Olympia seating with a baby!

windand rain said:
What a load of miseries Maybe you cannot leave baby behind and to be honest kids make these sort of events. Ok she will be a bit young to enjoy it but a good baby who is enthralled by the noise lights and colour is a pleasure to have around and who is to say she wont be. To my mind if you have to take her get a seat in the second block back at the front where you can get out easily and have loads of room in front of you and close to the stairs
I would guess leaving her behind may be the best option for you to enjoy it though as if she is noisy and disruptive you will feel obliged to go out and you will miss what you want to see and have paid all that money for. Not that I am saying that I wouldnt make her very welcome if she was near me but I do think if possible she would be better off at home in her normal routine
I love kids and as long as they are not constantly screaming love to see them out in public. I am a granny now but it makes no difference I think it is great to see kids with their parents out enjoying themselves
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This..and TBH I'd rather have a chatty baby (ok maybe not a screamer) than the armchair experts I was stuck next to last year!!!!!
 
Honestly... I have an 11 month old and she's a nutter, no way she'd sit for more than an hour and that would require a packet full of baby biscuits! She's at the age where they just want to crawl and stand up and shout! Loads of fun but maybe stressful at an event like that.

But they're all different, have the grandparents on standby and see what yours is like OP. Nothing to do with being a good or a bad baby, just depends whether they're leaping into toddlerhood with both feet by then!
 
not read all the replies but seriously, i would not take a 1 year old to Olympia. Mine was 1 yesterday and 6 months ago I would have taken him... now i most defo would not. He would be bored in 20 seconds want to be on the move and scream. There is no 1 year old I know that would sit on your knee for any length of time. Your only option to my mind would be if it coincided with nap time and your wee one was in a buggy. Sorry :(
 
What a load of humbugs! Don't take dogs to events, don't take children to Olympia - some people should just watch it on tv, it would be less stressful for them!

I don't have kids, but I would be fine with a toddler at Olympia. Half the show is about shouting - cheering the dogs in the agility, the shetland grand national, seeing father Xmas... Of all the shows it is the family one, the Xmas one.. Its hardly the same as taking a baby to the kur! If need be, baby can be taken out now and again, but probably won't. I've had young teens talking non-stop about what they'd bought rather than watching the jumping who were just as annoying as a baby, and their parents didn't take them out!

Live and let live. Have fun OP!
 
I have a 2 year old and no way! She's a very good baby and really easy to do. But as soon as she started moving she became a handful. I wouldn't consider taking her and she loves horses and dogs. No way would she sit still for 10mins let alone an hour plus! I'm sure she'd get grumpy being carried around the shopping because she would want to get down and run about. Now she's two I can reason with her a little and get her to sit still etc but I'm sure she'd want freedom! I'm sorry, I know you would want a nicer response but really I think you'd stress yourself out more with her there I know if my LO was with me I wouldn't enjoy it.
 
Honey08 said:
What a load of humbugs! Don't take dogs to events, don't take children to Olympia - some people should just watch it on tv, it would be less stressful for them!
!
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Noone is being a humbug, we are not saying dont take kids at all but realistically a 6 month old baby would be fine, a toddler 'may' be fine and certainly older kids would love it. A 1 to 2 year old however will be incredibly difficult to keep sat on ones knee to watch something. I wouldnt have realised this myself a couple of months ago and I have the easiest baby in the world. The OP can only make her own decision but its better to be honest and realistic Id have thought.
 
I think it's a good thing to have outings as a family and introducing your baby to the things that you enjoy. You can't govern your entire life around a little one and what people may think, just sitting indoors for fear of upsetting anyone if the baby makes a murmur!

If the baby cries, get up, settle them and sit back down, it's not a big deal (I would get an aisle seat to make life easier). I think some people expect to go to these events and for everyone to sit in total silence so as to not disturb their viewing! I agree with the comment about watching it on TV :p

The majority of mothers that I have seen at events wouldn't just sit there with a screaming baby anyway. Of course there are always a few exceptions who let their children run riot no matter what their age or wherever they are, but I don't think that is the case for most.

Go and enjoy the event, it's a family event after all! I may even see you there with my little one ;)
 
I'm a mum and would not be taking a baby to an evening event when they should be in bed. I haven't looked st the timetable so I stand to be corrected but I thought the evening performances didn't start until 7.30 pm? You're going to have a very tired little girl who should be tucked up in her bed.
 
