Where have all the articles and pronouns gone?!

[rachy22]

It is really annoying DP and myself that everyone seems to refer to babies without using an article e.g. How is baby doing? When should baby eat solid food etc. Not how is your baby? Or when should a baby eat solid food? Are we the only ones who find this irritating?

It's just how health visitors etc speak. I think it's because it's more polite than saying "your baby" which could come across a bit accusatory.

Accusatory of what? That its my baby? Hah, well she is... Our HV knows the baby's name so refers to her by that, but everywhere else, adverts even, refer to it a 'baby', just find it annoying as it doesn't sound right to me...

I have a friend who does this and it irritates me. I make a point of using the article.

It's almost as irritating as people saying "myself" when they mean "me".

I think they’re using baby like a nickname. I do tbh about my own baby. So I’ll say “does baby need her nappy changed?” Or “Baby is really tired today.”

I think it’s cute.

It's all very 1940s and Celia Johnson isn't it?

@minniemummy0 I think it's fine if you're using it on your own baby as it then turns into a sort of nickname, with a capital B
It's more other people referring to my baby or other babies that way which annoys me

YY - this and constantly referring to parents as Mum or Dad.

My kids Headmaster does this, even when the kids aren't there. The other day, whilst waiting for a meeting with him, he said to the receptionist - "Could you get Mum and cup of tea".

Argh! Mrs TERFin, or Dick or even "her" would suffice if you can't remember my name (which I take zero offence by). I am not your Mum and I am not comprehensively defined by the fact that I grew a few humans in my uterus.

Total derail sorry, not sorry.

I loathe this. Especially when the person referring to 'Baby' knows the child's name. Or asks the child's mum, to her face 'And how's Mum feeling today?'.

Patronising as hell.

@DickTERFin YES! Totally agree with the Mum/dad thing too! Find it a little offensive

There is of course one way of getting around this - constantly ask 'to which baby/Mum/Dad are you referring?!

It's the same as "doctor will see you now". Aaaaargh!!!

@Zintox