Bringing a newborn to university lectures

[Nimnuan]

I'm on a part-time university course (apprenticeship) and expecting a baby in the next few weeks. I'm not intending to take a break as any break would mean a year's delay. All classes this year my baby will be under 26 weeks old and breastfeeding.
I want to bring her to lectures with me because arranging childcare and expressing breastmilk will be much more difficult at such a young age and given the university's atrocious arrangements for expressing. Obviously if she cries or is disruptive I'll have to step out into the hallway.
I've just been told that I'm not allowed to bring my newborn to lectures because it would be a "contravention of rules and regulations". I've asked to be told which rules and regulations but haven't heard back yet.
Can you give me any advice about how to argue my case?

You shouldn't be doing this. It will disrupt the learning of other students. Their needs come before your wish to avoid a delay or childcare.

I had a baby while I was doing my part-time MA. I dropped my units for the first semester to just one and then picked up a third the semester to make up for it.

I wouldn’t have taken my baby. It would not have been fair on the rest of my course mates who had to pay over ten thousand of pound to be in the room. Even if the disruption was minimal, it’s an unfair risk and burden.

It won’t happen. Make you peace with that and move to plan B

buy an Elvie hands free breast pump. You pop it in your bra and it just works away. Babies tend to feed every two / three hours so you may only need to pump at the start or end of a lecture or not at all.

plan C

get childcare sorted. It’s a hassle but no one elses education and opportunities should suffer because you decided to have a baby

I think you just need to drop this one. Well done for managing a baby whilst being a student though, I couldn't have done it.

I have seen lots of babies on campus but not in lectures. My course is ~95% male though so it's even less likely than normal.

Just a thought op, does your uni have a creche? One local uni has a nursery for babes and toddlers.

I'm not being funny, but if a student is distracted by a non-crying baby in a lecture, that student has problems beyond the baby.

I think it's good to accommodate people if we can. Often, accommodations are distracting. Back when I started lecturing, it was relatively unusual for people to be typing, and some students would find the sound of it distracting - but they understood it was an accommodation needed by others. I've had students who find sign language interpreters distract them - but again, that made it possible for a deaf student to attend. I've had students who've had to get up and leave lectures mid-way through because they're unwell - sometimes regularly - and everyone notices and stops. It can't be helped.

The OP is not suggesting bringing her baby come hell or high water - she is suggesting bringing the baby but being prepared to leave if need be. I don't honestly think that is a big ask. The risk is high for the OP: she may find her baby just isn't the kind of baby she can bring to lectures. And if so, she'll have to think again. But many newborns would be fine. Some older babies would, too. It is not stupid or inconsiderate to think about it as a possibility. And a supportive university would be open to a discussion of where the boundaries might be drawn.

If it's against the rules, do you even have a case to argue??

There’s also the point that as an apprentice student are you not getting paid a wage and are technically employed including while at university? Would your employer be ok with paying you for a day while you’re also caring for a baby? Most employers want your full, undivided attention during the hours they’re paying you.

I imagine it would be more of an insurance policy thing as they won’t be covered for infants being inside lecture rooms and classrooms.

I would go back to them and ask what other arrangements could be sorted for the one lecture per week however, I don’t know if they will offer any suggestions.

I agree! I could have taken my first born to lectures every day and I doubt anyone would have been bothered. She was incredibly placid, slept like a dream and was essentially a smiling, snoozing potato.

If OP has a baby like that then I really think any objections from other students would just be down to unpleasant personalities. If it's more fussy, then I'm not sure OP has said she'll leave it wailing and not take it out as appropriate.

I'm not sure whether people are confusing babies with toddlers ...

YABU. From Chat CPT which sums it up well

UK universities generally do not allow newborn babies (or children) in lectures, seminars, or other academic teaching spaces for several key reasons:

1. Disruption to Learning Environment

Babies can cry or need attention unpredictably.
This can interrupt the lecturer, distract other students, and reduce the effectiveness of the teaching session.
Universities aim to maintain a focused academic environment for all students.

1. Health and Safety Concerns

Lecture theatres and seminar rooms are not designed for infants.
There may be no appropriate facilities for feeding, changing, or safely seating a baby.
Fire regulations and insurance policies often prohibit non-registered individuals (including babies) in academic spaces.

1. Fairness and Precedent

Allowing one student to bring a baby could lead to others expecting the same, which could strain staff and facilities.
Universities try to ensure equal access and consistent policies for all students.

1. Liability and Legal Concerns

If something were to happen to the child (accident, health emergency, etc.), the university could be held responsible.
Most institutions limit who is allowed in official teaching spaces to mitigate such risks.
What Alternatives Do Universities Offer?
Most UK universities are supportive of student parents and offer other solutions:
On-campus nurseries or creches (sometimes subsidised).
Flexible learning options (e.g. lecture recordings, online modules).
Parent and baby study spaces in libraries or designated areas.
Mitigating circumstances policies for assessments or attendance.
Student support services or parenting groups for guidance.
If you're a student parent, it's always worth speaking directly with your university’s student services or disability/wellbeing office — they can often make reasonable adjustments or help you access childcare funding or support.

why in earth do you expect to be so selfish to others on your course by bringing in a new born. Just find childcare, or delay a year, your choice to have a baby

Of course you can't take a baby to lectures, don't be ridiculous!

You may take her out when she cries but by then she's already caused a disturbance. Just delay your course by a year. This is life as a mother, you can't always do what you want.

There's a slight irony in someone using AI to explain what universities think is good practice!

What if she has labs?

You could well not be up to even leaving the house for several weeks after you e had a baby: heavy blessing, mastitis, just being knackered and covered in sick…..
I wouldn’t bank on not missing any of your course.

You shouldn’t argue your case. It’s just as awkward to arrange childcare for other babies and toddlers, parents still have to do it or don’t attend. I’d be pretty peed off if I’d paid thousands for a course and gone to the trouble of paying for childcare only to find someone else had just brought their kid along.

I imagine it will be risk

insurance.

health’s nd safety

not ok for a newborn there.

It seems people have mistaken this post as being posted on AIBU

I don't see where in the OP she mentioned labs?

But legally I don’t think you can

My issue is that you’re planning to do this til the baby is 6 months.

That’s not a newborn.

and quite apart fork that if you have any sort of labs it won’t be allowed for insurance reasons.

but the point re employer and being paid is also a good one. Will your employer allow it?

No, you need to listen to the very sensible reasons why everyone is telling you it simply isn't going to happen. You're being selfish.

Ask the uni to record the lectures, that's the only way it could be feasible.

Surely your employer has a legal obligation to provide you with mat leave? I think you should take it.

That is why I asked her did she have labs and said “what if she has labs”?

OP can you confirm whether on this one day…. It’s a full day? Or one lecture?