Gluttonforpunishment said:
I'm a mum and would not be taking a baby to an evening event when they should be in bed.
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I wasn't aware there was a set time by which babies should be in bed.:D
Mine certainly didn't have a set bed time, and if they did, and it was before about 9 or 10pm I wouldn't have seen much of them mid week.

OP, in your position, I'd keep my options open. By the time Olympia comes around, you will know whether your little one would be better off coming with you or not. In any case, as long as one of you is happy to take them out if they get unsettled, I don't see that anyone other than yourselves would be affected.
 
Gluttonforpunishment said:
Neversaynever, a one year old is still very much a baby. They get tired and bored quickly and cannot to reasoned with like an older child.
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thats exactly what i mean though - my point is a baby, and by 'baby' i mean a few months old, would probably sleep through it whereas by 1 year old they are approaching toddler-dom and most certainly will not and will, as you say, get bored and fractious. Id have taken mine at 6months old as i said (not in the evening though). At a year old, no chance.
 
I always took daughter everywhere to me, starting with las vegas, long haul at 9 months old!!! She went to restaurants and concerts from being very young, and one of my biggest sources of pride is her good behaviour, from birth to present day.

Naughty, screaming children is bad parenting in my opinion (illness aside of course). If at a show or other event, you have a paddy to deal with the you excuse yourself and look after your child. No need for anyone else's fun to be spoiled!!

I believe the more socialising children do at a young age, the more well rounded they are (like horses I suppose!).

OP there is only one question you should be asking yourself. Would you enjoy Olympia more with or without your child? If its with, take baby but be prepared to miss a bit if baby is unsettled. If its without, then have a well deserved bit of 'you' time!!!

Xxx
 
I wouldn't take one personally, because I barely have enough room for my bag, let alone a small person!

Some are good, some are annoying as hell. Just like adults I suppose :P
I had the misfortune of sitting in front of an 'annoying as hell' one last time and it ruined it a bit.
 
redmone said:
I always took daughter everywhere to me, starting with las vegas, long haul at 9 months old!!! She went to restaurants and concerts from being very young, and one of my biggest sources of pride is her good behaviour, from birth to present day.

Naughty, screaming children is bad parenting in my opinion (illness aside of course). If at a show or other event, you have a paddy to deal with the you excuse yourself and look after your child. No need for anyone else's fun to be spoiled!!

I believe the more socialising children do at a young age, the more well rounded they are (like horses I suppose!).

OP there is only one question you should be asking yourself. Would you enjoy Olympia more with or without your child? If its with, take baby but be prepared to miss a bit if baby is unsettled. If its without, then have a well deserved bit of 'you' time!!!

Xxx
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Sorry this made me laugh! Seriously... naughty children = bad parenting? I'm a teacher as well as a mother and yes I have seen cases where parents cause problems with their childs behaviour but I have also met very 'good' parents who struggle with their childs behaviour. Children are individuals and although you can influence their lives you can't control them and they may not be perfect all the time! After all, we all have our bad days!

Sorry for the rant OP, but I just thought that was a very sweeping statement! I have already told you my opinion. My LO has been to lots of different events/outings with us and one day I would love to take her to Olympia. However, as a wiggly two year who just wants to have fun I don't think now is the right time. When she understands it a bit better and can enjoy it with me is when I would take her. Now I would spend my time trying to entertain her, keep her noise volume down (not just crying but the other lovely random noises she loves to make), keep her still and worrying if I would be ruining anyone elses night out!
Really it's personal choice... Like you said consider it closer to the time when you can see how she is when she starts moving about...
 
redmone said:
OP there is only one question you should be asking yourself. Would you enjoy Olympia more with or without your child? If its with, take baby but be prepared to miss a bit if baby is unsettled. If its without, then have a well deserved bit of 'you' time!!!

Xxx
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Actually, I think there is another, far more important question that OP should be asking herself - Will the child enjoy herself more at Olympia or staying at home with a familiar baby-sitter, in her regular routine?

I am all for parents taking their children out and about to suitable venues, imo that is the way to bring up confident well-rounded children who know how to behave in a variety of situations but I wouldn't say that a large, indoor, late-night, noisy, crowded horse show is a suitable venue.

Far better imo for OP to get her daughter used to going to smaller outdoor, daytime shows where she can run about making a noise if she wants to, without mum getting stressed about it. And if that means waiting until the child is a bit older in the better weather, so be it.

I also wonder if OP realises how heavy this child will be by Christmas, I feel sorry for the poor soul who is scheduled to carry her all evening because the buggy has had to be left behind.
 
