If you’ve ever tried to pack for Disneyland with a baby, you know it’s very easy to go from “prepared” to “pack mule” in about three minutes.
On our last trip, I swore I’d be realistic. Then I looked at our stroller basket and realized I had packed like we were moving into Sleeping Beauty Castle permanently.
So here it is:
“Disneyland with a Baby: What I Actually Used vs. What Stayed in the Bag”
— an honest recap so you can pack smarter, lighter, and still feel totally prepared.
The Big Gear: Stroller vs. Baby Carrier
✅ What I Actually Used
1. Lightweight stroller with good sunshade
The stroller was non-negotiable. It held:
- The baby
- The diaper bag
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
- My sanity
It was our home base, our pack mule, and our naptime vehicle. I used it all day, every day. A big sunshade and easy recline for naps were worth their weight in churros.
2. Baby carrier (for lines and naps)
I didn’t use it every second, but when I needed it, I was so glad I had it:
- Long lines where strollers weren’t allowed
- Nap time when baby refused the stroller lay-flat but would snooze against me
- Evenings when everything was crowded and I wanted hands free
I wouldn’t bring two carriers, but one comfy option = absolutely worth the space.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag (or in the Room)
• Extra stroller organizer / cup holder systems
I brought multiple clips, hooks, and organizers “just in case.”
I used… one. The rest just rattled around and annoyed me.
Next time: One stroller caddy + one hook for a small shopping bag. That’s it.
Diaper Bag Stuff: The Real MVPs
✅ What I Actually Used
1. Diapers, wipes, changing pad
Obvious, but I used all three constantly. What mattered most:
- A slim changing pad (not the big fluffy one)
- Wipes in a small, easy-open container
- Diapers in a zip bag so I could grab what I needed fast
I used the Baby Care Centers a few times (they’re so nice!), but I did most changes in regular restrooms or in the stroller with a quick pad.
2. Extra outfit in a gallon zip bag
Yes. One outfit 100% got used. Between drips, spills, and one diaper that tried to escape containment—this was necessary.
The zip bag was the hero because dirty clothes went straight back in.
3. Muslin blanket
Used this for:
- Nursing cover
- Stroller shade
- Quick ground cover while waiting
- Baby snuggles when it got chilly at night
It earned its place.
4. Diaper cream in a tiny container
We didn’t need it every change, but when baby started to look a little red from heat and constant diapers, I was thankful. A travel-sized version was perfect—no need for the giant tub.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag
• Full-size wipes refill
I thought we’d blow through wipes. We didn’t. The travel pack was plenty for the day; the refill could’ve stayed in the hotel.
• Second full outfit (plus backup backup socks)
The extra-extra outfit was unnecessary for our day. One extra outfit was enough.
• Giant pack of disposable changing pads
I kept using my washable pad and never touched the disposables.
Next time: One extra outfit, one travel wipes pack, one slim pad. No more diaper-supply overkill.
Feeding & Snacks: What Worked and What Was Extra
Every baby is different, but here’s how it shook out for us.
✅ What I Actually Used
1. Bottles / sippy + formula or milk
Whatever your baby drinks, you’ll use it. Obviously.
The key was how we packed it:
- Two bottles total
- Pre-measured formula in a formula dispenser
- One small bottle brush back at the hotel, not in the park
2. Easy baby snacks
Baby puffs, dissolvable crackers, and small snacks were lifesavers in:
- Lines
- Parades
- That “we ordered food but it’s not here yet” window
We didn’t need a huge variety—2–3 tried-and-true favorites were plenty.
3. Bib + a few wipes for faces
One wipeable bib that I could roll up and stuff in a pocket was great. I used it most meals.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag
• Multiple extra bottles
Two were enough for our day with rinses in-between. Four was too many.
• Full baby-food picnic
I packed:
- Pouches
- Crackers
- Baby yogurt melts
- Random “just in case” snacks
We used a few of them. The rest came back untouched and slightly melted. Baby was more interested in:
- Pouches
- Tiny bits of our food (plain noodles, soft bread, etc.)
• Big insulated lunch bag
We used the small soft cooler once. Mostly, it was just bulky.
