Update 10/06 - Would you go alone with 2 kids?

[DisneyPhD]

Darn it, I want to say go for it, but I just can't! I'm normally up for anything, and like you, I tend to decide to go fun places with the kids alone if DH is working. But this would be too much even for me. Is it doable? Yes. Will you have an enjoyable time? Your DD will, but you may not! The traveling will be hard, but also juggling two kids in the parks and resturants. Will your 2-year-old be able to wait patiently at Disney while her baby sibling is fed, changed, etc? You know how it is with an infant...you have to meet those need immediately. Your DD will be excited and less likely to wait patiently beside you, etc. The baby won't be mobile, but his/her needs will be constant. Plus you'll be tired from lack of sleep (even with an infant that sleeps well). I'm just picturing you juggling both their needs in resturants and parks and transportation.

One other thought: you don't know yet how your DD will adjust to a new baby. If she's resentful or upset, she may be more so in Disney where she can see the baby slowing her down, making her wait, etc. I have a friend who's DD wandered away every time her mom had to stop to feed the baby, just to annoy the mom. You don't want something like that at Disney.

Sorry to be a downer. I've taken my kids (6, 4, and 1) many, many places alone, including airplanes, but I wouldn't attempt this. However, if you can afford to take along one other helper (a neice, grandma, babysitter??) I'd go in a second!

I agree, my vote is a no. Just like wrldpossibility, I normally am a "go for it" women. In fact this is the 1st time I have ever said no when people asked if going to WDW pregnant or with small kids was a good idea. However by myself with 2 kids that young. No way. No No No. Honestly when my youngest was 2 months old just going out of the house with both by myself with a good friend who also had kids was a lot.

The biggest issue really is your DD adjustment to being a big sister. I found I could handel the baby just fine when I got home from the hosptial, it was taking care of both that put me over the edge. I can't imagine going on a trip alone. Your oldest could run off when you are sitting on a bench feedig the youngest......... So many things, I don't even want to go there. Not to mention any post delivery issues.

Sorry to be a downer.

If I was faced with the issue I might go and bring a friend, family or my niece. However by myself with kids that age. No. There will be another hallowen party next year. Madison will enjoy it better then anyway. (but you will have to pay for her. Good news is the baby will still be free.)

 

[justhat]

Staci, I would consider leaving my daughter's carseat if I took ME, but is a 2.5yo okay in an airplane seat without a carseat? She's very thin, right now at just about 22 months she's 23 pounds, so I guess maybe 28 or so next fall, maybe less. She's sorta tall though, about 34.5 inches right now, but I'm not sure if that matters. I wouldn't want to take the little one as a lap baby though so I'd definitely need 1 carseat, but infant seats are much lighter so that's a help. Odds are someone could take me to the airport, but from experience with my daughter they won't let anyone accompany me to the gate so I think my help would stop at security.

This is a little off topic, but you guys are scaring me so I have to ask. How do you manage just day to day activities with both kids right after the 2nd one is born? Though I am pretty sure this baby will come earlier than it's due, at the most it will be around 3 or 4 weeks old when my daughter has to go back to preschool. I have no other option but to take her myself as my husband will have to be at the hospital by 5 or 6am everyday, if he's even home that night since he'll be on call at least once a week so sleeping at the hospital. So okay, I can figure out how to get them both in the car and drive there, and her school will unload your kid from the car so I can always do that. But what about when I pick her up from school and we stop at the park? Are things like that out now cause it is too hard to watch the toddler with the newborn? What about shopping, groceries or the mall? How is that accomplished? Maybe I'm just freaking out about this, but with so many people saying how it's a million times harder with 2 kids than 1 and that the older one will run away and stuff it just seems like I'm in for a bad experience once August comes around.

 

[ch261]

I feel badly that we all have you so scared now! Having 2 kids is wonderful... an adjustment, yes, but wonderful. Nothing compares to seeing your kids interact and play together.

The first couple of weeks were hard for me. I was recovering physically, not getting a lot of sleep, nursing, you know the drill. I was lucky to have a lot of help. DH took 2 weeks off, my mom and mil were a big help too. It's especally nice when someone can take the older one and do something fun and give him or her some quality time and attention. And you can rest! Say yes to any help you can get at the beginning, whether it's meals, babysitting, cleaning, whatever!

