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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you take a 3-4 day old baby to a pantomime?

270 replies

ThirdChildFourthPile · 27/10/2018 13:19

I booked panto tickets in December a few days before my due date. I went very overdue with the others so I thought this would be fine.
It's an amazing panto with west end cast in the Hilton hotel, we all love it and I really don't want to miss out.

However, I've found out that I need to be induced at 39 weeks.

I can get a refund that's not a problem. But I really really want to see this pantomime. The other option is to change the dates and go on the 28th December with a newborn baby.

If the worst comes to the worst I can take the baby out and even drive around with him while DH and the kids carried on watching the show.
But chances are I wouldn't need to. I mean my boobs are right there. And all the do is sleep.

My only concern is the germs. Am I stupid to consider it from a newborn health point of view?

OP posts:
WonderTweek · 27/10/2018 13:30

I think I’d be too paranoid about germs, but then again I am a paranoid person. 😅

lubeybooby · 27/10/2018 13:31

no way. too germy, too crowded, too loud for poor babies ears and you'll be on the worst possible time for your own body and emotions to do it as well

Original poster
ThirdChildFourthPile · 27/10/2018 13:31

Houseonahill yes that's what I would do.
But I was asking if I could take the baby safely, if I felt up to it. Germs wise.

OP posts:
HalloweenyMcBooGhoul · 27/10/2018 13:31

No and I think it would be crazy to do so. The baby's immune system is not up to much at that point, there will be loads of people around and it's the height of cold/flu season as pp have said.

There was something I really fancied a week after my due date, but I did the sensible thing for the baby and stayed home.

Kewqueue · 27/10/2018 13:31

I wouldn't want to take a newborn to the theatre. It's a bit selfish imo as obviously the baby would be better off at home. Other theatrgoers would rather the baby was at home too!

drinkygin · 27/10/2018 13:33

Ahh. I personally would go ahead. 3/4 day old baby is worst case scenario she might be a few days older even. Go for it and enjoy!

Original poster
ThirdChildFourthPile · 27/10/2018 13:34

The guy just emailed back and I'm unable to change the tickets to the later date anyway.

Gutted.

OP posts:
Willofthesimpletons · 27/10/2018 13:35

I wouldn't because it will be like germ soup in there. All those people who didn't want to miss it because they paid their money, spreading their lovely germs.

A newborn with a cold is absolutely no fun at all.

reallybadidea · 27/10/2018 13:37

You're assuming 4-5 days for induction? I very much doubt it will take that long unless you keep getting bumped for emergencies. I think you're far more likely to have a 9 day+ baby. Either way I'd plan to go. I think that once you've done it once or twice, life tends to carry on as usual with new babies, as long as you've had a normal birth. I was at parent's evening the day after DS3 was born. Might as well not have bothered because the teacher just copied over the baby rather than tell us anything about DC1 Grin

eatingtomuch · 27/10/2018 13:38

I'd check the venue policy. My local theatre will not admit under 3's even for family shows like the pantomime

reallybadidea · 27/10/2018 13:38

Baby's immune system won't be up to it? Really? Keep them close and try to stop strangers licking them and you should be fine!

drinkygin · 27/10/2018 13:40

ahh gutted for you ☹️ Can you not change to an early date?

GrumpySausage · 27/10/2018 13:40

I took my 4 week old baby to see bing bunny live with my DS and his friends.She was fine, I breastfed so I was able to feed her in the dark no problem. I'd do it.

Separate note, don't go see bing bunny live. Me and DS's friends mum thought we were somehow having an acid trip as it was so odd.

SeamstressfromTreacleMineRoad · 27/10/2018 13:40

Pantos are LOUD - at least put ear defenders on the poor child if you really insist on taking him.. Confused

Can you imagine what a tiny nervous system would make of going from floating gently inside you, with muffled sounds - to the full-on screams, yells, loud music and singing of a large number of excited children Shock

drinkygin · 27/10/2018 13:41

@reallybadidea I agree! Especially if OP is breastfeeding.

LizzieSiddal · 27/10/2018 13:42

I wouldn’t but only because of the noise. There will be shouting, booing, and loud music.

Ifoundanacorn · 27/10/2018 13:43

If this isn't your first baby (you have said there are other children, but not sure if they are yours or not) then I would go.

First baby it took forever for me to feel 'ready' to go out with the precious bundle of joy, second baby we were at farm on day three with new born baby!

As long as either you or dh were prepared to spend some of the time at least rocking and comforting in the foyer as to not disturb other guests.

I would also want to be sure there isn't going to be lots of screaming and shouting and smoke, as your new baby will have just arrived into the world and may feel shocked/frightened over overwhelmed in a setting where it was too manic and stressful.

reallybadidea · 27/10/2018 13:44

I really think that if the noise bothers the baby then they would cry and then the OP would take them out. Younger siblings can be incredibly noisy and babies seem to cope OK.

Getoffthetableplease · 27/10/2018 13:44

I'd go! If I were you I'd plan to and if it comes to it that you can't for whatever reason then you can't. I think I ride through on adrenaline for a couple of weeks after birth, it's about week 3 that everything catches up and I look and feel like death! If you want to go, go. My poor second born was dragged out on school runs, swimming classes (at side of pool watching, obvs!), parties at just a couple of days old and we even had a full day at a theme park within a week, non of this was stuff I wanted to do, just necessary in order to keep life as normal as I could for sibling. You actually want to go, so enjoy!!

EwItsAHooman · 27/10/2018 13:49

Your baby is living with two(?) other children so will be exposed to snotty noses, coughs, bogeys, and every germ doing the rounds at school. When DS2 was newborn, I caught 2yo DD giving the top of his head an experimental lick Grin The germs wouldn't bother me for that reason alone, plus you're breastfeeding and baby will have some protection from you and you're sitting in a seat not passing him/her around the room.

I'd plan go in theory but be prepared that you might not feel up to it on the day or that you might have to take the baby out if he/she starts to cry.

BrickByBrick · 27/10/2018 13:49

In light of your update, yes I probably would. Pop them in a sling/wrap and enjoy.

Dvg · 27/10/2018 13:50

I went out to an all you can eat Chinese 4 hours after giving birth, and then to a restaurant the next day as well. all depends on what you want but do make sure you feel okay to leave the panto once baby starts crying etc to not disturb the other people.

ShalomJackie · 27/10/2018 13:52

My main worry would be the NOISE. Pantos can be very LOUD with BANGS and EXPLOSIONS etc. Can you get tiny baby ear protectors at all?

Angelil · 27/10/2018 13:53

Would the baby have had their jabs? Guessing perhaps not...

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 27/10/2018 13:54

I've been induced both times for different reasons, and both times it took only 2 days for my boys to be born. I don't know what kind of induction you're having but I don't think 4-5 days is normal! Where did you get that number from? (genuine question, not snarky)

I think I'd go for it - so long as you're sitting somewhere you can get out fairly easily if you have to.