Maybe you really, really need that annual Disney World fix. Or maybe it is the trip you've been promising your older children for over a year. You're going to Walt Disney World - and the youngest member of your party is under a year old. Recipe for disaster? Not at all! Being prepared is your best way to ensure a happy vacation for all.

First Things First: Getting There

Infants make for interesting travel companions. You never know just what will happen next. Especially if it involves an airplane.

If you are traveling by air, infants may be held in your lap for no charge, or you may purchase a ticket for them and let them ride in an FAA approved car seat. If your flight is over 2 hours long, the seat is worth the money. Many airlines offer discounted fares for infants if you call them (most infant rates can not be booked online).

Your child safety seat must have a label on it that says it is FAA approved. On most planes, the car seat must be in the window seat and should be installed facing the same way you have it in your car, usually rear-facing for infants. Definitely take advantage of pre-boarding to have the time to install the seat properly - if possible, have one adult go ahead during the pre-boarding to get the seat in, then the other adult can board a few minutes later with the baby. This way you´ll have more room to maneuver. Check with your airline for their specific guidelines on child safety seats.

Some of the convertible seats (the ones that turn around to face rear for infants or front for toddlers, or become booster seats later on) are very tight in the rear facing position in coach class. If you have one of these seats, consider booking a bulkhead seat to get more room. Generally, you can not use a car seat in an emergency exit row, even though they have more room.

A car seat travel bag can be a big help. It´s a large tote shaped to hold car seats, usually with back-pack like shoulder straps and some have wheels. You can stuff an extra blanket and a couple of toys in the bag, and it makes it a lot easier to carry the seat through the airport.

Most airlines will let you take your stroller to the gate and right down the jetway, where you will be asked to fold it just before getting onto the aircraft. It will be loaded on to the plane last, and then when you land they will bring it back to the jetway so you can load baby back into it and be on your way. To make this process go smoothly, don´t carry a lot of stuff in your stroller´s basket or cargo nets, remove any extra gear like cup holders or snap-on trays, and be sure to have an ID tag on it.

Make sure baby is comfortable during take-off and landing by having him suck on a bottle, pacifier or no-spill sippy-cup. This will help keep little ears from hurting.

If you are going to be traveling in a car at all during your trip, your baby needs to be in a child safety seat. If you don´t bring your own from home, you can rent one with your rental car, or be sure to request one when reserving a towncar service. You do not need a car seat on any of the Disney buses or other forms of Disney transportation.

What to Bring?

It´s always amazing to me how much stuff is needed for someone so tiny!

Bring a photocopy of the baby´s birth certificate. You may need it at the airport check-in, so keep it with your travel papers. Also bring any medications or prescriptions your child takes.

For infants, I strongly recommend bringing your own stroller. The ones you can rent in the parks are either hard molded plastic or jogging style, neither of which properly or comfortably support an infant. Additionally, the rentals are only for use in the parks, and you may be doing a lot of walking at your resort, to and from vehicles, etc. A `convenience´ stroller with a reclining back, sunshade, and large basket is a good choice. There are many models available for under $50 (mine was $25 on sale). Look for light weight, easy folding (some fold to almost as small as an umbrella stroller, and may even come with a carry bag), and light fabric color if possible. If your stroller has dark fabric, it can get quite warm in the Florida sun, so bring a white blanket to line it with. Also, a large luggage tag or other easy-to-spot item will make it easier to identify your stroller from all the other look-alikes.

A rain cover for the stroller is a good idea, as is bug netting. Put the rain cover on whenever you park the stroller out in the open. I learned the rain cover lesson the hard way: went in to Mickey´s Philharmagic with the sun shining, came out to a thunderstorm that had absolutely soaked our stroller. Trust me, there are better ways to spend precious vacation hours than trying to dry a stroller with a hair dryer!

A child carrier is a big help. For infants, a carrier that you wear in front of you is better than a backpack: first because infants don´t always have the physical development for a backpack carrier, and second because it is easier to see what they are doing. My son loved hanging out facing frontwards, checking out all that was going on and getting lots of attention. We could park the stroller, pop him in the carrier, and then go on the lines and ride the attractions without taking him out again. Look for a model that can fold and fit in your diaper bag (usually without a frame of any kind), fits your child´s weight range, and that has straps that cross in the back to reduce the strain on your shoulders and back. If possible, try them on in the store first, and definitely practice using it before your trip.

Baby clothes should be made of breathable fabrics in light colors due to the heat and sun. Layers are good, and a light blanket is helpful for the air conditioning or cooler evenings. Spending so much time in the strollers can make some babies uncomfortable in shirts that have buttons on the back, so you might want to avoid these. Bring more clothing than you think you´ll need, especially if your infant spits up a lot. There are guest laundry facilities at the resorts, but bring a small box of baby detergent if you use a particular brand. A little bit of detergent can be used in the sink to hand-wash anything that can´t wait.

