has anyone brought baby under 2. need advise

[cruisesrule25]

Was going to do a family cruise with my 3 yr old and 1 yr old. Anyone ever cruise with a baby under 2 and have any thoughts or recommendations you can share.

 

We are looking to go on the fascination to key west and Bahamas

 

Thanks in advance for your help

[firefly333]

Hi, there is a family board where everyone posting has children they take. We had a couple on our roll call with a 7 month old who wasnt walking yet and content to be handed around the room. Great baby with strangers. I think how your baby is around crowds might make a difference. She brought his stroller for around the ship.

[serene56]

We cruised with an 18 month old. Camp will take your 3 year old but not your under 2.

If you wait til they turn 2 they will be able to particiapate in the camps.

--

camp is opened from noon til 2 but you gotta stay to play.

 

We went here every day so she can spend some energy. There are houses to play in- stuff to climb and many many toys.

After that we did the nap thing.

 

Dinner time was fun. SHe was amazed at all going on around her. We let her eat the chilled soup using a straw. We used disposable sippy cups, utensils and bibs.

 

after dinner we headed to the outside promanade deck so she can run around after sitting for 2 hours for dinner.

 

a stroller is a must - one that is like an umbrella type= thin and narrow. any wider the stroller will not fit through the halls when the stewards are out and about with thier cart. The umbrella types will fit through the cabin door.

 

Take enough diapers and then add some more.

[silkhair1]

We saw many babies on our last cruise. We started cruising with our boys when my youngest was 2. Bring a bunch of diapers. The amount you think you need and then some more. Same with wipes, bring extra. We had a small suitcase just filled with these items. the umbrella stroller is a must for getting around on the ship. Fits everywhere. Pack extra patience because their scheduile will get out of kilter and they may be crabby. We had nap time on each cruise to get us through an evening with out melt downs. Have a fun trip!!!!!

[trvlqueen]

When packing, don't worry about food so much - plenty for them to eat on board! But definitely worry about diapers, wipes, and those "essentials" - their favorite type of sippy cup, pacifier (if you use one) and make sure you have extras. Check with your pediatrician about what type of sunscreen to use and have extra of that, too - it's pricey if you have to replace any of those items on the ship - if too bulky to pack for flying, pick it up at your embarkation port.

 

The biggest challenge we had was sleeping time - if you can afford a balcony cabin, it's nice to be able to put baby down and sit outside until they're asleep - otherwise, you may find you have an extra person in your bed the whole trip :eek: I don't mind that once or twice, but the whole week gets a little frustrating for all of us.

 

There is laundry on the ship - pack quarters and detergent (or if you aren't worried about allergies, buy it on the ship) and plan to do laundry instead of overpacking blankets, clothing, and whatever else you need.

 

Last, if you're flying, and you haven't done so before, make sure you have some crackers and something for them to drink on takeoff and landing - getting them to chew and swallow will relieve the pressure on their ears and avoid pain.