What do you take when travelling 'light' with a baby, and what do you carry it in?

[starshine514]

So, we bought APs last trip and have changed our group dynamic since our last round of APs. Our current group of AP holders does not include a wheelchair or ECV, so we are not attaching a rack to the back of our minivan for the drive to CA (nor is my dad, the king of tie-downs, going with us this round). So, for our first trip, the baby's stroller took up the majority of the behind-seat space in our minivan. My sister (one of the members of our travel party) requested that I get a smaller stroller for our next trip. I complied, purchasing a used Combi stroller that folds more compactly off of craigslist. However, the stroller has a couple of disadvantages compared to my lovely full-size stroller, including a lack of a parent tray and a much smaller underneath basket (with a bar through it).

So, we're going to need to pack lighter (during the day) for these next trips. What are your essentials for the park and how do you transport them? I'm thinking our usual diaper bag backpack (medium) is too big to fit in the stroller basket, and our full-size park backpack is out of the question. Any tips about what to take in the park and how to tote it around?

 

[SMD]

How soon is your trip? As of 2 days ago they were still advising against bringing unvaccinated infants into the parks.

 

[starshine514]

How soon is your trip? As of 2 days ago they were still advising against bringing unvaccinated infants into the parks.

I am aware of the measles problem in SoCal. Like I said, we bought APs. Our next planned trip is Dapper Day, but even if that one ends up being cancelled, there will be another trip after. So, I'm still looking for ideas.

 

[jasy]

When my son was a baby we would travel light by using the Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag.

Me or DH could wear it cross body or attach it to the handles of the stroller. It could easily hold enough supplies for the day. (diapers, wipes, small snacks, bottles, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, sun screen, etc)

I would then stash an extra set of clothes, diapers and wipes, plus a small blanket (something that could be tossed if needed) under the stroller in the basket.

I should add though that my "light" packing is also my heaviest. We've never travelled with multiple bags or back packs. When I take my son (5) solo, I use a small cross body bag and that's it. We don't pack in our own water bottles, etc.

 

[YukonMommy]

I am the queen of packing light! With 4 kids I have to be
In the stroller you need:
-a diaper for every 3 hours and a few spare (if less than 3 months 1 for every 2 hours!)
-a bag of wipes (great for bums and messy faces)
-an extra outfit for the baby in a Ziploc bag (if less then 3 months 2 outfits)
-if used an extra soother attached with a clip
-a baby blanket
-some toys attached to the stroller
-hoodies for nighttime can either be crammed into the stroller (roll them and you can stack them up at the front of the basket) or put in a rented locker.
-small bottles of water and small snacks if you prefer
*we do not use a diaper bag but put everything in the bottom of the stroller and grab what we need when we need it. I always carried a crossbody purse and hubby his wallet.

-Now depending on your baby:
-bottles with formula..best to get individual cans and bottles with changeable liners
-bottles with milk.....bottles with changeable liners and buy milk at the parks
-bottles with pumped milk...bottles with changeable liners and store your milk in a cooler in a locker
-breast fed....you


Have a magical time!

 

[geergirl]

We managed to travel very light with the kids in part because we took a break at the hotel every afternoon. Even so, we could have managed the whole day with only a couple more diapers. We used one backpack that DH carried and my purse (which was mostly taken up by my camera). In the backpack we had a change pad, a few diapers, pack of wipes, bibs, sunscreen, and some odds and ends like hair elastics and hand sanitizer. We kept water bottles in the bottom of the stroller. If your baby is fairly young and/or prone to diaper leaks I'd throw in a change of clothes that doesn't take up much space and a wet bag or plastic bag.

 

[AZMermaid]

We LOVE this bag. It is small and super easy to throw in the bottom of the stroller. On the dry side, I can fit 4-6 diapers, wipes, extra pacifiers, a sippy or bottle, formula divider, a few small toys, a wash cloth and a change of clothes. That is jamming it full! I actually split between the dry and wet side until/ if I need the wet side. My kids are out of diapers now and we still use this for any longer outing.

I would also bring sunscreen, a hat, a blanket and a second set of clothes in my backpack or the bottom of the stroller.

 

[3Gsandme]

I travel light as a rule. I hate lugging crap. I probably have/had a similar Combii stroller to you. We loved those things.

Anyhow, I breastfed so for infants, I really didn't bring bottles, etc. Hungry babies were nursed. An eating/drinking toddler meant I'd bring a sippie cup and MAYBE some goldfish (though, it's pretty easy to find toddler safe munchies just about anyplace). Diapers (more than you'd think ), wipes and a changing pad. I'd bring an extra change of clothes (but nothing bulky or heavy. t-shirt and shorts/leggings), a jacket (light. think fleece or hoodie) and sunscreen. That's it.

I had a large purse I bought super cheap at Famous Footwear that I could stuff in the basket on my Combi Actually, if baby is out of the stroller, you can wrestle pretty big bag in there.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I traveled light by 1. going back to the hotel mid-day for naps and restocking the diaper bag and 2. parking some emergency extras in a locker for "just in case". I had a backpack style diaper bag that I put baby supplies and my purse in, and I wore that backpack when DS was in the stroller. When I wore DS (in a moby wrap), I put the backpack in the stroller and used a lock to attach it to the stroller frame, and carried my purse with me on rides.

