What's the youngest you have or would take a baby to WDW?
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DisFlan
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pweyl36 said:
We're probably in the minority here, but I agree with you. We'd been several times without our son prior to his first trip. We waited until he was 6. He was a VERY high energy, noisy baby and toddler. We didn't want to inconvenienced other guests with him. Plus, by waiting until he was 6, we didn't have to deal with strollers, diaper bags, cribs, naps etc. Meals were MUCH better at 6 than when he was younger. (Lines would have been a nightmare when he was 2 or 3.) He enjoyed his first WDW trip at 6...and so did we.
But YMMV. I really think it depends on the child.
DisFlan
We took DD at exactly 3 months (to the day, although it was a coincidence). It was mid June, so it was HOT, that was the hardest part. She was also breastfed and we did use the babycenters, but I also nursed wherever we happened to be when she was hungry. She spent most of the time in her stroller (w/ rayshade & fan) or being carried. I felt it was way too hot for anytype of carrier/bjorn. We flew down/back (actually, we met DH down there, so I flew w/ her myself) and had no problems at all (nursed during takeoff/landing and she played/slept for most of the flight).
It was a very fun trip (just the 3 of us), but we had a better time when she was 7 months. HOWEVER, part of that is probably b/c of the 3 month trip (us parents learning the "ropes" to WDW as an infant... had we not had that learning curve at 3 months, it would have probably needed to be experienced at 7 months.)
I did have the opportunity to go to Orlando/WDW when she was 2 months, but she was our first, and we had also moved across state when she was 2 weeks, closed on a house when she was 4 weeks, and had to have her in the hospital at 4 and 5 weeks, and I personally really want to go on vacation, but needed a few weeks of "stability". (Since we were at about 6 weeks when I had to make the decision!) In retrospect, I probably could have handled it, but I was very comfortable at 3 months and will always treasure the memories of that first trip.
It was a very fun trip (just the 3 of us), but we had a better time when she was 7 months. HOWEVER, part of that is probably b/c of the 3 month trip (us parents learning the "ropes" to WDW as an infant... had we not had that learning curve at 3 months, it would have probably needed to be experienced at 7 months.)
I did have the opportunity to go to Orlando/WDW when she was 2 months, but she was our first, and we had also moved across state when she was 2 weeks, closed on a house when she was 4 weeks, and had to have her in the hospital at 4 and 5 weeks, and I personally really want to go on vacation, but needed a few weeks of "stability". (Since we were at about 6 weeks when I had to make the decision!) In retrospect, I probably could have handled it, but I was very comfortable at 3 months and will always treasure the memories of that first trip.
Thank you all for your input.
As for not taking kids before they're older, it's not going to be possible - I've been pregnant (so in utero is the youngest
), with a 1 year old (and 3 year old), and then up from there. As for going with the new baby - I'm not too worried, since we'll have to have diapers and wipes for the toddler anyway, and tiny baby diapers are smaller and more compact. Plus there's a Sam's and Super Target right down the road, so if we run out, we'll be okay. 
And nothing packs and travels like breastmilk. It's always heated up and ready to serve. 
I guess it just doesn't intimidate me to bring a baby with us - we traveled with my now toddler when she was 2 months and she did SO great. Far easier than she is now, at 2.
And as for inconveniencing other guests, I think that a baby crying is far less inconvenient than an older child throwing a temper tantrum, or a teen blasting music or slamming doors in the middle of the night, or groups of unsupervised school-age kids running up and down hallways in the hotel. I mean, when you're in a hotel a lot of things can be distracting or noisy. A tiny baby's squeaky cry isn't going to be any worse than other things - and after all, it's Disney World! People go there and expect there to be kids and babies, yk? Where else can I bring six kids to a restaurant like California Grill and wear capris and sandals?
I found the Baby Bjorn Air - and it looks interesting. I might have to get it and see how the baby likes it. The One Step Ahead link didn't work for me (I think there's an extra "e" in there) but they didn't have it, anyway. I did find it at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...32920/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/102-4859703-7244919
And then, I was considering getting this stroller, which works with our infant carseat:
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=6050GRT&CategoryID=2
We have great strollers, but I don't think they'd be very cool or comfortable for the baby. Do you think that I should skip the carseat and just be sure I have a comfy stroller for her? Maybe carry her in the Bjorn on the busses and then put her in a lightweight stroller? We have a twin traveller that I could use for her, as a newborn, but I'd have to get an extended shade for it - like this:
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/86214/325762/117.html#readmore
Would that be enough coverage in a side by side? Or should I get a single stroller that I can pop her carseat in and use an extended shade - and bring a separate stroller for her older sister? (We've done it both ways - twin strollers or two singles, and neither was necessarily easier)
As for not taking kids before they're older, it's not going to be possible - I've been pregnant (so in utero is the youngest
), with a 1 year old (and 3 year old), and then up from there. As for going with the new baby - I'm not too worried, since we'll have to have diapers and wipes for the toddler anyway, and tiny baby diapers are smaller and more compact. Plus there's a Sam's and Super Target right down the road, so if we run out, we'll be okay. And nothing packs and travels like breastmilk. It's always heated up and ready to serve. I guess it just doesn't intimidate me to bring a baby with us - we traveled with my now toddler when she was 2 months and she did SO great. Far easier than she is now, at 2.
