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AIBU?

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Original poster

NYE party and babies

150 replies

quackadoodledooo · 23/11/2023 02:08

Traditionally DH and I host a NYE party have been for 8 years now, we love it. Before now kids weren’t an issue, none of our close friends had any, but in the last 2 years there has been a baby boom (we are all 31-35 now so makes sense). We are included in the boom and have a 7 month old.
Today the question of “are kids invited to NYE” was asked - and well I don’t know!!
The kids are between 3/4 months and 18 months, and I’m half thinking we should say no? Who wants a load of tiny kids at a party (8 of them to be exact). Other half of me is thinking more the merrier - our son will be there so why not everyone else!! We have a 4 bed so was thinking sons nursery and the guest room could be set up with travel cots (BYOC instead of BYOB lol), and act as our baby party, I’m sure the ones who have little tiny babies who don’t sleep in their own rooms yet could use slings or something. DH reckons he could set up a baby watch system where we can see them all on baby monitors.
Now is this ludicrous? 16 people there will have babies of the invite list of about 50 (we do a gazebo in the garden to make everyone fit) so it will be noticed if all the parents are left at home. We are also inviting some colleagues so there will be kids of around 4/6 there too. I like the idea that all these babies will grow up and be friends and we will continue to see them all the annual party so why not start now, surely the chaos years will be when we have 8 toddlers running around overtired and not sweet little babas? (maybe we can get a snap of them
all each year to embarrass them with on the year they all turn 18 and can drink haha).

AIBU to think this could work or do we say no babies pls we’d like to retain some sanity going into the new year?

OP posts:
BeyondMyWits · 23/11/2023 07:59

We always include whole families on occasion invitations. (Our wedding was 50/50 adults and kids).

We are not big drinkers (as you get older, more medications mean less or no booze), but NYE is still a party night. People come and go as and when they want, some are there for midnight, some leave earlier...

Sounds great to me.

ShirleyPhallus · 23/11/2023 08:05

We’ve done exactly this for the last few years, it’s brilliant, go for it and enjoy!

addictedtotheflats · 23/11/2023 10:01

As someone with a 4 year old and a baby I think this is a great idea. I'm in your age bracket and have lots of friends with children then same age and I know my 4 year old would have the time of his life with all my friends kids. Of course it won't be the same vibe as a party without children but nothing is the same when children become a part of your life.
If people don't like the monitor idea they don't have to use it 🤷🏻‍♀️ and if its awful just don't do it again

MrsSkylerWhite · 23/11/2023 10:03

Last thing I wanted to do when I had tiny babies was party on NYE.

CurlewKate · 23/11/2023 10:07

"But how many of the guests have a baby as people without a baby may not like it so much?"

Why not?

Younghearts · 23/11/2023 10:10

Personally going to have a quiet NYE this year with family over at ours so our 8 mo can sleep in his cot in comfort of own home.

I’d invite the babies. You’re going to find a lot of people might not choose to come now they have babies or might not go due to childcare if you do not invite babies. Bare in mind how hard it will be for people to find childcare arrangements on NYE…

CattingAbout · 23/11/2023 10:13

I'd invite all the babies this year while they are still tiny. It'll be carnage when they are all toddlers (and beyond), so enjoy this one!

Mulhollandmagoo · 23/11/2023 10:54

We were in the exact same position as you OP, our close friends started hosting NYE parties a long time ago, and over the years, they've grown, more and more kids, new partners, more kids - its always great, the kids either sleep where they fall or power through til midnight, its always a great night. Different from the early years of just adults, but still absolutely brill - its a great memory for the kids as they get older.

PinkRoses1245 · 23/11/2023 10:59

Why not try it? Tell the parents what the set up would be (they could bring travel cot and put them in a bedroom), and let them decide. Surely they can just go home if it gets too much.

PinkRoses1245 · 23/11/2023 10:59

And as a person without a baby currently, I wouldn't mind at all, it's a party, not a quiet or sedate event!

Bearbookagainandagain · 23/11/2023 11:03

Both options could work. It would very different atmosphere with the kids present, but if you say no kids then it's likely that quite a few of your friends won't be able to make it.