Dukey said:
Sorry this made me laugh! Seriously... naughty children = bad parenting? I'm a teacher as well as a mother and yes I have seen cases where parents cause problems with their childs behaviour but I have also met very 'good' parents who struggle with their childs behaviour. Children are individuals and although you can influence their lives you can't control them and they may not be perfect all the time! After all, we all have our bad days!

...
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As a teacher, I would have thought you could respect someone else's opinion a little more, than just laugh at it.....just a thought!

So what do you believe then? Some kids are just "born bad"?

Maybe I've been very lucky with my daughter, or maybe the way I've brought her up has made her into a nice well behaved child?? I stand by my opinion, that a child behaves the way he or she is taught to behave - not just by parents, but by teachers, care-givers and friends when they are older. That's why I think it's so important that the example we set is a high one.

I agree children are individuals, and yes they have their bad days. Hence why I think the OP should be prepared to miss part of the show, should the child not seem to be enjoying it.

:)
 
Pearlsasinger said:
Actually, I think there is another, far more important question that OP should be asking herself - Will the child enjoy herself more at Olympia or staying at home with a familiar baby-sitter, in her regular routine?

I am all for parents taking their children out and about to suitable venues, imo that is the way to bring up confident well-rounded children who know how to behave in a variety of situations but I wouldn't say that a large, indoor, late-night, noisy, crowded horse show is a suitable venue.

Far better imo for OP to get her daughter used to going to smaller outdoor, daytime shows where she can run about making a noise if she wants to, without mum getting stressed about it. And if that means waiting until the child is a bit older in the better weather, so be it.

I also wonder if OP realises how heavy this child will be by Christmas, I feel sorry for the poor soul who is scheduled to carry her all evening because the buggy has had to be left behind.
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All good points I think.

I did sort of take it as a given that the OP would have considered the child's enjoyment of the event into account.

When I took my daughter to Las Vegas (aged 9 months, and then again most years for the next 5 years or so) many people questions what she would enjoy there. The sunshine, the bright lights, the swimming pool and mostly spending time with us, her parents who work very hard and sadly had to hand her over to grandparents for a good chunk of each week. We had lovely holidays, even though the venue wasn't necessarily of much interest to a toddler.

So I suppose what I'm saying is, that perhaps the OPs child will just like being with their parents and enjoy the performance and the fun going on.

I totally get what you're saying about the weight of child though, at that age. Our flights were with "toddler on lap" at that point (not sure if airlines still allow that now) and 15 hours with a dead leg is no fun!!! We took it in turns, but really missed having the buggy around for respite.

I imagine Olympia would be worse for that, but there are those funky carriers now aren't there, and at least they would have buggy with them at some point.

:)
 
Lol, how lucky we are to have the judgement of someone with just one child to tell us all what shocking parents we are!! Have I stumbled into Mumsnet?

I have three. All raised the same yet all completely different. One I could have taken anywhere, one I couldn't and the third would talk non-stop. The same genes, the same up-bringing, the same circumstances. It is, ironically, horses for courses when it comes to children and social events.

Op when the time comes you can asses what's right for your child and you. Have fun whatever you decide :)
 
blackandwhite said:
Lol, how lucky we are to have the judgement of someone with just one child to tell us all what shocking parents we are!! Have I stumbled into Mumsnet?

I have three. All raised the same yet all completely different. One I could have taken anywhere, one I couldn't and the third would talk non-stop. The same genes, the same up-bringing, the same circumstances. It is, ironically, horses for courses when it comes to children and social events.

Op when the time comes you can asses what's right for your child and you. Have fun whatever you decide :)
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Wow. What a lovely comment! :eek: I'm judging no one, only voicing an opinion.

And I didn't realise opinions became more worthwhile the more children you add to them! :p

I just thought it was a bit mean for many posters to say that OP should keep her child at home.

:)
 
Hi OP -

The best place to sit with a baby would be on the upper level & try to grab a seat at the end of a row.. Lots of space up there so if baby gets grumpy etc there is lots of space to walk around & sit down where it is quieter.

TBH I would see a baby as being way less intrusive than the pack of bloody teenagers on front of us who spoke out loud during most of the evening performance annoying everyone around them, popping to bar every half hr etc.
 
redmone said:
Wow. What a lovely comment! :eek: I'm judging no one, only voicing an opinion.

And I didn't realise opinions became more worthwhile the more children you add to them! :p

I just thought it was a bit mean for many posters to say that OP should keep her child at home.

