About to be a brand-new Mommy, need some advice on upcoming Disney trip

[MrsPortiaB]

Disclaimer: sorry to ask for another "stroller" question, but I couldn't really find my question answered on the boards.

Hello everyone! :wave:

I'm about 8 weeks away from my due date and we're planning our first Disney vacation with our newborn daughter before we make a major move. We found out we were pregnant last year on the day we flew out for our 2007 Disney Vacation so this is actually her "second" trip :ROFLOL:.

Anyways, since she'll be quite little, around three months when we go, I wanted to bring along her Graco Car Seat with the Graco SnugRider Stroller Frame to use at the parks, but I'm really afraid that someone might take it when our family is on a ride. I know they're moved to an area with other strollers but I wouldn't expect a CM to remember that it was ours if someone else decided to walk away with it. If this happens and I lose her car seat, I'm going to be in trouble. :lookaroun

:shrug: Am I just being overly paranoid? Should I just relax about the whole thing? Or does anyone have any advice about how to keep your stroller safe while your whole family goes on a ride?

Thanks for your help :wave:

 

[mousefan1972]

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your daughter! :sohappy: We have traveled to WDW 4 times with our kids and their strollers. We've never had a problem, and we took a fairly expensive new double Maclaren the last time we went. I really don't think you have to worry about someone taking yours. One thing we do is tie a brightly colored bandana to the frame of the stroller, so we can easily identify it but also so someone who has a similar one realizes it's not theirs.

Don't worry! You'll be fine and have a great trip! :wave:

 

[hansel1]

I worried about our expensive jeep stroller, but no problems occurred. I think the major concern is identifying your stroller from someone else's. I bought a raincover and tied a balloon to it everyday. I just looked for the balloon and raincover then made sure it was mine before I took off with it.

I don't think you are safe with your baby seat and stroller.

I have known of more problems with people taking the rental strollers because all you have to do is take out the paper name tag.

 

[MrsPortiaB]

Thanks much for the great advice!

 

[MinnieMee]

Congratulations!!!

I just had 2 things to add.

Firstly if you are concerned we tend to put a small bike lock through the wheel on our stroller when it was a bit more expensive just in case. I know that probably was a massive pain for the CMs that perhaps had to move it but it was easily tipped and rolled on the back wheels.

Secondly please remember to take a raincover and cover the buggy every time you leave it. You can easily get caught out and come back to a soaking stroller.

Good luck - have fun!
Lx

 

[ELopez]

All 4 of our children have been to WDW as babies.

I wouldn't be concerned about it getting stolen, but I might be concerned about such a large stroller and carseat. You can sometimes get on the monorail without taking it apart and folding it, but not the train, tram or buses. Just a thought.

One more thing - We have found that the "front-packs" (or snugglies, or whatever you call them!) can be quite convenient in addition to a stroller while in the parks. It is particularly helpful in long lines, and the little one doesn't have to come in and out so much.

 

[MrsPortiaB]

Thanks MinnieMee, I hadn't thought about a raincover, that's really great advice!!

ELopez, I thought about that too and we're going to rent a car so we won't have to worry about dragging the stroller onto the buses and such. I just know she's going to be so little and I don't want her out in the September sun much if I can help it. I'm totally going to get a Baby Bjorn too, but I think it'll help to tuck her into her car seat to keep in the shade. Also, I'll plan lots of breaks in the Baby care centers to keep her cool as well :wave:

 

[NewfieFan]

I think you've already been given some great advice but if it's the possibility of your stroller getting stolen that's bothering you, then you need to make sure you set your stroller apart from the others. The more personal you make your stroller the less someone is going to want to steal that stroller. Someone has already mentioned putting something colorful or identifiable on your stroller. I personally tied a colorful (and tacky) scarf to my strollers. I also added a very brightly colored luggage tag as well (mine were actually neon) to our strollers with our info on it. I also left something in the basket too - nothing expensive (and nothing I wouldn't miss if it was stolen), usually some diapers and wipes (things like that). I figured if someone was desperate enough to steal diapers and wipes - they could have 'em!:animwink: I hope these tactics will make you feel better and you'll have a lovely, relaxing trip with your new baby!:wave:

 

[ELopez]

ELopez, I thought about that too and we're going to rent a car so we won't have to worry about dragging the stroller onto the buses and such. I just know she's going to be so little and I don't want her out in the September sun much if I can help it. I'm totally going to get a Baby Bjorn too, but I think it'll help to tuck her into her car seat to keep in the shade. Also, I'll plan lots of breaks in the Baby care centers to keep her cool as well :wave:

Sounds like you've got the right idea! Congratulations on the little one, and Have a great vacation!!!

 

[SAV]

It's a valid concern you have, so don't feel that you are paranoid.

I have always used a retractable ski lock for my stroller. That way I "Know" that someone isn't going to walk away with it.

I have also tied several pieces of multi colored yarn on the stroller to set it apart from others for the times I couldn't lock it up.

In the HOT Florida sun, I can't really see myself wearing one of those baby carrier packs. It is hot enough without having another person strapped to me. It will only make both of you hotter. Just make sure you take frequent breaks at the baby station and for a quick stop off in the AC.

 

[MinnieMee]

One more thought! We have a kiddopotamus ray shade which fits over most buggies and is UPF50. It provides fantastic shade as can be tipped up as a shade or move it completely over baby when they are asleep. Would totally recommend getting one. Especially as I have seen them on the Walmart site for $15 and we paid the equivalent of $35 for it in the UK. grrrr!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4631112

Def one of my best buys for my DD.

 

[MrsPortiaB]

One more thought! We have a kiddopotamus ray shade which fits over most buggies and is UPF50. It provides fantastic shade as can be tipped up as a shade or move it completely over baby when they are asleep. Would totally recommend getting one. Especially as I have seen them on the Walmart site for $15 and we paid the equivalent of $35 for it in the UK. grrrr!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4631112

Def one of my best buys for my DD.

You're the best :sohappy: I'm totally picking myself up one! I'm sure she thanks you too being a summer baby and all!


Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate all your help

 

[MinnieMee]

No Problem!!! Good luck with your new baby and the birth. They are truly a joy (monsters sometimes - but mainly a joy!!!)
Lx

 

[matt_taylor1985]

This is a really good thread. Me and my fiance are going to the world in October this year and our baby will be 4 months old (She will be born in July) and these tips are handy for myself as I was worrying about the same thing.