Would you go pregnant or with a newborn?--UPDATE!!

[pooh4evr]

Dh's parents want to take family to WDW for Christmas present- time frame is from November to March. We hope to have another baby which would be due early next year so question is would you go 7, 8 months preg or take a NEWborn?

 

[mommy*RN]

I would probably go if I was pregnant (as long as the doc ok'd the trip) but I don't know about a new-newborn. We were planning to go last October to Disney, but then I found out I was pg. My DD was born in Aug and would have been about 2 mo if we kept the date we planned. I didn't think I would be able to cope with DS and a newborn. I know there are many people out there who take newborns and they probably have great advice...but for me I don't think I could have done a newborn in Disney.

When you are pg, you can rent an ECV for easier touring...but you miss out on some rides with restricitions.

I guess both have their pro's and con's...

Good Luck!
__________________________

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

If you're flying, the choice may not be up to you - most airlines will not let you fly after 26 weeks. Also, most doctors will say the same thing.

Of course, the disadvantage of taking a n/b is there too - plus, keep in mind that even in Jan, you should still have some sort of sun protection, and I don't believe that you should put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months.

Any chance the inlaws could make it earlier?

Mrs. PB

 

[Bird-Mom]

If you're flying, the choice may not be up to you - most airlines will not let you fly after 26 weeks. Also, most doctors will say the same thing.
Mrs. PB

This is not true. I flew at 34 and 35.5 weeks when I went to WDW and was pregnant with my youngest. I was huge and no one said a thing. I don't know about the doctor part, since I will only use midwives, but my midwife didn't bat an eye when I told her about the trip. The cutoff for airline travel is 36 weeks, but you can fly if you have a note from your care provider.

I am also a student midwife and have seen clients travel past 26 weeks. The cruise lines do have earlier restrictions though.

That said, I would go when pregnant. I think it would be easier than going with a new newborn. I did go when my oldest dd was 6 months and we had a great trip.

 

[labst60]

We took DD at 3 months in late June.
As far as sun protection, we did use a limited about of baby sunscreen, but got a ray shade for the stroller and very lightweight SPF blankets from onestephead.com She was perfectly fine - no problems with the sun.

It would be much easier in January as the crowds/heat wouldn't be an issue. I would do it as long as the baby was 6 weeks +.

 

[justhat]

I think the date airlines stop allowing you to fly without a note from your dr is 36 weeks, not 26. Same goes for my dr's advice-not in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, but even that he's flexible on depending on the case. When I was pregnant with my daughter we flew to Florida and I was 30 weeks but looked about 45 weeks and not one person even asked me a question. This pregnancy we'll be flying to my BIL's graduation when I'm 26-27 weeks and I know American's policy is 36 weeks so we're fine there. Cruise ships though stop at 26 or 18 weeks I believe.

That said, I went to WDW at 19-20 weeks with my daughter and 16-17 weeks this time, and I would go again later in my pregnancy if it weren't for the fact that it will be the summer and way, way too hot for me. If it were January though I'd go without hesitation during my 3rd trimester.

As far as taking a newborn, we took my daughter for her first trip May 19, 2004 and she was born February 26, 2004, so she was not quite 3 months old. She was due March 12th though so shoudl could have been even younger cause the dates were set before she was born. It was the easiest trip I've ever taken with her and I have no regrets. Our pediatric group says sunblock is fine on babies under 6 months old so we used it everyday with Madison without a problem, but kept her completely shaded at all times anyway so we didn't really need the sunblock. With this baby, we are planning our 1st trip for early December and he's due August 28th (with the expectation that he'll be induced around 37-38 weeks so more of a mid-August birthday) so he should be around 3-3.5 months old. But this free dining thing is really making me want to plan a trip earlier, around 9/30-10/4, and if we do end up doing that he'll be less than 2 months old. Now, with my daughter that was an easy trip, but with a 2.5yo and a newborn I'm sure it will be different. We're still thinking about it, but clearly since we're even entertaining that idea we have no objections to taking our newborn. And my husband is a dr (well, he will be when he graduates on 5/21) and therefore biggest germophobe you could ever meet, but he doesn't have a problem with taking our newborn son along either.

