What can a baby do?

[kjetjl]

We have taken our 4 youngest children when they were infants. It can be so much fun to watch their faces as they take it all in!
I just held the babies, usually with a light blanket-there can be blasts of cold air from the a/c.
About Pirates...The first time I ever went to Disney was when my third child was 3 months old. I had her on my lap. I wasn't really holding her, just letting her lay there. The rides we had been on before were very gentle and this had worked well for us. I didn't know about the "drop" and at the last minute my DH quickly told me to hold on to her tight. Thank goodness.... she probably would have been fine but I held them pretty close on the rest of the rides after that!
Honestly, the rides are great for little ones. Have a wonderfully magical trip with your friend and her family!!!

 

[kaylajr]

sounds like you got lots of GREAT answers here
I am gonna move this over to the Families board here on the DIS
for some more input

 

[PrincessRora]

From what my parents have told me, it was easier taking me to Disney when I was 6 months than when I was older. We went on everything there wasn't a height restriction for and went to just about every show. I don't remember the trip at all, but one of my favorite things to do growing up was look at the photographs and watch the home movies my parents made of that trip. Mom would usually watch with me, reliving the moments. I loved that even as an infant, I was delighted by disney. Even at 21, I still like to go back and look at the photos or watch the videos every now and then.

Also, other than loud noises, infants don't really fear things like older kids do: The dark, ghosts, etc. So mom and dad even took me on Pirates and The Haunted Mansion. Apparantly, what scared a three or four year old didn't even phase me.

 

[Colleen27]

Infants are wonderfully portable and Disney is wonderfully accomidating! As has already been mentioned, babies can go on anything without a height restriction, and you can baby swap on rides that do have restrictions. Sept is still very hot, so you'll have to make sure to keep the baby hydrated and protected from the sun, but there's no reason why your friend shouldn't be able to have a great time with the little one along, especially since you're willing to help out!

One thing to keep in mind is that many attractions are pretty loud. We use silicone swimmers' earplugs for our 6yo and we've already talked with the pediatrician about options for the baby-to-be, who will be about 4mo on her first trip. He suggested the same style earplugs but with a headband to hold them in place, because they can be a choking hazard if baby gets hold of them.

 

[Bethy Lou]

If they are set on going, leave the baby with family back home...I'm sure g-ma & g-pa would love the spoilage for a couple days. She should enjoy the trip as a "scouting trip" for when the baby is 4-5. That gives 4-5 years to plan and save. Have to get over the "guilt" for not being fair to the baby...what would the baby remember anyway, uh nothing. What can the baby do? ....coo, drool, spit-up, sleep, coo some more.

If she is stressed about the baby...again, leave the baby at home. She won't be catching the experience/magic because she'll be stressed. (Not to mention the people around who will also wonder why someone would bring such a small "screaming" baby to a show.)

Before you say I'm a heartless meanie. I have two kidos and I love them very much (and most other children I come in contact with as a teacher). Just being realistic and recalling all the times we have had the "can you beleive that" moments as we observed others fighting the children at the happiest place on earth.

I'm not saying that the trip would be horrible - Just figured I would give another perspective...

WOW! I disagree with a lot of this. We lived near Disney World when I was a kid and I grew up going there from an early age. When my brother was born he went with us all the time and there were NO problems with him being there as a baby. I am a teacher too and even though I have seen fighting kids at school and at the park that does not mean it will be crazy for her. Ya'll should have a fantastic time at the happiest place on earth for all ages!

 

[Mocharilla]

Personally, I disagree with a lot of this. Every family is different. Every child is different. One shouldn't automatically assume that there are grandparents who are alive and able to take a young baby to care for. Furthermore, travel with a baby doesn't have to be stressful at all. A little careful planning can go a long way. If we waited to do things until the baby was old enough to appreciate or remember them, then we'd never do anything.

I agree with you. I know we're bringing out DS, who'll be 9months. We chose to bring him with us, but had we wanted to leave him with grandparents, it wouldn't really be an option. Although they're all alive, they all still have jobs. My dad'll be taking a week off to come to Disney with us, though. My grandparents want us to let them watch DS while we're there (they live in West Palm Beach), but we want to do it as a family. Sure, they may not remember, but we will. There'll be great pictures and memories!

Plus, when he's this young, he can't fight with other kids.

I think this'll actually be our least stressful trip to Disney we'll ever have!

 

[Taja]

We had a 14-week-old baby with us in December 2007. He loved WDW! He wasn't bothered by the noise--but he does go bowling twice a week at home, so he's comfortable sleeping when it's quiet or noisy!

This trip was planned as ladies only--grandma, daughter and grandaughter--and me (family by choice) over a year before this little guy decided he was ready to enter our world! His father couldn't take 10 days off work, and neither could his grandfather (other grandfather is deceased and grandmother lives in the midwest), so he came with us.

He travelled beautifully. Flight from BUR (CA) to PHX, then change planes and on to MCO--a little over 6 hours total. The flight attendants adored him--he's a happy little guy. The biggest issue with flying (according to mom) is diaper changing on a very full flight. It's really challenging.

We stayed at Pop Century, and he was wowed by the colors and sounds. His favourite ride was Buzz Lightyear--he went on it three consecutive times and was laughing his heart out!

Babies who are well-socialized seem to do very well when travelling. But babies who are secure in the love of their family always seem to be fine, as well--even if they are a bit less socialilzed.

Strictly observations. Absolutely no practical experience beyond this trip. I was lucky--no work and lots of cuddle time with the little one!

 

[tjmw2727]

Both my dd's visited WDW as babies and it was wonderful. Leaving either of them home on a family vacation wasn't an option.

