Best Tips for Disney With a Baby: Rides, Outfits & More

Written by Katy Arnold on March 28, 2025.

Taking a baby to Disney is no small feat—but with the right game plan, it’s magic in motion. From scouting the best rides for infants at Disney World to choosing comfortable infant Disney outfits, these tried-and-true picks and smart strategies keep stress low and smiles high. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or the parent who knows the park map by heart, here’s how to make every moment count.

Planning Your First Disney Trip With a Baby

There’s nothing like watching your baby take in Disney for the first time, but the logistics can feel daunting if you’re winging it. From navigating nap schedules to keeping essentials close, Disney with a baby comes down to prep, organization, and flexibility. Here’s how to set yourself up for smooth days and happy memories.

What to Expect When Visiting Disney With an Infant

Disney with an infant is a different pace than with older children—slower days, more shade stops, and even more snack breaks. Some attractions are perfect for infant Disney days, but not every attraction will be baby-friendly, so it pays to plan ahead.

Nail the details to skip the stress, and capture those tiny Mickey-ear photos you’ll treasure forever.

Infant Disney Outfits and Must Have Baby Essentials

Dressing your baby for Disney is part style, part strategy. Tiny Mickey ears and costumes are part of the fun, but comfort and practicality come first when you’re out in the parks all day. From breathable outfits to functional gear, here’s what to pack to keep your little one comfy and happy:

Breathable outfits: Go for soft, lightweight fabrics in light colors to keep your baby cool. Think onesies, rompers, or sets that are easy to layer if the weather changes, and have snaps or zippers to make diaper changes smoother.
Hats and sun protection: A wide-brim hat or soft cap with UPF protection helps shield your baby’s face and neck from the sun, and lightweight muslin blankets double as sun covers, stroller drapes, or nursing covers when needed.
Hands-Free Carrier Set: Long park days mean lots of carrying—and this combo makes it way more comfortable. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier supports your kid and stores your stuff, while The Snug helps you go hands-free when you need for maps, churros, or a hug from Goofy. And with tons of color and fabric options, it’s easy to design a set that goes with your wardrobe.
The Pack: Wearing a belt bag at Disney is a game changer, as it keeps your essentials close and hands free without weighing you down. The Pack is a sleek, spacious belt bag with a hidden bottle holder, dedicated compartments for essentials, a keychain holder, and space for diapers and wipes, so you can focus on the fun, not digging through a backpack.
Changing Pad: Theme park bathrooms aren’t exactly known for their luxe accommodations. This sleek, vegan leather changing pad wipes down clean and folds up slim to fit in your Tushbaby, Pack, or even back pocket.
The Pod: A tiny but mighty lifesaver. This compact pouch keeps pacifiers clean, easy to grab, and clipped to your carrier or bag for quick access when you need it most.

With the right gear, you’ll be ready to take on Disney like a pro. Need more essentials for life with a little one? Find more parent-approved must-haves for every stage of parenting in this guide.

Rides For Infants at Disneyland

Every Disney resort has its own lineup, but when it comes to the best rides for infants at Disneyland, these are the ones worth the wait:

“It’s A Small World”: A slow, colorful boat ride with dancing dolls from around the globe and music that’ll live rent-free in your head for days.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A gentle, storybook-style ride through the Hundred Acre Wood complete with honey pots, Heffalumps, and plenty of charm.
Peter Pan’s Flight: Climb aboard a flying pirate ship and glide over a twinkling London skyline before soaring into Neverland’s glowing, storybook scenes.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A classic favorite where you control how high you fly—perfect for little giggles and big smiles.
Alice in Wonderland: A bright, whimsical ride through Wonderland’s most iconic moments with gentle turns.
Jungle Cruise: A smooth, shaded boat ride with playful animatronics and tongue-in-cheek jokes from the skipper to keep grownups entertained too.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A leisurely boat ride with small drops, lively pirate scenes, and plenty to look at—ideal for curious eyes.

While infant rides at Disney World may differ, the goal is the same: choose attractions that keep things calm, colorful, and full of wonder—for both of you.

Tips for Disney With a Newborn

Disney with a newborn is all about comfort and simplicity—the days move slower, the breaks come often, and flexibility is your best friend. The parks have plenty of helpful resources and smart shortcuts—if you know where to look.

Use the Baby Care Centers: Every park has one, and they’re stocked with changing tables, feeding areas, and emergency baby supplies. Think of it as your home base.
Pack light but smart: Diapers, wipes, extra outfits, and a portable changing pad are non-negotiable. For a full rundown of what to bring, check out this Disney baby packing list to ensure the essentials are covered.
Take advantage of Rider Switch: One parent rides while the other waits with the baby, then you swap without waiting in line again—because yes, you deserve a turn too.
Choose shady, quiet spots: Newborns aren’t big on overstimulation. Find calm areas like Tom Sawyer Island or the mellower corners of EPCOT for feedings and breaks.
Go with the flow: A rigid schedule will just stress you out. Prioritize a few must-dos, but be ready to pivot based on your baby’s needs.

Newborn Disney days are all about soft schedules and simple joys—so take it slow, enjoy the sights, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

FAQs

How Old Should a Baby Be Before Going to Disney?

There’s no official rule on when to take your baby to Disney, but if you’re wondering the best age, it really depends on what you want out of the trip. Some parents bring their babies as young as a few months old, while others wait until their little one is more alert and interactive. The good news is that Disney with an infant means free entry for kids under three, plenty of slow rides, and lots of cute photo ops. If you’re up for the adventure, infant Disney trips can be magical.

Can You Skip Lines at Disney With a Baby?

You can’t bypass every wait, but Disney does make it easier for parents juggling tiny travelers. Infant rides at Disney World typically have shorter wait times, and for bigger attractions, Rider Switch lets one parent ride while the other waits with the baby—then you swap without waiting in line again. Genie+ and Lightning Lanes can also help you skip the long queues, so you’re not stuck entertaining a restless baby in a 60-minute standby line.

Does Disney Have Strollers to Rent?

Disney rents out strollers—but they’re more of a hard plastic chariot than a cozy nap spot. You can rent single or double strollers at all Disney parks, but they’re first-come, first-served and have to stay in the parks (so no rolling back to the hotel with one).

That said, strollers are banned from most lines and can be clunky in crowds, shops, and transportation. That’s where your Tushbaby setup shines. Pair your Tushbaby Hip Carrier with The Snug to go fully hands-free: it wraps over your shoulders and attaches to the carrier for a secure, streamlined carry with baby facing in or out. Plus, The Snug easily tucks into Tushbaby’s front pocket—so you can go from hipseat to hands-free whenever you need.

Is It Worth Going to Disney With a Baby?

That depends on your expectations. If you're dreaming of big-kid thrills and late-night fireworks, you might want to wait until your little one is a bit bigger. But if you’re all about slow days, character meet-and-greets, and soaking up the magic through tiny, wide-eyed expressions, then absolutely. Disney with a newborn is less about rides and more about the experience—plus, kids under three get in free, so it’s a great time to go before you’re paying for their ticket.

Disney with a baby is about pacing yourself, embracing the breaks, and making memories—no matter how small your travel buddy is. Whether you're tackling the parks or just tackling everyday life, Tushbaby has the gear to keep you comfortable, organized, and ready for every stage of parenting.