WDW with a toddler--product tips

[michygoomy]

Just got back from a magical 10-day trip in the world with DH, DS12, DD10 and DD 17 months. I got a lot of tips here on what to buy/bring, so I thought I'd share what was useful to us.

Stroller shade: wonderful! I thought she would balk at not being able to see as much, but she only occasionally tried to peek out around the shade. It was really easy to attach (my 10y/o did it most of the time) and really kept the sun out. It was especially important because DD didn't like wearning a hat, and she barely has any hair to protect her head! This is the one I bought: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t.../103-9430001-5095018?v=glance&s=baby&n=542446

Stroller rain cover: Again, wonderful! It was not an issue the first week of our trip, but then Alberto visited. We were still able to go to the parks wearing our ponchos with the baby in the stroller. It also kept our stuff protected when we were in an attraction during a downpour with our stroller sitting outside. I saw lots of people with garbage bags over their strollers, which didn't seem safe to me--while my toddler rode around in style! http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t.../103-9430001-5095018?v=glance&s=baby&n=542446

Disposable Sippy Cups: DH thought these would be a waste, but they really came in handy! We had a fridge and we kept juice boxes in it, but they would get too warm in the diaper bag and they were also a little strong for her since she's used to her juice being diluted. My trick was to pack a couple of disposable sippies each with a juice box in it. We brought a cooler bottle filled with ice and water for ourselves, so I would take out the sippy, pour in half cold water then pour in the juice. We washed them when we could or when they just had water/juice in them, or threw them out when we had milk or just didn't get a chance to rinse them.

Disposable Bibs and baby forks/spoons: The disposable bibs were great until she found out how to rip them off! Most of the time she just ended up wearing her food. I changed her clothes when she got TOO bad. That girl can get dirty just eating cereal; I don't know how she does it! The disposable forks/spoons were good because she's just learning that skill and likes to feed herself. They are safer than real flatwear, and more her size than plastic-wear.

Baby Leash: Pointless and dangerous. When she had it on, she would try to run away anyway and would fall down when the slack was gone. I only tried it once and put it away for the rest of the trip. We just kept her in the stroller unless we were in a place where we could keep a hand on her. I did see people using them for older children, which makes more sense.

See-Through Diaper Bag: My MIL bought me this before I left, and it really saved time at bag check! At one stop the security guard even held it up to show everyone! It was also easier for me to see what I had packed. I'm sorry, I don't know where MIL got it!

Grocery Delivery: We used gardengrocer.com to buy the juice boxes, Pepsi for DH and some breakfast/snacks. Cereal boxes made a great breakfast. Goldfish crackers were a constant snack. Once we switched to CBR (after 3 nights) we had a fridge so we bought milk--but she didn't really like it. Is there something different about Florida cows?

Make sure you bring plenty of wipes with you to the parks--we had to buy some at the child care station at MK one night and it was two bucks for a tiny little travel size package (not the kind in the hard plastic, either)! What a ripoff!

That's all I can think of right now, I hope that helps others!

 

[GEM]

Just wanted to add Table Toppers disposable placemats to the list, especially for younger toddlers. They stick right to the table and provide a nice, clean eating surface. My little guy is 3 and he, of course, eats of a plate now, but in the early days those things were great!! I still think they are one of the best invetions ever!

Also, disposable diaper changing pads. I think ours were Huggies brand. We would stick a bunch in our bag in the morning and then just throw them away after we used them on the changing tables in the restrooms. The idea of putting our changing pad down there and then putting it back in my diaper bag really creeped me out.

 

[kaysmommie]

Thanks for the great tips.

 

[huggiebear23]

Thanks for all the great tips. I packed all of that stuff and it is on its way to Disney now via UPS for our arrival next Sunday. I also got cheapy plates and spoons. Target sells 2 packs for 99 cents. My daughter likes to have her own little girl plate. We are staying off site at the Sheraton Vistana.