To leave the baby at home

[Srsly]

I have two DS. One is almost 1, the other is 4.

We have booked for one of those Christmas lights attraction things - where you go in the evening and it's all lit up etc. We have the 6pm slot and are going with the inlaws.

This eve, we did a fireworks display at 6pm in the garden. DS2 hated it. It was cold and dark and noisy. He desperately wanted to just go to bed inside and have his milk. He is a very particular baby, will only sleep in his cot or the car and is a big fan of his routine. He loves to sleep and will start trying to get into his bedroom if nap time is late .

I had hoped that by December he'd manage to stay up till 8ish if he had a late nap but we tried it today for the fireworks and despite not getting up from his second nap (which was 2hrs!) At 4:30, come 6pm he just wanted bedtime to start.

I have Suggested to DH that we get a babysitter (his keyworker fom nursery who babysits regularly) instead of taking him to the Christmas lights event. DH thinks he'd be fine and enjoy it. Whilst I agree there are elements he would enjoy, i think he would just be tired and grumpy. I'd we got the babysitter he would be happy and warm at home and he wouldn't know what he was missing. But it does feel a bit cruel to leave him out of a festive family outing, so maybe DH is right and he should just come along.

(And FYI he won't sleep in the buggy or the sling 😩 much to my frustration)

I would totally leave him at home. Don't feel guilty for not dragging him out to something he won't enjoy when he'd rather be in the quiet and warm ready for bed! Be lovely for DC1 to have some special time too I think?

Why would it be cruel to make him take part in something that upsets and probably scares him?
Leave him at home, he might be ready next year.

Leave him at home. Plenty of time for family outings when he’s older and will be able to enjoy it more.

He’s one, he won’t care about a family outing and you’d only be taking him as a nod to the ‘oh, it’s a family outing, must include the grumpy, wants to be at home baby’. Leave him at home, then you won’t be worried that he’s needing his bed.

Fission I don't think this particular event would scare him - it's not noisy like the fireworks but I don't think he would choose to go, if he was able to make his own choice. He would enjoy seeing the lights but don't think that would be enough for him, he'd still rather be tucked up at home in bed I reckon.

And yes would be lovely to have some time with DS1. Maybe we can do something else in the day with just DS2 and get the inlaws to have DS1 for a bit.

I'd leave him at home. It's hard taking little ones out late and if you can avoid it, all the better.

Thanks. I know you are all right, I do still feel a funny about not including him but it is for the best. Will just have to persuade DH now!