Once a month or 2 goes by, things start to settle into a routine. Babies are pretty easy to tote around as long as you work with their schedule. You just grab the carseat and go. A sling and baby carrier (bjorn) were lifesavers for me because I could hold the baby and still have free hands to keep track of the older one. You'll pick up little tricks, like parking next to the cart corral at the store, so you can transfer the kids right from the car to the cart before you go into the store. A double stroller is always a big help for malls and other places without carts.

My afterbirth pains were way worse with each baby I had, but still were gone by a couple of weeks and usually were only really painful when I nursed.

You'll be fine! You're so blessed to be having another angel! The first time your Dd kisses the baby, you'll melt and realize how worth it it is! Good luck!

 

[justhat]

Thanks. I guess since this is my own thread I can hijack it so to speak. Right now my biggest fears about this new baby is how it's going to affect my daughter's life, so hearing all the 'you'll never be able to go anywhere' type stuff really made me think I just ruined her life, going from playing at the park with mommy to staying inside the house everyday. I will be looking into a postpartum doula now, thanks to this thread, because I know my husband won't take off from work (well, the day the baby is born, but other than that maybe just a day) and since both our families live out of state they may or may not be able to come help out, and if they do it probably won't be for too long, definitely under a week. With my daughter I was alone from the start and though we had a rough beginning I really didn't think it was too bad, just sorta felt like what had to be done and that was that.

About the double stroller, you think that's a necessity? We actually went to look at some this week but then I was thinking how rarely we use one now so would I really need a double or could I just get by with the single? My daughter lived in a Bjorn for the first 4 months or so and now she basically walks everywhere, rarely goes in the stroller. The walk to the playground is about 6 blocks or so and she walks there and back without a problem. Since we live in the city we walk everywhere and she sees us walking so she wants to also and it works well so far. We do use the stroller for certain things, like trips to the post office when we have a big package, but I was thinking I could just put the new baby in the Bjorn and Madison in the stroller when I have to do things like that. My husband really wants a double stroller though so if you guys all think they're a good purchase then we'll get one.

 

[PlutoPony]

Ok, I only have 1 kid so no direct experience but on planes I thought you could only have 1 car seat per row? I could (obviously) be wrong as I don't recall where I heard that.....

 

[gopack]

Don't Worry! Having two kids is great! I know it is different in every family, but I just lugged the baby along to all of my daughter's activites from the time he was born! He is now an easygoing kid. When my DD was born everything revolved around her because she was the only child. You are not ruining your daughter's life!!! It is good for children to have to wait a few minutes while you tend to the other child. You will realize (if you are like me) that it will have a positivie impact on your first born to not have the world revolve around her. Now about that Disney trip-NO WAY!! I am a pretty can-do type of person, but I would not consider such a thing with an infant. My biggest concern would be the sleeping aspect. What if the infant is not a good sleeper? What if your DD turns into a bad sleeper (believe me it can happen over night). The only way I would even consider this plan is to have two rooms and a helper along. I just don't think it will be worth it. It is exhausting have two children of that age and would be doubly so at Disney. Good luck with whatever you decide! By the way, I had far more pain with my first birth than with the second, so that is something you cannot possibly predict.

 

[wrldpossibility]

I'm sorry we all scared you! No, you have NOT ruined Madison's life! But, I think most moms feel that way at first when they hav another baby. You won't be stuck in the house...with all my babies, I took them out and about right away, and they tagged along for many kid activities with my older ones. (My youngest went to a Christmas party at 4 days old because I felt too guilty not going and disappointing my older kids!) However, there's a big difference, IMO, between an outing that lasts a few hours, and can be abandoned if things get too tough, and going to Disney. For the first 3 months or so, if you're not a supermom, lol, going out for a few hours will wear you out. Then it'll get easier. So I want to clarify that I really don't think having two kids who are young ages will slow you down in your day to day life! You'll be fine! Disney, I don't know...here are some tips I'd make sure I did if you DO go alone:

1. Don't take your DD car seat and use ME. Is it safer to have the seat on the airplane? Yes. Is it possible for you to carry it through the airport(s) along with a diaper bag, stroller, infant, and infant seat? NO. Pare down to the bare minimum of what you have to carry.

2. Don't put your infant in a baby bjorn style carrier in the airport. My second son lived in his, but I found out in airports they made me take him out (sleeping or no) at every check point and on the plane. Such a pain.

3. Get a double stroller and make your DD use it in Disney, just to keep her near you. Use it in the airport, and gate check it at the last minute.

