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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take a 4 month old to Nottinghill Carnival

55 replies

LemonSwan · 24/08/2022 00:40

I didn’t realise quite how crazy an idea this was until I started to plan this evening.

Is this just stupid?

Is getting there for 10am staying on the edges, watching a couple of hours of the parade and then heading for jerk chicken at 12 and to one of the nearby parks to relax for a couple of hours before trying to leave an insane idea?

How would you do this?

Any experts on quietest areas? Recommended side to come in on?

Or just forget it?

OP posts:
greengnome · 24/08/2022 12:33

I definitely wouldn't be taking a baby OP. I used to go each year but the last year I went must have been 2018. I know how busy it can get.

I had my bag stolen whilst walking to the main parade area by a group of men as they walked past. Walking through I was approached by men constantly trying to gyrate against my back and once you're in the crowd it's extremely difficult to get out of it. The roads coming off the main road are cordoned off by police officers, I was desperate to get out of the main crowds but was told I would have to follow it round fully to leave for the train station.

greengnome · 24/08/2022 12:37

It's a shame that this is how it now is and how's it's been ruined by a small group of people as the majority will go to have a good time.

I'm not sure if you're aware of the recent trouble on Oxford street but I've been seeing things online that some young people expect the same to happen at carnival this year.

Avocadont77 · 24/08/2022 12:48

It is doable.
I would definitely suggest ear defenders and have baby strapped to you. A pushchair is a bad idea.
Find a nice spot and stay there, preferable a spot with an easy exit from carnival. When navigating stay on the edge of crowds as much as possible.

Sunday is calmer than Monday, so that would be the better option.

Jumpking · 24/08/2022 12:52

At least you've thought it through now and can make an informed decision.

Another one here saying I wouldn't do it.

strawberrymelon88 · 24/08/2022 13:03

Also, the loud noise. Is it really suitable for 4 month old baby ? loudspeakers booming...hearing damage ?

Divebar2021 · 24/08/2022 13:06

is this the first year back since Covid? It’s a massive no from me. It’s going to be horrendous.

Qwertyfudge · 24/08/2022 13:09

What you’re suggesting would have been fine 25 years ago. I would love to give my dc the same carnival experience I had as a child but it really isn’t that anymore. I’m sure it can be fine but if you get caught in a crowd it could go horribly wrong

justagirlstandinginfrontofcake · 24/08/2022 13:09

Have you never been to Carnival? If so surely you know it's really not a good idea, even on 'kids' day on the Sunday.. If you haven't, your first experience should not be with a 4 month old.

We took our kids when younger, but I never went while pregnant or they were babies - but we have friends who live right around the whole route and place. We were able to watch the procession from a friends flat, had access to another friends flat in a closed road, and only went to the one sound system we know very very well and then spent the evening with friends. We know the whole area like the back of our hands too, so getting lost wasn't ever on the cards either.. and after 25+ years, we know all the pinch points to avoid etc.

MumofSpud · 24/08/2022 13:12

I have been twice - once as a teen (mid 90s) and then a couple of years ago
Would NEVER go back - it's grim - if getting drunk / rubbing up strangers in the name of a 'festival' is your thing then great

What if you have to change the baby's nappy?

Also no way would I buy anything sold on the street

Yamyam13 · 24/08/2022 13:13

I grew in the area and spent my childhood watching the parade from the safety of our window/garden gates.
As a teenager I went every year and into my twenties I worked in a pub right in the midst of it all where I pulled thousands of pints and danced on the bar.
A total ball.
Would I take a baby or young child? No way José.

Wowzel · 24/08/2022 13:16

We staff the local hospitals as if there was going to be a major incident, i wouldn't take a baby

Original poster
LemonSwan · 24/08/2022 13:18

It seems unanimous. 🤦‍♀️

Any other ideas of what we can do with 6 adults and a 4 month old which will be more suitable nearby. Family friendly pubs?

Would be nice to still see everyone now it’s organised and most are coming to just see each other. If nearby then the other 4 can head into the festival later or earlier depending on if anyone has any suggestions.

OP posts:
balalake · 24/08/2022 13:19

It is an annual event so you can go when your DC is older. If it was something such as the Olympics which happens in the UK only once in your lifetime I'd be supportive, but not for the Carnival.

Yamyam13 · 24/08/2022 13:27

LemonSwan · 24/08/2022 13:18

It seems unanimous. 🤦‍♀️

Any other ideas of what we can do with 6 adults and a 4 month old which will be more suitable nearby. Family friendly pubs?

