Tiny Tot Adventures: Navigating a Park Day with Babies and Toddlers

Doing just about anything with a baby or toddler is an adventure, nevermind trying to plan for a full park day at the Most Magical Place on Earth. The packing list alone requires a good amount of stamina, and you haven't even left the hotel room yet!

Here are our top tips for how to navigate a full park day with babies and toddlers!

(Note: we will not be reviewing rides in this particular post - that will come at a later date)

Tip #1 - Get a good diaper bag

This will make or break your day from the moment you step outside in the sweltering Florida heat. We've gone through many diaper bags in our baby and toddler days, and we overwhelmingly recommend the Eddie Bauer Diaper Bag Backpack.

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There are a few different styles to choose from, but this was our top pick for a couple of different reasons (but really, mostly just because of how it looks). For an outing like a Disney Day, you want a diaper bag that will be comfortable to carry all day, and there's nothing more versatile than a backpack. The boys in our family didn't baulk at helping carry this one - the pink shoulder bag, forget it.

It has two large pouches to hold all the extra clothes, diapers, snacks, and forumla. There is a wipes pouch on one side, and an insulated bottle pouch on the other. And the straps are designed just like a regular day or hiking backpack - padded and comfortable, and fully adjustable.

Tip #2 - Don't forget the diapers (and wipes)

This seems like a no-brainer, but especially if you have multiple kids to chase after, you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget this important item!

Bring more diapers than you think you will need. If your kiddo typically goes through 5 diapers a day, pack at least 8. Also, now is not the time to try out new brands on your little one. You don't want to find out the hard way that the bargain diapers you saved 75 cents on only hold half the amount of liquid that your normal brand do. Your baby is also used to how the diaper fits them, so if they're suddenly met with a different style that hits their chubby little thighs in a different spot, while sweating in the Florida heat, they'll be more prone to skin irritation (just like wearing new sneakers that aren't broken in yet).

Tip #3 - Use a travel container for forumla and snacks

Don't bother packing an entire container of formula for a park day. If you're using formula, grab one of these travel containers that allow you to perfectly dose out the correct amount of formula for the water you'll be using, plus you can use some of the sections to store snacks!

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Tip #4 - Go at their pace

Disney is overstimulating. Don't push your little one harder than they can handle, or your day will be in shambles before you know it. Also remember that every child is different, so while one might be fine napping in their stroller, the other may need a break back at the hotel in the a/c (who doen't though, right?).

If you're on a strict nap and bedtime schedule at home, try to keep that same schedule on your park days, if you can. Also try to stick to familiar foods as much as possible. Obviously, they should have their first taste of dole whip or a Mickey bar! We're just talking main meals, where they're more likely to get a belly ache.

Tip #5 - Use the baby care centers

Each Disney park has Baby Care Centers that are open for all guests to use whenever they need. There is a small store attached to them that will offer items like diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and other essentials that you may have run out of or forgotten.

These Baby Care Centers are comfortable, air-conditioned spaces with rocking chairs and toys for younger children to play with while everyone recharges. This is an ideal spot for nursing if you need a private area, and a great spot for a quick nap since it's cool and quite. There's even kitchen space and a microwave!

Where to find them:

Magic Kingdom - behind Main Street, between Casey's Corner and The Crystal Palace

Epcot - Around the back of the Odyssey building

Hollywood Studios - to the left as soon as you enter through the tapstiles

Animal Kingdom - Behind Creature Comforts

Each of these locations is next to the First Aid stations, so if you're having trouble locating them, look for the First Aid signs.

Tip #6 - Use a good, but compact, stroller

The Disney parks are crowded, and navigating a huge stroller through the crowds, and sometimes narrow walkways, can be quite a challenge. We recommend a high-quality lightweight or umbrella stroller, but one that still has some amenities of its larger cousin.

We like to look for storage, cup holders, and if we're lucky we'll find one that reclines. We've personally used the Summer Infant 3D umbrella stroller in the past and loved it - it had storage and reclined, was easy to maneuver, and held up to several airplaine rides and park visits.

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We also like the Britax Modular Ultra Lightweight Infant and Toddler stroller, but recognize this is for larger budgets. This one features a snack tray for the kiddo, storage and cupholders for the adults, and the seat can be turned around to be forward or backward facing!

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Tip #7 - Make Memories!

Pack your patience, and have so much fun! Take the pictures, meet the characters, and just hang out in the hub grass!