Bring any feeding gear you use - bottles, infant spoons, etc. - and something to clean them with. The First Year´s Take or Toss utensils are great, as are any of the dish cloths with the detergent in the cloth, for convenience in packing. An insulated bag or a diaper bag with an insulated compartment and a gel-based ice pack will help keep food and bottles cool. You may also want to bring a portable feeding chair for use in your hotel room, if your baby is old enough to sit up to eat.

Small bottles of baby shampoo and lotion, diaper rash cream, teething pain ointment, infant medications, and anything else you use daily should be tucked into your bag as well.

What about diapers....

Okay, so now you look like you´re packed for a month´s stay and you´ll only be there a week. Baby still needs diapers, formula and/or jars of baby food, boxes of cereal, and more. A quick stop at a local supermarket or discount store can lighten your load. If you are driving or renting a car, this is simply a matter of getting directions for a store between the airport and the resort. Easy directions can be found on AllEarsNet.com. I have used the Publix store closest to the resort a few times, and have always found it clean, well stocked, and reasonable in price (of course, I do come from one of the more expensive places in the United States, so it´s not hard to find things less expensive than home, even at WDW.)

If you are taking a towncar service, be sure to ask if they offer a grocery stop and reserve it ahead of time. Some car services will make a 15 or 20 minute stop for no charge, but they do require you to request it in advance.

The resort gift shops carry a selection of baby needs, as do the Baby Care centers in the parks, in case there is something you´ve forgotten. They are great in an emergency, but prices here are marked up considerably.

There is a market called Goodings located just across the street from the end of Hotel Plaza Boulevard, in the Crossroads shopping center. It is pricier than the major chains, but less expensive than the gift shops. If you do not have a car, you would need to take a taxi.

Out and About

You´ve finally arrived and are ready to hit the parks! The good news is you get to leave a lot of stuff in your room. The bad news is you still have a lot to take with you to keep your infant comfortable.

Sun protection is essential for baby´s delicate skin. Most sunscreens are not recommended for children under 6 months old. Six months or older, make sure to use a baby-formula sunscreen and apply it liberally and regularly. There are some sun-blocking clothing products on the market that can be helpful. For example, at www.onestepahead.com, they sell long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts with an equivalent SPF of 50. Also there are great flap-hats - lightweight caps with flaps that protect baby´s ears and neck. I never had much luck with infant sunglasses, but if your baby likes them, go for it.

Try to park your stroller in the shade or throw a blanket over it to prevent the fabric, plastic, and metal parts from getting hot. You may also wish to tie a balloon or other item to the handle of your stroller to make it easier to spot. If you leave your stroller in one of the `stroller parking´ lots outside an attraction, be aware that it may be in a different spot in the lot when you come out. There are cast members assigned to these lots and they often rearrange the strollers to keep the area neat and accessible. Don´t ever leave items of value in your stroller - Disney is not responsible for stolen items.

If you are carrying food or bottles, be sure to pack them in a cooler or an insulated compartment of your diaper bag with an ice pack. Dispose of any unfinished food rather than try to carry it around with you. The heat causes bacteria to multiply quickly and can make your baby ill. If you are using formula, pack the powder separate from bottled water and mix it as you need it.

Tuck an extra change of clothes for baby in your diaper bag, along with all the diapers, wipes, and other gear. Zipper baggies are helpful for keeping stuff organized and neat, making it easier to find and easier to get through the security checkpoint at the park entrances.

Baby Friendly Park Policies

Disney does a good job of making little ones welcome, and their parents´ jobs easier. One of the nicest services for infants in the parks are the Baby Care Centers. Each park has one, and they are great places to take a break and tend to the little one´s needs. Each center has a room with rocking chairs for nursing moms, diaper changing tables, a microwave and sink for warming baby food and clean up, high chairs for feeding, and a selection of diapers & baby care products for sale.

Baby Care Center Locations

Magic Kingdom: between Casey´s Corner and First Aid Station off Main St. near Crystal Palace.

Epcot by First Aid, in the Odyssey Center (between Test Track and Mexico).

Studio: In Guest Relations, near park entrance (Sid Cahuenga´s side of the street).

Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island, adjacent to Creature Comforts.

Many of the shops also have disposable diapers available for sale. They keep them behind the counters, so you have to ask. If I remember correctly, these are small packets with one or two generic-brand diapers, just to get you through an emergency.

A great thing for parents who split up or share the dirty deed: there are diaper changing tables in virtually all restrooms - women´s and men´s. No excuses, dads!

Another nice Disney policy is "Kid-Swap" (also called "Baby-Swap" or "Non-rider Swap"). It allows one parent to ride while the other waits with the baby, then as soon as the first parent gets off, the second parent can ride with virtually no wait. The cast member at each attraction´s queue will be able to give you the specific details for that ride - most have a special FastPass-like ticket they will give you to let the waiting parent go through the FastPass line without a return time.

