Tips for long occasions with a baby

[Flatwhite32]

Sorry, not really an AIBU, but posting here for traffic! DD is 13 weeks. She used to scream loads, but we then discovered she has CMPA. I have cut out dairy, and thankfully she's loads better. She's generally a happy soul at home apart from the usual hungry, overtired grumps. She is extremely alert, and her favourite position when we are out is on my lap facing outwards so she can see what's going on. Until yesterday, she was generally ok in restaurants, cafes etc until the end when she started getting a bit grumpy (probably due to tiredness).

Yesterday, we took her to a family lunch at a pub which was a 1 hour 15 min drive away. It was busy (20 people or so) in a hot room. We were there for 3 hours and she cried the ENTIRE time despite being fed, clean nappy etc. The only time she stopped crying was when we left the room, which made me wonder if she was just too overwhelmed by it all. She desperately needed to sleep (which didn't help) but she just wouldn't sleep. We even took her out for a 15 minute walk, but she still wouldn't sleep. When we got home in the evening, however, she was happy as larry!

She seems to struggle a lot with travelling too. I have noticed that anywhere which involves travel of more than an hour results in meltdowns when we get to our destination, so that probably didn't help. I am taking her out again tomorrow (although the place is only a 15 minute drive) and I am nervous she will kick off again! Any tips, or advice as to what has worked for you when taking baby out for a meal?

[LittleBearPad]

Take their buggy and get them to sleep before/when they cry. If this means you do 20 laps of the car park then it’s worth it for a sleeping baby

[Lazypuppy]

You need to try and figure out how to get her to sleep in the pushchair. My LO has always been awake for the meal bit, then after sbout 30mins or so i'll move her to the pushchair and rock it to send her to sleep. I have to get her to sleep before she starts crying.

[jomaIone]

It's so so hard at that age, they are not quite old enough to be entertained with toys and also still get overwhelmed. As with everything, it is just a phase. You just need to keep meals short and no faffing about before and after. Make sure she still sticks to her routine as much as you can, so you go out in between naps. My baby is 6.5 months and still can't go much longer than 2.5-3 hours without a snooze! We also never go out for meals at tea time, only ever lunch. She's just too tired to be patient at tea time.

It does get easier once they can sit in a high chair and play, or be entertained but until then your whole life revolves around them and their schedule!

[Bambamber]

Sounds like she was overstimulated. I always used a baby carrier so my daughter could snuggle into my chest and snooze

[Flatwhite32]

@Lazypuppy She normally sleeps well in the pushchair, but just wouldn't yesterday! I don't know if it was the room itself, or all the noise, but she just wouldn't sleep.

@LittleBearPad I must have missed her sleep cues yesterday. I'm good at spotting them when we are home!

@Bambamber Great idea! I'll take the baby carrier tomorrow.