When to start dating?

[alexandermark]

Hi all, my son is 4 months old. I'm not involved with his father as he was the result of a fling and his father asked me to get rid of him which I chose not to do. He sees him on occasion but we definitely have no future together. I've recently joined online dating just to get a feel for things and have been asked out for coffee. He knows I have a son. I mentioned I'd need to sort childcare and he says he doesn't mind if I bring him along. So two questions...
Is 4 months old too soon for me to start dating?
Is it weird to take him on a date?! I wouldn't take him if he knew what was going on etc but at 4 months he won't know/remember, plus I really hate leaving him...

Is this really a question?! Seriously you are planning on taking your baby on a date with a stranger from the internet?!

I wouldn't advise taking the baby with you. Please arrange childcare for a couple of hours!

Honestly even if it wasn't a stranger or from the internet taking your baby on a date is extremely weird and worrying. Maybe just concentrate on being a mum for abit if you hate leaving him how will it even work? Very very weird. You shouldn't be involving your child in dating.

I started dating when my daughter was 9 months. I’d never dream of bringing her on a date with me. Please arrange childcare, you really don’t know who you are speaking to online even if the person himself seems genuine.

Third question: Is he desperate?

Yes. No decent self-respecting man would be ok with a date bringing her baby with her.

You do really have to question the motive of someone who tells you to bring your baby along. And like I said worrying that you would actually be considering it.

I am finding it hard to comprehend the responses to alexandermark's question.

It doesn't seem to me that she is going 'on a date' with this chap; she actually mentions having a coffee together. It isn't a steamy hot date; it is having a chat with a man. In those circumstances, what on earth is wrong with her having her son with her?

As for dating when her son is 4 months old, and it being too soon, I'd say 'Why not?' When is it going to be 'right'? It wasn't as though she is 4 months out of a relationship with her son's father, as they never even had one to start with. If 4 months after giving birth, she wants to have a coffee, date, whatever - who are we to criticise her?

My comment was to the "I don't like leaving him" if you don't like leaving your child then I don't think your ready to date. And it is a date the title is "when to start dating" who brings their baby along on a date? coffee shop or not. Most people wait a few months before introducing their partners to their children so bringing a child along on a date is bizarre and irresponsible IMO. It's also a fact that some men pray on single mothers so that would be another reason to keep your child away from dating.