How long do you get away with "he's a newborn, he goes everywhere with me"?

[BetsyS]

I have a 6 week old baby, who is number 3. With numbers 1 and 2, my dh travelled during the week for work, and I never got out at night. It just wasn't an option, and that worked fine for our family. They were probably 6+ months before I left them for more than 15 minutes. Which, I should say, dh is glad about, because he's a little scared of babies before "they eat real food", as he puts it. Or when they really like nursing, to put it another way.

But, these days, my dh works a local job, where he's home every night. When I was pregnant, I discovered a local international market's cooking classes, and tehy are so fun. And only $5.

There is one coming up in 2 weeks, and the baby will be 8 weeks old. I'ld be away from home 3 hours, and I (and dh) don't feel comfortable leaving the baby for that long. So, I was thinking of taking the baby, but I'm not sure. I, of course, could skip the class, but I'd like to go, just cause it's fun, and it appeals to the non-mama part of me.

These classes are very informal, only $5, last about 2 hours, and it's demonstration, then eating. All in the front of the store, off to the side. Of course, I'd leave with a crying baby, and I assume that he will sleep most of the time in the sling anyway.

What do you think? Do you think this would work? Will this offend people? Will they get upset that there is a baby there?

Thanks for your opinions.

[Mom2M]

I know the kind of classes you mean and I would definitely take him, there shouldn't be a problem at all, especially if he's in the sling!
You can always leave if it doesn't work.
Have fun!

[1blueheron]

Oh, do it, for sure

[akind1]

I would so do that!

my babe is 8 months, not eight weeks, and I use: he's nursing, so he goes everywhere with me! that and well, I work outside the home (2 days a week) and I need time with him. I am hoping that by the time these "excuses" don't work; I will have #2 and start over with the newborn reasons!

[Knitting Mama]

I would definitely take him and just wear him during the class!

[P.J.]

I would take him, and if he starts crying just step outside until he calms down or falls asleep. If worse comes to worse and you have to leave, it's only $5 lost.

[treeoflife3]

I'd take him. I bet many people will fawn over him because who doesn't love a little baby??

[tzs]

for sure take him.
i used to take my babe to exercise classes when she was 3 or 4 months. everybody swooned over her as she sat off to the side and if she cried i had a great excuse to take a break although she rarely did.

[SilverFish]

i think as long as there's not an expectation of total silence from the audience and you are willing to step out should your baby need some soothing, you can take your baby anywhere. i think the only places i wouldn't take her would be a really expensive performance that *I* wouldn't want to step out of, a grown-up movie, or a really fancy restuarant. everywhere else should absolutely fine with a little proactiveness from the parent.

[Nicole730]

It last for a long time in my opinion! Especially at 8 weeks it's okay. I think once they are not content to just sit on your lap and nurse if they are fussy then there are more situations it is not okay.

[Tway]

Originally Posted by SilverFish

i think as long as there's not an expectation of total silence from the audience and you are willing to step out should your baby need some soothing, you can take your baby anywhere. i think the only places i wouldn't take her would be a really expensive performance that *I* wouldn't want to step out of, a grown-up movie, or a really fancy restuarant. everywhere else should absolutely fine with a little proactiveness from the parent.

I totally agree! As long as you're willing to leave if need be, I don't see why you shouldn't bring baby along. And people tend to open up around babies, so your LO may well be an ice breaker.

SilverFish, you reminded me of DH and my first trip out without our DD when she was about 2 months old. We decided to go to a fancy place (Au Pied de Cochon, since you're a Montreal native, too!) near home. And what happened when we got there? A couple at the next table had brought along their teeny tiny baby who CRIED THE ENTIRE MEAL!!! It was totally inappropriate of them to bring a small baby out that late and insensitive to subject other patrons to a wailing soundtrack. And how it made my boobs hurt!

(We had a lousy time anyway, though. We missed DD!)