XP: Cruising with an infant

J+E

My parents want to take us and baby on a cruise while I'm on maternity leave. We are very excited and it's so generous of them. But I am worried that it may not be a good idea. We are also considering Hawaii. The baby would be between 8 and 12 weeks. Would you do this with your babies?

MrsGreen620

At that time of year, I think I would be down for it.  If it were in the winter, during flu season, too hot/cold, I would pass.  But a mid-end of summer vacation sounds great!

justmeardle

::lurking::

Something to thing about.... when your baby is between 8 and 12 weeks he/she will more than likely not have much of a routine yet.  They will be starting to sleep better at night, but will still have night/day confused some.  It does depend on the baby though (some lucky moms have babies sleeping through the night at that point).  I think you COULD have a great time if your expectations are reasonable.  The baby might cry a lot, or might not.  Newborns do sleep a lot, so that will be easier than say a 4 or 5 month old.  And you may not feel super comfortable in a bathing suit at that point.  I don't want to bum you out, but just some things to think about. 

 

Musiclover2012

That does not sound like fun to me, eeek. Maybe see if they would do something when LO is a little older? I have been through that age of infancy once and so would not go on a vacation like that at that age. Good luck and keep us posted!

J+E

justmeardle:

::lurking::

Something to thing about.... when your baby is between 8 and 12 weeks he/she will more than likely not have much of a routine yet.  They will be starting to sleep better at night, but will still have night/day confused some.  It does depend on the baby though (some lucky moms have babies sleeping through the night at that point).  I think you COULD have a great time if your expectations are reasonable.  The baby might cry a lot, or might not.  Newborns do sleep a lot, so that will be easier than say a 4 or 5 month old.  And you may not feel super comfortable in a bathing suit at that point.  I don't want to bum you out, but just some things to think about. 

 

 Thanks (to everyone). You didn't bum me out. This is my first baby so I want to be able to consider all possible options. My parents will be with us and are ready and willing to help out with the baby. I feel like my expectations are pretty reasonable. I would be okay with not going into the ports if need be. I want to go more for the relaxation and family time. I understand that the baby may keep us awake and I'll hopefully be breastfeeding so I won't be drinking unless I pump. H and I are very laid back people so we are ready to roll with whatever baby wants, and like I said, we will have some help.

FusionLMT

That would have been a waste of money if we went with DS. He cried a lot and I was just tired, still sore sometimes from the c-section, and definitely not in an mood to wear a bathing suit and talk to other people all day long.

biblionerd

No freaking way in hell. ...if I may be blunt. At 8-12 weeks we were still  in survival mode big time. We would have been MISERABLE. DS is a difficult baby. At probably a month we realized a food allergy and the next couple were spent trying to figure what on earth he could eat without screaming his head off. He screamed for hours on end sometimes when he hurt. Add in the gas, acid reflux, and fighting every feeding around that time it was horrible. Then by around 12 weeks he was finally starting to get in a routine and actually nap... but only in his swing. Then he would only eat in his RNP and not be held. He's an ornery little guy, but at home it's manageable. Away from home we are STILL miserable right now. A cruise most likely wouldn't let him go anyway. Even if they did, I would not feel comfortable inconveniencing all the other guests. I also would not enjoy myself. They are still SOOOOO needy at that age. DH and I just in the last month can finally time dinner and actually eat a meal together. Before that, when DS was up he wanted attention and he wanted it now. So usually one of us played with him while the other ate, then vice versa. I just can't imagine actually having fun somewhere like that where it's supposed to be relaxing. 

roxane

I think it could be okay. At 8-12 weeks, baby will probably be okay sleeping in a sling with you.

We took DD on a cruise when she was 1, and she did great, but I won't be taking our kids on a cruise again until they are old enough to take advantage of the kids activities.  It required us to spend a lot of time in our cabin for naps (dd would not nap when there were things going on around her). DH and I didn't get to have much time together in the evenings either because one of us had to hang out with DD who went to bed around 7 (central time & we were in the pacific). Both our parents were along, but there is only so much time they can enjoy being stuck in a cabin with a sleeping babe. We also had to pay full price for her ticket.

