Why do people bring infants?

[m3retired]

Even if they don't remember, they still have fun (well, as long as they are old enough to be aware, so maybe 5 months?). And having that fun shapes their personality---whether they "remember" occasion or not.
Just like neglect or abuse at an early age shapes future behavior, so do joy and love and good experiences.

 

[Hikergirl]

I wouldn't bring an infant to WDW but I don't see an anything wrong with people who choose too. I have reasons why I wouldn't, just like they have reasons why they would, why does it even have to be questioned?

 

[Poppybeach]

I don't see that the OP was being judgmental. I think it's a good question I often asked myself and I am a parent. I have often felt so bad for the poor squalling, hot, miserable infant being slogged around Animal Kingdom on a 90 degree day. I saw it many many times and I always ask the same question myself. Personally, I rather make my whole family wait another year or two until the youngest is able to handle it a bit better. I took my son at 2 1/2 and that was a great time!
Just me but to each their own.

 

[Wonders10]

I don't see that the OP was being judgmental. I think it's a good question I often asked myself and I am a parent. I have often felt so bad for the poor squalling, hot, miserable infant being slogged around Animal Kingdom on a 90 degree day. I saw it many many times and I always ask the same question myself. Personally, I rather make my whole family wait another year or two until the youngest is able to handle it a bit better. I took my son at 2 1/2 and that was a great time!
Just me but to each their own.

I have had those thoughts in the past, or made comments, pre-baby, when I was at Disney, along the lines, of wow, I don't think I could handle bringing a baby that small to disney. Done. End of story. I think the fact the OP has asked this question on the forum, makes it seem like its part of a rant or something that has been on their mind for awhile and clearly feels against infants (hers or anyone elses) being in the parks. Just my feelings on the post. It didn't the vibe of asking for others opinions on "when to bring a baby"...it read more like, "why on earth would you bring a baby to disney?"

 

[RedStars]

IMO, babies are the easiest. It's the preschool stage that causes the issues. They have opinions all of a sudden. :shudder:

 

[Jfsag123]

I do have kids, but would not bring an infant to the parks. My entire reasoning would pretty much be just not wanting to deal with a baby while at WDW. That's my choice and what works for my situation. For others, bringing the baby is their choice and what works for them. I totally get wanting the memories for yourself. While I never took my kids to a theme park as babies (not even local ones), I did take them to meet Santa and to the zoo and things like that. They will remember none of them, but I will remember all of them and love those memories. The hassle of a theme park visit was just too much for me personally, though.

 

[nilla]

Disney changed our 8-month-old from a crying terror into a remarkably happy little girl!

 

[RustManFan]

I won't judge another person's decisions but I am so glad that my kids were 5 and 8 for our first trip.

Strollers were never an issue even when my DD and DS were little since neither or them could stand being in them.

 

[jo-jo]

We brought our 10 month old and had an amazing experience. Of course we know she won't remember anything, but we will treasure our memories of walking around with her, seeing the shows, some rides, and playing peekaboo with Mulan and Aurora. It was a really special trip. I'm sure it's not for everybody, but for us it was spectacular.

You are so right, I remember going to lion king show with our 9 month granddaughter. She was just totally amazed by the show. We were holding onto the back of her pants because she was leaning and bobbing around to see everything in the show.

 

[JRennie]

I have also always wondered this.

 

[Minniemoo15]

I personally wouldn't want to bring a baby (seems a lot of work), but I totally understand why some do. I left our 6 month old home with my ILs when we took our 3 year old. I'm sure I got some side eye for that, so you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Having children is inherently selfish.

I have had those thoughts in the past, or made comments, pre-baby, when I was at Disney, along the lines, of wow, I don't think I could handle bringing a baby that small to disney. Done. End of story. I think the fact the OP has asked this question on the forum, makes it seem like its part of a rant or something that has been on their mind for awhile and clearly feels against infants (hers or anyone elses) being in the parks. Just my feelings on the post. It didn't the vibe of asking for others opinions on "when to bring a baby"...it read more like, "why on earth would you bring a baby to disney?"

Not to mention slightly older kids.

"You are NOT under any circumstances to tell your sister that those princesses aren't the REAL Cinderella and Belle, or you are being sent to military boarding school, GOT IT?!"

(actual conversation)

 

[kangamangus]

If I had to wait until I didn't have an infant at home we would never go. Plus it's fun and the memories are for everyone, not just the baby. I still remember my now 5 year old sleeping on my shoulder as a baby while I looked up at the fireworks and thought to myself "I'm really grateful for my family, my life and the opportunity to travel as a family." Sounds corny but it's true.

 

[jsbowl16]

I always wonder what people are thinking or maybe I should say not thinking when they start a thread like this.

 

[AngiTN]

Because they want to. Does their reasons really matter to anyone but them?

 

[AP1209]

My wife had a friend who went to Disney World and they left the 2 year old girl with grandma at home. They took the 2 boys (8 and 6). She said she was too young to go. The sad thing about it was her parents did the same thing to her when she was little (took older siblings to Disney). Her parents said they would be going back to Disney so they would take her on the next trip. Guess what? They never went again. This is her first trip and she is doing the same thing her parents did to her. I shake my head every time I think of this story.

 

[poppinspenguins]

One could also ask why you, as an adult, are going by yourself. Probably many of us have been questioned on what others perceive as a childish vacation.

We Def got questions when we told people we were honeymooning there.

It comes off judgemental when you question why people are doing certain things and probably why so many are annoyed.

I have taken both kids at 7.months. it was super easy. Waaaaay easier than toddler.

I breastfeed so it wasn't an option. Also...I would be a worried mess leaving my kids.

I just don't understand people being confused by families at a family location.

Also agree with others....easier family vacation with a baby than almost anywhere else.

Parents are used to taking their child everywhere.. the store..the restaurant...church...running errands. At the end of the day Disney is just another place...they are free...go for it!

 

[AngiTN]

I always wonder what people are thinking or maybe I should say not thinking when they start a thread like this.

Same. Really, what dang difference does it make to others as to why someone brings an infant?

 

[TeresaWen]

One of my best memories was being at the princess dinner in Norway with my friend's family. I bought the baby a tiny Cinderella dress. Every princess that came to our table made such a fuss over her! She looked adorable. Does she remember? No way but we all do and 9 years later she still loves hearing the story and seeing the pictures.

 

[AngiTN]

I don't see that the OP was being judgmental. I think it's a good question I often asked myself and I am a parent. I have often felt so bad for the poor squalling, hot, miserable infant being slogged around Animal Kingdom on a 90 degree day. I saw it many many times and I always ask the same question myself. Personally, I rather make my whole family wait another year or two until the youngest is able to handle it a bit better. I took my son at 2 1/2 and that was a great time!
Just me but to each their own.

And this is exactly why the question is really just asking for trouble.