller so that you're not digging in
a big bag to get things that you use or need frequently. We kept a
few diapers, a ziploc of wipes, changing pads & snacks in ours. We left it
on the stroller when we went into rides or restaurants. We had
extra of these items in our backpack. Here's an example of one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CUYZ76

- Disposable changing pads for times when you can't get to the baby care
center

- USE the baby care centers! They are awesome for feedings, changes &
times when you just need to relax and cool off.

- Disposable bibs & table toppers if your DD is eating solids and sitting in a
high chair

- Buying formula, diapers & wipes through a grocery delivery service if you
plan to order other groceries as well. If not, diapers.com usually runs a
discount for first time buyers (either $10 or 10% off your order)

- Some restaurants will let you bring the stroller inside if your baby is
sleeping. We asked a couple of times and were told it was fine, but DD
woke up before we were seated

- ZIPLOCS! We kept an empty one with us for wet or soiled clothes and we
carried 2 more with one spare outfit each in them so if needed to change
DD's outfit, we just had to grab a ziploc.

 

[CastleLight]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! These tips are wonderful.

 

[patchchild]

Find a really comfortable sling or carrier. I adored my MeiTai at that age because it allowed my DS to be right up at adult level and feel close to me. Strollers are nice and all, but I could keep him in the carrier for lots of rides.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Here is my list of what to take!

diapers
wipes (full package and one of the skinny ones - refill it on your day breaks)
formula (in either the EZ pouch one - Enfamil - or use a chamber dispenser)
disposable bibs, changing pads, spoons (if you've started cereal/food) - the less you have to worry about and more room in the suitcase when you leave!
We used the Playtex drop-in system on our trip. We took our bottle drying rack, small thing of dish soap, bottle brush, 2 bottle cases and I think 4 nipples. We would keep 2 nipples in the diaper bag and swap them out on break. We could wash them and have them ready for the next go around.
our stroller
a sling/baby backpack - for dining and for rides (POTC, JC, Nemo, HM, etc so your hands will be free to get in and get out of the ride vehicle)

DD(6mo) actually slept on most of the rides we went on due to the gentle movements of the ride. She would wake up when we stopped. She LOVED Monster's Inc LF and was actually a part of the show!

I think you'll find out baby will be a lot easier to take care of than you are planning for!