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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take my 8-week-old to a pub early evening?

64 replies

boy2026 · 03/03/2026 13:34

Would IBU to attend a group activity (foreign language exchange) in a pub with my 8-week-old? The group meets on a weekday evening (not Friday) 7-9pm. Social drinking (not me as I will be driving) but nothing rowdy. Baby is breastfed so I can't attend unless I take them.

YABU - inappropriate to take a baby to a pub at this time
YANBU - no issues

OP posts:
NeedAdvice6432 · 03/03/2026 13:51

Oh yes take advantage of this time!! We took DS to house parties, posh restaurants, cocktails. Never got anything other than lovely comments. If DS grumbled, he went on the boob, sorted and quiet!

When you hit 12-16 weeks, you will be tied to 7-8pm bedtime for YEARS.

I'm so glad we made the most of it when we could. We didn't stay long, around 1.5 -2 hours usually and we were shattered but equally made some nice memories.

Original poster
boy2026 · 03/03/2026 13:51

You don't sound miserable at all @DreamOfTheRarebitFiend or @TheoreticallyAdult ! Fair enough to want adult only time. I have messaged the organiser to ask. If they say it's OK, I might aim to attend for just half the time at first so there will still be some baby-free time.

OP posts:
Heronwatcher · 03/03/2026 13:50

I’d be fine with this as long as the baby was quiet (ish) also I’d appreciate how good it is for new mums to get out and about. I’d rather have a reasonably placid baby than an annoying dog, put it that way!

But only you know what the people at your group are like. You could always ask I suppose or just take the baby once and see what the vibe is like.

DreamOfTheRarebitFiend · 03/03/2026 13:48

Sorry to be a grinch, but I agree with @TheoreticallyAdult. When babies are taken into these kinds of settings, all the focus and attention tends to go to them, which means that whatever you're actually meeting about can get sidelined a little. I dropped out of a book club once because of this. Very little talking about the books, and lots of cooing over one of the member's new baby. I'm aware that this makes me sound like the miserable person I am. 😁

But just in terms of taking babies into pubs, I think you're fine.

puppyparent · 03/03/2026 13:47

I’m delighted whenever someone brings along a newborn baby somewhere but I suppose it’s possible that some people might feel differently. But if I were you, I wouldn’t worry about that too much. Go out and give it a try

TinyHousemouse · 03/03/2026 13:44

I did, quite a few times! We would often stop in the pub or our little brewery for one drink after walking the dogs. DD had reflux and was always in a sling. We have a great photo of DH holding little 6 week old DD outside our local brewery, and another one of him holding her in exactly the same place on her 3rd birthday 😂

Onlyontuesday · 03/03/2026 13:44

It's fine as long as your baby is fairly happy and settled, many pubs at 6pm are welcoming of families anyway

dijonketchup · 03/03/2026 13:42

Yes, make the most of the sweet spot when they sleep all the time! You may find it’s something you need to stop doing for a bit as their routine changes, but it will be possible again when they have an earlier bedtime and more consistent naps and you can attend alone. You can always leave if they wake up crying and try again another week.

Go for it, it’s so important to do new things just for yourself to keep your brain happy.

TheoreticallyAdult · 03/03/2026 13:41

I would not be happy if I was a part of that group. I am allergic to kids and specifically look for adult evening activities to ensure there are no kids.

Original poster
boy2026 · 03/03/2026 13:40

I'm not so much worried about baby as like I said I imagine he will be asleep on me most of the time! My question is more is it socially acceptable to have a baby in the pub at that time? I would absolutely leave if he cried, but he's a pretty placid baby and sleepy at that time of day so hopefully unlikely. I'll check the pub's rules.

OP posts:
Everlil · 03/03/2026 13:38

Of course you can take children to the pub! Maybe pubs have playgrounds and children’s menus. Unless it’s a nightclub or has a ‘no children after 8pm’ policy, then I don’t think there is an issue. I remember going to the pub for lunch when our was 4 days old.

As long as the rest of the group don’t mind if people bring their children, I can’t see the problem.

Heronwatcher · 03/03/2026 13:37

Sounds fine. Might slightly depend on the pub but most soft plays I have been in are far worse than the most grotty pubs!

Pootles34 · 03/03/2026 13:36

Depends if you leave if they cry.

Original poster
boy2026 · 03/03/2026 13:36

Forgot to add: baby will most likely be asleep in a sling for most if not all of the time.

OP posts:
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