Taking baby to the races

[Smerlin]

... is not something I planned to do. We have tickets to cheltenham on Friday and asked MIL to babysit an age ago. After agreeing, she suddenly has a big problem with the inconvenience of it although is reluctantly still agreeing to do it.

Would you
A) take the baby but she might not like it because of the crowds
B) let MIL have the baby but not keen on leaving her with someone who isn't keen to look after her
C) sell the tickets and stay at home

It's probably C isn't it. Will be so gutted as I work in a school and would never be able to go on a Friday ever until I retire!!!

[ExBrightonBell]

Oh, I would go and MIL could lump it! I'm a teacher too, so understand the Friday thing.

Seriously if your MIL has agreed ages ago it's a bit unfair to complain now for no real reason.

As long as you think your baby will be ok, then go.

[sugarandspite]

How old is baby?

If you go, I would definitely take her in the sling rather than pushchair - far better in crowds for both of you.

[MikeTheShite]

a or b for sure

[sugarandspite]

And actually, if she's in a sling on your or DH's chest (especially facing inwards) I think she'd probably find the crowds interesting and stimulating rather than be upset by them.

[Smerlin]

She's 19 weeks so quite young still- this was our big treat that we've been looking forward to for ages!

[Eletheomel]

We took DS2 to the races when he was 6 weeks old - it was a breeze :-) I took a suntent with us for feeding him in (and for DS1 to play in), put on our bets, took up position and DS2 fell asleep in the pram for 3 hours...

Mind you, was a small course on a busyish day, nowhere near the craziness of cheltenham :-D

I'd still go though, there's loads of quieter space round a racecourse if you're not worried about being on/near the finish line and you can put on all your bets for all the races when you first get there (no need to wait and do it inbetween every race).

[zippyrainbowbrite]

I would go b - it will be crazily packed with drunken people, and I personally wouldn't feel safe with a baby in a sling (and I loved my sling!), but a pushchair would be impossible!

Also, although the weather is mild the wind sweeps down the hill and it can be very chilly!

[monkeyfacegrace]

D) Let me look after her as Im a Chelt local and luffs babies

Alternativley, sell me the tickets.

[sugarandspite]

At 19weeks I would totally take her - in a good sling (not a baby bjorn) like a stretchy wrap / ergo type one.

Just put DH in front of you and tuck in close behind him when you're navigating through the worst crowded bits and plan in advance where you will base yourselves (so one of the quietest bits where you'll have a good chance of getting a seat if you need one etc).

Figure out in advance also things like where the loos are, if they have baby changing, if its rainy where you'll want to be etc - all easy to find out from the website I'm sure.

And have a brilliant time! This is such a great stage, they are so easy and portable - I wish I had made the most of it more with mine!

[MikeTheShite]

yes! most importantly have a fantastic time. im very jealous

[Aworryingtrend]

Is there a D) anyone else who would willingly babysit?
I would be reluctant to take baby not because she wouldn't enjoy it more that it wouldn't be the day out you were hoping for, with you having to feed,change and generally look after baby. But maybe that's still better than not going, I don't know.

[brettgirl2]

I'd make mil take her. I wouldn't take a baby in a sling it will be rammed. V busy on Tuesday have you been before?

[Smerlin]

Been to the National a few times and to the Epsom Derby so know how busy it gets but never to the Gold Cup. Think we're going to force MIL to stick to her agreement but she can whistle next time she wants us to host dinner so she can play with the baby!