do you take your baby to restaurants in the evening

[sparkle_1979]

We have a family birthday dinner in a pub/restaurant on Friday at 8pm and we don't know if it's ok to take the baby ( no babysitter )
Other family members are taking kids, but as a rule we usually don't agree with kids in pubs in the evening. When we used to go out, we kinda used to get a bit annoyed if we were having a drink and a meal and there were kids running around screaming.
Family think we are being snooty cause we said that we think she should be in bed and no out at night?

What do you think?

Thanks xx

 

[Seity]

We have a bunch of times. I feed him just before we head out that way we have the most time before he gets fussy again. He'll be alert for a while and then we can usually give him a pacifier and he'll fall asleep. If he continues to be fussy, I take him out of the car seat and rock him. Only once was he upset enough one of us had to take him outside, but he was only 3 weeks at the time.

 

[Mum2b_Claire]

Personally I wouldn't - because my Ruby's bedtime is 7.30pm so she would be tired and crying, and no one likes that in a restaurant in the evening.

But if your LO usually goes to bed late and she'd be happy OR she would sleep in her pram or whatever, then I think it'd be ok.

 

[ellie27]

My Anna goes to bed around 11pm

Pretty much every weekend we go into town during the day and then have dinner in a bar/restaurant about 7pm. She loves it - gets lots of attention etc. She does not scream or get grumpy etc as 7-9pm is her most liveliest time of the day. When she is older and wanting to run around etc we probably wouldnt be taking her out - and by then she would be going to bed earlier.

I say go for it!!

And enjoy it too

 

[sweetie_c]

We took DD to a restaurant at 2 months old and she was in the car seat, we couldn't really enjoy ourselves as we had to keep watch on DD, plus it was a nightmare for the waiter to get us the perfect seat so DD's car seat can fit on to and not hit the table etc.

I personally will now wait till DD is able to use a high chair and would prefer to go to a restaurant during the day.

 

[Rachel_C]

We do and always have done. If there will be other kids there, it's not like your LO will be the only one. I do get annoyed when kids are running around screaming but I think that's more to do with the parenting than the fact that they're there. When she was younger, Leyla would just sleep in her pram but now she's eating she has a great time trying all the food. I just make sure to take a big bib and a disposable place mat for her so we don't make too much mess!

If you think it would upset her routine too much though, I probably wouldn't take her. If she'll be ok with it though, I don't see why not.

 

[Scally]

We went out to a toby carvery at the weekend- first time i have taken her to a pub in the evening- we went about 5, and was out of there by 6.30 as her bedtime is 7. They were good there as all people who had babies/children were seated in the same area so if one cried nobody would mind. Izzy was good, apart from screeching at us for food constantly, lol!

 

[loopy_lou]

I think its important to get kids used to restaurants early in life so they know how to behave, we did this with my 2 nephews and there now great and well behaved when we eat out. I plan on doing this with madam in a week or two starting with a sunday lunch out. The trick is to be prepared for them to be fussy at first yes feed them before you go but we found with my nephews they felt left out with not eating with the grown ups so easier to feed there. And always take 1 extra bottle than you think you need just in case

I remember in paris we had a big family meal for my mums 50th birthday and my nephews who were 4 and 6 at the time impressed the waiters so much that when it came time to eat desert he took them back to the kitchen to see and help them being made and they came back with big grins and a handful of chocolate each

My philosophy is try everything once otherwise how do you know you dont like it or that it will not work?

 

[loopy loulou]

I took Eve out in the evenings when she was really little as it's much easier then! She would just sleep in her car seat under the table!! (you know what I mean!), but now she is in a set routine and her 'bedtime' is about 7pm she would probably be a nightmare if she's disrupted. We've only had her out late one night, when she was about 14 weeks at a wedding and she just would not settle in her pram and got very cross so now I stick to her being in her own bed on time!

But saying that. I would like it if she was a bit more flexible, my son was much easier! We used to take him everywhere and he would just sleep in his buggy in his pyjamas no problem at all.

I guess each baby is different, so you know your's best!

As for the 'kids in the restaurant' thing, I'm with you on that one. I hate kids running around and being disruptive in restaurants. I get cross with the parents who just sit there letting them do it! Because we have taken my son out from an early age he knows how to behave and sits at the table nicely.

Manners cost nothing!!

Good luck with your decision and have a fab night! xx

 

[sparkle_1979]

Thanks everyone, I think we will try it. she doesn't usually go down until about 9pm and if she gets fussy we will just take her out in the pram as not to cause any upset to other people eating x

 

[Samemka]

When Emma was a newborn up until about 2 months we did, no trouble, but after then she started getting into more of a routine and gradually her bedtime by about 5 months was between 6-7pm, so there would be no point because she'd get tired and grouchy as a result, and that's no fun for anyone. Now she goes to bed at 7:30 and I wouldn't take her out past then for that reason.

I have friends though whose LOs go to bed at 9-10pm and they do - we just wouldn't because it's not fair on Emma, or other people eating out, if she's crying because she's tired.

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

I've taken Edward. Up until a couple of weeks ago we used to go out for a meal about once a week. Only once did he cause a big enough fuss that we had to take him out of his carseat. Most of the time he just slept or tried to charm the waiter/waitress by grinning at them xx

 

[hancake100]

We have taken lo lots of times, she doesnt go to bed till around 9.30ish anyway and as long as it is a family pub/restaurant then I dont see a problem, if other people there with no children dont like it then they shouldnt have come to a 'family' place to eat.

 

[loopy_lou]

Thanks everyone, I think we will try it. she doesn't usually go down until about 9pm and if she gets fussy we will just take her out in the pram as not to cause any upset to other people eating x

I am sure there will be plenty of volunteers to give cuddles

 

[jenny82]

We used to, but now that LO goes to bed at 7pm, we haven't/

Shame as we used to love going for meals!

Actually, I might test the water with this one. There is a restaurant at the top of our street - I would love to take LO out, give him bedtime bottle at 7 and see how he goes down in his pram. I suspect he would just fall asleep, but if we test it at the top of our street, if he goes nuts we can just run home

 

[special_kala]

id say no as River goes to bed at 7 so for us to take her out wouldn't be fair on her at all

 

[OmarsMum]

We take Omar out with us to restuarant in the evening. He likes looking aorund & talking to ppl. I dont mind breaking his routine when we'r out.

 

[AP]

No, I wouldnt even be able to enjoy my meal if LO started whining, so I wouldnt bother

 

[Blah11]

I think ruby is old enough now to go out for dinner. Amelies been ourt loads of times and generally is good as gold.

 

[Mindy_mini]

Speaking as someone who doesnt have a child (yet) here so please dont chastise me - im sure with time and a LO of our own our views will change.

Hubby and I were always OK with kids in resturants before say about 7pm but after wards we feel its an adult environment. Well behaved children are fine but neither of us can stand kids running around screaming like its a tumble tots meeting.

Obviously you LO wont be running round and if you think shes going to be happy and quiet then I'd say its fine but if LO starts to cry, maybe take them out of the dining area for a while to calm them. that way you wont disturbe other diners

Sorry if that offends any one.