using a two-way radio or a babysitter?

[abbevillemum]

I'm going to two weddings in December with one year old in tow. I have the following conundrum - I am staying in the hotel where the reception is being held. Do I have to hire a babysitter or should I just buy a two-way radio with baby listening function? I used one of these things when I was on a Sunsail holiday in September and it meant my DH and I could eat in the hotel restaurant each night. What's the difference here? Anyone done it? Does it make a difference if it is a hotel or an RAF officer's mess? Any views would be greatly received. Thanks

Hi abievillemum.
My sister got married last year and we took our 2 DS's with us. They were 2.1 and 9 months at the time.
On this occasion we organised a babysitter. This was our option because a) DS2 was so young b) our hotel room could have been 3 floors away and the babylistener may not have worked c) we thought it was the more relaxing and safe option.

Once the babysitter went home (midnight) we did however use the hotels baby listening service. The boys were fast asleep and never knew anything about it.

Check if the hotel has a listening service. Ours was simple - they told me to call reception using the phone in our room and then leave the room phone off the hook. They listened in for another 2.5 hours

i wouldn't ever do either - if there was a fire i might not be able to get up to him or what if i returned to the room and he was gone. I would never leave him with someone i didnt know.

on a first choice holiday recently they did a baby sitting service someone came to your room and looked after your children. maybe its just because i was sexually abused twice as a young child and never told anyone but i would never leave ds with someone i didn't know. never do it at home so why would i do it on holiday. Just my opinion.

noway I am sorry to hear that. That must have been terrible to deal with.

I have never been abused but did feel the same way as you with my first child. The problem was that I never went anywhere, never got out with my partner etc. I have no family support (live abroad) so was left with no option but to trust someone. I am always reluctant to leave my children with someone I don't know but on the very rare occasion that I do I make sure they are vetted and are professional. (I know you can still say that you can't trust anyone) but thats the risk we all have to decide to take.

If you can keep your kids with you at the wedding great but will you be able to relax??? If you leave them with a sitter you don't know, will you relax???

Do what you think is best for you and your children.