And as for inconveniencing other guests, I think that a baby crying is far less inconvenient than an older child throwing a temper tantrum, or a teen blasting music or slamming doors in the middle of the night, or groups of unsupervised school-age kids running up and down hallways in the hotel.
I mean, when you're in a hotel a lot of things can be distracting or noisy. A tiny baby's squeaky cry isn't going to be any worse than other things - and after all, it's Disney World! People go there and expect there to be kids and babies, yk? Where else can I bring six kids to a restaurant like California Grill and wear capris and sandals? I found the Baby Bjorn Air - and it looks interesting. I might have to get it and see how the baby likes it. The One Step Ahead link didn't work for me (I think there's an extra "e" in there) but they didn't have it, anyway. I did find it at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...32920/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/102-4859703-7244919
And then, I was considering getting this stroller, which works with our infant carseat:
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=6050GRT&CategoryID=2
We have great strollers, but I don't think they'd be very cool or comfortable for the baby. Do you think that I should skip the carseat and just be sure I have a comfy stroller for her? Maybe carry her in the Bjorn on the busses and then put her in a lightweight stroller? We have a twin traveller that I could use for her, as a newborn, but I'd have to get an extended shade for it - like this:
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/86214/325762/117.html#readmore
Would that be enough coverage in a side by side? Or should I get a single stroller that I can pop her carseat in and use an extended shade - and bring a separate stroller for her older sister? (We've done it both ways - twin strollers or two singles, and neither was necessarily easier)
KristiKelly
<font color=red>DIS Veteran<br><font color=purple>
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I have the Baby Bjorn Air, I ordered mine last year online when they were brand new only a handful of places sold them. I LOVE IT!!! We were down in Sept and it was around 90° everyday, DD was not hot in it and actually never broke a sweat - newborns prefer warmth over cold. I worried more about her getting cold in the shows, rides & restaurants. I did see them on Targets website and maybe try e-bay. When we went, we had not planned on taking a newborn but with 2 other kids that were 7 & 5, we couldn't make them wait a few years to go back. We go every year anyway and knew the things that we could skip. Just as a warning, Animal Kingdom always feels about 10° hotter than the other parks so you may want to get there early. We skipped it altogether last trip. I agree with you 100%, a crying newborn is not nearly as loud as a tired, screaming 2 y/o. Have a great trip!!!!!!!!
Thanks!!! It's great to hear someone's experience with it
Any advice on sun protection for a newborn? Should we get her one of those UV romper things and a UV hat?
And yeah - it's hard to explain it when you have other kids Especially one big thirty-year-old kid.
Any advice on sun protection for a newborn? Should we get her one of those UV romper things and a UV hat?
And yeah - it's hard to explain it when you have other kids
Especially one big thirty-year-old kid.
KristiKelly
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My ped. gave me samples for Blue Lizard, they make one that is specifically for babies. I've never bought it, just used the samples. I also used a hat. We kept her facing us most of the time during our trip in the Baby Bjorn. If we were walking straight into the sun, we would just put our hands over her legs or drape a blanket over the Bjorn and let it hang down to keep her covered but we only did that maybe once or twice. I just put sunscreen on her before going out and then again midday. We had no problem at all. I also bought a sunshade that attached to our strollers sunshade and we used that alot as well.
I also wanted to add that anyone who wants to wait until their child is at least 5 before going to WDW, you truly don't know what you're missing. To see all the "magic" through a little child's eyes that really "believes" is a wonderful experience. Work - Yes but still wonderful. By the time DS was 5, he was pointing out that Pluto's tongue felt like plastic and he had started to look at how things worked on Peter Pan's Flight. I still get tears when I think about DS telling me when he was 2-1/2 as we left MK one afternoon, "Mommy, this is the best place to go" and the 1st time DD (@ 2-1/2) saw the characters. She was scared of them until Pooh walked over, lifted up her chin and kissed her on the forehead. After that, she loved them. I always say go for it at a young age because it is just bigger than life and so magical for them. JMO
I also wanted to add that anyone who wants to wait until their child is at least 5 before going to WDW, you truly don't know what you're missing. To see all the "magic" through a little child's eyes that really "believes" is a wonderful experience. Work - Yes but still wonderful. By the time DS was 5, he was pointing out that Pluto's tongue felt like plastic and he had started to look at how things worked on Peter Pan's Flight. I still get tears when I think about DS telling me when he was 2-1/2 as we left MK one afternoon, "Mommy, this is the best place to go" and the 1st time DD (@ 2-1/2) saw the characters. She was scared of them until Pooh walked over, lifted up her chin and kissed her on the forehead. After that, she loved them. I always say go for it at a young age because it is just bigger than life and so magical for them. JMO
We are leaving in a few days with our 10 week old, 2 and 4 year old.
