Why do people bring infants?

[ELSA711]

18 months is fine by me, that's a toddler age to me. I'm talking fresh out of the womb wrinkly little 6 week old babies here.

I took my 5 week old tent camping for a week so I'm not one to comment, LOL
It's all good to me. They are my kids. If we have something planned, then they are coming. That simple IMO

 

[sunshinemelody]

I don't see what the big deal is, babies are free, and you can still enjoy a lot of Disney as an adult with a baby in your arms. its a fun place for all ages.

I don't think OP was making it a big deal so much as just wondering why--some folks have given reasons--they're brought in.

 

[momtwoboys]

our sons are now 15, 17 and yes we brought them as young as 10months old. sitting here now prepping for our last family of 4 annual disney trip. we never regretted taking oldest on his first trip as a baby. looking back at the pictures together and all the family memories is compeltely worth it. babies can enjoy time with mom and dad at disney! our trips have been priceless. high school graduation and college coming up make the memories.

 

[wilkeliza]

I've heard different reasons but one I hear most was that they had planned the trip a year out and baby was a surprise but their other children had been so excited and so looking forward to the trip that they didn't want to cancel "because of the baby" so that their older kids have yet another thing taken away because of the baby. Others go with their infants because they love the parks and know having an infant doesn't mean you should be shunned to the house and since Disney is a place for families it isn't out of place to have a crying infant there.

Also there are many rides that are perfectly fine for babies. Anything with out a height restriction is fine for infants and most families take their little ones on that.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We have 3 kids, so if we never took an infant that would mean we'd have to wait about 10 years until the youngest was "old enough"

We have brought an 8 month old and a 1 month old (separate trips) and both times had great trips. The characters are great with the infants - some really awesome photos and my oldest (who is 7 now but was 8 mo her first trip) loves looking at the pictures of herself from that trip

I get they won't remember it but it makes for great memories for our family as a whole (or at least has for us) ... and like I said, the option is wait 10 year or so until everyone would be old enough

And actually, ever time we have gone the youngest member has been the easiest / provided the less stress

Obviously every family is different and if someone decides not to take young ones that is totally awesome - but it worked for our family

And lastly, while we have to rider swap on some rides, we'd still have to do that even with the 4 year old and there are a lot of rides babies can go on ... heck, there have been many rides the infant was nursed on - gotta multi-task

 

[CinderellasKastle]

The original post has a very judgmental tone, which I think is the reason for the somewhat chilly response.

Just another day where people are getting their panties in a bunch about something they read on the internet

 

[sunshinemelody]

We have 3 kids, so if we never took an infant that would mean we'd have to wait about 10 years until the youngest was "old enough"

We have brought an 8 month old and a 1 month old (separate trips) and both times had great trips. The characters are great with the infants - some really awesome photos and my oldest (who is 7 now but was 8 mo her first trip) loves looking at the pictures of herself from that trip

I get they won't remember it but it makes for great memories for our family as a whole (or at least has for us) ... and like I said, the option is wait 10 year or so until everyone would be old enough

And actually, ever time we have gone the youngest member has been the easiest / provided the less stress

Obviously every family is different and if someone decides not to take young ones that is totally awesome - but it worked for our family

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.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Personally, we didn't want the hassle of diaper changing and strollers and feedings and all that, so we decided to wait until our child was potty trained and able to walk and ride rides.

It was hard to wait, so I understand why people don't. It's really all about patience.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

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.

Well, my wife nursed the kids so leaving them for more than a few days is really hard. Plus that is a lot to ask the family members (not to say the wouldn't but it is an ask).

I know some people do that and if it works for their family, then great - but we've had fun as a family and it is great to see the kids (even the infant) in matching close meeting characters and make for great pictures

 

[MammaMoe48]

Personally, I wouldn't go on a huge, expensive vacation with an infant and there is nothing worse than listening to a screaming infant at the table next to you when you are trying to enjoy a nice dinner but that's just me. On the other hand, by your logic, why bring a 3 or a 4 or a 5 year old? They tend to scream and melt down too. We waited till our son was 4 before our first "real" vacation because we didn't want to lug around an infant and we didn't want to miss anything fun because he was too small. To each his own.

I just don't like it when parent expect to get special treatment because they have an infant in their arms. If I've been waiting patiently for an hour for the show to start and you come in ten minutes before showtime, don't expect me to give you my seat. And if your kid starts screaming, go outside so everyone else can enjoy the show. But that goes for those with older kids too. The only thing worse than a screaming baby is a screaming toddler who's also kicking the back of your seat.

