Disneyland With Babies. What Rides Can You Babywear On And More.
/Are you planning to go to Disneyland with your baby? Don't know what to pack? Wonder if your baby can go on rides? As an annual pass holder and a mother I have answers to many of those questions.
I see people over pack and are hauling stuff they don’t need. Less is more sometimes and having a good packing strategy matters. You do not need three bags use a comfortable and large backpack rather than a diaper bag.
Remember, Disneyland has security checkpoints to get into the park. If you leave and come back every single bag requires inspection. That is a real pain.
You want to make sure you bring enough baby food and diapers. Not too much though. Consider this if you’re carrying many bags with you, you cannot take all these bags with you on the rides. Do you want to leave a few bags unattended in your stroller?
Food and snacks are easy to order from Amazon and can be delivered to the Disneyland Hotel. If you’re staying at a different hotel in the area, call ahead of time to see if they hold packages
The strollers you can rent at Disneyland are ok. They also sell overpriced Umbrella Strollers. You can buy a stroller on Amazon ship it to your hotel. You can order an inexpensive umbrella stroller. When leaving hand it over to a family waiting in the stroller rental line. You could also rent a stroller from City Stroller Rentals. Remember Strollers larger than 31" (79 cm) x 52" (132 cm) and wagons are not permitted.
If you need anything CVS is on South Harbor less than a mile away from Disneyland.
Here is what I suggest you pack:
Checklist For Babies and Small Children-
Diaper bag or a backpack
Diapers 8 per day per child to be on the safe side.
Wipes
Changing pads (This is unnecessary if you use the Baby Care Center, but pack if you will leave Disneyland)
Blankets at least three receiving blankets and one warmer one
Plastic bags. Small for crackers and cereal. Large ones for organizing items in a diaper bag or for wet clothing.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
Toiletries such as shampoo and lotion.
Toddler toothbrush and toothpaste
Tissues
Pacifier
Baby Nail Clippers
1-2 outfits per day is a good guideline. Layers are best. Avoid whites and light colors as they stain.
A dressy outfit for a nice restaurant and pictures.
Pajamas
Bathing suit
A Jacket, hat, and mittens
Bibs
Comb
Hat and sunglasses
sunscreen
Plastic spoons, forks, and cups if needed.
Reusable water bottle or baby cups.
A first-aid kit. Pack loperamide and acetaminophen for the kids and adults.
Toys and books. Make sure they are easy to wipe clean.
I recommended ditching the diaper bag for a backpack. As shown in the picture, I bring a potty seat and some toilet seat covers in a clear bag. I pack the potty seat in a plastic bag for sanitary reasons and to make security checkpoints easier.
Instead of layering in the big compartment put everything on its side. Pack items strategically which takes up less room and makes finding items a breeze. I find bundling diapers together with a rubber band helps keep things tidy and organized.
Pack a spare outfit in case your child gets dirty or wet. Pack clothing that rolls up and takes up little space. Sweatpants or leggings will roll up easy. A spare shirt and socks are crucial. I also like to pack a receiving blanket which can come in handy to provide shade or warmth.
Pack what you need daily and repack at bedtime. I've seen people pack booster seats, actual potty chairs, and cases of water or soda in their strollers.
Disneyland provides free filtered water at any quick service restaurant. High chairs are at all dining locations. The baby Care Center has children's restrooms. You may not need to pack as much as you expect in your diaper bag.
You should be able to make it to the Baby Care Center on Main Street in Disneyland. In California Adventure the Baby Care Center is next to Ghirardelli Square. The Baby Care Centers can help you meet most of your children's needs. The Baby Care Center has 1 to 2 Cast Members. A small table and chairs and a tv with Disney Movie playing are great for kids who need to relax. If you need to feed one child and entertain another go here.
The Baby Care Center offers a distraction-free zone to nurse. The lighting is dim and its private. The Baby Care center offers a place to pump.
They offer real padded changing tables. If you plan your diaper changes out, you can also skip the changing pad. The Baby Care center on Main Street still has a dunk toilet.
The Baby Care center has an area with a high chair in a microwave and a sink. That means you need not worry about bringing purified water if you need to make formula bottles. You can go straight to the baby care center and prepare formula.
The Baby Care Center also sells items you may run out of or forget. The Baby Care Center sells necessary items. Such as baby formula, baby food, diapers, sunscreen, and a few OTC medications. These items will cost more though.
A child who communicates the need to use the restroom well may not need portable toilet seat at all. Both Baby Care Centers has a small toilet and sink.
Most of the restrooms at Disneyland has toilets that low to the ground which is easier for a smaller child. On busier days though there may be a line to use the restroom or changing table.
Family bathrooms:
Disneyland-
The Hungry Bear in Critter Country.
Fantasy Faire Theatre Restrooms Fantasyland.
Aladdin's Oasis in Adventureland.
Tom Sawyer Island
City Hall
Tomorrowland Station
California Adventure-
The Baby Care Center
Carsland at Flo's V8 Diner.
Bugsland Restrooms
Bay Area Restroom Near Ariels Undersea Adventure.
Buena Vista Street Restroom
Most infants can ride on a parent's lap or in a carrier on rides. I have seen different Cast Members allow lap sitting on a few of these but no baby wearing. It depends on the ride operator. You can ask for a Rider Swap on any ride that has a height restriction. Any dark ride that may scare younger children will have a * next to it:
Disneyland-
*Alice In Wonderland
*Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
Astro Orbiter (I would not recommend it for smaller children)
Monorail
Railroad
Finding Nemo
*The Haunted Mansion
*Pirates of the Caribbean
*The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
*Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Dumbo
*Snow White's Scary Adventures
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Mark Twain
*Peter Pans Flight
It's A Small World
*Pinocchio's Daring Journey
*Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Sailing Ship Columbia
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Casey Jr Circus train
California Adventure-
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
The Little Mermaid- Ariels Undersea Adventures
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Places where children can run and play:
Disneyland-
Goofy's Playhouse has a small park
It's a Small World walkway
Tom Sawyer Island
California Adventure-
Redwood Creek Trail
In Front of Studio 17 in Hollywood Land
Other Tips-
I recommend baby wearing.
Pack a toothbrush and jammies and change your children at the Baby Care Center if the drive home is long.
Tie a balloon to your stroller to make finding the stroller easier. Some parents will string lights on the handles.
Write your name and phone number on your child's forearm and put a liquid bandage over it. The Baby Care Center is where parents should inquire about lost children. Tell your child to find a Cast member or Worker if lost. They will help.
Pack pennies in an old M&M's minis tube for penny pressing. Pressed Pennies are a fun and cheap souvenir.
You will find fresh fruit at many of the snack stands if you're looking for a healthy treat. Clarabelle Cows in Toontown has a large fruit plate as does Bengal Barbeque.
Fantasyland is best in the morning. The characters are out greeting guests. The lines are shorter.
Refreshment Corner on Main Street offers plain hot dogs for picky eaters. Refreshment corner also sells Mickey Check Meals and has a short wait time. You can try the Mac and Cheese Dog which is amazing.
Avoid New Orleans Square and Frontierland at night. If you're not planning on watching Fantasmic, it's crowded and loud.
If your children want to try pin trading read my advice on that here.
If you have questions, please ask. Here are some more posts you may find helpful:
Bringing preschool-aged children to Disneyland
How to avoid losing your kids at Disneyland
Wondering if a MaxPass is worth the cost?
5 Things you must do with your kids at Disneyland this Christmas
Mickey’s Halloween Party Without Kids?
