Traveling with an Infant

[eandt]

Traveling next month with our son, dil, and our 1 year old granddaughter … it’s been a long while since we have traveled with an infant. Looking for helpful tips!

A little background we are DVC owners since 2021, we drive but son and his family will be flying (GD first flight), we will be staying 8 nights at AKV Jambo in 2 studios in Mid Nov. We have requested adjoining/connecting rooms as well as a crib and high chair. We have already arranged for a Minnie Van to get them from the airport to the resort (arrive later in the evening) We do have a few dining reservations including a couple character meals but mostly plan to wing it based on GD’s mood. At the moment we do not plan to do the LL (or whatever it’s called today) but might do some ILL’s. We have been to WDW many times so not much we haven’t seen or done but haven’t had a little one in many years, both our kids are boys so guessing our future trips won’t quite be the same . Thanks!

 

[Rory607]

The first time we took our kids they were 4 and just turned 1. I did an Amazon order for diapers, wipes, bottled water (we were using formula), snacks, etc. It made flying so much easier. Since you are driving, maybe offer to bring some of that stuff in your car? I brought dish soap and towels to wash bottles.

Other than that, be prepared to go with the flow. We did Crystal Palace character breakfast and they were so sweet with the baby. He loved the Pooh characters. Buy a balloon for the stroller handle so you can find it in the sea of strollers!

 

[sponica]

I've gone with 20 month olds, so not as young as 1. We ordered a delivery of snacks (applesauce pouches, goldfish, etc), diapers, wipes and bottled water.


We also stocked up on take and toss sippy cups, not sure of their utility with 1 year olds. I didn't want to bring sippy cups that were expensive, in case any got lost or dropped or whatever.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Traveling next month with our son, dil, and our 1 year old granddaughter … it’s been a long while since we have traveled with an infant. Looking for helpful tips!

A little background we are DVC owners since 2021, we drive but son and his family will be flying (GD first flight), we will be staying 8 nights at AKV Jambo in 2 studios in Mid Nov. We have requested adjoining/connecting rooms as well as a crib and high chair. We have already arranged for a Minnie Van to get them from the airport to the resort (arrive later in the evening) We do have a few dining reservations including a couple character meals but mostly plan to wing it based on GD’s mood. At the moment we do not plan to do the LL (or whatever it’s called today) but might do some ILL’s. We have been to WDW many times so not much we haven’t seen or done but haven’t had a little one in many years, both our kids are boys so guessing our future trips won’t quite be the same . Thanks!

Just so you're aware, there are no connecting studios at AKV. Only the original Poly DVC and VGF@BPK have connecting studios. You may be on the same floor and near each other, depending on what the room assigner can do. ETA: The pack n play and high chair will not be in the room when you arrive. You need to call housekeeping to have them brought up.

We were in a BWV 2BR (2 couples, 2 littles) which made bedtime easier. Put the kiddies to bed and adults could congregate in the living room. For your arrangement, you're going to have to get creative with bedtime. Some people have had success putting the pack n play in the hallway where the entrance is and then using a tension rod to hang a curtain between that area and the rest of the studio. It still means that the adults need to sit quietly in a darkened room or out on the balcony until the little one falls asleep. It also blocks the exit door somewhat and that area is also where the bathroom is located.

Another possibility is to place the pack n play in front of the sofa and top it with a bed tent. Adults would still need to be quiet when they're in the room but at least the exit isn't partially blocked and you can get to the bathroom without having to squeeze past the crib.

For the flight, earplanes are great to use if you can get them in. It helps with the earache that comes with cabin pressure. Drinking from a bottle, nursing or sucking on a pacifier also help to relieve the pressure. Small toys that are new to the baby can help to entertain during the flight and LOTS of snacks If the parents allow it, a tablet with kiddie videos downloaded to it can be a good distraction. If they have a favorite stuffie and blanket, bring them along for comfort.

But most importantly, play it all by ear and let the baby run the show. They will definitely let you know if the characters make them uneasy. We found that the 1 yo was a lot easier to deal with than the 3 yo. Maybe it's just a personality thing but the 1 yo was very go with the flow as long as she was getting food. Pack lots of snacks for the parks.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Buy a balloon for the stroller handle so you can find it in the sea of strollers!

Balloons are not permitted at AKV because of the animals. We bought colorful vet wrap and wrapped the handle of the stroller to easily identify it. It does not leave a residue behind and you can purchase it on Amazon. Wrapping a battery powered string of lights on the handle helped at night.

 

[clh2]

I agree 100% on making stroller easy to identify. We just returned from a trip that had 2 strollers for grandsons. While our daughter could ID her strollers from about 2 miles away…to me a sea of black strollers that all looked alike at night (we did MNSSHP) would have been horrid without something.

 

[liamthompson]

I assume your granddaughter is spending a lot of time on the floor, crawling/cruising/walking and putting things in her mouth? When my son was that age, I liked to go into the room before the rest of my family and quickly remove all breakables, unplug the room phones, put plug covers on if needed, do a general baby proofing. Then I swiffer the floor and use a lysol wipe on spots that us adults never touch (like the toilet base) but is fair game to toddlers. We've done 2 on-site stays this year and disney housekeeping does an impressive job, especially in comparison to other hotels, but I've found things that I would prefer my kid not touch (crushed candy and some toilet base gunk)

I don't have any practical advice for navigating the parks as my son was 3 when we took him for the first time this year. I do regret not taking him earlier, around your granddaughter's age, because the more mobile and opinionated they get, the harder it is So my advice is to lean into the idea that this trip is for the grandparents and parents to make memories together...enjoy fun dining and the more "adult" rides...at my kid's age, it is hard to rider swap because he's aware that he's being left behind.

I know your post said you're not planning on purchasing LL which is fine. One thing I did not realize was that strollers aren't allowed in ride queues so you need to have a plan on what to do with granddaughter- is she OK to roam around in line, does she want to be held, etc

Some gentle grandparent reminders (aka things I wish I could say to my FIL hahaha) - let your son and DIL take the lead on setting their daughter's schedule. It may seem like granddaughter needs to eat and sleep constantly but a fed and well rested toddler is more likely to be in a good mood. And keeping them up later doesn't mean they'll sleep better - when toddlers get overtired they can become hyper and harder to settle. Since you have an adjoining room, this is for your sake too...you probably want a good night's rest rather than hearing a screaming overtired little girl next door!

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

My opinion is let the infant's parents take care of whatever is needed. They know their child best.

 

[Rory607]

If you’re comfortable staying with the baby alone one night, offer your son and DIL a night off to go to dinner together. My parents have done this for us when we’ve gone to Disney together and it’s always appreciated!

 

[Add-On-Itis]

Staying at a studio. I would recommend getting a SlumberPod. It goes over the crib. The parents can keep the lights on and watch tv while the kid is sleeping.