WDW with a 5 month old. Is it do-able?

[puffkin]

I took both my boys at 3 months on my last week of maternity leave. I've had them back many times since, all ages from 3 months up to their current ages of 8 and 20 months old. The infant (before walking) trips were by far the easiest trips we have ever been on. We may not accomplish as much but we still were able to do plenty and they were so enthralled by everything. Unless you have a really difficult baby, and as long as your expectations are managed, I wouldn't worry about it at all!

 

[disneemama]

We went in early Dec., my granddaughter was 6mos. it was so much fun.
Of course there were 3 adults who fawned all over her. lol The weather was so perfect to travel with a baby. I can't tell how many amazing pictures we have of her with the characters. She's been back to Disney at 14 mos. and 17 mos. Its always been fun and she has never been afraid of the characters. So yes do it, as it is very doable. plan on having a laid back trip with lots of breaks. Use all the advice from previous posters about baby care centers and don't try to do everything. Have a great time.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We did WDW at 5 months with my oldest (also an August baby and we went in January!) and it was honestly really rough. He was not a good sleeper and needed a quiet dark place to sleep or nurse. I ended up spending A LOT of time in the baby care centers while the rest of our party went on rides.

We took my youngest at 8 months, and it was a completely different experience! She spent the entire trip in a carrier (a Kinderpack) and I didn't enter a single baby care center. She slept and nursed in the carrier, and she was just so easy. I even took her back to the park one night while my husband stayed back with my 3 year old, who was totally wiped. She smiled and cooed at Ariel, and then passed out in her carrier, so I could watch the fireworks while eating a Dole Whip and I rode a few rides that were too dark and "scary" for my 3 year old.

So short answer? Definitely depends on the kid. If you have a baby who doesn't mind noise and light, then you'll be fine. If you have a sensitive baby who is not very adaptable, the trip could be a struggle.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I've brought two of my kids to Disney at 5 months, one in January and one in October. It was very doable. I would bring extra clothes for leaks bc they will happen and if you are nursing, a nursing cover is great. I also recommend the Ergo baby carrier. It is great and will go all the way through toddlerhood. If you want a smaller stroller, Chicco makes an umbrella stroller that reclines flat.

And don't be afraid to go to first aid for problems; one of my babies had a low grade fever, so we took him in to get his temperature taken, and they were awesome in there.

 

[denneg]

We took our oldest at 10 months, now we are taking our baby in May (4 months) and again in Sept. My only worry is that he won't nap in the stroller, but we are usually rope drop and back by 1 people, so he can nap in the room with DH while DS and I hit the pool!

 

[siskaren]

siskaren that video is AWESOME!! We are taking our 8 month old on her first visit shortly.

Thanks, but it's not mine. I found it because the person who posted it is a poster here (and posted a link to it in their signature) and I just thought it was so sweet that I had to bookmark it.

 

[MissPrice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE30QyKxtUY

Love this!! E-mailing the link to my DH

 

[MissPrice]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I think it will depend on the temperament of the baby. I don't expect to do too much. I really just want to be in the Disney bubble and have a get away. I never knew about the baby stations, those sound amazing! Luckily I am a pediatric RN, so I think I may be ahead of the learning curve when it comes to first aide and what not. Will definitely have to look for a good carrier and stroller. -Amanda

 

[MissPrice]

Baby centers - use them and often!! Nice places, very cool and relaxing. Breastfeeding? Whip it out! I've breast-fed at the Blue Bayou, Finding Nemo, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, monorail - name a ride, I've done it. Because when baby is hungry, he makes it known! (Get a linen cloth - they were so useful - nursing blankets, suncovers, light blankets - everything!)

Hahha. I love this!! I wish I could breastfeed, but unfortunatly can not due to medication I must take. Formula it is.

 

[ekendall2]

Our little guy will 9 months when we go in june.

I keep getting people that say, "you're taking him to Disney? Are you guys crazy? He won't even remember it."

I simply reply with, he may not, but we will.

when people say this, i also respond with, "so you're not supposed to have any fun with your children until they are 4 or 5?"

