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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take my 10 week old DD to a panto with me tomorrow?

30 replies

anythingwithagiraffeonit · 22/12/2010 00:29

I had intended on leaving her with my mother in law, I I I had intended on leaving her with my MIL but she cries when with her as she doesn't know her that well yet and I feel quite uncomfortable about it..

I'm supposed to be going to the panto in wimbledon with my parents, DH and brothers, and DD is (so far) a very good baby... I think if I give her the feed of her life just before then she should be quite happy on my lap looking around / sleeping (she sleeps through the dogs going mad etc, so I think she's generally unaffected by noise)

Problem is... What if she is ratty and does decide to cry? (I would take her out)

Am I just being unreasonable to think that I could take her? Selfish to other audience members?

Would I even be allowed to take her in?

....

OP posts:
Original poster
anythingwithagiraffeonit · 22/12/2010 00:30

Don't know what happened at the top of this message btw! X

OP posts:
alarkaspree · 22/12/2010 00:32

If it was the opera or shakespeare then unreasonable but panto no, I can't see any problem.

Clary · 22/12/2010 00:34

I would take a nursed babe in arms to a show. But I expect lots of people on MN will disagree.

In fact I have and he (it was DS2) slept very happily.

Mind you a panto is usually quite long isn't it - mine would've been a 1hr max.

BTW sorry do you have other children? If not why are you going to the panto???

enjolraslove · 22/12/2010 00:37

Totally fine. You will take her out if she is unhappy so no prob. I used to take dd to the cinema when she was that age (special parent and babies showing but wouldn't have mattered given how she was) and she basically slept or fed. I also took her to a live show at Disneyland when she was 3 months and she was absolutely mesmerized for 10 mins (a lovely sight) and then promptly fell asleep.

MeowyChristmasEveryone · 22/12/2010 00:38

BTW sorry do you have other children? If not why are you going to the panto???

Clary - can only people with kids go to pantos?!?!

Maybe it's something the OP and her family have done forever, and she loves it. What a crazy question!!!

A1980 · 22/12/2010 00:41

At the risk sounding unpopular I don't think any show is the place for a babe in arms. It's still a performance people have paid for, probably not an insignficant amount at Christmas. Why should they be disturbed by a potentially crying baby.

There are enough threads on here with parents complaining that their DC's school plays are being spoiled by the behaviour of younger siblings and so I think to chance it at a proper theatre is even worse.

Clary · 22/12/2010 00:49

Just not sure why anyone without kids would want to go to panto!!

It was a jokey question really. Sorry OP, don't mean to be crazy Hmm, guess I am not that keen on the panto, have seen too many over the years for various reasons...

BTW I do think a school play is very different - what's spoiled there is that you can't hear your 5yo shyly mouth their line because somebody's toddler is screaming.

Surely nobody feels the same way about Neil Morrissey's turn as Buttons? Tho I do agree that if anything is a major disturbance (eg upset 5yo, coughing OAP) they should be removed.

BodminPill · 22/12/2010 01:33

Are you being unreasonable?

Oh no you're not!

Xmas Grin

Sorry

nymphadora · 22/12/2010 03:25

Only thing that may bother her is the sudden noises. Dd3 similar age is used to lots of noise but sudden boos at dd1s play upset her ( don't worry she didn't scream I distracted her with milk >)

MadamDeathstare · 22/12/2010 03:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Leapoffaith · 22/12/2010 04:04

Fine!

DH and I are taking our (will be) 9 wk old to panto in January. We called the theatre and they said it was fine but we might prefer to book seats at the end of the row in case we need to nip out.

clary we're going without kids because our friend is in it, which is v exciting for him (and us) because it's a massive professional production.

MadamDeathstare · 22/12/2010 04:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PenelopeTitsDropped · 22/12/2010 04:25

Take Her along.

The only thing I would say is put a hat over her ears, (which you will do in this weather, you're obviously a brilliant Mum)

It can quite loud.

Enjoy it

Chil1234 · 22/12/2010 07:00

YANBU. If your baby cries, no-one will hear her over the racket caused by crackling sweet/crisp wrappers, bored children moaning during the mushy songs, uber-loud panto music and people shouting 'behind you!' etc. If she gets really upset (unlikely by the sound of it) then you can always go sit in the foyer and have a drink. Few people go to panto expecting a reverential hush Xmas Smile and the producers generally crank up the volume all round.

singarainbow · 22/12/2010 07:10

YANBU so long as you take baby out if she gets to the point that it will disturb anyone else. I have done this with all kids, I would recommend taking a sling if poss, just for your comfort really, so your hands are free to eat sweets!!![fgrin}
Bet she sleeps thru the whole thing!
ENJOY

mum2oneloudbaby · 22/12/2010 07:39

BodminPill Xmas Grin

NorthernLurker · 22/12/2010 07:54

I would ensure you have a seat at the end of the row - ask people to swap if necessary and you may need to sit apart from your family but otherwise should be fine.

onceamai · 22/12/2010 07:55

We have outgrown the panto at Wimbledon. But oh we enjoyed them while it lasted. Please be assured that they are very very noisy and all the children, including the many babes in arms, make a lot of noise for most of the show. That's what a panto is all about. Your parents will be there too, so if the baby is especially wriggly you can always slink off to the very nice bar until she quietens down.

Enjoy - you won't be alone at the panto in Wimbledon.

nubbins · 22/12/2010 07:58

I would. But definitely check with the theatre, I wasn't allowed to take a babe in arms to 'high school musical on stage'.

MumNWLondon · 22/12/2010 08:00

Personally I wouldn't as I wouldn't enjoy it as I'd be on edge worried that the baby would cry. But others will have babies on laps so as long as you are happy to leave if she cries etc then go for it.

usernamechanged345 · 22/12/2010 08:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FrostyTheCrunchyFrog · 22/12/2010 09:05

My DC went to their first pantos aged 6 weeks, 4 months and 11 months. All fine. Enjoy!

starfishmummy · 22/12/2010 13:39

At our local theatre babies "on knees" are allowed.at.some shows ( which includes pantomimes) but they have to be pre booked, so worth checking first.

undercovasanta · 22/12/2010 13:43

If I had an end of row seat, I think I would take a baby.
We took DD to the Panto when she was 2yo and I was a bit nervous of her being noisy and disturbing people. I had clearly forgotten it was a PANTO, and therefore already unbelievably loud and noisy!

LadyGoneGaga · 22/12/2010 13:51

Take her. If she cries, stick a boob in. Job done.

I took my DS to My Auntie's funeral at three weeks old in a sling - he didn't make a peep. He was doted on all day at the wake. If you can do a funeral a panto is fine!