Would be nice to still see everyone now it’s organised and most are coming to just see each other. If nearby then the other 4 can head into the festival later or earlier depending on if anyone has any suggestions.

Maybe go to Holland Park? Picnic there? It's a nice stroll from there to Ladbroke Grove end of the route for those then going onto Carnival.

Higgeldypiggeldy35 · 24/08/2022 13:28

Last time i went (on a sunday) someone through a glass bottle into the crowd. It hit me on the arm and badly bruised and cut me. I was lucky it didnt hit my head. Its so so loud and rammed. I cant think of many worse places to take a small baby if I'm honest.

housemaus · 24/08/2022 13:31

God, I've had a VERY different carnival experience than other posters here! I wouldn't recommend taking a 4 month old, sure, but I've never had anything but a lovely, relatively chill time at carnival - even at the really packed stages. Just good food, good music and lots of people in a nice mood - the worst bit has been finding toilets.

Fink · 24/08/2022 13:34

There's not much a 4 month old would appreciate so I would go for something the adults will like if you're looking for other suggestions (unless there are older children too, in which case the Diana Memorial Playground is amazing). I would either do Carnival or completely leave the area, I wouldn't bother looking at family-friendly pubs in Notting Hill, everywhere will be heaving. You could go for a walk along the river, along the Regent's Canal etc. Nowhere is very far, so the others could come back to Carnival pretty easily.

Norachance · 24/08/2022 13:46

I live there. We will go out for a walk very early on Sunday just to get some exercise but Won't venture out after 10am. We are basically in our flat until Tuesday morning. It will be noisy the whole time including overnight with loud parties as well as street cleaning/rubbish lorries. Sunday morning is lovely in terms of the excitement that carnival is finally here but I find Monday incredibly menacing. Especially later on in the evening.
The whole area is busy noisy and very messy.
I love living here and I love the joy of carnival but for sure there are many many people who spoil it for others.

wannabeamummysobad · 24/08/2022 13:47

OP, I suggest you rephrase your question to read "For those that regularly attend AND like NHC - AIBU to take a 4 month old?"

My DD is 4 months old and DH and I (along with some friends and family) will be taking her to NHC on Sunday. She'll be in a carrier with ear defenders. We'll be leaving for lunch early afternoon.

I've been attending NHC since I was a baby (>30 years) and love it. Culturally it's important that my daughter experience it too. NH has been thoroughly gentrified over the years and I'll continue to go until it's no more regardless of if the "noise" disrupts the upstarts who moved there knowing the carnival is an annual event...

inigomontoyahwillcox · 24/08/2022 13:54

considering I got punched by a man whom I declined to dance with at NHC I wouldn't want a child around people who think that's acceptable behaviour

crowdedout · 24/08/2022 14:48

Neglectful in my view. Way too busy for a young baby.

justagirlstandinginfrontofcake · 24/08/2022 15:18

@housemaus Not alone! I've been 20+ times and had utterly amazing times. Great fun, great food, lots of dancing and seeing friends. Chilled times in the gardens and friends flats watching it all. Some quite drunken, some not particularly so. Yes, I avoid the rowdier sound systems with bad reps. I really miss it not being on my door step anymore.

Norachance · 28/08/2022 18:05

So today is carnival.
So sorry OP the thought of a baby going to carnival well I just couldn't imagine but looking out of my window today I have seen quite a few babies and toddlers. Though I have lived here most of my life I haven't actually been to carnival for years. I did love it but over the years it seems to get louder - but this year so far from my view, it seems really good. There is a lovely atmosphere. We went out for a while and it was great. If you asked me now I would say go. I hope you had a good day anyway!

Original poster
LemonSwan · 29/08/2022 00:39

Thanks Nora for the update. I was still unsure about going as everyone here said not to. I did pm some posters who said it would be ok for advice and that gave me back a bit of confidence but I think I had just over thought it all and it had kind of taken fun out of it.

Turns out little one had an upset tummy today anyway so not going turned out all for the best anyway.

Glad things were a nice atmosphere for you. Lovely you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home with a loo! 🤣

OP posts:
wannabeamummysobad · 29/08/2022 07:23

OP, it's a shame you didn't go. DD had a lovely afternoon. The atmosphere was great, the weather was lovely.

As I said in my initial post you shouldn't bother asking people who would never attend NHC anyway. I love NHC and feel comfortable taking DD however I'd never take myself or DD to Glastonbury (all the mud or desert like heat, poor hygiene, piss being thrown in the air etc) but am wise enough to stay out of conversations on the topic.

Anyway OP there's always next year 🥳