:)
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A bit defensive... I laughed because it seemed such a sweeping statement to make and a very naive one. I meet with lots of children and parents and I am yet to discover the perfect parent. Clearly we must meet up and you can explain how I can be a good role model as a teacher and a Mum... I am often told how well behaved my LO is, but she isn't always perfect and neither am I.
IMHO I wouldnt take her to a show like this for reasons I have already stated.

Also to anyone has more than one, I do really respect you, I find it difficult with one, horses and a job let alone any more! :D
 
showpony said:
Hi OP -

The best place to sit with a baby would be on the upper level & try to grab a seat at the end of a row.. Lots of space up there so if baby gets grumpy etc there is lots of space to walk around & sit down where it is quieter.

TBH I would see a baby as being way less intrusive than the pack of bloody teenagers on front of us who spoke out loud during most of the evening performance annoying everyone around them, popping to bar every half hr etc.
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Wow, at last someone who actually answered my op, Thankyou. I didn't ask anyone IF i should take my daughter, but where the best place to sit was. It's all booked now anyway, so you lot can carry on arguing amongst yourselfs! lol
 
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Dukey said:
A bit defensive... I laughed because it seemed such a sweeping statement to make and a very naive one. I meet with lots of children and parents and I am yet to discover the perfect parent. Clearly we must meet up and you can explain how I can be a good role model as a teacher and a Mum... I am often told how well behaved my LO is, but she isn't always perfect and neither am I.
IMHO I wouldnt take her to a show like this for reasons I have already stated.

Also to anyone has more than one, I do really respect you, I find it difficult with one, horses and a job let alone any more! :D
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Meet up? Nah you're ok. I never enjoy parents evenings, as a child or as a parent!! ;)

OP hope you enjoy Olympia, with or without the little one. :)
 
Your braver than me! Iv got 2 toddlers and they were fantastic babies but turned into monsters when they learned to walk and would be bored stiff at Olympia / hoys!
But you know your baby best and I hope you have a fab time!
 
my friend took her normally very well behaved 14 month old - poor mum was frazzled by the end of it as was toddler. Too noisy, too packed nowhere for liitleun to go as she became tired as she was well past her bedtime and out of her routine.

What was annoying was the 5 year old birthday party going on in the boxes ...
 
Zemmie said:
Ooh this is always an emotive subject.

To me Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Olympia and children love it. Personally mine didn't go until the age of about 6 by which time they are old enough to understand they must be quiet at certain times eg dressage puissance and can make as much noise as they like in pony club games Shetland Grand National.

Last year the Kur was ruined for us by a screaming baby in front of us. All around were really irritated and there were stage whispers suggesting she should have got a babysitter. The woman rather than taking the child out addressed the crowd with the comment she couldn't afford it. My view on that was rather than a premium seat get a cheaper one and pay a sitter:rolleyes:

Personally speaking my children at a young age at this type of event would have probably alternated between being bored and over excited.

OP give yourself a break leave the baby at home it will be more fun for you :-) and the baby will be way too young to enjoy it.

We will all be listening out for you thursday night now lol.
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^ This Completely ^ yes Christmas isn't Christmas without Olympia and I think is a fantastic build up for children but not under 6's personally but then I'm anti under 6's in general at big competitions (dons tin hat on and awaits for abuse, including from baby wanting husband)

I know some babies who are very quiet and placid with mothers who are considerate to the others around them but I've also been sat 2 seats down from one that wasn't. It's not pleasant and not fair on both people around you and the poor child itself. I'm pretty sure they don't cry for no reason and I guess in environments like that there is only so much a mother can do to placate a small person. Sorry if I've offended anybody but as children we didn't go to HOYS or Olympia or even Burghley until we were old enough to last the full day, understand yes and no and the words SHUSH!
 
Ive taken my daughter nearly every year to Royal Windsor for the tatoo, (i get free tickets) since she was a year old to present year the first 2 years she slept through on my lap giving me a dead leg :D that was through the kings troop cannons too. Everybody around was laughing because she snoring so loud everybody could hear. (obvioudly not over the cannons;))
I didnt take her to Olympia till 7 mainly because weve always trained up there and its another hour home and thought it was easier for me not to take her but happily would have.
Olympia this year my mum and nan took her as i was competing in the morning then they watched the afternoon perfomance. She was perfectly behaved and then they drove back apparently she snored all the way home too the!!!:D
 
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