So, after my long-winded opinion, bottom line, yes, I'd go. You'll have family to help you care for the newborn if he/she is already born, or if you're pregnant you'll have some help with your other 2 kids. It might not be the easiest trip in the world, but definitely won't be the hardest either and I think the benefits outweigh any negatives.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

hi there! i went pregnant last year (7months) and i just took a letter from my dr. confirming how far along i was (i was huuuge) in case there was any problems and it also helped to carry in my bag in case of emergency (since it had my Drs. info on it).

That sam trip our DD was 9months old and it went GREAT! DS will be 9months this year when we go again! it's fun either way!!

 

[abcboys]

I vote for neither!! Actually if I had to chose I would chose go pregnant. You won't be able to ride many rides but will still have a good time. My last baby was VERY cranky for the first 4 months. He was A LOT of work. There would be no way we would have lasted at WDW. I remember taking walks around the block with him and him screaming. Having said that you may have a more easy going baby than I did.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I think I would go for pregnant, if there were no complcations with the pregnancy. (and IF you could back out easily if nessasary.) It took trips at 32 weeks (to WDW for a long weekend) and 27 weeks (to orlando and Vero Beach.) Both worked out great. However I had no real way of knowing how I would be dong at that point in both pregnancies, so the trips were planed about 4 weeks in advance. (or less.)

I think you MIGHT be able to get away with a winter trip with a young child, but personally I feel more comfortable only planning a trip for a baby after they are born, so we know what kind of situation we are dealing with and how well they travel. There is just too many IF's when planning for a child who isn't in your arms yet. I think about 3 months is as young of a baby that I would want to take (if I had the option.) I think over 6 months is better. (my girls 1st trips were at 9 months and 7 months.) Not planned for their ages at the time, just when we were able to take the trip.

What ever you plan, there is someone who has done it either way (or didn't.)

Best of luck and congrats!

 

[Ariel8676]

I have been to WDW Preganant and with a newborn. I didn't have a problem either time. Either way you will have to take it easy and don't over do it. Take time to relax and make sure you take breaks throughout the day. Good luck wth your decision, you can still have a great time either pg or with a newborn!!!

 

[fakereadhed]

I went when I was 3 months pregnant, and had a great time but I am not much of a thrill rider so it didn't matter. After having 2 uneventful full/post-term deliveries, I went on bedrest at 6 months and delivered at 7 1/2. I guess my point is that these are not things you can really plan for. If you decide to go, travel insurance is a must.

 

[scrapmoose]

I went 2 months pregnant and am going in May 17 weeks pregnant. I have never brought a newborn and don't plan on it, but we don't book so far in advance so that isn't a problem. I had no problems being pregnant except for being tired more. Pregnant you can't ride the thrill rides or the Indy cars but other than that you will be fine. I would prefer to go pregnant over bringing a newborn (they are so much easier inside to take care of )

 

[Aneille]

I'd choose newborn.

My DH wanted a vacation earlier this year but I was pregnant. I just did not want to go anywhere while pregnant. I'd be upset about not going on the rides, or missing out on that awesome magarita in Mexico.

So we are going to WDW in early May. My newborn will be just shy of 3 months. We also have a 4 and 2 year old.

Hopefully we will come back alive!

Honestly, I don't think it will be bad. I am really looking forward to it.

 

[AZonie Mom]

Ok, gotta put my post in for NOPE!! LOL!! First of all, this is just my opinion mind you, but I'm thinking why would you spend the money to go there and not be able to ride on a fair amt of rides? Tis a fact that WDW is kinda expensive. Also, remember too with newborns, that most pediatricians give the advice to not take the baby out in public for at least 6 weeks, so their lil immune system can build up. Again, not trying to make waves, and its probably the medical background talking, but I just wouldnt risk it...pregnant or not. You never know what kind of bugs people are carrying with them, especially in a close knit cabin of an airplane. But, basically, its YOUR decision only LOL Best of luck to ya! Cool present though!

 

[lillygator]

I haven't read all the comments...but I did both....

