It’s the hardest job there is, and it’s 24/7/365. All the books, all the parenting magazines, and now… you’re going nuts from cabin fever. Being a new mom is isolating, but you shouldn’t deny yourself the pleasure of a breakfast or lunch out. Yeah, remember the days when it wasn’t a big deal for you to meet friends in Abington MA for breakfast or lunch? Now it feels as if you have to plan every excursion like you’re getting ready to scale Mount Everest.
“But I don’t want to be That Mom!”
Dining out with a baby is not a big deal. Yes, you have a lot more accessories, but you can still manage without being That Mom. No worries, just check these tips.
- Not all so-called family restaurants are baby friendly. Ask around to find out a place where you and Little One are going to be made welcome and where people are not going to go off in a tizzy if you have to discreetly nurse your child. A hungry child is hungry NOW and in Abington as well as the rest of the state, you have a legal right to breastfeed. If you’re self-conscious about breastfeeding or are feeding formula, bring a bottle in a travel warmer.
- Try for a corner table, or one against the wall. This way you won’t have to feel self-conscious as the center of attention. It allows baby to relax, too, as you little one will take their cues from you.
- Go off-peak. Skipping the rush hours can go a long way to having a quiet meal. In some ways, very young infants are easy dining companions, after a walk in their stroller and a ride in the car, they’re likely to sleep in their seat. If they’re sleeping, don’t ask for a high chair – savor the quiet.
Treat yourself to a morning or afternoon out at a local family restaurant, you’ll feel much better, and not as new-mom lonely. You might even find a great new place to eat and some new friends.
