Visiting a church tomorrow... Take 3yo to nursery/children's church?

[Anonymous]

Question says it all. He's accustomed to going took the nursery at our home church, but we're visiting a church (we're considering leaving our current one) where we don't know anyone. We will keep our 2 month old with us, probably sleeping or nursing in a sling. I personally would rather not leave him yet, but would have to take something (many things?] to keep him occupied and quiet for a full hour. I don't know this church well enough to know if small children are welcome in the service or not.

[Anonymous]

Take him to church with you first. When needed you can take a walk to visit the nursery, and see what it's like. I would not leave him there yet with strange people in a strange place. Maybe next time time, but only for a very short time, not the whole service.

[Anonymous]

I would take him to nursery. Then you'll get a better idea of what the church is like, rather than devoting your attention to keeping him quiet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take him to nursery. Then you'll get a better idea of what the church is like, rather than devoting your attention to keeping him quiet.

Wouldn't force it if he isn't happy to stay there.

[Anonymous]

What did you decide to do, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would take him to nursery. Then you'll get a better idea of what the church is like, rather than devoting your attention to keeping him quiet.

Wouldn't force it if he isn't happy to stay there.

No, but I've never known a nursery to not notify parents if their kids don't calm down.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Dh went with ds to the nursery and stayed for about 20 minutes while I went into the sanctuary with the baby to get him settled during singing. Ds seemed well adjusted (he's a total extrovert and had never met a stranger) so dh came upstairs for scripture and the sermon. Ds didn't want to leave when we went to get him! He loves going to church. Sadly I wasn't horribly impressed with the church although it looked good "on paper." The nursery also seemed like it had the potential to get overwhelmed although yesterday there weren't many kids. They do pay workers to staff the nursery which is a plus in my book. We may visit again though, as their senior minister was at a conference.

Fwiw, there were a few small children and babies in the service, and that seemed OK too. Another mom told me they also have a soundproof room where you can see and hear the service but not feel bad if the baby is crying, so I may check that out next time.

[Anonymous]

<< Fwiw, there were a few small children and babies in the service, and that seemed OK too. Another mom told me they also have a soundproof room where you can see and hear the service but not feel bad if the baby is crying, so I may check that out next time.>>

Our church has this and this is a great place for new families to start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would take him to nursery. Then you'll get a better idea of what the church is like, rather than devoting your attention to keeping him quiet.

Wouldn't force it if he isn't happy to stay there.

No, but I've never known a nursery to not notify parents if their kids don't calm down.

One let our 10 month old cry for an hour. It was our first time using the nursery, and we never let her go back. I cried the whole way home that she was crying for us and we weren't notified.