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AIBU?

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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:
BiscuitsMcSnugglepuff · 28/10/2018 14:26

I haven’t read the whole thread... but from your initial comments - if your being induced and you think baby will be 3 or 4 days, keep an open mind that things could not go quite to plan! I was to be induced at 38 weeks due to GD but the induction failed, at every stage. I finally went into labour on day 5 and then it stalled so I opted for a CS, then was out of hospital on the 8th day.

That is not at all to say the same will happen to you, but it is to say delays are possible and sometimes babies are stubborn gits!

wherethewildrosesgrow · 28/10/2018 15:12

You are still likely to need a ticket for your newborn to cover fire regulations , because as you can imagine, if lots of people took in a babies on their knee, the maximum capacity of the room would soon be exceeded, I’m speaking from experience, as we book our tickets 12 months in advance.
one year I booked tickets for the following years preformance whilst heavily pregnant, and the clerk asked if ‘that bump’ also be joining us next year, she gave us a ticket/seat for the new addition, even though the sit on your knee.
it’s likely to be free or half price though.
That said I don’t think i’d take a newborn.

Strawberry2017 · 28/10/2018 15:27

My induction took 5 days and she still didn't come out!
Don't assume it's quick!

AllTakenSoRubbishUsername · 28/10/2018 15:42

It would be a shame if your other children missed out, they will make the connection that it's to do with the baby and it will be a negative one. I would go, put a muslin around him and sit amongst the family so he doesn't get coughed on by strangers. He'll probably sleep through the entire thing, anyway!

busyhonestchildcarer · 28/10/2018 17:29

The baby will have an initial immunity from you and then as your breastfeeding this will continue.so long as you are up to going then definately go.Itll become more difficult as the baby gets more active so make the most of it now.have fun xx

ChasedByBees · 28/10/2018 17:30

I wouldn’t.

caringcarer · 28/10/2018 17:32

If baby will be 8 or 9 days old and you person desperate to go let dh stay home with baby and you take kids. If breastfeeding express before you go.

CasanovaFrankenstein · 28/10/2018 17:47

I wouldn’t. I worked in a theatre for years and everyone is constantly ill through panto season.

Lolly59 · 28/10/2018 17:54

Wouldn't it be very loud?

nannykatherine · 28/10/2018 17:57

my concern is will YOU want to drag yourself to a pantomime . look after yourself mummy .

SilentIsla · 28/10/2018 18:04

No. Obviously not.

DaisyBernardMimiTinker · 28/10/2018 18:06

I would go. I’ve had three babies (Vbirth) and was up and about within days with all of them. You’ll have sore boobs and a sore vag but your going to be sitting for a couple of hours so not like your asking if you should run a marathon 3 days after delivering. My only concern would be if you end up with a c-section, would that change things? I’ve never had one but always thought the recovery is longer.

Enjoy the panto! Xx

shoesarefab · 28/10/2018 18:08

I have a 6 week old, he caught the E. coli bug at 6 days old and we hadn’t even left the house (I gave birth at home). Before that, I would have said take the baby, I went on the tube with my second when she was 2 days old, but now I wouldn’t risk it.

Kitty6 · 28/10/2018 18:15

I wouldn't - too noisy, too many people coughing, nudging, laughing. sneezing, bangs/explosions in panto, shouting 'behind you' etc...I took a 2 yr old and he struggled...new borns want peace and sleep and milk and the reassuring voice of their mum imo

tubularfells · 28/10/2018 18:21

No. I was in hospital with my 10 month old DD who had bronchiolitis and across from us was a very poorly newborn baby with bronchiolitis or pneumonia. I could see the doctors were really very worried about the baby (oxygen tent...lots of consultants and contstant checks on the baby) and the mother said something along the lines of 'oh, I though his brothers had a cold but I thought it was sweet that they kept kissing him'. I made a mental note not to be blase about subsequent babies of mine and their contact with germs.

nearlythesummer · 28/10/2018 18:42

I would go. I went to church days after my 3rd baby was born-full of people. Equally loud and wonderful as any panto! Yes go!!!

onegiftedgal · 28/10/2018 18:43

Yes, if YOU feel up to it. Perfect time really as all they want to do is sleep and feed and you can easily breastfeed in a sling.
You are an experienced mother so enjoy yourself and the cuddle time with your newborn.
Obvs though a speedy exit to the foyer should little one become a bit vocal ☺

Supercala123 · 28/10/2018 19:22

I say do it if you want to do it! I hosted my 10 year old daughters swimming pool birthday party the same day I was released from hospital with her brother after he was unexpectedly induced early; it was fine if a little surreal at the time!

Absofrigginlootly · 28/10/2018 19:49

@WaxOnFeckOff see the reply above and the one 2 above that.... var typical MN replies

mellicauli · 28/10/2018 20:29

You'd probably be fine but now you've thought of it, if anything happened you wouldn't be able to forgive yourself. I would tell my husband to go with other kids and remind myself that making sacrifices was always in the job description. Or if you could afford it, book a room and you go 1st half, husband goes 2nd.

pippa999 · 28/10/2018 20:31

@longwayoff

If I were Front of House I wouldn't admit you. It's inconsiderate of the audience and performers and not good for your newborn who is new to sound. Monstrously selfish.

Agree with this. It smacks of very bad parenting to take a 3 day old baby to a pantomime. As many people have said, they will end up with their hearing damaged.

@ThirdChildFourthPile

Take no notice of the people saying you should take your 3 day old baby to this panto.

If you care about the health and welfare of your baby, you should absolutely do not take them to a panto at 3 days old.

Rufusthebewilderedreindeer · 28/10/2018 20:37

you go 1st half, husband goes 2nd

Thats a good idea melli

squeekums · 28/10/2018 20:52

id go, you can get baby earmuffs
Germs are everywhere and i highly doubt you will be locking yourself away for 8 weeks in some sterile room so i dont get that argument

Selfish? Not a chance. A newborn dont mean you have to forgo everything. A couple hours at a panto, a sporting event, whatever, i see no issue with. Trekking through the Sahara, maybe not a good idea

NotBeforeCoffee · 28/10/2018 21:04

Day 3-4 I didn’t want to get out of bed let alone leave the house

genius1308 · 28/10/2018 21:07

I took my 1 week old to the panto. Took eat muffs for if it got too loud. I was BF ing and it was a doddle. Every time he woke I fed him and then he went straight back to sleep. Much easier than taking a toddler 😉