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Expectant and Postpartum Moms
Kids at baby showers?
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Anonymous
| Is it generally acceptable to bring kids (3 and under) to a baby shower? The shower will be at someone's house. Basically, every guest has a child this age. |
Anonymous
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A "true" baby - like one that just sits in the carrier and sleeps...yes
A crawler who will attempt to stick everything in its mouth, pull itself up on the nice coffee table and require baby-proofed arrangements...no. A toddler - who needs to be entertained, monitored, and can get in the way...no. Don't turn it into a playdate and if you're the only one bringing a child than no. Remember, this is an adult party. And just b/c all the guests have children/babies of their own doesn't mean it should be a gathering of the masses. |
Anonymous
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If you want to have kids come, then invite them. If you want it to be adults only, then make it adults only.
You could also hire a couple of nannies if you wanted to make it easier for moms with kids to come |
Anonymous
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NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO.
God, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. |
Anonymous
| I say ask. I would more than welcome children at my shower at pretty much any age except maybe over 12 because i'm sure they'd just hate it. |
Anonymous
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If you are in the planning stages and want the party to include kids, then by all means include them if people (particularly the mom-to-be) like the idea. I'm of the opinion that there is no "right way" to do a baby shower (or any other party). Make it what you want.
If this is a question about an already planned event, then I'd say it doesn't hurt to ask, but don't force the issue. |
Anonymous
|
To the people who are saying no no no no no god no -- I'm curious why not? (not being a smart alec -- I genuinely want to know why because I don't feel the same way).
I've only been to a few baby showers so I'm no expert, but there were always TONS of kids running around at these and I have to say I loved it -- kids are kind of what it's all about, no? If the host and mom-to-be think kids are okay, then I think they are a nice addition. Agree that older children would probably be bored to tears. Of course, if either host or mom to be says adults only, then that's what it is. If your kids are not on the invitation, assume they are not invited (a call to find out if it's okay is probably fine). I asked the host of my shower specifically if we could invite children, since we are having a daytime, couples shower and I have a number of friends who JUST had babies (and I'm sure some don't yet have reliable babysitters) and we are up for kids. My host graciously allowed this, as well. I think it will be more vibrant and less boring with kids there -- but then again, I'm a bona fied shower-hater, so anything to liven the thing up is great as far as I'm concerned. Probably also depends on the family / group of friends that is getting together for the shower. |
Anonymous
The shower is for the celebrating motherhood for the new mom and baby-to-be. Other people's kids/babies shouldn't be a distraction or a nuisance. Newborn babies are usually the exception. IMHO. |
Anonymous
| This is the irony of ironies. Why can't you bring a baby/small child to a baby shower? With the permission of the person hosting, why not? I don't know why things are so wacky. |
Anonymous
Ok, I can understand your reasoning. I personally, as mentioned, would like to have kids around at my shower, but can see why others would feel differently. I suppose the important thing is to read the invitation. If your kids aren't personally invited, it's probably best to leave them at home or make a phone call to ensure they are welcome guests! They will be at my shower, but I wouldn't bring my own kids (once I have him / her, that is) unless I had a direct OK to do so. |
Anonymous
| OP here - a friend's work friend is hosting a baby shower for her (after her baby is born for logistical reasons). The hostes doesnt have kids (I think). But all the invitees have kids in the 0-3 yr age group. So I asked the mom-to-be if we could bring kids, bc if any of her other friends hosted, bring kids would be fine. She assumed it would be ok, but then realized she should ask and I was wondering what normal protocol was. |
Anonymous
| If the hostess doesn't have kids she may not be prepared for kids--I would plan to go without them. Let them spend some quality time with dad while you're at the shower. |
Anonymous
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We're having a Jack & Jill shower. So many of our friends & family have young kids that if we didn't have a non-traditional shower, many of them wouldn't be able to make it. Our friends/family who are throwing us the shower are hosting a BBQ for us on a Sunday afternoon. We'll be able to see everyone, eat, perhaps play a non-traditional game or two but they are not planning on having us sitting around and opening gifts. It is more of a big party to welcome our baby to the world.
I think ultimately it depends on the parents and the shower thrower's styles and personal preferences and what they want out of the day. |
Anonymous
This is spot-on! |
Anonymous
| I think it depends on the location/tone of the party, the timing of the party, and the age of the child. A child-friendly home, a restaurant, a party with lots of kids and room to roam, these things all influence the decision. My sister brought her six month old to my shower (in a restaurant), and it was delightful. A year and half later, I specifically DID NOT bring my toddler to a friend's shower in a restaurant, because it would have been NO fun for me to chase a rambunctious 18m old around a restaurant for three hours (during NAP TIME!!). |