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’ve had 4 children and taken them out to restaurants from a very young age. When they fussed or cried, we took them out to calm down before returning. Not once did we feel isolated, what a strange suggestion.
Most people don’t mind doing this simple thing because babies and children crying is a horrible noise. The ones lacking compassion are those refusing to remove a noisy child and preventing those around them who aren’t making a horrible noise, from enjoying their experience.

Depends on the restaurant. Our local food court sushi buffet or 3pm at frankie and bennys. Go for it. 8pm on Saturday at Michelin star restaurant? No thanks.

Get a sitter?

Another one of these absurd threads and a question that has been raised so many times ... yawwwnnnn

This. I do want to be able to hear/talk.

Exactly. Finally some common sense.

Two weeks ago, I was at the local Indian at 9:30pm and I counted 4 young babies (no older than 6 months old) in their prams. One group of 8 had 3 babies between them in prams. Made it difficult for the waiting staff do their job well as they use food trolleys to deliver the warming plates, food etc.

Unless the baby is Stewie from Family Guy, I really doubt they're capable of emotions such as alienation.

What should I do with him then?
Half the reason you get kids misbehaving in restaurants is because their parents don’t take them out enough. Because of people like you that huff and tut and make them feel bad. We always take baby out (bedtime allowing). No regrets or apologies.

Nice that I don’t let other peoples annoyance get to me when my child isn’t doing anything wrong?

I’m sorry that a child’s noise amplifies in your hearing aid, but I don’t see how that is my problem when we’re in a public space.

I prefer that they aren’t there but I’m ok as long as they aren’t screaming and the idiot parents don’t take them outside.

me. I think it depends very much on the family and the restaurant. Casual dining, baby's needs being addressed, sure. Quieter environment, screaming child nope.

Your child is doing something wrong. They don’t know it’s wrong so it’s up to you to police it. Thank fuck not every parent is like you!

Depends on the restaurant. Some are aimed at families - babies fine there. More adult restaurants? Nah. I'd never inflict my children on other people like that.

I agree, OP. But I also think people with loud voices, bad fashion sense or who drink too much should stay at home too.

I also wouldn't allow large groups of more than 4. They always make more noise than they realise.

Teens too. They'd also be banned. When I see teens dining out in nice places, I always think "I was scrubbing tables in my local pub at your age and a meal out once in a blue moon was a Big Mac". I just don't think that sort of entitlement should be encouraged.

Elderly people too. Often loud and get in the way.

Mean tippers.

In fact, the list of people I'd allow to eat out if I was in charge is startlingly small.

And even then I'd insist on a 10 metre exclusion zone around my table.

🤣🤣 love this comment!

@SwingTheMonkey you're a pleasant individual aren't you. While it's lovely to hear you have it all figured out, calling a babies cry a horrible noise is a bit odd don't you think considering that's the only way they can communicate with us. FYI not every child comes from a two parent household with the luxury of whisking their DC away whenever they cry. Not everyone shares your rigid perspective

*edit

I was referring to the parents feeling alienated not the baby

This..A quiet, unobtrusive child or baby doesn't bother anyone.

But babies aren't really suited to sitting up at a restaurant.

I don't understand why anyone would have an issue with babies in restaurants - babies aren't disruptive and don't do much at all

Children on the other hand can be more tricky. Although I still think they should be welcomed.

Early evening at a family friendly place, yes. 8pm at a small expensive French restaurant, no.

Children can learn the skills needed to eat out in family friendly chain restaurants and then move on to nicer places once they know how to act.

It is a horrible noise. There’s no getting away from that. It might be the only way they can communicate but that doesn’t take away from the fact it’s unpleasant. It’s designed to be.

I am a pleasant individual actually. I care about the enjoyment of the people around me who don’t want to hear my precious offspring scream. I’m not selfish.

Babies are generally great though or maybe I was just lucky that mine slept through a lot of nice dinners out. Toddlers less enjoyable

Some paying a lot of money for a pleasant evening out? Maybe let's all bring the family cat or python. Not wanting one's night out ruined by a fractious baby doesn't make one a child hater, some of us are even parents.

Babies are fine, they generally sleep or make happy squeely noises.

It's the noisy brats little darlings blaring games on their tables that should be left at home.