Next time: 2 bottles, pre-measured formula or milk plan, a couple favorite snacks, and a bib. No more entire “baby pantry” in the stroller.
Clothes & Weather Gear
✅ What I Actually Used
1. Layers
Baby wore:
- Short sleeves during the day
- Light hoodie or sweater at night
Those evening layers got used every night once the sun dipped.
2. Sun hat
Did baby love the hat? No.
Did I keep putting it back on anyway? Yes.
Combined with stroller shade, it helped a ton.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag
• Multiple backup outfits “for temperature changes”
I had cute themed backups for hot/cold/emergency.
We used the one messy-emergency outfit, not the climate fashion collection.
• Extra heavy blanket
The muslin blanket and baby’s hoodie were enough. The chunky blanket was overkill.
Next time: Dress for the actual forecast, pack one backup outfit and one cozy layer, and call it good.
Toys & Entertainment
✅ What I Actually Used
1. One or two small favorite toys
A crinkle book and a small teether toy? Yes.
They were helpful while waiting, especially earlier in the day.
2. Pacifier + clip (and one backup)
The clip prevented so many “pacifier on the Disneyland floor” horrors. The backup kept me from scrambling when the first one went missing for a bit.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag
• A whole collection of toys
I packed a lot. Baby mostly wanted:
- To look around
- To people-watch
- To chew on the stroller straps (of course)
The park itself was constant stimulation. The extra toys just added weight.
Next time: 1–2 toys, 2 pacifiers, that’s it.
“Nice to Have” Extras: Hits and Misses
✅ What I Actually Used
1. Portable fan
If it’s even slightly warm, the fan becomes a little handheld miracle.
We clipped it to the stroller and used it during:
- Naps
- Midday heat
- Busy, crowded walkways
2. Small hand sanitizer + wipes
Used constantly. Enough said.
3. Mini first-aid bits
We didn’t need much baby-wise, but band-aids and pain reliever for the adults came in handy.
❌ What Stayed in the Bag
• Full medicine kit for every possible scenario
I packed:
- Thermometer
- Infant meds
- Saline
- Nose sucker
None of it got used in the park. Good to have at the hotel, not necessary in the stroller.
• Multiple wet bags
One gallon zip bag handled the mess just fine.
Next time: Keep “sick day” stuff at the hotel. Park bag gets a tiny, realistic “we’re gone for 10–12 hours” kit, not a mini pharmacy.
The Real MVPs vs. The “Wish I’d Left It” List
To make it super clear, here’s how I’d pack next time for Disneyland with a baby.
✅ Absolutely Bring (Park Bag)
- Lightweight stroller with big sunshade
- One baby carrier
- Diapers for the day + wipes in a travel pack
- Slim changing pad
- Diaper cream in a tiny tube
- 1 extra baby outfit in a zip bag
- Muslin blanket
- 2 bottles + pre-measured formula or feeding plan
- A couple of favorite baby snacks
- 1 wipeable bib
- Refillable water bottles for grownups
- Pacifier with clip + 1 backup
- 1–2 small toys/books
- Lightweight baby hoodie or sweater
- Sun hat
- Portable fan (if warm weather)
- Small hand sanitizer + wipes
- Mini first-aid bits (band-aids, blister care, pain reliever for adults)
- Phone charger + cord
🧳 Leave in the Hotel (Or Skip Entirely)
- Extra stroller organizers, hooks, and gadgets
- Full refill pack of wipes
- Second extra outfit
- Stack of disposable changing pads
- Huge variety of baby snacks “just in case”
- Multiple extra bottles
- Big insulated lunch bag
- Heavy blanket
- Bag of toys
- Full medicine kit (thermometer, saline, nose sucker, etc. – great for the room, not the park)
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Pack the Whole Nursery
If you’re a first-time Disneyland-with-a-baby parent, it’s completely normal to overpack. You want your little one comfortable, happy, and meltdown-minimized… and you want to feel prepared.
But the truth is:
- The park is full of changing tables, Baby Care Centers, and stores if you truly forget something.
- Your stroller space and your shoulders will thank you for every item you decide not to bring.
- Your baby doesn’t need a million options—they mostly need comfort, milk, naps, and shade.
Pack the things that help you meet those needs, and you’re already winning.
