Washington DC with young child
Mar 26th, 2005, 06:39 AM
#1
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Washington DC with young child
We would love to take our older kids to DC (at the time we were thinking they would be 12 and 14) however we will have an 18 month old at that time. Is it easier to go with an 18 month old or wait a few years until she is 3 or 4. I would like the older ones to experience DC before they have too much US history so they will appreciate their history class but if it is going to be a disaster with a super young one that is something to consider.
Mar 26th, 2005, 06:52 AM
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Here's my take...
If you and your older children can be flexible with the 18 month old, go. There are plenty of monuments to see where your toddler can run free which gives a nice balance to remaining in a stroller while visiting a museum.
I wouldn't put the trip off - something can always come up in the future that may prevent you from going.
If you and your older children can be flexible with the 18 month old, go. There are plenty of monuments to see where your toddler can run free which gives a nice balance to remaining in a stroller while visiting a museum.
I wouldn't put the trip off - something can always come up in the future that may prevent you from going.
Mar 26th, 2005, 07:59 AM
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Having just returned from DC this week, there were long lines, lots of security, and loads of stairs. I agree with your desire for the older children to visit the Capitol. You may have to deal with some stressful situations with any age, and I don't feel delaying your trip will change that.
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:03 AM
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An 18-month old might actually be more portable than a kid who's 3 or 4. An average 18-month old will ride around in their stroller looking at their immediate environment and eventually will take a nap, whereas an older child requires more sophisticated entertainment and scheduling.
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:19 AM
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I would also say don't wait to go. Neither an 18 mo old nor a 4 yr old will remember the trip so if you have a desire to see DC, then go ahead. There are plenty of sites that will interest a toddler and an adult - the Nat'l Zoo, the Air & Space museum, Natural History museum etc. Plus Anonymous raises a good point about an 18 mo old being more willing to ride in a stroller.
Mar 26th, 2005, 02:08 PM
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Thank you so much for your resonses. You all verified what I had been thinking but it is nice to know other people feel the same way. Now I have to go convince my husband. I have been many years ago and we would definately go again when the young one is a lot older too. 
Mar 26th, 2005, 05:01 PM
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Another thought on this one. If there are two adults, you and your husband, you can split up when needed, with one being with the older kids and one with the 18 month old. We have gone on plenty of vacations with other adult couples and taken turns being with the kids. It works out fine.