4. If you can afford it, buy your infant a seat on the plane, so you don't have to hold him on your lap. This is so that your hands are free to care for both kids.

5. Go to bed really early at Disney (you AND the kids). Mine were notoriously bad sleepers at infants...maybe you have better luck. But I'd be too tired to tour parks alone when mine was 2 months. You know you'll be up in the night. Sleep while you can!

6. Make DD stay in the stroller next to you while your breastfeeding in the parks. Pack her a little snack and call it break time or snack time.

7. I don't know if they let you keep your infant in the baby bjorn carrier while on slow rides, but if so, that might be easier than the stroller sometimes.

8. I worry about your DD swimming at your resort. If she does, you will not be able to go in with her since you'll be holding/watching the infant. Even if she can swim, I wouldn't feel too comfortable with my child in the water if I wasn't in with her at that age. Will she want to swim?

Good luck if you do go! Only you know your DD and yourself, and what you're up for. These are just some things I'd consider. Your DD might be upset about the baby at the time of the trip, and the trip could make that better (or worse, since she'll be limited somewhat by her sibling). BUT, neither of my kids ever had sibling rivelry when their brothers were born. So you may not have that issue either. BTW, we had a Graco Duo Glider double stroller and it was great.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Justthat, no you didn't ruin madisons life, if that was the case most people would be sacared for life! Madison, you and DH will adjust, but it does take some time. Even more of an adjustment sometimes with the second because you are concered about your 1st also.

However, it really is a huge adjustment and you do have to take that into account. The good news is you are up for the challenge!

To consider such a big task so early is something I wouldn't even consider knowing what I know now. However I might of when I 1st was pregnant with my 2nd child.

Lily was born around the same time this child will be do. I had the same thing with Lily and taking Anna to preschool. I used the stroller and car seat carrier a lot, even thouh it wasn't too long of a distance, it is a lot to carry. It wasn't easy, but we worked it out. Now when Lily is asleep in the car I often have a friend (who is also just getting there) walk her in while I stay with Lily. Pick up they have a car line and take the child out to the car for you. (the whole school does it.)

Consider afternoon preschool for madison, I found it much eaiser then getting up and lugging the baby around at 8:00 in the am, especailly when Lily wasn't sleeping. However the time of year was nice because it was easy to get out and about, but once a day was my goal. Not running all over.

After births pains were much harder with the 2nd, but the actual delivery was MUCH better. I found heating pads on my legs when I nursed helped (who knew contractions went all the way down your legs.)

You are going to need some help after the baby is born for a while, everyone would.

However much of an adjustment this whole thing is, everyone is going to be just fine and madison will be a great big sister!

Please keep in mind that if Madison dosen't go to the halloween party this year, she will never know what she is missing out on. There will be other halloweens, other years and other trips to WDW.

We told Anna when I was pregent we wouldn't be going back to WDW until after the baby was born (we did go while pregnant) Anyway, as soon as we got home she asked if we could go to WDW now. We had to wait a little bit. For us it was 7 months old and that worked great.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Hey, if any of you guys know any college aged kids willing to watch my kids, send them my way!

I had to come look at this thread as my aunt was thinking about taking her kids to disney alone..

too bad i dont live in DC--im a college aged kid

 

[wrldpossibility]

Forgive me for posting again, but I thought of a few more logistics to consider (and these are NOT to make you feel discouraged, just prepared):

1. How will you carry your food at CS meals to the table when you are navigating the double stroller through the line and crowded restuarant, holding a tray of food, and trying to hold onto DD? In an ideal situation, both children will be in the stroller, and you'll be able to hold both the tray and push the heavy stroller. But what if DD or infant is out and crying or needs to be held?

2. What happens when you're in line at Dumbo or something, waited a while, almost to the front, and the infant unexpectantly becomes hysterical for food/diaper change, etc? Do you leave the line and make DD cry hysterically too, do you take hysterical infant on ride?

3. How do you fold the stroller for the bus (when you can't take the monorail) when you have to hold infant and DD's hand (and any packages, diaper bags, etc)?

I am NOT trying to scare you or think up nightmare situations. These are just situations I can foresee (and have been in at nonDisney day trip type places) happening easily. If you go, you'll just want to realistically think of these things and decide what your solution will be. If you do go, I imagine you'll have moments that go great, and moments when all you-know-what breaks loose. You may have to rely on strangers helping you to fold the stroller, etc at times. I hate that, personally. Some strangers are not very kind about that sort of thing, and will make you feel dumb for taking on too much. Other strangers will smile and congratulate you on handling everything by yourself. Maybe renting a car would be easier for you? Not sure.

