Babies in the Bar
So this baby walks into a bar, and …
Well, the baby didn’t actually walk into the bar—it was in a stroller, pushed by its mother, who was going to have a drink or two with some other moms who brought their kids, and…that’s why this is no joke.
There’s a bar fight brewing across the country. In Seattle, Austin, Philadelphia, Boston and beyond, bar patrons are getting lathered up on both sides of a polarizing parenting issue: is it responsible (or even acceptable) to belly up to the bar with young children in tow?
Those opposed to the mix of cocktails and sippy cups have posted their unequivocal sentiments on numerous online message boards and blogs, like this one in Philadelphia: “I do not want to be in a bar around children. Ever. Bars are for adults.”
Stroller grid-lock has been increasing in bars—often under signs that say “No One Under 21 Admitted”—along with the irritation of patrons who object to shoving crayons out of the way of their cosmos.
Those pushing for more kids in more bars are usually the same people pushing the strollers: mothers of the pre-school set, who say: “We want to do everything we always did, but with our babies.”
So when the owner of a bar in Brooklyn recently posted a “Please No Strollers” sign, he opened yet the latest front in the battle of the bottle. Moms seethed, while critics— like this one in Tucson —applauded: “Grow up, people,” she wrote. “Your lives are different now.”
Tell us what you think: Are we lowering the responsibility bar by allowing kids in the neighborhood bar?
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babies in bars, u got to b joking
what mother in their right mind would bring their child to a bar. Are they insane! This is so irresponsible. The mother’s or fathers that do this should lose their kids. I would turn them into the authorities. I am a mother of two young children. I would never bring my children into a bar. This no place for children. It is like you are telling them it is okay to drink, and drive. It just goes to show that most kids who get into trouble with the law themselves when they get older comes from lack of ethics in good parenting. I mean a bar? come on now.
cassandra | 1 year, 11 months ago
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SO WHAT
I take my little one to a Bar.I have taken her there since she was one month old. now she is going to be four this month. And i plan on taking her there for her birthday. I never took her stroller in just her car seat. nobody has ever said anything about her being there.
IRISHCAT | 1 year, 11 months ago
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Right ON Bill
I love what Bill has to say about not imposing our morals on others. He’s right.
At the same time… When you choose to raise a child (as opposed to using Birth Control or giving babies for adoption), you choose a lifestyle that like it or not revolves around children and their needs for a while. If you want an adult experience, experience it with Adults. Or go to McD’s or Burger King with other moms. That’s what I do.
Drink at home if you can’t afford a sitter. It’s cheaper that way anyway.
Dani O'Malley | 1 year, 11 months ago
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no bar babies
Parents can get their socialization needs met just as soon as their kids get all of their needs met! Any person who has worries about their social life being affected by having kids should not have them. Thats one of the worst problems society faces today:people who want to have a career and social life that excludes their parenting responsibilities.
terrance tattrie | 1 year, 11 months ago
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defending both sides...
Let me just say that I am a parent of a 15 month old. But, I agree that babies shouldn’t be allowed in bars.. Fist off, most all bars allow smokers I don’t want my baby near that or the stumbling obnoxious drunks. I’ll also say that the drinkers more than likely go to the bar to get away from there own kids or responsibitys ect. so my advice if you cant get a sitter, go to a restraunt with a bar and order your drinks from the “NON smoking section” and drink away (but of course get a DD)!
Lea Ann | 1 year, 11 months ago
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As someone who knows some of these moms – let me clarify a bit.
A large (non-smoking bar) in NYC, during the daytime, that serves lunch – more like a restaurant that serves alcohol. Stay at home moms getting together to share camraderie, diapers, and a bit of laughter in a LONG day.
Now, those of you judging a situation that you do not know, might you re-think your positions? Should these moms STILL be refused a chance to join together for a meal, and yes, even (gasp, horror!) a glass of wine?
I think not. And I’m constantly amazed at how people JUMP all over someone for something you read on the INTERNET, without having first hand knowledge of a situation.
If only those who judge and are SO indignant could be so indignant about the major crisises of the world, we’d all be better off…
Shelli | 1 year, 11 months ago
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What's worse?
Seriously, I think a LOT depends on the social scene at the establishment. If it is a restaurant that caters to families, fine. Table service would be a better option. I’m a mom and would drink with friends while my child is present. Not like a rock star, but a decent wine to compliment cuisine, sure. Would I take my kid to a smokey dungeon of broken glass and rude language? No. Would I intrude on a romantic night spot where people propose marriage and celebrate anniversaries? NO WAY. I don’t think it’s right. The problem is people who can’t seem to set (and reinforce) limits with their kids. I like the idea of the old school pub or beer garden or tavern where all are welcome like in Europe. But not every place can offer the same kind of hospitality. Kind of nice to have options.
Christi Marie | 1 year, 11 months ago
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So American
As usual this is an issue that seems to only plague Americans. Why do some of us have the incessant need to bring our children everywhere as well as imposing on those around us all of the accoutrements that must follow with them? I feel that it is ridiculous that those of us who have chosen not to reproduce or bring our children into historically adult establishments are finding ourselves pushed out of the very places we once could find refuge in. The stroller issue further complicates matters as it unnecessary and in most cases an annoyance to those around you. I have seen this so many times when my husband and I travel abroad. It is so easy to point out the American tourists, as they are the only ones lugging around all this nonsense associated with their kids. They create longer lines and frustrate those of us who have traveled specifically to Europe or wherever else to avoid the hassle of dealing with those that suffer from DWS or the Disney World Syndrome. Wake up Child Bearing America-your own country and the rest of the World for that matter is not here to cater to you or your kids!
Niki | 1 year, 11 months ago
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Fontana
First off using depression as an excuse to go to the bar and drink is not acceptable, any doctor will inform you and if you read your prescription bottle; not to consume alcohol while suffering with depression/or taking medicine, this by now should be universal knowledge.
Second if you want to socialize there are other places to go and socialize with your friends,examples:
Park, Barnes and Noble, museums, library, in your friends home, church, you can find support groups on line for parents to get together and socialize, don’t forget their are programs at community colleges specifically made for you and your child to learn and socialize with other parents the list can go on but I might run out of space, if you don’t have any friends you still can socialize with strangers at these exact places. All it takes is a little creativity and the “want” to be “responsible” like the website name says. Please parents let’s use our heads a little more often, I think it would really help the world for our future leaders of America.
Kina Barnum | 1 year, 11 months ago
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Yes! Lock em' all up at home!
What else would I expect from our mother/child hating culture…yet another way to separate real life (families and children) from the world.
Rhonda | 1 year, 11 months ago
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