We are planning on using the Baby Bjorn and a double stroller. Our 4 year old will walk most of the day I think, if she doesn't and really wants to ride we will rent a stroller or purchase an umbrella stroller while down there.
I wish I had seen the mesh Baby Bjorn before now. I may have purchased it. I still may go see if they have it at Babies R Us. We own the dark blue one, and I really dislike it even here in New England because I find it too warm.
On another thread there was people talking about a sling made out of Solarveil(UV protection material). I was really interested in that, but because I had never used a sling before I didn't want to spend the money, not knowing if I would like it. It seems like a great idea and if there was a store near by that sold it, I would probably try it out.
As far as a sun shade I think if I lay my double stroller all the way back the sunshade will cover him all up.
And thanks for the name of the sunscreen. I asked my Pedi. and they kept telling me not to use sunscreen! I came home knowing I was putting WaterBabies on him at least! My sister who lives in AZ told me about some sunscreen for younger babies but she didn't know the name. Thanks again!
We are planning on using the Baby Bjorn and a double stroller. Our 4 year old will walk most of the day I think, if she doesn't and really wants to ride we will rent a stroller or purchase an umbrella stroller while down there.
I wish I had seen the mesh Baby Bjorn before now. I may have purchased it. I still may go see if they have it at Babies R Us. We own the dark blue one, and I really dislike it even here in New England because I find it too warm.
On another thread there was people talking about a sling made out of Solarveil(UV protection material). I was really interested in that, but because I had never used a sling before I didn't want to spend the money, not knowing if I would like it. It seems like a great idea and if there was a store near by that sold it, I would probably try it out.
As far as a sun shade I think if I lay my double stroller all the way back the sunshade will cover him all up.
And thanks for the name of the sunscreen. I asked my Pedi. and they kept telling me not to use sunscreen! I came home knowing I was putting WaterBabies on him at least! My sister who lives in AZ told me about some sunscreen for younger babies but she didn't know the name. Thanks again!
I never could get comfortable in a sling, myself. I agree. I'm going to have to try the Bjorn, though.
Is this the sunscreen - the one for babies? The warning still says to ask a doctor if they're under 6 months, but I guess it seems better than the regular chemical-based stuff.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/p...=145406&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND
Is this the sunscreen - the one for babies? The warning still says to ask a doctor if they're under 6 months, but I guess it seems better than the regular chemical-based stuff.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/p...=145406&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND
My DD was 18 months the first time we took her and she did amazing. She loved riding all around in her stoller and taking everything in. We didn't even have to go back to the hotel for naps because she would simply fall asleep as we strolled along we'd lay her seat back and let her sleep. We had actually considered leaving her home since we feared she may be too young, but were VERY happy with how well she did.
It was a slightly different story when we returned one year later - at 30 months. She still did great, but she never slept in her stroller and wanted to get out and walk sometimes. I did purchase one of those "mommy's helper" leashes and she did OK with that.
Our son was 3.5 & 4.5 on those same trips and he also did very well.
It really has so much to do with the temperment of each individual child and your previous theme park experience. We take our kids to a large amusement park each summer, so they are used to the lines, etc.
It was a slightly different story when we returned one year later - at 30 months. She still did great, but she never slept in her stroller and wanted to get out and walk sometimes. I did purchase one of those "mommy's helper" leashes and she did OK with that.
Our son was 3.5 & 4.5 on those same trips and he also did very well.
It really has so much to do with the temperment of each individual child and your previous theme park experience. We take our kids to a large amusement park each summer, so they are used to the lines, etc.
java
<font color=darkorchid>I am embracing the Turkey B
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Through the years I have taken all ages I guess the youngest was my ds last year he was 4 months. If it is going to be hot when you go I have a few suggestions...One step sells a clip on baby proof fan. It was a Godsend on our trip- kept baby cool in JULY! Also I would put a washcloth in ice overnight and then pack it into a ziploc bag with a little more ice. Then throughout the day I could do a mini cool down when needed.