They usually just look at me funny, some people just don't get it.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

My son's first trip was at 5mo and we had a great time. He was a very easy going baby and napped well in the stroller. You can bring a baby float for the resort pool, he really liked that. He went on just about all the rides that he was allowed on, the only one he didn't like was the Haunted Mansion. His favorites were Buzz Lightyear and Nemo. He also seemed to really enjoy the parades.

 

[ilovebassets]

We took our first at five months for a whole week and it was great. We took our second for a MK day trip at five months and had a wonderful day. But our second child was NOT sleeping through the night at that age like our first was, and that would have made a week long trip very hard. But just be willing to slow down your pace (a lot). I think going at a slow time is also very important.

 

[MissPrice]

when people say this, i also respond with, "so you're not supposed to have any fun with your children until they are 4 or 5?"

They usually just look at me funny, some people just don't get it.

That is a great point! lol have fun in June

 

[HopperFan]

DS#1 started at 1 year old, DS#2 got short-changed at 3 years old and DD went at 4 mos, 11 mos, 14 mos and lost count after that. We took her at 4 mos in October and it was a breeze. I would much rather take a baby in the cooler months than summer - no way I'd do that simply because of the heat factor. Not only getting fluids in them and sunburn but they have a hard time staying cool in a stroller with little mobility.

GO FOR IT! It's a easy age, way easier than preschool ages. You have at any moment their food, drink, napping spot, no running to bathroom (walking will do), baby centers if you need them and they don't ask to do or buy anything

WARNING: DD after having gone there so young and after .... is now heading down in the summer to work there.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Thank you all so much for your advice! I think it will depend on the temperament of the baby. I don't expect to do too much. I really just want to be in the Disney bubble and have a get away. I never knew about the baby stations, those sound amazing! Luckily I am a pediatric RN, so I think I may be ahead of the learning curve when it comes to first aide and what not. Will definitely have to look for a good carrier and stroller. -Amanda

I was going to say the only fear i'd have at taking a 5 month old is worrying about them getting overheated in the August heat - but if you're a pediatric RN, then I'm sure you'll have that covered May I recommend using Frogg Toggs (they work for the carrier and stroller) to help keep you and baby cool if it is too hot? We found ours at the local Dick's Sporting Goods store, and they were fantastic for our October trip (it was quite hot, and the rental City Mini we had from Apple Strollers was black).

We took DD at 8 months and 15 months and had a fabulous time on both trips - I'm sure you will with your little one as well!

 

[DarcyLongfellow]

I would wait to meet your baby before you book it.

We took DD2 last fall when she was 3 months old. She was super easy (my four year old was much more work!). She is a super laid back baby -- she spent most of the trip in a baby carrier on my chest, nursing when she got hungry, looking around a lot, then sleeping when she needed to.

Our biggest problem was that we had two major blow outs when I was carrying her -- thankfully I'd brought lots of extra clothes for both of us.

My DD1, though, we could never have taken that trip. She has never been able to sleep anywhere but in a bed. She wouldn't have napped in a stroller or in a carrier. She was also colicky, so she screamed every waking minute for the first several months of her life.

So, I'd say wait until your baby is a month or so old and see how things are going. If you think you'll be able to handle it, then go right ahead and book it!

 

[siskaren]

I was going to say the only fear i'd have at taking a 5 month old is worrying about them getting overheated in the August heat - but if you're a pediatric RN, then I'm sure you'll have that covered

The OP's baby is due in August, she's planning to go in January.

 

[Angel Ariel]

The OP's baby is due in August, she's planning to go in January.

Ahh, I misread then...sorry about that!

 

[Lisa75]

Took ds at 5 months by myself! Super easy with full recline stroller and an Ergo carrier. It was June. Dressed him in full length but light weight sun rompers I purchased at Coolibar website.

He loved the sights and sounds. I have a pic with him meeting Belle on our wall. She rubbed his belly. Granted there's no way he remembers but everyday he points at it and says "Princess Belle rubbed my belly". Priceless.

Knew we'd be back a ton so no pressure to see stuff. Spent lots of resort time. Cape May Cafe breakfast he loved!!!

Enjoy .

Lisa