The backpack had a few diapers, wipes, and a changing pad, a change of clothes for DS, a burp rag, a small blanket, a few clothespins (to attach the blanket to the stroller) and the necessary feeding supplies. I stored a small bag in a locker with a few more diapers, another change of clothes for him, another burp rag, and some extra food. I also put sun screen and a few extra supplies for myself in that bag. It was a little bit of a hassle to get it from the hotel to the locker, and honestly I only needed it one day, but man, was I glad it was there when I did need it!!

 

[lovebug33]

Think about a 31 bag. I got one that is basically cotton and can be folded up but fits a lot of stuff. It was a retro metro fold over. Love it. I can keep a whole day in there once my daughters are out of bottles.

 

[DisneylandPlanner]

When I brought my 4 month old my saving grace was bring a bag just to put in the locker. With extra diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets and warmer clothes this way if there was a problem I could go get it, but did not have to lug it around all day.
I also made my diaper bag, a plastic gallon bag with just covers, wipes, diapers, and cream. Who ever was changing them would just grab that from the bottom of the stroller.
For feeding a brought my hooter hider and when they got old I used a gallon bag again to have bibs, spoons, placemats, and some toys. so at meal time we would just grab that bag out of the stroller.
I also had a gallon bag with one change of clothes and a blanket.

The clear plastic bags made security check easy.
Now that the kids are older I do not get a locker, but I will when we take number three next year!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Our situation is a little different because we have twins (who are 1 year old) and a 4 year old. But, here's what our plan is (we've done it with the older one, but our first time with the twins is in a week and yes, they have their first vaccination, so doctor said they're 'probably' okay to go by then). We put it in a Jansport backpack, which we've found in the past to have plenty of room and still fit in the stroller.

Items to bring in backpack: sunscreen, hats, 1 change of clothes per baby, 4 diapers per baby, wipes, snacks (goldfish, fruit snacks, water bottles), sippy cups, light jackets, medications (epipen and benadryl for 4 year old, tylenol for babies, ibuprofen for mommy and daddy)

Items to attach to stroller: toys, blankets

We also have a carrier for each baby (mei tai style--Babyhawk is our favorite, but we also have an infantino one) so that when we're on the tram, train, or anywhere else where we've had to leave the stroller, we can carry the babies and go hands free. The ones we have roll really small, so we can put them in the stroller or backpack.

 

[DZLVR]

I must travel really light with kids, and maybe it depends on age. A backpack is nice but I'd shove it in a locker and go back for extras. I have Sherpani bag that is 6 inches by 8 inches maybe 2 inches thick, it has several pockets and is a cross body. But I'd carry 2 diapers, 1 plastic bag sided small thickness travel wipes, a travel tube of 70spf sunscreen, chapstick, pain relief neosporin and 3 bandaids in a small plastic case. Wallet? NOPE I take ID, 2 cards and room key, my cell, no CAMERA, and I have a small tin that I carry adult and child meds in an assortment of benedryl, ibruprofin, tums, imodium and one travel size tampon just in case. I get through check points in a flash and it fits in those little bags on the roller coasters. I even pin some trading fodder pins on the strap, so I can trade. Once I had a baby leash and another time I had an ergo baby carrier I wish he wasn't so heavy the moby would have been easier.

Sometimes you honestly have to re look at what your carrying and ask will you really use this? Both of my boys even at 2 NEVER slept not being carried not in a stroller so blankets etc not needed. No favorite toys, We bought snacks and water in park there are so many healthy options. I often am to busy enjoying to take pictures so although I have a cool camera, getting it out is a pain when I have a cell phone, My normal wallet can be as big as my disney bag so dumping all the reward cards, baby pictures, coins makes space. I think I will eventually change out to a Vera Bradley Mini Hipster in a Disney Print. It is a similar size to my current bag, and I'd love to have the Disney print for my Disney Trips.

 

[starshine514]

Thank you all for the ideas! I love hearing what everyone else does, it's inspirational. if we get to go as planned, my baby will be almost 11 months next trip (if not, she'll be 13 months the following trip). She is breastfed (that may continue a while; she's shown a reaction to dairy, including formula) and is allergic to commercial wipes and many brands of diapers. I stupidly let her taste egg the other day, and ended up at the ER. So, I'll definitely want to be bringing in food/snacks/etc. that are already proven safe for her, instead of planning on buying her anything in the park.

We did some Ziploc stuff last trip; it sounds like several of you use them a lot! We may step it up a bit more so that everything is a bit easier to find. I still have trouble with the idea of leaving anything in the stroller basket when it's parked. I mean, diapers and wipes are easy to replace, but not so easy for me b/c of her allergies. Losing them would mean heading back to the hotel. I'm also (sigh) a germaphobe, so any baby items (blankets, sweatshirts, toys) would have to be bagged before being put in the undercarriage basket (older kid and adult sweatshirts could be tossed underneath bagless, though). I definitely have to take 2 changes of clothes for her; diaper blowouts can happen daily. Luckily, her clothes are teeny.