SparkyBlue · 23/11/2023 11:05

If you are up for it then try it. It wouldn't be for me at all Id much rather relax at home with DC who are babies but it definitely could work and it could be great fun. If it doesn't work then at least you will have tried it.

Stompythedinosaur · 23/11/2023 13:33

After many many years of celebrating new year on a friend's farm with children, dogs and whatever else in tow, I would say it works brilliantly. The kids would occupy themselves as they got older, and the parents would take turns to pop in and keep an eye on them. It was great fun for everyone, and we all have brilliant memories, and it's a highlight of Christmas.

Couldntthinkofausername24 · 23/11/2023 13:34

I think your hosting days are over OP. We have a 3 year old and are due our second in two weeks. We used to host new year's at our house but haven't done for the last few years. Instead my mum and dad come round for a curry and leave at a reasonable time. I'd love to host again in years to come x

Orangeandgold · 23/11/2023 14:23

I think if so many of you have children and will bring them then why not.

ohdamnitjanet · 23/11/2023 14:24

SpringIntoChaos · 23/11/2023 06:33

I would love that set up...and I'm sure many parents would appreciate having the option. What a fabulous host you sound OP ♥️

Exactly, and I’m not a baby lover tbf, but it sounds lovely 🥰

Sjh15 · 23/11/2023 14:30

The year my DS was born I had a small gathering only about 8 people over for NYE but it was loud and late. DS was fine. He slept like a newborn does, on and off, it was fine.

you’d need to consider realistically who wants to or is able to babysit on nye as the reason I did it is because it would have been impossible for me to find anyone.

16 does sound like a lot tho. You can give your friends the option x

Canuckduck · 23/11/2023 14:42

We had a few New Years eve parties with lots of little kids and babies. It was fun. Some people with older kids stayed late and people with babies left earlier. Some people put the babies in the slings / buggies and they slept. It’s too hard / expensive to get babysitters on NYE. It was all very casual- lots of snacks, pizza, drinks or potluck style. The house was a mess afterwards but who cares!

I’m glad we did it. The kids from these parties are tweens/ teens now and don’t hang out together anymore. People have moved away. But we have lots of fun memories.

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 23/11/2023 14:58

Chipsahoyagain · 23/11/2023 02:34

Sounds like my idea of hell.

Same! NYE used to be the one adult night of the year. No more 🙄

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 23/11/2023 15:02

Invite the babies. Your son will be there and that changes the dynamic anyway. You’ve had a kid, your friends are having kids, so of course parties are going to change so why not just embrace it and see if this works.

HairyBanana · 23/11/2023 17:39

Love a proper family new year party with all generations - to me that's a perfect party! Friednships and happy memories are made for children (I remember dens under tables that had table cloths on them, while the grown ups nattered). When my kids were tiny I wouldn't have left them, so I wouldn't have turned up at a party where they weren't invited. And even now they're older I'd prefer the type of party where all are welcome, babies, grannies, and everyone in between! A few years ago a group of children who'd never met before devised their own show at a NYE party, while the adults were chatting, then put it on for us! Free entertainment!!!

InSpainTheRain · 23/11/2023 18:38

As almost everyone has a baby I'd include the babies. Otherwise it's really expensive for people to attend if they have to get a sitter (or they just won't come). See how it goes and if it's awful change next year to be child free.

Headshoulderscheeseontoast · 23/11/2023 18:42

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 23/11/2023 14:58

Same! NYE used to be the one adult night of the year. No more 🙄

Show quote history

Since when was nye ever adult only? That's never been the case. It's the one night most kids get to stay up late, I remember that from 25 years ago when I was a child.

There's still tons of adult only events and venues on nye, no need for the eye roll

Fionaville · 23/11/2023 18:43

I'd invite the babies. Mine have always been up for midnight anyway, they've been joining in the Auld Lang Syne circle since they were babies. They love NYE!

Lifetooshort23 · 23/11/2023 18:45

My stance is always “why are people having babies if they’re dropping them at the first instance to go and have fun without them?!” Maybe it’s just because I had to go through so much in order to conceive but I don’t want to see in a new year, or go on holiday or generally discover the world without my children?!
the more the merrier for me, always.
also, if yours is going to be there….?!