I'd still take a helper, even if it's just a teen family member who you wouldn't necessarily leave the kids with...you'll be there the whole time. The teen would just be another pair of hands. Or, would you feel comfortable leaving the infant with a Disney babysitter in your room for just the MNSSHP? He/she may need to nurse too often for that. BTW, what does your husband think? I think mine would be against the idea, thinking it's too much for me. Just curious!

 

[justhat]

Jen, I wished you lived in DC too!

DisneyPhD, we're stuck with morning preschool cause that's all her school offers. It's 8-11:15 only. Well, that's for the toddler class. If she moves to the 3yo class next winter (kids can move up in the fall or winter, and most kids with her birthdays move right before they turn 3) then her hours would be 9-12:30, but not sure that will even happen. We'll be moving in June (hopefully still in DC though), then the baby comes in August, then we move again the following June (this time most likely out of state), and then she'll start a new school in a new area that August/Sept. So I'm really going to push her current school to leave her in the toddler class all year just so it's one less big transition she has to make in a year.

Gopack, don't worry, my daughter is already a bad sleeper so I don't think she could get any worse! She'll be 22 months on Monday and she still wakes up almost everynight at least once. She sleeps on the floor next to my bed (though she has her own bed, also in my room) and often climbs into our bed in the middle of the night. The last time I slept all night was June 2003! The kid even woke me up every night of my pregnancy by dancing on my bladder! As much as I'd love her to be in her own room before the new baby comes, I am pretty sure that won't happen so I think they'll both have to get used to each other fast.

Amy, my husband thinks I'd be fine to go when the baby is a month old, which I didn't think I'd be up for, which is why I was thinking 2 months or a little older. I've thought about your questions in your 2nd post while I was thinking about this trip before I posted. When I went to WDW alone with Madison or when she was 2 months old also, here's what I did in those situations. She was never in her stroller at all so I never brought it into any restaurants. She spent the entire trips at 2, 3, 6, and 9 months in the Baby Bjorn, at first because she hated her stroller from the time she was born and then later on just cause it was easier cause then I didn't have to take her in and out of the stroller to go on rides. That's the reason I'm not totally sold on a double stroller cause Madison never used hers as an infant and never uses it now (and we own 4 of them, talk about a waste of money!). I was planning on Bjorning the new baby all the time like I did with Madison and then just bringing our single Maclaren for Madison to use when she's tired. I have way downsized the diaper bag and now mainly just keep some diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in the pouch in the Maclaren Organizer so that I don't have to carry around a whole diaper bag everyday (which is what I did on those 1st 4 trips and hated it). I'd still need it in the airport and stuff, but not at the parks. The way I'd close the stroller with Madison alone to get on the buses was that she'd be in the Bjorn so I'd just take off the bags, fold it up and life it onto the bus. Since I was planning to have this baby in a Bjorn too I thought I'd do the same thing and just make Madison hold onto the stroller (which is what she does pretty well now when we're home cause she never likes to ride in it, so I make her hold the side and walk next to it). I would stay at a monorail resort though to avoid the buses (we would not go to any parks needing a bus).

When Madison unexpectedly decided she was hungry (which wasn't too often I will admit cause she nursed pretty regularly on the 2 hour mark) I just nursed her on the ride so I think I'd do the same thing this time. Now on certain rides that would be harder than others, but with Madison I tried to time it so we were near the longer attractions when she was hungry. We also never swim at the resorts so that won't be an issue. My daughter likes the water, but maybe for about 20 minutes and she's done so I know she wouldn't be sad about not swimming (if she even knew there was a pool, which she might not depending on where our room is and what resort).

We'd definitely get a seat for the baby on the plane. I'm a big believer in carseat use on the plane so that wouldn't be a question. I would consider not taking Madison's carseat, but will a 2.5yo stay buckled in the seat? Though she was a very challenging baby, she's very good now and I honestly can't complain about her at all. She listens really well (for the most part!), is very independent, and I usually don't have a problem with her when we're out anywhere so I would think she'd stay in her seat. But it is a year from now, and I know how as they start to gain more independence they also become more defiant. Also, is ME really easier than taking a towncar to the resort? I've never done ME so I have no experience with it (well, my husband took it a few months ago when he met us on our trip, but he was by himself). Oh, and if I don't use a Bjorn at the airport (which, yes, truly is annoying that you have to take them out at security) how would I make it through the airport? Cause even if I put the baby in the stroller I have to take her out and fold it up for security too.

