To think parents should bring babies to restaurants?

[BePoisedPlumViper]

I get that parents want to enjoy dining out, but isn’t it inconsiderate for those of us looking for a peaceful meal?

Title meant to say SHOULDN’T

I think babies especially should be taken - before they get to the running about stage because they learn to understand the environment. I always took mine to restaurants as babies and I had many comments from other diners that they hadn't realised small children were there because they had been so quiet and well behaved. Those who did notice them often complimented us on how nicely they had sat and ate.

It isn't an accident. It is taking them to proper adult restaurants and conversing with them and not using tablets or colouring pens etc as a distraction.

lol there was a thread earlier about kids watching iPads in restaurants now another thread about should babies be allowed in restaurants - another classic example of how parents today cannot win. Uk sucks regarding kids, no patience, expect perfection. This is why so many mums have anxiety taking their kids out anywhere.

I can't say I've ever really seen babies in restaurants, except maybe on holiday. Or in a very kid friendly casual place like McDonald's, or maybe at a push pizza express. I'd say if it was me I'd probably avoid eating out with a child who wasn't old enough to sit at the table and eat and chat fairly politely and without too much mess. But I also think it's good to get children to learn how to behave when eating in public, so as long as they aren't making tons of noise I can't say it's ever bothered me.

Depends on the restaurant. What I can’t stand is selfish parents allowing their children to run around the restaurant. It’s So dangerous, staff are walking around with hot food and drinks.

Not a restaurant but I was standing in the queue at Greg’s today. Parents standing in front. Their two kids were putting fingers in packets of mince pies and other food on display, the parents never said a word. I stood there gobsmacked.

Fuck's sake, get a grip OP

I think ppl should do whatever suits them as long as they’re not disturbing me.
Assuming we’re talking upper end and not family style or cafe places: If you bring 10 kids who sit nicely and won’t ruin my meal then go for it, I don’t care. If you bring one child that will scream and shout relentlessly or throw multiple tantrums kicking my chair as I’m seated near you, then no, don’t bring your child.

A baby, and their parent, has the same right to be there as you.

Some places do not allow children, most places need/want the money that comes from families dining out.

I'm all for well behaved children eating out, but there are plenty of parents who do not look after their children properly in a restaurant and the kids behave atrociously. Parents need to keep control. The children / babies should remain seated at all times, if they yell, they should be taken out and they should be able to use cutlery appropriately. Taking along a book to read while you wait for the food is fine, devices are not okay in restaurant.

My own children are good when we eat out and the restaurant staff always comment on it, they are also adventurous with food and polite to waiting staff.

If you're talking about an 8yo who's to going to sit nicely and enjoy the food then great. A newborn isn't that though, and in the amount of time the parents are going to take to eat a 7 course menu a newborn is of course going to fuss. Read the room. There are some places that aren't for small children, and like I said there are other options in our town.

You have to meet your DC where they are as well. Ours are 6 and 4 now and they'll sit nicely for a meal now but we did years of only bringing them out for brunch or coffee or maybe early pizza. A newborn isn't fine dining ready, you have to pause that for a bit until you can leave them.

What drives me bonkers is when the baby is asleep and then the adults wake it up to coo and fuss, at which point it usually kicks off. Or if the toddlers being dragged out way past their bedtime are behaving fine until a relative chooses to wind them up noisily.

I hate the fact that Brits are so anti children. I am British but have always preferred it abroad where most countries don't have this hate of children taking part in life. I always took mine out from babies screw the miseries who whinge about children in restaurants😂

Pay a bit more and got to an adults only restaurant!

Yabu.

There is a reason slightly older children in continental Europe generally behave better in public than British (and American) children - they’re not locked in the house and put to bed at 6pm until they’re 10. They actually participate in normal activities with their family from a young age and therefore understand how to behave.

Unfortunately, whilst restaurants allow people to bring babies and small children, you don’t get to decide what other people do!

@Flittingaboutagain mines a preschooler now but back when he was smaller and even now what helps is when we order our drinks we order his food. So he gets his main while we enjoy our appetizers/ main arrives. When he’s done and if restless I get him a scoop of ice cream and he’s quiet while we enjoy our meal. Once he’s done he’s content to entertain himself with activities AT the table Quietly. I think expecting kids to eat at adult pace and timing in restaurants is unreasonable (for most) and that’s why they act out🤷🏻‍♀️

I don't do fine dining but we took my 2 week old out to a lovely Thai restaurant. Newborns are fine because they sleep all the time. It's actually a special memory! Slept in the pram the whole time and was much admired.

Toddlers on the other hand are probably best kept away from fine dining.

Babies were fine. Out of control toddlers/children, less so.

Depends on the restaurant and depends on the time. If myself and DH go out for a romantic, late evening meal at a lovely restaurant, then no, I don’t expect to see babies out that late. But if we go for tea (6pm or earlier) at somewhere that also has a kids menu (like most places except for über fancy ones) then I’d expect to see babies and kids there.
Kids deserve to be treated to a meal out too, and families deserve to be able to eat out together if they want to
And, in case you think my answer is because I have young kids, mine is 18. Do I enjoy eating out with kids making noise around me? No. But that’s my problem, not theirs or their families

Depends on the parents for me, not the baby or child!

Why, what happened? Did you have to look after the baby?

Absolutely agree. I take snacks to eat whilst we're waiting for dinner if there is an unexpected delay in their food coming/to have whilst I'm ordering sometimes after a ridiculously long time for someone to take our order in Bills for brunch. I can't imagine being in a position to have multiple courses 😃One day!

My first two kids are fine in restaurants my third not so much he will be put infront of a tablet if he starts creating though so he isnt an "issue" for long

I’m more thinking that I’ll dine where I like, and with whom.

You can leave if you don’t like my kids, my friends, my grandma ….

Unless SEN isn't this teaching him to behave poorly to get the tablet?

If it's potential disruption' then that's a you problem.

A tiny bit of noise no problem. It helps children learn. We're quite up tight about this in the UK.