Why do people bring infants?

[snowman]

I am an adoptive parent of a 7 year old and former foster parent of a toddler and later a newborn. Would I have made the choice to take the newborn to Disney? No way...I would have taken advantage of,the option of respite care. But that is a choice our family would have made based on what works best for us.

However, leaving your baby at home should be an option that is equally acceptable as bringing them. There are those who get judgey about bringing tiny babies.....but there are also those who get judgey about leaving them home with a trusted caregiver. Both options should be allowed based on what works best for your family. Maybe you want to leave the 6 month old home to give your 6 year old some "only child" time. It's your money, your decision.

But as one previous poster said, do t expect special treatment just because you decide to bring baby. I staked out my seat an hour ago......don't expect me to give it up for you just because you have a baby. And I won't expect you to give yours up for my 7 year old.

 

[Mikie]

My answer reads like a compilation of a lot of PPs.

I took my 3rd child at 5 months.
- we decided that taking each child at just before 3 was a great time - magical outlook and still free - big sisters age meant little bro would be an infant on the trip
- we had started planning far out, THEN discovered there would be an infant joining us, decided to stick with it
- breastfeeding the infant was actually a lot easier than handling baby food stage on other trips
- it wasn't a "once in a lifetime" trip, so it didn't feel like we were unnecessarily complicating our one big shot at Disney
- leave with a trusted family member we're lucky to get an occasional evening, much less a week! Lots of trusted family members, just none that generous/crazy I guess
- we go in the fall when the heat's not crazy
- we do tons of things with infants that they won't remember. That's not really the point
- assuming we were going to vacation at least somewhere when our kids are infants and not just put life on hold til the last kid is 3+, WDW is a great/easy destination


Challenges:
- not riding all the rides. We rode tons all together (babies can ride a LOT) but aunt who traveled with us and parents split occasionally to ride with older kids. It wasn't a significant portion of our time and one adult was usually ready to sit or get a snack anyway
- it's LOUD a lot of places. Just used ear plugs for baby, easy enough
- stroller - tons of people have strollers at WDW and we would have had one for big sis anyway. It's that or wait until everyone is at least 4+ & we weren't waiting that long!
- crying/intrusiveness. Luckily we had no troubles with baby being troublesome at inopportune times, but if we had, we'd handle it just like anywhere else and try to remove them from disrupting others.

 

[muenginerd]

Our kids go everywhere we do. Honestly, they've been to concerts, breweries, festivals, sporting events, you name it. It doesn't change anything for us. We wear our babies so it's pretty easy to move around with the kids on our backs and still comfortable enough we can go all day like that.

It's a personal choice for us, we prefer to do everything as a family. But I understand it's not a choice for everyone.

Grandpa asked us why we are taking the kids next year. They wont remember it. Two simple answers, they're free, and we'll remember it and have the pictures to show them.

 

[Mikie]

But as one previous poster said, do t expect special treatment just because you decide to bring baby. I staked out my seat an hour ago......don't expect me to give it up for you just because you have a baby. And I won't expect you to give yours up for my 7 year old.

I didn't catch that post - do people really encounter others expecting special treatment because of a baby? (Any more than any other age child?)

Reminds me of my mom asking for a senior discount at the medical supply store. Cashier said "no ma'am, 90% of our customers are seniors, these ARE the discount prices"

 

[MainMom]

I'd like to know - why bring an infant to the parks? From what I have observed, there's very little for them to do, they don't remember anything when they're that young, and there's always a parent that has to stay back away from the rest of the group riding rides, and misses out on everything. The parents with a screaming baby in their arms look miserable. Then again, the parents with a screaming 4 year old in their arms look miserable.

My friend responded to this question once - "Because it's illegal if you leave them at home" - funny, but you also have this insane unpopular choice of not going to Disney until your infant is older.

But that's just my opinion.

Why celebrate baby birthday's? Get them presents for Christmas? Take them to 4th of July celebrations? To the zoo? They should definitely be left at home at all times. No one in the family should go anywhere until everyone can remember it.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I'd like to know - why bring an infant to the parks? From what I have observed, there's very little for them to do, they don't remember anything when they're that young, and there's always a parent that has to stay back away from the rest of the group riding rides, and misses out on everything. The parents with a screaming baby in their arms look miserable. Then again, the parents with a screaming 4 year old in their arms look miserable.

My friend responded to this question once - "Because it's illegal if you leave them at home" - funny, but you also have this insane unpopular choice of not going to Disney until your infant is older.

But that's just my opinion.