Some of the attractions, especially the newer ones, have good areas to wait at the exits of the rides. For example, Tower of Terror will let you go through the gift shop and wait near the booth where the ride photos are displayed. Mission:Space has all sorts of activities including a kiddie play area. At the very least you´ll find an air-conditioned gift shop in which to get out of the sun and heat.

Not-so-friendly Park Policies

For all the good policies at Walt Disney World, there are a few that are bound to catch parents off-guard.

As a general rule, strollers are not allowed in the restaurants. They may be able to make an exception for a sleeping baby, but that is at their discretion. This is simply because of fire laws and the fact that strollers block the aisles. This makes dining more difficult if you were hoping for a peaceful meal during nap time or if your infant is not able to sit up in a high chair (most of the restaurants have those wooden low-backed chairs).

Most of the stroller parking areas are conveniently placed near the attractions, but not all of them are under any shelter. Thunderstorms pop up out of nowhere, especially in the late summer, so be prepared by always covering the stroller. In order to keep the stroller parking areas under control, Cast Members may move the strollers around, and you may find your stroller is not where you left it. The first time this happens, the thought "Someone took our stroller" will cross your mind. Take a deep breath, look around, and you´ll find it nearby.

Characters, especially the furry ones, are not supposed to hold infants. The limited visibility and the awkwardness of the paws/gloves makes it dangerous for a character to hold an infant. They will happily kneel down next to your stroller for pictures, but you shouldn´t expect to hand over your squalling babe to Stitch.

Attractions

Infants can go on almost any attraction that does not have a height restriction. So while Junior may have to wait a while for his first drop on Tower of Terror, there are plenty of things you can enjoy together.

Some of your best bets for Magic Kingdom rides little ones enjoy: It´s a Small World, Dumbo and it´s variant The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and The Walt Disney World Railroad. Also good: Peter Pan´s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Country Bear Jamboree. There is a play area in Toontown designed for the littlest guests with tiny slides and surfaces friendly to crawling knees.

Over in Epcot, The Living Seas mesmerizes little ones with its huge aquariums. Journey into Your Imagination has some loud sounds and effects that can startle children. Innoventions may be over-stimulating, and most of the rest of Future World isn´t very baby friendly as far as attractions go. Universe of Energy is very long and dark, so it´s a good choice for nap time. Mission:Space and Test Track both have restrictions - use FastPass, Kid-Swap, or the single-rider lines to give each parent a turn. Spaceship Earth is slow-moving and pretty dark, so it is OK to ride, but be warned: this ride can last an eternity with a screaming baby. Over in World Showcase, the outdoor entertainment can be a lot of fun to watch, and the many galleries and shops are good places to escape the heat. El Rio de Tiempo in Mexico is a pleasant ride similar to It´s a Small World. The American Adventure is long enough for a good nap.

At Disney-MGM Studios, Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage is designed just for the under-3 set (and their Disney Channel addicted parents). The photo-op with Mickey on Mickey Avenue is one of the least crowded places to meet the Mouse that I´ve seen; time it right and there is little or no wait at all. JoJo and Goliath also have a trailer on Mickey Avenue and make appearances for photos.

Animal Kingdom has Camp Minnie-Mickey, with the Festival of the Lion King show - it´s bright and colorful, but can get loud. The meet-and-greets here are the best place to see characters in Animal Kingdom. Rafiki´s Planet Watch is reached by a short train ride, and there is a petting zoo. Over in DinoLand, Triceratop Spin is a prehistoric Dumbo ride babies can enjoy. The many animal trails can be pleasant diversions. Kilimanjaro Safaris is bouncy, so if you do ride, it is best to keep baby in a carrier and sit near the front of the vehicle.

It´s nice to know that children under age 3 do not require admission tickets to any Disney theme park. They also do not require their own FastPass.

Tips for Success

Some final thoughts to help make your trip a pleasant one for all. Keep to baby´s schedule as much as possible, having meals at or close to your regular times and take a break for a nap. Travel may throw baby´s schedule - and their digestive systems - off, so you will have to be flexible. Babies cry because they are uncomfortable in some way: too hot, too cold, too long in one position, over-stimulated, hungry, thirsty, tired, or in need of a diaper. A short break in a quiet spot may help restore the peace. Dress baby in light layers so you can remove or add clothing as needed, and keep a blanket handy against the air conditioning. Dehydration is possible for infants, so whenever you stop for a drink, make sure baby has something to drink too. Having a car makes it easy to get away from a park quickly and more easily than taking a bus with a stroller. Most importantly, accept that this will not be the commando-style see-everything-in-three-days trip you may have been used to. But that´s OK, because seeing the look of wonder in your infant´s eyes as you introduce him or her to the most magical place on Earth is worth more than the price of admission any day!