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Knowledge Base
Babies and Weddings
As you are probably already aware, wedding season is officially here. In just a couple of days we will find ourselves in June, the prime time for weddings! Many of you have probably already received two or three wedding invitations for friends or family members getting married this summer. I know my husband and I have.
In fact, one of these weddings is happening this weekend. My husband’s cousin is getting married and my husband is one of the groomsmen. While I love weddings, I’m just a little nervous about this one because I am bringing both boys. My firstborn is five, so I’m not too worried about him, but the little guy is only 10 months and right in the middle of teething. In fact, this week has been particularly hard as he has been slobbering more, cranky and fighting the common runny nose that comes with teething. I just hope he will be able to sit through the ceremony without causing a scene.
My predicament has had me thinking about babies and weddings and how parents should handle weddings when they have a baby in tow. For example, do you think couples should bring little babies to weddings? I personally think the answer to this questions varies from couple to couple and that you should do what you feel is best. I can tell you that if this wasn’t a family wedding, I would not be bringing the baby. However, I will be shunned if I show up without the baby. My mother-in-law will be there as well as her mother and my sister-in-law, so I’m really left with no choice but to bring him. On the positive side, I will have plenty of people offering to hold him during the reception!So, another thing I’ve been thinking about is how I’m going to make it through the ceremony with the little guy. As of right now, I’m going to request being seated towards the back of the “reserved” section for family and on the end. This way, if the little guy starts fussing, I can make a quick exit without disturbing too many people. I’m also going to make sure the firstborn is seated close to grandma so if I have to leave quickly, he won’t have to leave with me.
I really don’t see a problem with bringing little ones to weddings, but I do think that parents with babies need to think about the wedding guests and the couple getting married and do what they can to ensure their baby won’t disrupt the ceremony. Receptions are generally pretty laid back and a crying baby doesn’t usually disturb anyone, but the ceremony is a different story. A few things that I’m going to do before the ceremony begins include:
- Try to give baby a nap.
- Feed baby about 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
- Stock diaper bag with plenty of toys/teethers to keep baby occupied.
- Plan my escape route in case I have to make an emergency exit.
- Give firstborn detailed instructions of what he is to do in case I have to leave quickly.
- Pray for the best!
I think if parents with babies do the best they can to prepare for the ceremony, things will go fine. So, if you have a wedding to attend this summer and the baby has to go, don’t worry about it too much. Just make sure you have a plan, a well-rested and well-fed baby and you should make it through just fine!
