Disneyland with a Baby

The idea of bringing a baby to Disneyland might sound crazy, but I’m here to tell you it’s totally doable and actually way easier than bringing a toddler, in my opinion! I’ve taken a baby to Disneyland 3 or 4 times now and it gets easier every time. An argument I hear quite often is, “why invest all that money to take your baby to Disneyland when they won’t even remember it when they’re older?” Sure they won’t remember it, but YOU will! It’s actually still quite a magical experience seeing your baby enjoy the sights of Disneyland and bonus – they get free admission! I love all the pictures and videos I have to look back on of my children seeing Disneyland for the first time as a baby. It is definitely a place all ages can enjoy. Below are some tips and tricks I’ve gathered if you’re planning your next Disneyland vacation with a baby in tow.

Tips and Tricks for taking a Baby to Disneyland:

1. Baby Care Centers

Take advantage of the baby care centers – they are seriously awesome and very convenient. There is one located in California Adventure next door to Ghiradelli’s which is a great place to drop off your husband and older children for a treat (free chocolate samples!!!) while you take care of baby. The other is near the end of main street in Disneyland (pictured above). These facilities have diaper changing stations, nursing rooms with privacy, high chairs and feeding stations, microwave and filtered water, and you can purchase diapers, wipes, food, etc. It is the perfect place to regroup with your baby. They can get overstimulated and exhausted from the heat and crowds. Enjoy some quiet time in these air conditioned facilities that have everything you and baby need!

Stroller and Baby Carrier

Bring a stroller and baby carrier – trust me, you’ll want both! I love my Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller. It can recline back comfortably for naps. I have 3 kids so we juggle between who gets to ride in it. When my older kids want a break from walking and need a stroller ride, that’s when my Ergobaby 360 carrier comes in handy for baby. I also love it because I can wait in line and get on and off rides easier when baby is strapped in it. She takes pretty long naps in the carrier, too. It’s also very comfy for me and not back breaking. If you have a newborn, I would also recommend the Solly Baby Wrap. I took my baby to Disneyland at 7 weeks old last fall and the Solly wrap was perfect for her at the time.

Bag Packed Strictly for Baby

Pack a bag that only has items in it for baby – you’ll be reaching for baby supplies much more often than anything else so it helps to have it all in one place. I love my Jujube BFF diaper bag because it has 3 ways to grab and carry; messenger strap, backpack straps, and top clutch handle.

Every morning I made sure to pack the diaper bag with:

• 6-8 diapers
• wipes
• extra change of clothes (including socks – these get lost easily!)
• hand sanitizer and wet-ones wipes
• blankets (one light-weight swaddle blanket to help shade baby from sun, and one heavier blanket for warmth since it gets cold at night)
• nursing cover
• burp cloth

My baby was strictly nursing at the time of our vacation which made it super easy but if she was older I would also pack puffs for snacks and other baby food along with utensils and bibs. Think through your normal day at home and pack extra of the things you use daily.

Lots of Breaks

 Plan on taking lots of breaks – baby will need to eat and get diaper changes quite often. Luckily there are bathrooms all over Disneyland and each one is equipped with baby changing stations. I am not opposed to nursing in public so I stopped at any bench or seating area to nurse with my Copper Pearl nursing cover, which I LOVE! I don’t have to worry about it blowing off or baby tugging at it and exposing myself to everyone. I found myself nursing in lines, too. Very convenient!

FREE 1st Visit Pin

Pick up your FREE 1st visit button at any larger gift shop location. We picked ours up at the Hollywoodland “Off the Page” shop. It’s the perfect souvenir for baby’s first visit. Be sure to take lots of pictures especially with characters. It will be a fun memory for your child to look back on when they’re older.

My biggest tip is to enjoy every moment and plan on taking it slow! Be flexible with your schedule and maybe plan on at least 2 days at the park so you feel like you get to see and do all that you’re wanting. It may be wise to stay in a hotel close-by so you can go back and take a quiet nap with your baby and then head back to the park later. Wonderful memories will be made, even if it’s not all glamorous and picture-perfect! I’m sure you’ll be itching to go back time and again to see your baby “grow-up” at Disneyland!