Parenting Advise

[waterbug123]

I agree so much with what you said...they shouldn't be made to feel like their child is a chore. It can be a really fun time for all of them.

 

The child doesn't have to feel like a "chore" but cruising or doing any vacation with a toddler is a very different experience and does include some challenges. If one has realistic expectations about that then yes, it can be a fun time for all. :)

[Jenjer]

One thing I found helpful:

 

When packing I put together the kids outfits together everything from hair bows to socks. Each outfit was put in a separate zip lock bag. So it was easy to change them and to unpack. No looking around for a something to match. As the kids grew they could pick out their our outfit each day and know everything matched.

 

Then you have a ton of zip lock bags to go home great for not quite dry items or very dirty items.

[Essiesmom]

Two other suggestions: Don't stress if you think you will run out of diapers. Every port will have a place you can buy diapers. It may not be in the main tourist area, and they might not have your favorite brand, but at least it will be diapers. Second, don't feel you have to bring three outfits for every day. Every ship has a laundry service. Some have self service, but if you don't want to spend time doing laundry, you can send it out. Yes, it is not free, but weigh the advantage of not having to pay checked bag fees and schlep that bag through the airports against the cost of having laundry done. Might work for you, too. EM

[mdjohn5]

Couple of tips from a father of 5 and 7 year olds who have each been on 5 cruises,

 

Set your expectations....cruising with kids is a different experience. You need to be able to roll with the punches! I go to the casino after the wife and kids are tucked in for the evening and my wife goes out to the pool/spa in the afternoons while I entertain the kids. Need to work it out so that everyone has a fun time.

 

Zip lock bags are your new best friends. Pack outfits in them and then re-use them as diaper holders in case it takes a while for your cabin garbage to be removed.

 

My kids love to color / draw. If you have a cabin with a balcony, you can use dry erase markers on the Plexiglas. I could sit out on the balcony and read while my kids go to town creating their next Picaso masterpiece!

 

We like to bring a few hard plastic toys that are multi-purpose. They can be used in the bathtub, in the room, in the pool, etc.

 

Don't be afraid of the main dinning room. I am always ready to remove the kids if they get loud, but its much easier to have people bring you food than have to juggle it all at the buffet. I don't think you said if your child was a boy/girl....but you can get a kids Tux online pretty cheap....and they are the hit of the dinning room on formal night.

 

Transportation is always an issue at that age, so scout it out first. You need to decide on your car seat strategy and how you plan to get between point A and B.

 

On most ships you can't use the kids club until they are potty sufficient...i.e they can do it by themselves but may need a little help. For my kids, the clubs can be hit or miss...really depends on how engaging the staff are and if they make friends early in the week. Some times we cant keep them out, and other times we have to push them in and run...... :)

 

 

Have a great time!

[mom2oneXY]

My sons forst cruise was when he was 15 months old. It was different, but wonderful!

We ultimately decided he's stay at home with grandparents for following couple cruises and he just went on his 2nd cruise at 5 yo.

 

~He did nap in the afternoons, so I did too.

~He went to bed at 8:00 every night so we enjoyed wine on the balcony every night.

~He loved the MDR and the wait staff loved him. They doted on him and made sure he was happy, and that made us happy!

~We did bring take and toss sippy cups because there is no such thing on the ship. We also brought a little thing of dish soap to wash them out in the cabin.

~We brought some packaged snacks, but the buffet had boxed cereal that we grabbed every morning for snacks on and off the ship. We also grabbed extra milk to have in the fridge in the cabin. We always had plastic baggies and bagged up raisins and crackers from the salad bar, cookies, and other dry goods for snacks.

~Ports we usually just did a sight seeing tour on a shuttle or stayed close to the ship. The ports with beaches close by were our favorite. We brought one of these floats becuase they fold flat when not in use. It was perfect for our little guy.

~On RCL they had open nursery times that were staffed, but a parent had to be present. They pulled out toys and sang songs. We met other parents of toddlers there that we ended up getting together with for the kids to play and get some adult interation other places on the ship.

~RCL also used to do a toy exchange program for toys in the cabin. Not sure if they still do that.

 

You'll have a great time! Just don't overplan and keep expectations low!!

[mdjohn5]

One more thing,

 

First day, if your child is a milk drinker, scout out the locations to get milk. Our kids like to drink it before bed, and the buffet is usually closed and/or closing about that time so its nice to know a few places to get it if you don't have any on ice or in a fridge (if your room has one).

 

You can always do room service, but that can take a while and (my) kids don't always have a while :).

[WeddNcruise]

Two more suggestions that I have not seen on this thread:

 

 

 

If you have not yet experience the escape velocity of a toddler and the heart stopping moment when you realize she is out of sight, you will. Buy a toddler harness. It is invaluable when a fussy toddler wants out of the stroller to walk. In a crowded airport or street, you will know where she is and that she is safe.

 

 

 

Ignore the snarky comments you will get about her not being a dog. Anyone who is particularity insistent on the harness comments will usually shut up if you ask the person why they are so interested in your child being available for snatching and if needed, a call out for security to question the person on their interest in your child will also work.

 

 

 

Second, there will probably not be a bathtub in your cabin. I have seen suggestions about bringing a small blow up tub to place in the shower. Great - more stuff to lug with you.

 

 

 

Start now in getting your child use to a shower. Bring her in with Mom or Dad to become accustom to the water coming down on her. If she is not walking yet, hold her in your arms in the shower with the second parent standing by with a towel for the hand off. Work up to having the full shower experience of shampoo and soap. Hopefully, by cruise time, she will be accustom to showers and will not be upset by its use.

 

 

Omg I love the toddler leash idea.

Before kids I'll admit I used to stare a little when I saw a child with it, not judge just more like "wow they make those for kids?!"

But after kids and a couple of scares with my first born in crowded places.... I can see exactly why it's a good idea.

I can live with people judging me. I can't live with losing my child.

 

 

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