 

[coasternut22]

When I had my first child, I realized I didn't want to change who I was just because I had a baby. I camp, I travel, I go to theme parks. Having a baby isn't going to stop me. That's why I took my baby camping, to Hawaii, and to Disney. To answer the OPs question: its because I want to continue to do the things I want to do in my life.

 

[sunshinemelody]

Well, my wife nursed the kids so leaving them for more than a few days is really hard. Plus that is a lot to ask the family members (not to say the wouldn't but it is an ask).

I know some people do that and if it works for their family, then great - but we've had fun as a family and it is great to see the kids (even the infant) in matching close meeting characters and make for great pictures

I didn't even think about nursing; some women can only bottle feed and others need to do the boob. That does put a lot more factors into it, for sure. I find this interesting as I've had many friends leave their baby with family (but they're formula-fed, so I guess it didn't matter).

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

When I had my first child, I realized I didn't want to change who I was just because I had a baby. I camp, I travel, I go to theme parks. Having a baby isn't going to stop me. That's why I took my baby camping, to Hawaii, and to Disney. To answer the OPs question: its because I want to continue to do the things I want to do in my life.

Kudos to you! I hope I'm able to give my children all kinds of experiences from the time they're very small.

 

[TXStormtrooper]

I've been with babies, including newborn twins. It didn't negatively affect my trip or anyone else's for them to be there. Maybe it isn't for everyone, but it is for many.

 

[robinb]

Why is this such crucial information? Whether I have children or not doesn't change my opinion.

Well, yes it just might change your opinion. I had many opinions on children and parenting that changed drastically when I had a child and became a parent. Some of those opinions were about children at WDW. For instance, I thought that kids shouldn't to be at the high end restaurants (aka 'signatures') late at night ... until I couldn't get an ADR myself until 8:30 and I was "one of those" parents that brought their child with them to a late dinner and said child fell asleep in my lap.

 

[Gillyrose779]

What?? Isn't it obvious why people ask if you have kids? Unless you have kids you can't fully relate and will not understand my reasoning.

I have a 5 and 6 year old. If we have a 3rd child, not likely- LOL, I have no problem taking them. So what if they don't remember- I will. I have the best pictures and memories of my youngest when he was 2 that I will never forget and make me smile now just thinking of them.

So what if I can't go on rides- Disney is just about rides- it's an experience- one I can easily share with a baby.

 

[busymommy2pink]

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.

While we never went with babies, if we didn't have such a huge expense to get there (flying from Canada with the crazy high air tax) we probably would have. In our situation, we actually don't have any family support. We don't even get date night, so a vacation with just the older child would never happen either. I did bottle feed, but a lot of mommies nurse. That could be it as well I didn't mind toting my baby wherever I went when they were little. It was just my life. And let's be honest, a week at Disney with a baby is better than a week a home with one hehe

 

[serenitynow]

For some parents it is emotionally very difficult to leave their infant behind for a multi-day period. The bond between a baby and its parent is hard to explain until it happens to you. Which is why I think people were asking if you were a parent. Emotionally it is harder to leave a baby behind than it is to leave your pet at the kennel.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We brought our younger DS when he was 8 months old...My older DS was 7 at the time and the trip was more for him than for my 8 month old. It was A LOT of work and yes my hubby did hang with the infant more so than with us, but we still had a ton of fun and it was a good experience...would we do it again? I dunno truthfully, probably would bc we are die hard Disney fans, LOL...but both my kids absolutely love Disney and even though my younger DS won't remember the trip when he was 8 months old...I will remember and it was a great trip!

 

[ELSA711]

I guess I always lived as 'why wait'. What are you waiting for? I live every day as though tomorrow would never come. If I want to take my kids to WDW and we have the 'means'. Why not?!
If they are infants so be it. I'm not living my life for anyone else. If you feel my children would damper your vacation experience then maybe don't go. LOL
They won't damper mine.

 

[TXStormtrooper]

When I had my first child, I realized I didn't want to change who I was just because I had a baby. I camp, I travel, I go to theme parks. Having a baby isn't going to stop me. That's why I took my baby camping, to Hawaii, and to Disney. To answer the OPs question: its because I want to continue to do the things I want to do in my life.

Exactly our philosophy!!! We have enjoyed adding each child to the mix of our very full and abundant life. We have also enjoyed camping and hiking with a baby, theme parks, etc. They have just added to the joy and blessing of each experience. We couldn't even imagine putting our lives on hold until they are "older" or, even worse, leaving them behind. We are a family and enjoy being together and sharing these experiences with them.