[My Tiny Dancer]

There is an outdoor concert in Providence, RI on July 12th that I really want to go to. I can't leave my 9 month old for the day, so I will take her. Do you think this is a good idea? A couple years ago I went to one in Boston and there was something around 75,000 people there. We were packed in TIGHT! (I was in the second row tho, so it was extra tight, compared to the back of the place) I don't know anything about the park it is in either. I'm going to call the radio station to see if there is shade, etc. It's probably a family event too. So I imagine other families to be there. I'm just not really sure what to do. What do you think? Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[KarmaChameleon]

We live near Providence!

You asked for an opinion so here's mine...if the concert runs into the night, I would absolutely never take a baby. It would be more comfy for my baby to be at home in my bed than squeezed into a space outdoors (against the New England elements) listening to loud music.

Unless an event is touted as a family event, I wouldn't bring my kids. BUt that's ME, I am a concert prude

Oka,y stupid me just re-read your post and you said it's DAYTIME and you also said there may be a wide open area with possible shade further away from the stage. AND you said it might be a family event...Now it's starting to sound like more fun...

I took my dd when she was 3 month old to the newport folk festival and it was SO FREAKIN' HOT, but otherwsie would've been pretty fun. We left when she started showing signs of being done with that scene. It can be done

 

[My Tiny Dancer]

Thanks! I'm going to call the radio station and ask them about it. I really want to go tho....it'll suck if we can't! Oh well.

 

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I've taken my child to about 30 outdoor festivals and we've never, ever had a problem. Obviously, it depends on your child but DC sleeps in the sling and I've always been able to carry her for long hours. I took DC to Jazzfest in New Orleans (intensive festival experience) at around 9 months and it was awesome! I had like 5 people taking photographs of us. We also went to a overnight festival when she was about 12 months (Reggae on the River). Also, we've been to lots of evening shows and festivals with no problems. DC falls asleep *easier* to loud bustling vibes and is totally safe in the sling ~ I can even dance with her sleeping.

People at festivals love babies and the pace of the day seems to work well for most children. Can you tell that I think you should go? LOL! Now, be aware that the experience is totally different with children. You simply don't cram into the third row, you don't 'party' like you might have and you don't get to see and do everything. But, you always have someone to dance with! Festivals are my absolute most favorite thing to do with my child. Day, evening, family orientated & and not so much, music, cultural, food…anything - I'm there. Go, you child will be fine…and if not, you leave. What festival is it? Maybe I'll come, LOL!

If you decide to go, bring some sun protection, a cloth to get wet, water, a blanket and a sling/carrier. (oh, and make sure babies are welcome and don't need a ticket!)

 

[beemama]

GO!
We just took dd to Bonnaroo, we camped elsewhere.... she had an absolute blast! Everyone was trying to make her smile & laugh. She was waving at PEOPLE (usually reserved for the cats & birds) by the time we left. We danced & danced.
We brought her stroller, which has an adjustable shade (this was a lifesaver!). We used herbal armor sunscreen. We tied a cloth book, a toy & a sippy cup to the stroller and offered it to her often. We also used her sling when it was cool at night. I agree about concerts being a different experience >definitely more planning involved.... but truly worthwhile! I'm already looking for another festival to take the whole family to!
I started a thread a few months ago titled "considerations for dd at music festival" and got some good advice about earplugs.... we bought some kid sized ones from Target. I'll tell you, it was a pita getting them in, but she never bothered with them once they were in. I felt good about doing that.

go & have some fun!

 

[sarahloughmiller]

We have been taking our son to outdoor music festivals and concerts since he was 6 weeks and he has always done fine. I say you need to get them used to it early. I know lots of people that take babies of all ages to concerts, it does get a little harder as they get older and are running around more. I am sure you will all have fun, babies love music. Just make sure you come prepared with anything you would need for her.

 

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I used earplugs for a fest but they fell out or got pulled out a couple of times and then I looked at them. I'm not a paranoid mother but earplugs just scream 'choking hazard' to me. Just a consideration. I was even given a pair for DC by a sound guy at a fest. But I do think an outdoor music festival (especially a family one) should have music that's okay. I hear that if you can talk at a normal volume it's okay.

Good luck, nice to meet more fest mamas! If you get a chance, Reggae on the River was the most wonderful festival I've been to.

 

[MountainLovinMama]

I'm definitely a fan of the earplugs for little ones - one of the festivals we have brought dd to (outdoor, pretty family oriented) sometimes even interjects reminders in between sets that kids under five have very sensitive ears and that we adults need to be sure to protect them. I just put a bit of medical tape over the earplug, kind of around her ear to hold the earplug in and take care of the falling out/choking hazard issue. We try to make the earplugs a noverlty, so she actually thinks they are pretty cool! (We use the soft coneshaped foam type - they have worked great)

 

[dancinggirl]

Is it at Waterplace Park? and hosted by WBRU
If so I do not see any reason why you should not go.
I do believe that there is addequate shade their if I rember correctly.

 

[elsanne]

I went to an outdoor Phish show with a 2 mo. old friend's baby and we set up way in the rear, for sound purposes, and space purposes. It was easy & fun and no biggie!

 

[My Tiny Dancer]

Thanks everyone!

I still have to call the radio station and see where it is and what kind of people are going to be there. I don't know what the weather will be like, but if it's too hot, I wouldn't really want to go with her. We'll see how it goes. I'll tell ya what I decide!

 

[amebt]

We took our sons to Bonaroo and we all had a blast. Alexander danced around and made friends with just about everyone he came in contact with. Keller was so little that he either was seeping in the sling or hanging out in his sling. We put ear plugs in Keller's ears and it didin't bother him. As long as you go to the concert with a good attitude and a sense of humor, I think you'll have a great time.

 

[love2all]

I ditto the idea that if you are comfortable with it then by all means go... we just go home from bonnarroo and some phish shows all with our three litttle ones......... even the baby was fine!!!! He stayed in the sling at night and got out during the day for people watching..
HAVE FUN.... life with kids is still a blast it just takes more patience!!!