tips for trip with 1 yr old

[mikewdw]

any tips for going on first trip for our little one (1 in jan.) we are planning the week before xmas. we have been 6 times as couple but wanted ideas on do's and dont's with a little one on the trip. any tips will be greatly appreciated!
mikewdw

 

[imfortune8]

I might be crazy, but I love to take babies to disneyworld. I love the expressions on their face and the wonder in their eyes. The looks my babies have while we are at WDW make it even more magic for me. So, here are my tips.

1. I walk around with the baby in a baby bjorn. This lets me have arms free and they are thrilled to be at a new level. Plus, you see, hear and feel more of their excitement.

2. Take full advantage of the "Baby Centers" in each of the parks. They have microwaves to warm up bottles, nursing areas, highchairs, changing tables and extra supplies.

3. Don't force a timid baby to get up close to the characters. You know your kid - if they are not going to like it, the picture is not going to be good, regardless of the force you apply.

4. Bring your own stroller - one they are accustomed to - everything will be very overstimulating for them and they may need some seclusion time. I do this by covering the stroller with a light blanket so they can see nothing.

5. Understand that this trip is not going to be like the others from the very start. If you expect it to be like it was before - you will be dissappointed. This will be a very specail trip, but just in a different way.

6. Pack a bag of favorites and necessities the night before - not morning of, when everyone is anxious to get to the parks. You won't forget things especially remember an extra change of clothes - they will get wet, dirty, or just need changed some time during the day.

7. Guard the schedule your baby has become accustomed to at home. You will be tempted to blow off naps, stay up late, etc. Don't do it! At the park, if it is coming up on nap time, either go back to the room, or create an enviornment that will allow sleep, like heading to the "baby center". Staying up late once or twice won't hurt once or twice on a trip, but missing naps and staying up late for several days in a row will result in a disaster.

8. Use the baby swap, it not only lets the one who stayed behind with the baby a chance to ride, but it lets another of the group go twice to ride with you!

9. Take advantage of the time you are alone with the baby waiting for others to come off a ride. The grounds are beautiful, there is all kinds of "eye candy" for a little one to explore, get to their level and you might just see something you missed before.

Love this time! I cherish the memories and the pictures of both our kids as babies in WDW - they grow up too fast, and mine are still young!

Best wishes!

 

[RamseyTrio]

We went right before our youngest turned one and had an amazing time. I can never understand why some people think going w/an infant is a bad idea - for us it's the easiest time to go! They are happy going wherever you go, there's no whining that they want you to buy them this or that, etc...

I think all the info that IMFORTUNE8 wrote is perfect advice! I can't really think of anything to add.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[bytheblood]

I agree, taking an infant is not bad. I do not think it is the people with the infant who finds it to be a bad idea, but those without the infant.

There are people who visit the parks with infants, toddlers and small children that are afraid of many things, if not everything, yet the parents will still take the child so that they can see the attraction and not think about all of the other guests that are being annoyed and not able to enjoy it because their child is screaming. (Excuse my run-on and on sentence)

As imfortune8 said, you know your baby and you will know what the baby can handle. You should certainly go. Have a wonderful time.

 

[NCDisneyMom]

My son's first trip was when he was 17 mos., and my daughter's first trip will be in a couple of months, at 13 mos. old.

All of the tips above are great ones. One thing I stress to people, as mentioned above, is to stick to the baby's schedule as best as you can. Remember that you will not see and do everything....just enjoy what you do see.

Although it (hopefully) won't be so hot in December, one thing I do is bring a wet washcloth in a plastic baggy. When the baby gets hot, you can take it out and cool them off. As the towel warms up or dries out, you can just re-wet it at a water fountain.

Also, since it's hard to keep drinks cold, I bring a powdered drink of some form, to add to cold water as we go along. My son would NOT drink straight water at the time. We'll see how my daughter does. lol

Diana

 

[ErinInCT]

1. If your baby has hair you can get his/her hair cut at the MK Barber Shop & they will give you a lock of hair, certificate & Mickey ears that say "first haircut" on them!
2. Definately use child swap.
3. Use sunscreen! Lots of it! And a hat if the baby will keep it on (maybe the Mickey ears).
4. Bring a stroller & the bjorn/sling (for standing in line). The bjorn makes you & baby pretty darn hot though so I would only use it for the line, not walking around the park!
5. Not sure where you are staying, but head back to the hotel in the afternoon (if onsite) to get the baby a "real nap" or go to one of the longer darkened a/c shows for a chance for the baby to fall asleep.
6. Bring lots of cheerios! This is the only thing that shuts up my baby (who will also be 2 weeks shy of her 1st b-day when we go to WDW) & I want to bring her to the shows but she is squirmy & LOUD so hopefully having her mouth full will make it more enjoyable for ALL!
7. Go with the flow. Your baby will dictate this trip. You'll find out soon enough if he/she is scared of characters, the dark, loud noises, etc & you can adjust your plans accordingly!
8. Have an awesome time & take lots of pictures!

 

[mikewdw]

thanks everyone,
we love the tips and will definitely use them. we feel much better about taking the little one with us now. did anyone keep them up for parade or fireworks? how did that go? ours liked the 4th of july fireworks and since they are so great at wdw i thought she might really like them there. keep the ideas coming.
mikewdw