So, you’ve had your baby and are ready to rejoin the land of the living. Taking a baby out in public to restaurants might sound like a recipe for disaster, but it’s actually a prime way to socialize your little one and break free from house arrest. But when can you take a baby to a restaurant? And when can babies go out in public in general? Here are some top tips on taking your baby to a restaurant and making public outings as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Table of Contents

• Is It Okay to Take a Newborn to a Restaurant?
• When is it Safe to Take a Newborn Out in Public?
• Taking Baby Out in Public: Things to Consider
• How Do I Keep My Baby Quiet in a Restaurant?
• Is It Okay to Breastfeed at a Restaurant?
• How Do I Entertain My 1 Year Old in a Restaurant?
• What Do I Do if My Baby Only Wants to Sit with Me at the Restaurant?

Is It Okay to Take a Newborn to a Restaurant?

Absolutely! There's no right or wrong time to start taking your baby to restaurants. Some parents might wait a few months, while others might feel ready sooner. The key is to do what feels right for you. Instead of questioning ‘when can I take my newborn out?’, consider how you’d like to enjoy the experience when you take your newborn out. Trust yourself—you know what's best for your family.

When is it Safe to Take a Newborn Out in Public?

While newborns can be susceptible to infections and might not always love crowded, noisy spots, taking them to a baby-friendly restaurant is perfectly okay. Plus, exposing your baby to public places like restaurants can help build their immune system. Just make sure to suit yourself up with all the necessary baby gear, opt for infant-friendly restaurants, and get your doctor to answer any serious questions you have about taking baby out in public.

We’ve answered a couple of commonly asked questions on this topic below:

• Can you take a newborn out before vaccinations? There are no rules saying you can’t take a newborn out before vaccinations. However, when doing so, it’s best to stick to quieter areas and make sure you’re not going out with anyone who’s unwell.
• Taking a newborn out before 6 weeks, is it okay? Many pediatricians recommend waiting 6 weeks before taking baby out in public. That said, everyone’s situation is different, and waiting 6 weeks might not be possible. If you want to take your newborn out in public before this time, speak to your doctor on how to do this safely.

Taking Baby Out in Public: Things to Consider

While there’s no hard and fast age restriction on taking your baby out in public, there are some precautions worth keeping in mind…

• Avoid direct sunlight: If you’re dining al fresco, remember that while the sun provides much-needed Vitamin D, babies should have limited exposure. Pack that adorable sunhat and find a shady spot.
• Keep it clean: Wash your hands frequently and maintain a little social distance between your baby and other guests. Tiny humans can be susceptible to infections, so a little caution goes a long way.
• Choose wisely: Opt for infant-friendly restaurants that have a calm atmosphere and enough space for you and your little one to relax and enjoy your meal. This will make it easier to deal with any potential crying or fussing. Not every baby-friendly restaurant has to be chaos central—there are plenty of places that cater to parents and kids alike.
• Timing is everything: Try to go during off-peak hours so you won't feel rushed or anxious about your baby fussing and crying with loads of people in the room.

Remember, it’s all about your comfort and your baby’s health.

How Do I Keep My Baby Quiet in a Restaurant?

Keeping your baby happy and quiet in a restaurant is an art—but one you can master. To achieve this, you’ll often find that timing is key. We know it’s not always predictable, but try to choose a time when your baby is typically in a good mood (i.e., not sleepy or hungry). A happy baby makes for a happy dining experience.

In addition to timing, distraction can often be your best friend. When taking your baby to a restaurant, bring along a few toys to keep them entertained. 

When it comes to where they sit, the best seat in the house is often, well, you! For most of us, this means babywearing. The right baby carrier for restaurant outings should be comfortable and easy to use while enjoying your meal—enter, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. Tushbaby’s open-style design and supportive waistband allow you to babywear seated or standing while keeping your baby supported and an arm free. With built-in storage for diapers, wipes, toys, and all those baby essentials, you can pack everything seamlessly. No need for extra bags—just grab your Tushbaby and you’re set for a stress-free dining experience. 

Is It Okay to Breastfeed at a Restaurant?

Breastfeeding in public? Totally natural, and no mother should be ashamed of doing it. If you need to breastfeed at a restaurant, go for it! 

If you feel a little awkward, a light cover and a comfy spot can make it all feel seamless. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier can also be used as a portable breastfeeding pillow, giving your baby a cozy perch for on-the-go feeding. Use the storage pockets to stash a nursing cover, burp cloths, and wipes, and slip a bottle in the hideable holder for convenient access.

How Do I Entertain My 1 Year Old in a Restaurant?

One-year-olds are notoriously active, and keeping them entertained in a restaurant can be exhausting. But don't worry—there are a few things you can do to help keep your little one occupied:

• Pack entertainment: Bring small toys or activity books to keep those little hands busy. Quiet toys are your best friends.
• Choose wisely: Opt for restaurants with a kids' menu or activities to keep them entertained. Some places even have play areas or crayons for the table.
• Strategic seating: Sit near the exit for a quick getaway if things go south. It’s all about the easy escape route.
• Know your limits: If it gets too overwhelming, don’t feel pressured to stick it out. Sometimes, a graceful exit is the best move for you and your baby.
• Silence is golden: A pacifier can be your secret weapon for keeping your one-year-old calm and content once they’ve finished eating. You can store them in The Pod, our clever clip-on paci pouch, to keep them clean and handy for trips out. Attach the Paci Pod to your Tushbaby carrier or purse for easy access.

Dining out with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little prep, you can enjoy your meal while keeping your baby happily occupied.

What Do I Do if My Baby Only Wants to Sit with Me at the Restaurant?

If your child only wants to sit with you at the restaurant, our advice is to lean into it. Find a baby carrier that makes babywearing the most enjoyable for you while keeping your baby close and safe. The Tushbaby hip seat carrier is one of the best baby carriers for both you and your baby, especially for restaurant outings. You can wear your baby with Tushbaby and support them with one arm without having them strapped to your body, giving you more freedom to eat and your baby more opportunities to be involved in the meal. 

If you want your baby strapped to your body or want to go hands-free, adding The Snug attachment to your Tushbaby carrier makes it even better. This wrap-style attachment transforms the Tushbaby into a first-of-its-kind convertible carrier, elevating your baby-wearing game and freeing up your hands for dining. Whether you're digging into lunch or need a few extra pockets for those endless baby supplies, The Snug + Tushbaby have you covered.

It’s only a matter of time before your next trip to a restaurant with a baby, so keep these tips and tricks in mind and try the Tushbaby carrier! Wherever you’re taking baby out in public, whether it’s to a concert, a football game, a wedding, or the movies, our hip carrier can be a massive support. Here’s to bringing a little more ease to your everyday life!

Try babywearing for your next restaurant outing. . . order the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier today!