J+E

Well upon further research, Carnival will not allow infants under 6 months. I think we will be heading to Hawaii, if we opt to go on vacation that early. The hotel where we usually stay has great suites with full kitchens. Plus it will be nice to have grocery stores nearby. Thanks for the advice everyone.

bio-oesch

I would go dd was sttn at 2mths, but that all changed around 3.5mths. Anyway they sleep so much and you could wear baby in a wrap. It could be fun,although maybe not if you have a fussy baby. Although if your baby is fussy, they're fussy doesn't mean you need to stay inside all day. I also an not a fan of worrying about other people, you can't life your life always worrying if you or your kids are bothering anyone. Kids cry, get over it.

 

I see babies under 6mths aren't allowed, so you guys are flying? Sounds like a good time! Have fun

mamabear0813

J+E:

Well upon further research, Carnival will not allow infants under 6 months. I think we will be heading to Hawaii, if we opt to go on vacation that early. The hotel where we usually stay has great suites with full kitchens. Plus it will be nice to have grocery stores nearby. Thanks for the advice everyone.

I was going to let you know this. Sorry. I don't think it would be crazy hard to do, because cruising is easy, but the ships simply aren't equipped to handle emergencies with infants that young. Honestly, even at 6 months it would still be risky if something happened, just it would be more likely they could survive being airlifted to a hospital equipped to handle young infants.

It should be nice in hawaii, but it may be a little harder if they expect you to be cooking and such. That is why I'd cruise with a baby that young. No cooking, no cleaning up after yourself, the ability to almost always find a quiet little corner to breastfeed if you will be. 

J+E

mamabear0813:

J+E:

Well upon further research, Carnival will not allow infants under 6 months. I think we will be heading to Hawaii, if we opt to go on vacation that early. The hotel where we usually stay has great suites with full kitchens. Plus it will be nice to have grocery stores nearby. Thanks for the advice everyone.

I was going to let you know this. Sorry. I don't think it would be crazy hard to do, because cruising is easy, but the ships simply aren't equipped to handle emergencies with infants that young. Honestly, even at 6 months it would still be risky if something happened, just it would be more likely they could survive being airlifted to a hospital equipped to handle young infants.

It should be nice in hawaii, but it may be a little harder if they expect you to be cooking and such. That is why I'd cruise with a baby that young. No cooking, no cleaning up after yourself, the ability to almost always find a quiet little corner to breastfeed if you will be. 

Thankfully we don't do a lot of "cooking". We hit Costco eight after landing and buy stuff for breakfast and lunch, easy stuff like cereal, muffins, and sandwich stuff. Then we eat out for dinner. No cooking required!

okate0213

J+E:

mamabear0813:

J+E:

Well upon further research, Carnival will not allow infants under 6 months. I think we will be heading to Hawaii, if we opt to go on vacation that early. The hotel where we usually stay has great suites with full kitchens. Plus it will be nice to have grocery stores nearby. Thanks for the advice everyone.

I was going to let you know this. Sorry. I don't think it would be crazy hard to do, because cruising is easy, but the ships simply aren't equipped to handle emergencies with infants that young. Honestly, even at 6 months it would still be risky if something happened, just it would be more likely they could survive being airlifted to a hospital equipped to handle young infants.

It should be nice in hawaii, but it may be a little harder if they expect you to be cooking and such. That is why I'd cruise with a baby that young. No cooking, no cleaning up after yourself, the ability to almost always find a quiet little corner to breastfeed if you will be. 

Thankfully we don't do a lot of "cooking". We hit Costco eight after landing and buy stuff for breakfast and lunch, easy stuff like cereal, muffins, and sandwich stuff. Then we eat out for dinner. No cooking required!

Go for it! Hope you have great time as a new family.