Where is it okay/not okay to take a baby?

Everyone’s got a different opinion about when and where it’s socially acceptable to bring a baby along. We turned to etiquette expert Melenie Broyles for her take on five hotly debated situations, then asked TOC Kids editor Judy Sutton Taylor to weigh in with her opinion. Not surprisingly, they couldn’t agree.

Sporting event
MB: Almost always a no. You don’t buy a baby a ticket—they sit on your lap—so people underestimate how much room that takes up. And if someone jumps up and yells and the baby cries and some beers spill and others feel bad? Inappropriate.
JST:I think it depends on the sport and game time. A Saturday night Blackhawks game? Too rowdy. But a warm afternoon at Wrigley? Not that different than bringing a baby along to see an older sib’s Little League game at a place like Thillens Stadium. Totally fine.

A bar
MB: Ha! Never okay. With smoke and alcohol, it’s never appropriate. Other patrons don’t anticipate that babies will be there, and it can make [them] uncomfortable.
JST: Seedy dives and just about any bar late night seem like obvious no’s to me, but lunch or early dinner at a nicer bar-and-grill type place? I did that plenty of times with my twins (and drank a beer) and no one ever batted an eye.

Another person’s baby shower
MB: Only if they were invited. If the invitation says mom plus baby, then yes. If not, this day is about the new mom, and you’ll change the emphasis of the event—like announcing your engagement at someone else’s engagement party.
JST: I’m with Melenie on this one. Respect the wishes of your host. It’s going to be all about the baby soon enough; let mom have her day.

A movie
MB: No. My friend always does this. Babies are unpredictable. You can turn your cell phone off, but can’t stop your baby from crying.
JST: Not sure I would take a baby to a movie on opening weekend or late at night, but other times seem fine; just make a quick exit if she starts to cry.

A hip new restaurant
MB: Generally, it’s not appropriate. Yes, you can ask the restaurant if they have a baby policy, but you don’t want to impose on everyone else’s dining experience. If the other diners don’t know they’re there? That’s different. But take a break and call a sitter—better for you and baby.
JST: Totally disagree on this. You can be mindful of other diners by going early and tag-teaming walks around the block if your baby’s fussy. Not ideal, but not imposing, either.