Hello Kariann!
Welcome to planDisney! No, I don’t think you are crazy! Besides being a Disney fanatic, I am also the mother of four, and a labor & delivery nurse, so I felt I wanted to answer your question and to bring up some things you may not have considered yet.
While I don’t think you are crazy, and I think a trip with a newborn is doable, especially for a seasoned mama, for a first-time mom I might recommend you wait at least 8 weeks, but maybe even closer to 12-16 weeks. I have visited Disney while pregnant, but the youngest I have brought to
Walt Disney World was 4 months. While I think you are asking if it is safe for a baby to travel, I am more concerned about you, recovery and healing from delivery, and establishment of nursing if that is what you choose to do.
Little ones of that age are quite portable. They don’t complain or ask for you to buy them anything! However, you’ll just be starting to settle into a routine at 4 weeks, and a major trip might be challenging. Baby will not have had vaccinations at this point either. After delivery moms can have bleeding for up to 6 weeks, though 2-3 is more common. Should you have any tears or trauma from delivery, you should be feeling better by 4 weeks, but walking for miles and miles through the theme park might be too much. There is also always the possibility that you could end up having a cesarean section. In the United States, the risk is about 1 in 5. While the baby may be ready to travel, a mama who had major abdominal surgery may not be ready for that much travel or activity after only 4 weeks.
If you do choose to travel, or even if you wait until the baby is a few months old, I do have a few recommendations. First, take advantage of the
Baby Care Centers. These are amazing places where you can use full changing tables, buy supplies, or find a quiet place to nurse. I nursed babies all over Walt Disney World on benches, in shows, and even in attraction queues, and never had any issues, but some mamas prefer a more private location. Make sure you know the
stroller guidelines and size limitations. For a small baby, you should bring your own or rent an appropriate stroller from an outside company as the strollers for rent in the theme parks aren’t appropriate for tiny ones. You may prefer a hands free baby carrier to keep baby close to you and happy while navigating the parks. Don't forget a hat and baby safe sunscreen to protect delicate skin! And plan to take things slower than you are used to. Sleep with newborns can be a challenge and you may find that keeping the baby on their usual routine is helpful. Don’t be afraid to call it an early night and head back to the hotel for a nap or a good night’s rest!
When you do decide to travel, let us know what other questions we can help you with! We are here to help!
- Kate