We went when I was 6-7 months pregnant (and had a 2 year old)and also with a 4 week old....we are "local" so no flying issues for us.

Our trip when I was pregnant was in Oct - we did 4 nights/5 days, Mnsshp and had a blast. I had no problems walking, nor riding most rides....in fact me, DH and DD all squished into one of the race cars at MK! I was warm - pregnancy warm - but am used to the hot humidity of Florida so no big deal.

The first time we took the baby was in late Feb/early March and we also had a blast. She was great - went on all the kiddie rides in a Baby Bjorn or was in the stroller. We took the Ocean Wonders tabletop swing and she slept in that in the room. We took her back in May and was great then too.

We have gone multiple times since then and with both my girls, the younger they have been the easier it has been. Both my girls were pretty "easy" babies. They slept through the night starting at 6-8 weeks and were go with the flow - I think we kind of "made" them that way. Of all the things I have read regarding parenting the best thing I found was to "train" your children...in the sense - don't keep the house perfectly quiet when they are sleeping or they will become sensitive to noise etc. I just applied that to most everything. Now I do realize that not all children are this way, some are sensitive to light, noise etc and that is just how they are. You can't really predict that ahead of time. I am just fortunate that mine - as babies - were great...now ya wanna talk 3 year olds....that's another story!

 

[lillygator]

Pregnant you can't ride the thrill rides or the Indy cars but other than that you will be fine.

really? I must have passed the sign without noticing...we rode it - dressed in our Halloween costumes to boot!

 

[jeepgirl30]

I haven't read all replies yet but I went pregnant. I had to go for a conference so decided to fly DH along. As far as the airlines it is 35/36 weeks. My docs said the same.

The only down fall is the limits on the nightlife and a few rides. I never felt like I missed out but a few times I felt DH would have preferred someone on the coasters with him.

I would not want to take a newborn. Worrying about bottles/BF'ing and schedules, oh my.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[glass slipper girl]

I'm going at 16 weeks with my Mom and my sons, at 24 weeks just me for a weekend with some friends and then again at 31 weeks for a short trip with the kids. We planned all of that before I got pregnant (this is a surprise baby). I considered cancelling the last trip (which is in September) and we gave some thought to all going for the 24 week trip but decided we'd stick with the original plan. I have trip insurance "just in case" and our itinerary is for a real "take it easy" sort of trip. We will likely return when baby is about 5 or 6 months old.

I have friends who have gone with babies of various ages and they all seem to think that the best "baby age" to go is when they are between 4 months and 7 months. They are sleeping well, eating on a more predictable schedule, more alert, more predictable temperment by that age BUT they aren't terribly mobile yet so they aren't fussing to crawl or hold your hand and walk all through Fantasy Land.

There are pros and cons to both ways. Going pregnant will be a nice "last hurrah" as a family of 4 and not having to worry about all the "baby stuff" but baby's first trip would be awfully special too!

 

[3littleHalls]

I would say it is easier to go pg than with a newborn. I went at 34-35weeks pg with our third. We didn't fly, but I have flown at 8mos pg before. Just have to have the dr. ok it. I didn't ride anything that would be too jerky or had the warnings. I walked the whole time while on our trip, but I saw several pg ladies in wheelchairs. Have a magical trip!

 

[justhat]

I did want to add that my daughter was a very high maintenence baby. She had to be held every waking moment from birth till she was almost 4 months old. She's now 26 months and I can count the number of nights she has slept through the night (though she did sleep okay as an infant-she'd wake once from 10pm-7am from 6 weeks old till 4 months). She hated her stroller, carseat, or anyplace other than mommy's arms.

Most people would consider it insane to take a baby like her on any vacation, especially WDW. But ya know what, it was the best thing ever. She didn't cry once the entire trip and I think a lot of it had to do with her high maintenence personality. I wore her in a Baby Bjorn the entire trip (cause remember she hated her stroller) so she was happy as a clam cause she didn't leave mommy's arms for 6 days. The only time she was out of the Bjorn was to nurse or be changed.

So even the most challenging babies can be okay on vacation-in fact it was easier for me than staying home with her cause in WDW I had nothing to do but hold her.