Attending a wedding with a four-month-old...

[babayagga]

We are attending a wedding in London next week, and bringing our four-month-old daughter along. Her usual bath&bedtime starts at 6pm, but we won’t be home before 8pm at the earliest! We are both dreading it... any advice?

[Tailfeather]

We went to a few weddings. Mine slept very happily in his pram and we then just transferred him into his Moses basket when we got in. If you're staying for when the music starts maybe have a look at ear defenders?

[letstryagainaaahhhh]

Ultimately it's just one day, so the change in routine won't have any long term effects for your little one. But I totally understand why you are dreading it! Is it a wedding you all have to attend? Could you just go to the service and champagne reception, but leave before the wedding breakfast?

[babayagga]

It’s a family wedding, so yes, we have to be there... and they want us to stay for dinner. I guess ultimately, if it’s not going well, I must reserve the right to leave whenever, as long as I’m there for the ceremony. Anyone who’s had a baby would understand; the problem is, of course, the young couple haven’t yet! I’m afraid they’ll think I’m using DD as an excuse and snubbing them.

[rubberducker]

When we took dc to weddings or events at a similar age, we'd just try to stay as close to routine as we could, so at the appropriate time pop into the quietest area available and get them changed into sleepsuit, do last feed then pop them down to sleep in their pram (with muslin or blanket over the hood to help lessen distraction from music/lights). I actually found they slept fine with the constant noise going on around them. And when they didn't (DS2, I'm looking at you!), they just came back out and got passed around a bit. No one can resist a cuddly baby in a sleepsuit!

I never found it damaged their sleep routines - back to normal as soon as they were back into their normal environment the next evening. That's the beauty of a good routine, but don't be a slave to it on the one off occasions like this. It's understandable to be a bit apprehensive but just go with the flow and see how they are on the night. Good luck!

[babayagga]

Thank everyone- we’ll try putting her down in a quiet room as you suggest.

[babayagga]

Update for future Googlers:

DD went into her baby carrier, whined a little as it’s not how she’s used to going to sleep at night, then gave up and passed out, sleeping beautifully through dinner, toasts, coffee, etc. She woke up again eventually, but that wasn’t a problem as she’d had several hours of sleep. We stayed until 11pm, and all slept well at night because we were tired! If I were to do this again, I’d be much less nervous.