I don't want anyone to think I'm looking for ways to validate my thoughts, but I just wanted to respond so that you all know why I even thought of this trip in the first place. I don't want anyone to think I'm crazy! It just seemed to me at the time (though I am thinking differently now) that it wouldn't be all that different than travelling alone with just Madison at those ages was. Aside from those Disney trips, I also flew to visit my mom with her a lot, including a trip to Las Vegas, and I was alone with her all those times and though it was obviously easier travelling with my husband it wasn't bad to me. Clearly though there is a lot more involved with another kid.

The other problem is that aside from this Disney trip, I had planned to fly with both kids to visit my in-laws next December (the week before Christmas probably) and I'd be by myself then too. My husband won't be able to take time off around Christmas so I'd have to go myself or they'd never see the new baby. I would have to take all the same baggage with me to visit them so I think it would be around the same type of trip, except that once I arrive I'll be pretty much in their house everyday. Plus the baby would be closer to 4 months old then. So now I'm rethinking that trip too, which I feel badly about cause my husband's grandmother will not fly at all so the only way she'd ever meet the new baby is if we go down there (she's only seen Madison once in almost 2 years). Hmm, there's a lot to think about with all of our travel plans!

 

[wrldpossibility]

Hi,
Definitely sounds like you've thought things through. Going to Disney with both kids will certainly be different than when you went with just Madison, but if you're prepared, it may very well work for you. I guess you just have to weigh whether this sort of trip (where you kind of take things easy and don't do everything, etc) is worth the expense and work. IMO, I would not rethink the trip to the in laws. I'd still plan on that one for sure. You still have to deal with the flight and rest of the travel, which is hard, but when you arrive you have help. So to me, it would be worth the trouble of getting there. Either way you decide, I don't think you're crazy! I'm not the type who thinks life ends temporarily when you have a baby in the house!

Edited to add: yes, I think you could keep a 2 year old in the airplane seat buckled without her car seat. She probably couldn't undo the airline seatbelt, but even if so, I think at that age she'd stay put with enough toys and snacks. It would be better with the car seat, but I think that's a luxery you can't have (no hands to carry it!).

 

[justhat]

The in-law trip I'll definitely have to take the carseat for Madison cause they won't have one there for me to use. I know physically I could carry it, but I also know it would be uncomfortable and challenging. With Madison I would have her in the Bjorn, the carseat in a bag on my back (with the diaper bag also thrown in that bag), and I'd drag the stroller (also in a bag with wheels) behind me. This time I'd have that same set up, but new baby in Bjorn, infant carseat in my free hand, and then Madison just has to walk next to me, which she generally does very well. She has already figured out the seatbelt mechanism on the plane which is why I was afraid she'd try to get out of the seat without the carseat (we always take her carseat now, but we've let her sit in a regular seat while we're installing her seat and she loved to buckle and unbuckle the seatbelt). I would guess though that you're right, if she has enough stuff to keep her busy she'll stay in her seat. But then I have to carry a lot of toys and snacks with me. Ugh, more stuff to carry on! Either way it seems very challenging.

 

[ch261]

For the trip to visit family, I would use a double stroller- the kind the the infant carseat snaps into. I would put both kids in the stroller and carry Madison's carseat in the bag like you are used to. (If you can, in fact, use 2 carseats in 1 row- I know nothing about that one.) I'd take as little carry on stuff as possible and put it in a bag with the carseat like you're used to. If I needed more, I'd stow the extra bag in the basket under the stroller. That way you can wheel everything right up to the plane and gate check the stroller. I'd be willing to bet a flight attendant would help you get the kids and stuff onto the plane. When we flew, we saw tons of handicapped people being wheeled onto the plane and helped by airport personnel. Especially if you got there early and asked for help, I would think someone would help you. And if not, you could push the stroller right up to the plane door, get the kids out, carrying the carseat backpack on your back, the baby in the infant carseat in one hand and holding Madison's hand with the other. It might not be fun, but it will be worth it to spend the holidays with your family. Kudos to you for being such an independent, strong mama!

