What's the etiquette for bringing a baby to a party?

RomeRomance06

A good friend of ours is moving to San Francisco and some of his friends are throwing him a surprise going away potluck party at their house Sunday from 6:00 until whenever. They sent DH and I an Evite. I know them, have been to their house for another party before we had DD, but we're not really friends since we only know them through this guy. I'm pretty sure they know we have an 8-week-old so I was just going to send an email to the host asking her if it's OK if we bring her. I just think it's awkward because most of these people are in their mid 20s, only a couple are married and no one has kids. That, and this is the first time we've run into this issue. They're pretty laidback people and I don't think they'd have a problem but it's just weird because I don't know them very well.

tomandcourt

I think it would be totally fine to just send an e-mail and ask if it's OK. Is it going to conflict with her bedtime (or maybe she doesn't have one yet)? Maybe try to leave them an out, like "If it's going to be a blow out then we'll probably keep her home" or something to that affect, to let them respond with "oh, no you should totally bring her" or "yeah, it's going to be crazy and someone might kick her when they'e doing a keg stand."

doggylovr

I would definitely send an email and just ask.  A baby that young is mostly going to sleep or eat anyways, bringing an infant is much easier and less of a nuesence than a toddler.  good luck!!

MrsPhilDunphy

Definitely email and ask and see what kind of vibe you get. There were plenty of parties in my 20-something life that I would not bring a baby to, but a casual get together that starts around 6 will probably be fine.

I think it's just important that you mention it to the host so there's not a Sweet Home Alabama-type situation - "You have a baby! . . . At a keg party!"

bh2720

MrsPhilDunphy:

Definitely email and ask and see what kind of vibe you get. There were plenty of parties in my 20-something life that I would not bring a baby to, but a casual get together that starts around 6 will probably be fine.

I think it's just important that you mention it to the host so there's not a Sweet Home Alabama-type situation - "You have a baby! . . . At a keg party!"

That's what I was going to say. I can't imagine that people are going to be busting out shots and doing keg stands starting at 6pm. It will probably be fine, but it's always nice to give people a heads up. 

Sofka

definitely ask them and if these people are childless, they probably don't know a difference b/w an 8-week old and an 8-mo old so you may want to mention that the LO will probably just sleep in the carseat the whole time

 

kbalb

Sofka:

definitely ask them and if these people are childless, they probably don't know a difference b/w an 8-week old and an 8-mo old so you may want to mention that the LO will probably just sleep in the carseat the whole time

 

Agreed!  Definitely point out the difference.

Artslvr

kbalb:

Sofka:

definitely ask them and if these people are childless, they probably don't know a difference b/w an 8-week old and an 8-mo old so you may want to mention that the LO will probably just sleep in the carseat the whole time

 

Agreed!  Definitely point out the difference.

Ha!  My thought exactly.  Like pp said, it's not like you're asking to bring your Terrible Two year old Toddler to run around their house and tear it up.