When can my baby go on kiddie rides at the amusement park?

Your child should be able to sit up by himself without support before you bring him on any amusement park ride, even one as seemingly harmless as a carousel. Most children can sit up well by about 7 or 8 months, but that doesn't mean you can strap your child in and then go stand on the sidelines to watch. Until your child is at least 2, keep your hands on him at all times when he's on a ride, even if it has a seatbelt. Once your child is over 2, he'll need to meet minimum height and age requirements for each ride before the park attendants will let him on. For instance, to ride the Matterhorn at Disneyland, children must be "at least 35 inches tall and 3 years old," says John McClintock, a spokesperson for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Use your own judgment as well. Amusement park rides can be fast, bumpy, and scary. Even when your child is tall enough to go on a ride, he might not be emotionally ready. Many theme parks are specifically designed to include activities or areas for ...  more