How old should children be before they leave their homes? Should infants only avoid Disney, or all vacations? What about activities closer to home? (Play grounds, museums, etc). And consequently, I suppose parents should also not enjoy themselves until all of their children are "old enough" - too bad for elder siblings, too! (There are plenty of us who don't have anyone we either trust or who are able/willing to babysit for extended periods of time. Additionally, we live 5k miles from family and Disney vacations are an opportunity to meet up at a place we all enjoy and see one another.)

I was taken to Disneyland for the first time at age 4 and remember the trip. Conversely, there are things I don't remember from high school.

My daughter has been to Disney World five times and Disneyland once, beginning at 19 months (she's now 8), and has loved every trip. DS has been to both Disney World (at just under 2), and Disneyland (under 3), and both remembers the vacations and had marvelous times. Our other DS also seemed to thoroughly enjoy Disneyland, and he's an infant. Should we consult a child psychiatrist to see when they estimate the kids will start to retain memories before we take vacations?

Additionally, DH and I, and the grandparents we've gone on vacation with, have always had a good time. We've never had to suffer with any fussing children, no matter what their age; and we've been able to ride everything we want. We also have tons of pictures from our trips that we absolutely cherish (and which we let scroll on our computer, so we see them every day).

If people have the money, they should be able to do what they want with it, and that includes taking as many vacations they want and with whomever they want, including infants.

 

[Minnesota!]

My only requirement was my kid was sleeping through the night. Screaming child in a hotel at 3am is no fun...for anyone.

Infant until mobile is the easiest time to take a young child...until about age 6 or so. They just sit there, in their carrier/sling/stroller. They don't whine for Mickey bars, or mind if you are taking a breather on a bench, or if you are going on IASW for the 8th time. They just need you, something in a bottle, and a changing now and then.

Hell, my 9 year old barely remembers things from trip to trip...but they are having fun and are content and happy within the moment.

 

[Hezzy04]

This just brought me back in time!

My ex-husband and I used to visit Disney World every Spring. I was between the ages of 22-25 for those trip. I didn't have any children yet and remember that every year, we had the same conversation. I always told him that I couldn't imagine bringing a small child. The families always seem stressed and there are too many expectations for young children. Parents push their kids to do too much because they spent a lot of money, and want to make it "worth it". I also decided that there was no way I would consider bringing a child under "maybe 8".

Fast forward!!! I am now re-married. Last year we took my then 3 and 4 year old to Disney World and it was the most amazing trip ever! I couldn't imagine it being more perfect if I tried! I thought their ages were perfect and we all had a great time!

It just makes me laugh because my perspective totally changed. Before kids, I had extensive experiences with other kids. Lots of family and students (I teach). However, having my own completely changed me.

I understand that my kids were still 3 and 4, which isn't babies, but now I don't think there is a thing wrong with bringing a baby. Would I do it? Probably not, but only because trips are expensive and I would rather save and go when baby was a bit older. However, for those who are in a better financial situation, I think it's great if they want to bring their baby!

So I guess my reply isn't really that useful, but I just wanted to share because it just brought back a memory.

 

[robinb]

It was a question. Or at least that is how I read it.

Maybe I missed the judgement.

I said this back on page 3 ...

Asking the question and having an opinion is one thing. I think what set people off was this comment:

My friend responded to this question once - "Because it's illegal if you leave them at home" - funny, but you also have this insane unpopular choice of not going to Disney until your infant is older.

But that's just my opinion.

It wasn't her opinion, but the sarcasm directed at people who bring infants to WDW.

 

[TeresaWen]

I'll always give up a seat on transportation to an adult holding a child. They go back to their hotel and tend to their children. My husband and I go back to the hotel bar for a nightcap

and I remember holding my friends sleeping four year old on the boat back to the beach club. Someone got up for me. Sleeping little ones do not feel little while bring held!

Don't think anyone expects it but it sure is appreciated. Anyone can sprinkle pixie dust

 

[hookedonears]

I'd like to know - why bring an infant to the parks? From what I have observed, there's very little for them to do, they don't remember anything when they're that young, and there's always a parent that has to stay back away from the rest of the group riding rides, and misses out on everything. The parents with a screaming baby in their arms look miserable. Then again, the parents with a screaming 4 year old in their arms look miserable.

My friend responded to this question once - "Because it's illegal if you leave them at home" - funny, but you also have this insane unpopular choice of not going to Disney until your infant is older.

But that's just my opinion.