For those that use a carrier and a stroller, do you find the carriers worth it? I have an infantino sash mei tei, which I like (I loved it when she was tiny), but it takes me a good 5 minutes to get it on and get her situated in it. Then, it takes me almost that long to reverse the process. It doesn't help that she doesn't like the carrier as much now that she's older, either... Do you only use them when they're fed up with the stroller (and you have to carry them anyway) or are they simply convenient at times?

I have a friend that sells 31, DH has been happy that I've managed to stay away from the parties so far, but I may have to take a look. Actually, I'll research all the bags listed (especially the one with a wet/dry side - I need to see what that is about).

 

[AZMermaid]

I loved my Ergo and I have seen them at TJ Maxx. It was a lot faster to put on then my Moby. I used it mostly for lines. It was a great alternative to holding a wiggly baby. But, I am not sure I would buy one just for DL... if you plan on having another kid though, it might be worth it to buy one now. Some people use them well past two, but for me, I stopped regular use around 1 and theme park use around 18 months.

 

[jasy]

For those that use a carrier and a stroller, do you find the carriers worth it? I have an infantino sash mei tei, which I like (I loved it when she was tiny), but it takes me a good 5 minutes to get it on and get her situated in it. Then, it takes me almost that long to reverse the process. It doesn't help that she doesn't like the carrier as much now that she's older, either... Do you only use them when they're fed up with the stroller (and you have to carry them anyway) or are they simply convenient at times?

Our family used the carrier all the time, more often than a stroller at Disney or otherwise. I had a custom Olives and Applesauce and a Baby Hawk Oh Snap. My DH and I used both up until my son was about 2. Both carriers used clips/snaps not ties (though I had a couple mei teis, and other wraps as well) so they were easy to get on and off.

My son loved being in the carriers and so for us it worked great. When touring we would usually just park our stroller somewhere and then walk around with my son in the carrier.

If my son fell asleep that's when we would transfer him to the stroller or if he was tired of being carried (which was rare for him), or I was tired or carrying him, etc. We're really laid back, just go with it type travellers with our child so we would just watch his cues and go from there.

All that being said, if your daughter isn't keen on being in the carrier I would probably not bring it because it could end up being more of a hassle than anything.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

For those that use a carrier and a stroller, do you find the carriers worth it? I have an infantino sash mei tei, which I like (I loved it when she was tiny), but it takes me a good 5 minutes to get it on and get her situated in it. Then, it takes me almost that long to reverse the process. It doesn't help that she doesn't like the carrier as much now that she's older, either... Do you only use them when they're fed up with the stroller (and you have to carry them anyway) or are they simply convenient at times?

We use the carriers only when convenient. If there's a longer line for a ride, it's an option, or if we're going on a few rides in an area (like Fantasyland at DL or Bug's Land at DCA), then we use them. Otherwise, we don't use them a lot. The only other time I can think of is when we were going back to DLH on the monorail once. We left the stroller in the park and just used the carrier since we were only going to check in then come right back. The walk even from the monorail to the hotel room (Frontier tower) was much longer than we thought and the carrier was a lifesaver with a tired kid.

The mei tai carriers are actually easier I think with toddlers/older babies. My son hated being carried at all even as a baby, but when he was 2, it was the only way I could carry him for a long time without breaking my back. If they're tired enough, they're not going to care. But then, that may just be my kids.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Haven't read the other responses. How old is the baby?

We have this for our stroller to add some extra storage...
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12881522&cp=&parentPage=search

We then use a small backpack from walmart to put underneath the stroller.

You could also rent a locker to put any extras in.

 

[DZLVR]

Looking at the mei tei carrier I wouldn't by an Ergo they are $$$$ and baby's weight doesn't seem to be an issue. I loved my Moby because a bra and a tank made the moby an over shirt I "wore" all day and put my son into when he was tired and kept it on when he wasn't.

Depending on time of year of your visit a long line with no stroller makes a carrier nice. Summer makes it hot but lines are longer. I was able to ride most rides with the carrier an ergo still on, so I wasn't taking it on and off having yet 1 more thing to hold which is a pain.

My kids liked to be on the move and never slowed down at 4 they could walk the park for days with the grown ups with only an afternoon nap at the hotel. I have 1 picture of my son at 10pm after WOC in the stroller when he finally fell asleep. I took the picture because it was the only time I saw my kid in a stroller asleep.

If your baby does nap and sleepin stroller or while being carried a carrier might be nice to have your arms free, and leave you mobile enough to still enjoy the park and not be stuck with the stroller.

Plan your day in your head on paper think when will they want a snack or a rest and think of what items you will want when and your flow through the park. You don't have to follow it exactly when you get there but it might help you plan better what you will need.

 

[starshine514]

Haven't read the other responses. How old is the baby? We have this for our stroller to add some extra storage... http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12881522&cp=&parentPage=search We then use a small backpack from walmart to put underneath the stroller. You could also rent a locker to put any extras in.

She will be 10.5 months on our next (planned) trip (subject to health advisories, of course).

That's interesting! I may run by BRU and see what it looks like in person.