Going to Branson, or maybe I'm crazy???

[Free Thinker]

My DH and I have decided to go to Branson over the 4th of July weekend. Our baby will be 3 months by then. Am I crazy to be planning a trip with a little one? We have rented a cabin, and will be gone for 2 nights. I have made reservations for only one show, and thought we would just see how things went before booking another one. We also plan to ride the Ducks (big vehicles that go on land and water) or maybe do the Showboat Branson Belle??? There are hiking trails where we are staying, so I'm sure there will be plenty to do, but how will baby do? Can I take her in the pools at the resort, or is that risking her getting sick? I am planning on using the stroller some so that she won't get too hot in the sling. I have a mesh one, so I will use it some, but I thought the stroller would be cooler for her. Should I take her a bottle w/ water? She is exclusively BF, but I wonder also about giving her a bit of juice watered down? How will I know if she's getting too dehydrated? What all do I need to take, really? This is my list so far:

sunscreen
stroller
diapers
bedding
lap pads
8 outfits
hats
sling

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things, so please offer any advice you have about vacationing with babies

TIA!!!

[lexbeach]

nak

Well, I don't know where Branson is, but I think it's fine to take a 3-mo baby on a two-night vacation. I eouldn't give her a bottle of water, and definitely don't give her any juice. Just make sure that YOU drink enough water, and nurse your babe whenever she wants. It's very rare for a bfed on demand baby to get dehydrated.

Do you co-sleep? I would figure out what the sleeping situation is going to be. If you don't cosleep, I would bring a porta-crib. If you do co-sleep, I'd want to know what size bed there would be, what the mattress was like, etc. I bring portable guard rails with me when we go places because our mattress at home is on the floor, and I don't sleep well in a raised bed because I worry the babies will fall out (without the rails).

I guess you'll have to use your judgement about the pool. I don't think it would make her sick, but maybe the water would be too cold? Also there's all those chemicals. . .

My advice would be to make sure you have some downtime. If you're always on the go, you'll get totally wiped out and dd might get over-stimulated. Make sure she still gets all her naps in.

Have fun; good luck!

Lex