Like PP's have mentioned the baby can go with you on any attraction without a height restriction as long as mom is comfortable doing so. For us this included all the dark rides, even haunted mansion and pirates of the carribean, the ride in norway and mexcio pavillions etc.

You didn't ask but....
I recommend a fully reclining stroller with a sunshade and if your going in the warmer months a clip on fan for extra breeze and white noise.

IMHO a sling or snugli is a must for a baby/toddler, you can't bring the stroller in line and in some pavilions, you can also wear baby on most rides if you like.

Use babyswap (rider switch) to eliminate a double wait for parents and older siblings on the height restricted rides.

The babycare centers are excellent but with only one in each park you should know that diaper changing can be done in any restroom. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding can be done anywhere including slow dark rides, shady benches or other nice spots you can find.

In addition to the great advice here a great FAQ on traveling to WDW with a baby can be found here;

http://allearsnet.com/pl/infant.htm

Have fun
TJ

 

[abolanwoski]

I just came back from taking DD3 and my 4 week old to DLR. She did great and we got to ride everything she wanted to . All kidding aside, so many people made comments about how "brave" I was, but at this point, all she does is eat, sleep and poop! Nothing brave about that. It's much easier than trying to control them after they start walking, (DD was 14 months and INSISTED on walking all the time!) The only thing with a small infant, we stayed in a suite ($$$$$$$) so that DH and DD3 wouldn't be woken every 3 hours for the feedings. And of course, we took a pretty slow pace, which we've done ever since we started having kids.

No, she won't remember it, but I will and DD3 had a great time (and loved having some attention, now that she has to share at home)

 

[jdcamp]

I have a 2 1/2 yr old and 10 month old. My sons first trip to Disney was at 8 weeks old. We have been 6 times since. We have never had any problems. We have a front pack for him that he really loves. Now that he is forward facing he really feels like he is a part of everything. He enjoys all of the Fantasy land rides. He's been on Pirates, Haunted House, Buzz Light Year. Honestly, I don't think having a baby has slowed us down. You should take advantage of the fast passes for the rides the baby can't go on. This way the person watching the baby won't miss out on too much. Our kids love the show on the steps of the castle at Magic Kingdom. Have fun

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

Everytime I check this thread I find more excellent info! Thanks Disers for your help!

 

[Freyja]

If they are set on going, leave the baby with family back home...I'm sure g-ma & g-pa would love the spoilage for a couple days. She should enjoy the trip as a "scouting trip" for when the baby is 4-5. That gives 4-5 years to plan and save. Have to get over the "guilt" for not being fair to the baby...what would the baby remember anyway, uh nothing. What can the baby do? ....coo, drool, spit-up, sleep, coo some more.

If she is stressed about the baby...again, leave the baby at home. She won't be catching the experience/magic because she'll be stressed. (Not to mention the people around who will also wonder why someone would bring such a small "screaming" baby to a show.)

Before you say I'm a heartless meanie. I have two kidos and I love them very much (and most other children I come in contact with as a teacher). Just being realistic and recalling all the times we have had the "can you beleive that" moments as we observed others fighting the children at the happiest place on earth.

I'm not saying that the trip would be horrible - Just figured I would give another perspective...

First of all not everyone has someone to look after their kid while they´re away on vacation for a week. Secondly, lots of people enjoy having their family together although it may limit them in some ways.

I personally would never be able to enjoy my time at WDW if I left my baby behind. I actually wouldn´t even be able to leave a 5 month old behind for a week since I would still be breastfeeding.

 

[nytimez]

My daughter is not yet 3 and has been to WDW four times, she was 8 months old the first time. She has really enjoyed every trip... even at 8 months old, she was making noises at the animals in Animal Kingdom and enjoying the sights and sounds of other places, taking everything in as babies often do.

My only suggestion is that you take your cues from the baby... don't force anything and go along with what they seem to enjoy, and back away from anything they don't. Common sense, I know, and maybe not for everyone - but that's what has worked for me.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

As long as you are prepared, you'll be fine. DS was 8 months his first time, and we plan on taking 3.5 month old twins in September! Honestly, like others have said, it is EASIER, before they can walk! I'm one of those people who can not imagine leaving my child at home, while we go to Disney. And, you will be able to go on everything without a height restriction...which is actually quite a bit. Babies seem to love all the lights and just looking around. If he needs a quick cool nap while at the park, we always go to a longer show, like, Hall of Presidents at MK and American Adventure in Epcot, to relax. (as long as they stay quiet )

Tell her not to stress...ENJOY!

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

I'm excited to see this thread - just found out this morning that I am pregnant! I'll be 23 weeks during out September trip, and the baby will be 10 weeks old during out March 2009 trip! Great tips!

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

Well, I have another question and thought I'd drop it in here!

My friends are staying at ASMu, I have read that they can get a frig at no charge because they have an infant.

Is this true? If so, do I need to call in advance and request it?

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Well, I have another question and thought I'd drop it in here!

My friends are staying at ASMu, I have read that they can get a frig at no charge because they have an infant.

Is this true? If so, do I need to call in advance and request it?

No. I do not think that is true. I have never heard that. It cost $10.00 per night and you do have to request the frig on your reservation before you arrive.

 

[Freyja]

Well, I have another question and thought I'd drop it in here!

My friends are staying at ASMu, I have read that they can get a frig at no charge because they have an infant.

Is this true? If so, do I need to call in advance and request it?

I think you can only get them free of charge if you need them due to medical reasons (to store medicine in, etc.).

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

OH, ok, glad I asked!