. Facing infertility, I'd savor every minute of it 
. Do whatever makes you happy We took our baby to Disneyland (not WDW) when whe was just about to turn 6 months old. She was a dream in the park -- she could sit up in the stroller and just loved looking at everything. She was a nightmare on the plane, though. I tried the bottle, pacifier, etc but she pretty much screamed the whole time. We weren't the favorites on the plane!! But everyone I know that has taken a baby under 3 months old say they sleep so well on the plane, so that should work really well for you. It wasn't too hard dealing with diaper changes and bottles, either (my baby refused to nurse after 4 months, so we had to do the bottle thing). It was so fun!
One thing though -- even my oldest 6 yrs) had problems with her ears popping despite us giving her gum to chew. She cried for a good 2 hrs after we got off the plane because they would NOT pop, even with us telling her do this, do that. And my 3 yr old threw up (thankfully not on the plane) If anyone has any tips for older kids on planes, I'd love to know . . .
You will have such a fun time, enjoy
One thing though -- even my oldest 6 yrs) had problems with her ears popping despite us giving her gum to chew. She cried for a good 2 hrs after we got off the plane because they would NOT pop, even with us telling her do this, do that. And my 3 yr old threw up (thankfully not on the plane) If anyone has any tips for older kids on planes, I'd love to know . . .
You will have such a fun time, enjoy
mickeymousemom
Missing: Three tags last seen in this space. Larg
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My youngest was 3 months old when we took her and we had no problems!
Alysa
DIS Veteran
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5 week old after getting our peadiatricians okay - had a great time. Would only go with a baby this young if you go often. Missed out on doing a lot by spending time relaxing and recovering at the hotel. Wonderful trip though - wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Yep - we're frequent fliers Not a lot on our "agenda" - we each have some favorite attractions (thankfully mostly shows - except the oldest who goes on ToT and HM with her Daddy) and we are always low-key, no schedules (except meals! Our favorite part!)
Not a lot on our "agenda" - we each have some favorite attractions (thankfully mostly shows - except the oldest who goes on ToT and HM with her Daddy) and we are always low-key, no schedules (except meals! Our favorite part!) freckles and boo
<font color=blue>I occasionally lurk on the UK boa
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Hi. This is my first posting - I have been reading these boards for about a month and nothing has quite caught my attention like this topic.
I'd hate for my first time to come across as negative or unpleasant but I really have to disagree with many of you. Although this is a very personal decision and each family has make choices that work for them (especially when there are older kids involved), I don't understand why someone would take tiny infants into the often intense Florida heat and expose their brand new immune and nervous systems to thousands of strangers. Most newborns, especially breastfed babies, share some of mom's immunities. Even so, people come to Disney from all over the world and have all varieties of germs. It is absolutely terrifying to have a seriously sick baby. I would wait a few months until the baby can sit up in a stroller, can reach out and grab Mickey's nose. Then it is an experience for the baby, too!
With respect,
Ang
BYW - to actually answer the question our older daughter was 15 mos and our younger was a little over 2 years.
I'd hate for my first time to come across as negative or unpleasant but I really have to disagree with many of you. Although this is a very personal decision and each family has make choices that work for them (especially when there are older kids involved), I don't understand why someone would take tiny infants into the often intense Florida heat and expose their brand new immune and nervous systems to thousands of strangers. Most newborns, especially breastfed babies, share some of mom's immunities. Even so, people come to Disney from all over the world and have all varieties of germs. It is absolutely terrifying to have a seriously sick baby. I would wait a few months until the baby can sit up in a stroller, can reach out and grab Mickey's nose. Then it is an experience for the baby, too!
With respect,
Ang
BYW - to actually answer the question our older daughter was 15 mos and our younger was a little over 2 years.
lclark0621
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We took DS at 9 months old & it was perfect. I dont think I would take one any earlier. Especially in the heat. Plus there are so many germs everywhere. I just would not want to take the risk.
At 9 months old, DS was sleeping plenty at night, so that DH & I could be well rested for the day also.
He napped on our shoulders or in his stroller. And he really enjoyed himself.
Free dining or not, I just wouldnt risk taking a tiny baby to WDW.
At 9 months old, DS was sleeping plenty at night, so that DH & I could be well rested for the day also.
He napped on our shoulders or in his stroller. And he really enjoyed himself.
Free dining or not, I just wouldnt risk taking a tiny baby to WDW.
sietzsounds
I miss Horizons
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in May '96 we went to disney w/ our daughter, she was 6½ months @ the time.... no problems..... we loved the baby center @ the magic kingdom (right near the crystal palace) we made frequent stops there!!!!
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