When expecting a little one, a lot of first-time parents are worried about what life will look like with babies and then toddlers in tow. Some things you can no longer do, sure, but there’s plenty about life that doesn’t have to change all that much.
Traveling, shopping, and even eating out in restaurants do not have to be pleasures of the past. Instead, you can bring your kids to eat out and enjoy a family meal and (believe it or not!) good conversation with your partner. It takes patience and planning, but once you get in a groove, you’ll feel confident dining out with your little ones.
From one seasoned parent of three to your growing family, here are the top tips for dining out with babies and toddlers in restaurants.
Milk the Newborn Days
It might seem daunting to leave the house in the earliest months of parenthood, but getting out to your favorite restaurants while Baby is itty-bitty is actually easier than later. While they are still sleepy most of the day and night and can rest in a carrier, make those brunch and dinner reservations at the fancy spots and embrace the “break” while you clink glasses and they snooze.
In a few months when Baby becomes more alert—and noisy—this will not be as easy, and you’ll have to get a sitter if you want to hit up that favorite steakhouse or wait in line for brunch at a hotspot. So, live it up while you can get away with it…thank us later!
Check the Menu
Look up the menu of a new place before you go; anywhere that has a children’s menu is absolutely going to be welcoming of families with young kids. If there’s no kids’ menu, the next step is to check the appetizers and sides lists for anything prepared simply, like a macaroni and cheese, baked potato, or simple soup.
Restaurants with non-fussy offerings of this ilk are usually happy to accommodate children’s requests, and just children in general. Save the fine French dining and five-course tasting menus for nights on the town alone with your significant other or friends.
Call Ahead
When in doubt, call the restaurant directly to make sure that they are comfortable with babies and little kids. You might be pleasantly surprised at how many restaurants happily accommodate young diners, and the host can usually tell you anything special to know like when there will be live music the kids will enjoy, or which times and days of the week are best for littles.