While I understand your question. Why clog the parks with strollers with infants (just born to 1 year), when they HAVE an option to leave same at home with Grandparents etc. Makes no since to me either. On the other end, I've seen parents screaming at 7 year olds at WDW as well. (2) is about as young as I'd take a child. Our daughter was 2-1/2 and we all had a great time. On the other hand, I can remember when she was in middle school and she was the daughter of NO. Lets go ride this "No". Lets go ride that "No". I can remember at that time, longing for our 2-1/2 year old back.

 

[cruisingtwins]

Serious question: why not just leave them with trusted family?

I see everyone's reactions and opinions on this, it's not really divisive, but, I'm curious.

My infants were breastfed so leaving them anywhere was not an option.

 

[AngiTN]

I didn't catch that post - do people really encounter others expecting special treatment because of a baby? (Any more than any other age child?)

Reminds me of my mom asking for a senior discount at the medical supply store. Cashier said "no ma'am, 90% of our customers are seniors, these ARE the discount prices"

Come on, it's the world today, people expect special treatment all.the.time
But no, I don't think people expect more when they have an infant.
Maybe some feel more guilty about not giving it when there is an infant involved?

 

[mefordis]

I'd like to know - why bring an infant to the parks? From what I have observed, there's very little for them to do, they don't remember anything when they're that young, and there's always a parent that has to stay back away from the rest of the group riding rides, and misses out on everything. The parents with a screaming baby in their arms look miserable. Then again, the parents with a screaming 4 year old in their arms look miserable.

My friend responded to this question once - "Because it's illegal if you leave them at home" - funny, but you also have this insane unpopular choice of not going to Disney until your infant is older.

But that's just my opinion.

Because I don't want to stop my life for a handful of years waiting for my baby to grow up so I can finally have some fun. Plus, they do cater to babies and children at Disney (baby care stations, etc.)

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

I'll always give up a seat on transportation to an adult holding a child. They go back to their hotel and tend to their children. My husband and I go back to the hotel bar for a nightcap

and I remember holding my friends sleeping four year old on the boat back to the beach club. Someone got up for me. Sleeping little ones do not feel little while bring held!

Don't think anyone expects it but it sure is appreciated. Anyone can sprinkle pixie dust

I will also offer a seat to someone who is pregnant or holding a sleeping child. Sometimes they accept & sometimes, as one woman told me, "Thanks, honey, but if I sit down, I'm not getting back up."

I don't think they're necessarily entitled to special treatment, but if it's nothing to me to stand & would make their life easier, why not? There was also a trip where someone accidentally ran over my foot with a wheelchair, it hurt, and I sat every chance I got until it felt better. Nobody acted as though I was awful for not offering at those times.

The parade thing, no. Trying to cut in front of others who have been waiting is rude whether you have a baby or not.

 

[EdmondD]

Infants? What about why do people bring old people? I mean, you face the same issues - they smell, you need to change their diaper, they have an extremely limited diet, they can't ride anything, and they probably won't remember the trip.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I didn't catch that post - do people really encounter others expecting special treatment because of a baby?

Just the guy a few years back who demanded to be let on the full bus because he had an infant, and when the bus driver said the bus was full the guy tossed the baby at the bus driver and then tried to punch the driver. Somebody got it all on a cell phone. The baby was fine, the driver caught it. The most interesting thing was that the bus driver was about three times the size of the guy, and he was there whaling on the driver's great big arms and the driver wasn't even moving. Then the dude got arrested.

 

[ELSA711]

Infants? What about why do people bring old people? I mean, you face the same issues - they smell, you need to change their diaper, they have an extremely limited diet, they can't ride anything, and they probably won't remember the trip.

This should be fun now

 

[pcoleman]

I went 7 months pregnant. Trip was planned over a year out and I wasn't going to miss it. Yes, I couldn't do everything but I learned to appreciate many things I had never experienced before. Like exploring resorts. When my child was not quite 2 I was sent for a work conference. Not wanting to miss out my whole family came. No, my daughter doesn't remember the trip but I sure do. What a wonderful time seeing things through her eyes. We sometimes forget as adults. We have taken her every few years. Every trip has been a special one because of her age. Our last trip was for her 13th birthday. Still very magical. We are planning next trip in a year. Can't wait to find out how special it will be.

 

[Mikie]

Infants? What about why do people bring old people? I mean, you face the same issues - they smell, you need to change their diaper, they have an extremely limited diet, they can't ride anything, and they probably won't remember the trip.

Geez, I'm glad you ducked! But I must admit, one trip with grandparents they kept talking about "going at the little ones' pace" when really we were all going at grandparent pace!