 

[Nicolepa]

About the double stroller, you think that's a necessity? We actually went to look at some this week but then I was thinking how rarely we use one now so would I really need a double or could I just get by with the single? .....My husband really wants a double stroller though so if you guys all think they're a good purchase then we'll get one.

Well the problem with a double stroller is that once you put both kids in it's HEAVEY. The stroller itself is like 30 pounds and then add 2 kids, a carset and you are pushing around 100 pounds.

My kids are 22 months apart. I used the double for about 6 months but after that it got too heavy for me to push so then I would only use it for big outings (zoo etc).

 

[Nicolepa]

Ok, I only have 1 kid so no direct experience but on planes I thought you could only have 1 car seat per row? I could (obviously) be wrong as I don't recall where I heard that.....

I've had 2 carseats in the same row many times. The infant carseat will have to be by the window. Depending on the airline (actually it varied from flight to flight), they may say the toddler carseat has to be next to the infant and the adult on the isle, but most of the time they allowed me in the middle since the only person I was blocking was myself and I'd have to get in and get the baby anyway.

As for taking 2 carseats thru security etc. I have done it, it's not fun, but it's bearable. Put one on your back and the second one I "set" on the carseat with the back of the carseat facing me (kind of spooning the stroller), and set it on the basket of the stroller and used my thumbs to hold it in place. Not ideal, but works. I also got small suitcases from the disney store for the carry ons, then the older can roll it if need be. Mine fit perfectly in the basket of my stroller, then I put the carseat on top, a kid in the stoller and the older one holding onto the stroller.

Also I was able (right after 9/11) to get them to allow my dh/mil thru security to help me. Once they gave us a hard time but eventually did, the other time they suggested it.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Forgive me for posting again, but I thought of a few more logistics to consider (and these are NOT to make you feel discouraged, just prepared):

1. How will you carry your food at CS meals to the table when you are navigating the double stroller through the line and crowded restuarant, holding a tray of food, and trying to hold onto DD? In an ideal situation, both children will be in the stroller, and you'll be able to hold both the tray and push the heavy stroller. But what if DD or infant is out and crying or needs to be held?

2. What happens when you're in line at Dumbo or something, waited a while, almost to the front, and the infant unexpectantly becomes hysterical for food/diaper change, etc? Do you leave the line and make DD cry hysterically too, do you take hysterical infant on ride?

3. How do you fold the stroller for the bus (when you can't take the monorail) when you have to hold infant and DD's hand (and any packages, diaper bags, etc)?

I am NOT trying to scare you or think up nightmare situations. These are just situations I can foresee (and have been in at nonDisney day trip type places) happening easily. If you go, you'll just want to realistically think of these things and decide what your solution will be. If you do go, I imagine you'll have moments that go great, and moments when all you-know-what breaks loose. You may have to rely on strangers helping you to fold the stroller, etc at times. I hate that, personally. Some strangers are not very kind about that sort of thing, and will make you feel dumb for taking on too much. Other strangers will smile and congratulate you on handling everything by yourself. Maybe renting a car would be easier for you? Not sure.

I'd still take a helper, even if it's just a teen family member who you wouldn't necessarily leave the kids with...you'll be there the whole time. The teen would just be another pair of hands. Or, would you feel comfortable leaving the infant with a Disney babysitter in your room for just the MNSSHP? He/she may need to nurse too often for that. BTW, what does your husband think? I think mine would be against the idea, thinking it's too much for me. Just curious!

I think this is a very good post with a lot of important things to keep in mind.

I think the trip to family will be different and I would do it (even if I wasa little concerned about it.) Once you are there you will be with family, and will have others to hold the child, attened to one (or at least amuse) while you attened to the other.

Keep in mind that there are people to help at airports with luggage and such (carts, sky cap, etc....) I remember once the flight attenedent had the people in frount of us carry a bag for us (and we had 2 adults and 2 kids). The airline attendents are going to leave you alone to fend for yourself as much as possible. However talking an entire week trip to such a big place at WDW alone with 2 kids is a different story.

I recenlty read a trip report from a friend with 2 young kids. She went with her aunt and cousin and DH had to stay at home (also a Doctor). She had a heck of a time. She kept refering to it as the trip from hell, and she is a seasoned WDW traveler (as are her kids). I think they were 5 and 2 years old or something close to that. She kept gettng seperated from her aunt and they ended up being no help at all. Being by herself with the kids the whole time (who of course ended up with colds) was tottally overwelling (and this is someone who is used to going places with both kids alone.)

