Thursday, June 27, 2013

Disney Baby Pointers

Having little ones at Disney is so much fun and exciting, especially if its their first time.  However it can also be stressful and nerve racking when you are trying to find a spot to feed, change or soothe your baby.  Since having this little bundle of joy our Disney trips are going to be filled, yet again with stops at the baby centers in each park.  3 years ago I was doing this very same thing except I was frantically  hunting these spots out for peace and quite.  Since I have been in this situation a few times at Disney I have developed a few tricks to making our days stress free and more fun for everyone.  First off here is a great link to a blog that will help you get to know the baby care centers in each park. 


 Here are my pointers for those Disney guests with babies...

1. Leave your big bulky Diaper bag at home and purchase a diaper backpack for your days at the park and for traveling...Below is my "Diaper Backpack" made by Skip Hop.  There are many other brands, but I loved this particular brand the best because it was smaller yet could hold a ton of items needed for our family.  What I love about it is that it is big enough to hold diapers, wipes, bottles, extra clothes, my keys and wallet and even has room for some of the older kids small items.  It also hangs perfectly on the back of the stroller...Its sealed shut when you aren't using it to keep thieves out and your stuff safe and dry inside.  Diaper backpacks are perfect for Disney dads as well who change their Disney babies. When changing the baby everything needed to change him/her is so easy to get to and easy to put back. Its easy to throw on your back when getting off and on rides and doesn't take up a lot of room. Its a must for a Disney guest with babies.  Every mom and dad should have one of these if you travel a lot with baby. 


2. Bring a Bottle Cooler.  Especially for those hot days...Any time at Disney is going to be warm.. Some days might not be as warm as others, but for the most part its warm. So, this is very important if you are bottle feeding your baby or even totting  around baby food. I have this Munchkin Bottle cooler.  Its very small but can hold up to four 8 oz bottles. AWESOME. I kept the baby water in the bottles cool and all I have to do is add the powder and my little G gets his nourishment and he is kept cool in the almost 100 degree heat.  
3. Stroller Fan...If you attend the park during the summer months this is a must, but even other times of the year it still gets toasty in WDW, so strapping one of these suckers onto the stroller will get your baby just enough cool breeze to keep him/her comfortable.  This fan below is the one I have. It is a Kel Gar Pin Wheel...Out of all of the stroller fans I tested. This one had the best air flow and was the safetest against hurting little fingers. 
4. Stroller Rain Guard...This was a must especially when we attended star wars weekend during the first part of June.  Anytime in Florida its a good idea to have this rain guard to keep your baby dry. 
Also, don't forget to bring your poncho's for the entire family each day....Florida is unpredictable when it comes to the weather and down pours. This allows you to keep going in the pouring rain while your baby stays dry....No one has time to stop and find shelter with your baby and often times there isn't any shelter because everyone else has taken up those spots....You don't want to be stuck for hours until the storm or rain passes so this will keep you on the go and keep your little one dry. 
5. Baby Carrier. I believe its a must because baby can ride all rides that have no height requirement and that is a good many rides.  So this carrier makes me feel safe with baby on those fun and stimulating adventures! :)  I choose the Baby Bjorn...This lightweight, grey breathable mesh carrier is not only great for mom's but dad's too.  It keeps the baby and you cool by allowing air flow through the mesh keeping parent and baby comfortable and safe. Its one of the easiest carriers to put on. I adore this thing... I love it so much that a few times we ditched the stroller back at the resort and just used our mesh carrier and our diaper backpack in the parks..Its a plus if your baby enjoys being in a carrier and can also nap in it....



6. Get a Map.  After visiting Disney Parks many times over the past 3 years I no longer need a map for any of them. However, its always important as a family with children and babies to always know where the bathrooms are and where the baby center is located.  It is very important to know where you are going and be familiar with your surroundings...If you are freaking out because you can't find a restroom or a cool quite place to take your baby than everyone in your family is going to be stressed out along with you and no one will have fun.  Below is a link to a great blog that talk about Disney's baby care centers and what is available at each one...This is so helpful and such a blessing if you need a break from the Crazy Disney that is out in the park.  Here is that link again from the blog about the baby care centers at the Disney parks. 

Below are images of maps from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studio's, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disneyland California and Disney's California Adventure. Use them then take them home as souvenirs 








7.  Plan, Plan, Plan....If you don't plan out your days and organize your trip you will be so stressed especially with little ones in your group...Its so important with little ones to plan ahead....It would be great if we could just walk into the parks without a plan or schedule, but unfortunately that is not an option unless you want to have a family melt down within an hour or so.  Pick an adult in your family that is the planner and go ahead and plan out the parks you will visit, the places you will eat and the breaks you will take.  Decide ahead of time if you are going to see fireworks and where you are going to see them and if you are going to watch a parade...That way you can find a spot early enough to be at peace and not feel rushed and bothered...PLAN PLAN PLAN...I can't stress that enough.  

side note:  Christmas Party and Halloween Party events are also events that you must PLAN ahead...Most people think just because they paid extra for these events that everything is planned out for you...UH NOT!!!!...These events are fun, but before entering you need to know what will be happening....so do the research. We will blog about these party's soon to give you an idea of what to expect.


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