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

[MissPrice]

Hi there DH and I are expecting our first baby in August. I am thinking of going to WDW in January when the baby will be about 5 months old. Do you think that is too young or would that be a good age? Any tips would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance. -Amanda

 

[Sleepy425]

Both of my sons went to Disney for the first time by 6 months old. It was a blast, I wouldn't have waited any longer. Pics with the characters were too precious! Plus at that age they have no opinions and you don't have to worry about bringing food, just formula if you aren't breastfeeding. Such an easy trip!

 

[ArwenMarie]

The only thing I personally would be worried about is infectious disease i.e. the flu, RSV, etc. I wouldn't go with a five-month-old in January, that's just me. In the summer, it would be a totally different story. I'm probably scarred because we have gotten the flu 2x in Disney in the late fall that resulted in pneumonia, x-rays, coughing for weeks. Anyway, I would never think that someone shouldn't go with a 5 month old in January, but I wouldn't. I would wait until the summer. Hope this makes sense.

 

[triana00]

We took our 4.5 month old a few weeks ago. Awesome, easy trip at that age. The 3.5 year old was much more challenging!

 

[MickeyOCD]

We went when both of our kids were 6 mths old. As long as you have a good stroller that the can nap in you will be fine. I would however prepare them with mickey, winnie the pooh stuffed animals and/or cartoons so that they aren't too afraid of the giant stuffed animals you want to get pictures with. There is so much to entertain them, just go an enjoy the magic & wonder thru their eyes.

 

[ScrapYap]

We went with a baby under two months! Each park has a beautiful baby center with rows of changing tables, water coolers, and nursing rooms. The baby centers also have tv/playrooms for siblings. They are lovely, restful, welcoming places. It will be hot in August, so you'll be wanting to get out of the sun whenever you can -- don't forget the baby centers (next to the first aid rooms). If you happen to be nursing, don't forget that your baby is immune to the illnesses to which you have immunity yourself (though this decreases as you introduce solids).

 

[paxsarah]

We went when DD was 5 months. Easiest kid at WDW ever. Just popped her in a sling and go.

 

[mellvswdw1]

Our baby girl has been twice and she's going to be 6 months this Sunday! I totally agree with having a good stroller and having zero expectations. Our first trip with her my DH had a conference and she was 3 months old. She did great! Very easy trip. We just got back and had a big time with her cousins and aunt and uncle. She did get a wee bit over stimulated one night, but we pushed her too much, and I feel horrible about that evening.

The baby centers are clean and inviting. If people question you, this trip is about memories for you to share with you child later! Disney is for everyone, young and old. As my mother says, different strokes for different folks! Enjoy your new little one, and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy.

 

[siskaren]

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

 

[morethananyonex]

I haven't taken a child that young, but knowing what a baby is like at 5 months of age vs 2 when we took our son, I think the 5 month old would be easier, honestly.

Babies that age are very portable. If you're breastfeeding, even easier, no need to take anything except diapers, a change of clothes, and you obviously . Many people don't start giving their babies real food until 6 months old, they just have formula or breast milk. That makes vacationing with them pretty easy, no need to worry about finding a restaurant that will please everyone, just you and your DH! Get a good quality carrier, which you may want anyways or a good stroller (or both).

I would absolutely have done a trip that young if we weren't so far away. Have fun!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

We did it with each of our boys at about that age. Yes it is doable, and yes it is fun, and yes you will create some awesome memories - but it is not a typical WDW vacation. Lots of sitting and watching and just taking care of the baby instead of riding. We did it with each, so we obviously thought that it was worth it for us, but we go so often that we were never concerned with getting the "most" out of every trip.

 

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

We took our son at 6 months (dd was 3 at the time) I made my ADRs at the 180 mark while still in the hospital.
Since most attractions don't allow strollers, but can have long line if recommend a good sling.
I was a life saver on our trip.

 

[SaraMc]

W took DS the first time when he was 5 months old. Super easy, we brought the Bjorn and popped him in there when we needed to and brought his bigger stroller for him to be able to nap in. He was great, he loved the characters.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We will be taking my ds who will be 8 months old to disney in 2 weeks. I am really looking forward to it. He has been watching disney shows and loves Mickey! He also loves tigger. The only thing I am nervous about with him is eating lol...he doesn't really like to sit in high chairs he thinks he's a big boy and gets to sit like everyone else lol. We have the deluxe dining plan so eating 3 sit down meals a day I bet by the end of our vacation he will be the pro at sitting in high chairs lol

 

[Eliza'sMom]

I really think it depends on the baby. Neither of mine have been good sleepers. We went when our second daughter was 5 months and, honestly, it wasn't the most fun we've ever had. She didn't sleep well overnight and naps were tough. We also went right before Memorial Day, so it was so hot with her in the baby carrier and she didn't like the stroller, plus I worried about her getting too much sun. Unfortunately, you don't really know what kind of baby you'll get until he or she arrives. But vacation is a lot more fun with her at 2 than it was at 5 months.

 

[tinkpower]

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

 

[ruthies12]

I didn't read all the other replies but yes it is definitely very doable with two things- a good stroller that lays flat and a comfortable sling (comfortable for both you and baby). Have fun and congrats!!

 

[4xmom]

We took our first DS when he was 5 months. Then the others that followed were between 4 and 8 months. The babies were always the easiest. And I agree that the character pictures are priceless.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Totally do-able. We took baby at 6 mon to Disneyland - cross county! and he was perfectly fine.

We went with no expectations, just that he wouldn't be able to ride much and we would have to do lots of baby swaps. We used lots of sunscreen ( I like California Baby) and used light linen swaddle clothes to help block out sun in the stroller (we have a Britax, with a large canopy, but I wanted to make sure.)

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!)

Rides that he liked at that age: Peter Pan, Mansion, Pirates, Small world - anything speedy and smooth. I did not take him on Dumbo though - I didn't feel safe till he was officially 1.

All the hotels have pac&plays, and that's where he slept. Mostly we co-slept till he was solidly down and then I would move him over. He got so tired that he went to bed easy. (yet he still gets up at 7am. How?)

One trick that I was taught w/regards to B/f: tickle their little hands. It made my guy nurse more. Plus, nursing on the airplane is a lifesaver. I used my travel bobby, and it worked very well for that. Slings or mei teis are great for when you go on rides. That's how he rode Pirates - the sling helped me keep a tight grip on him.

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[FaithTrustPixieDust*]

My youngest sister was 6 weeks old when we first took her to Disney! My mum spent a lot of time in the Baby Care Center while my Dad took my other sister and I on a few rides etc., and she managed it fine our most treasured WDW picture was taken with Snow White and her Prince, who held Laura in his arms