I vowed right then and there to never to to WDW with out DH or at least a major supportive adult who would be with me the whole time (or maybe 2.) then again she had 2 adults, but they didn't get concecting rooms or even the same building............................... ( I can find the link to the it if you want, it was on another site.)

Double stroller. Stongly consider getting one. I really wanted a peg pergo aira twin (for WDW, it is great.) However it does't hold a car seat carrier and it was a major pain for the 1st 6 months of DD lifes. Also even though my older child could walk, every time a stroller came out she wanted to be in it. Baby bjorns and slings are great, but some things you need to do (like fold and unfold a stroller, lift a todler and move other hevey objects you can't do with out possibley hurting the baby. At that age if you put them down, there is no good place to do that. (like to change the tolders dipaer, no place to rest the baby with out a car seat.)

 

[cwf1028]

I think it really comes down to the fact that you do not know what it will be like with two until you have two. You can plan, but until you live it, plans are just that. You will be amazed at how easy one was once you have two. You're out numbered and that is a whole different story than one kid and one adult. I would have traveled anywhere alone with my first child but would have never considered traveling with an infant and a child. With one child, there is just your schedule and needs and the baby's schedule and needs to consider. With two, you have another entire person to fit in. Sleeping, baths, feeding, potty, etc. You'll be worn down physically (the second is often harder on the body) and emotionally due to adjusting to two kids for a month or two as well as your older one adjusting to this new life and all that it involves. I think the airport is the least of the trouble. I just can't imagine enjoying a trip that will be that much work. Just not something that sounds like fun to me...

 

[justhat]

Thanks everyone for the advice I got almost a year ago! (I can't believe it's been that long since I found out I was pregnant!) I just wanted to revive this as I am now back from a trip alone with my kids, who are 2.5yo and 2 months, and wanted to share my experience with anyone considering such a trip. No, we didn't go to WDW, but I went to Phoenix, which some might consider worse cause the flight was 4+ hours. My mom met me there so I wasn't totally alone, but she was at a conference so I was alone with them all morning. We survived the flight alone-with 2 carseats, stroller, diaper bag, and laptop-and even went to the pool alone twice. My 2yo was great at staying out of the pool when I had to feed or otherwise deal with the baby and when he fell asleep I'd put him in his stroller and swim with her.

I streamlined getting through the airport by buying a cheap, lightweight carseat/booster seat for my 2yo (the Cosco Gotham) and wearing it in a backpack. I wore the baby in a Baby Bjorn. The 2yo walked and I used the stroller to hold the backpack with the laptop (essential for playing dvds for my daughter on the flight) and diaper back. I then hung the infant seat off the back of the stroller on the handles and also hung the stroller bag on them too. My daughter also wore her own small backpack which held her jacket, some snacks, and her best friend, a stuffed alligator named Nick (see sig photo!).

I bought a seat for my son and he slept happily in it most of the flight, waking only to eat and get changed. He got a little fussy for about an hour on the way there cause we flew during his bedtime, but then he fell asleep and stayed asleep till his middle of the night feeding! I gate checked my daughter's carseat for a few reasons, but she sat in her seat just fine and watched a few episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and part of Toy Story 2 and ate some snacks we brought on and a fruit and cheese plate we bought onboard. On the flight home literally every passenger in the rows surrounding me complimented me on my kids behavior.

So while there were some challenges, such as being detained by security forever while they checked and rechecked one of my carry-ons to the point of almost missing the flight home, overall it was a good trip and very doable imo. It certainly wasn't the easiest way to travel, but definitely not impossible either. And my son was born 4 weeks early so he was 2 months on this trip but would have been at least 2 weeks younger and we still would have gone. I think it might have been a bit harder at 5 or 6 weeks only cause he went through an adjustment in his bedtime (which he did himself, not my doing) and was pretty gouchy for an hour or 2 in the evening then. Other than that though things would have been the same. Of course a lot of it will depend on the personality of each kid and stuff like that, but it really wasn't bad at all and we actually had a good time!

And we will be going to WDW too-in 3 weeks and again at Christmas, but my husband will be coming on those trips so I won't really know what being alone would be like, other than when my husband is on thrill rides. We have been going to the zoo alone pretty much every day over the past 3 weeks and that goes really well and I consider it to be practice for WDW. Of course we only live 3 blocks from the zoo so it's kinda different, but it's given me an idea of what to expect.