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As florida residents, my family has visited disney world many times through the years. My husband and I have always avoided bringing a baby along because of the extra hassle involved (nursing, bottles, diapers, etc.). The baby meant extra work for us and was too young to get much enjoyment from the vacation. We were fortunate to have a doting grandmother or very good friends to take care of our baby. And, since we live close by, the separation was never more than a few days.

However, if you do bring your infant to disney world, dont worry; it is an extremely baby friendly place. There is a baby care center in each park stocked with anything you might need including rocking chairs for nursing. The rest rooms are equipped with changing tables (even most of the mens rooms). Also, they allow a baby swap on the restricted rides so you dont have to stand in line twice (you will need two adults to take turns with the baby and ask an employee at each attraction how to do the swap, it varies).

I have three tips for you if you decide to bring a very young baby to disney world.

1. Take it easy. This is not the time to push yourself from morning to night. Enjoy the calmer pleasures of disney world; dont try to fill a quota of attractions which will stress you and your baby out.

2. Bring your own stroller. The disney rentals are too big for infants. Also make sure your child is protected from the sun with both sunscreen and a canopy. Or consider carrying your small baby in a sling. These are advantageous because strollers are not allowed on most attractions and must be collapsed on busses, monorails, trains, etc., which can be a hassle.

3. Try to place your little one in the path of the disney characters. They make a big fuss over babies which is a lot of fun and makes great picture moments.

Once, we took our youngest child to disney world when she was only six weeks old. I had some reservations about the trip but she was too young to leave with anyone else and our passes were about to expire. We had a wonderful time and had some special experiences with our little girl. Chip and Dale made a big fuss over her when we ran into them in the magic kingdom and later, we had a very humorous encounter with Cruella DeVille at mgm Studios. As I walked by with my infant in my arms, Miss DeVille said, Pity its not a puppy; I have no use for babies.

Despite Cruellas comment, everyone at disney world welcomes babies. So, with a little preparation, bring your baby and have a wonderful vacation.

Betsey Rhames (http://www.bestdisneyplans.com) is a florida resident, wife and mother of four. She is a big fan of walt disney world and has been visiting there for the past 30 plus years; first as a teenager and now as a mom.

posted by 46124  # 2:39 PM 0 comments