WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST YEAR by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company, Inc
Published: 2003-08-10T04:00:00+00:00

DINNER AND A BABY

Have reservations about eating out with your baby? Actually, the restaurant may, too—that is, if you don’t come prepared. Before you secure a table for two “and a high chair,” check out these restaurant survival tips:

Call ahead. Not just for those reservations (or to find out if the coast is clear; you won’t want to choose a restaurant with a wait), but to find out what baby supplies and accommodations are on hand. For instance, are there high chairs? Clip-on feeding chairs? Booster seats probably won’t work until baby’s closer to a year. Is the kitchen flexible when it comes to ordering; for instance, will they serve up tiny portions of unadulterated meat and vegetables for baby (mashed potatoes without salt and pepper, chicken breast without the sauce)—without charging full price? Children’s menus are a plus if they offer more than hot dogs, fries, and chicken fingers. Listen carefully when you call. Not just to the answers to your questions, but to the attitude they’re tendered with—which can speak volumes about how welcome you and your baby will really be.

Get an early start. Plan to dine on baby’s schedule, not yours, even if that means being the earliest birds to catch the early bird special. (Another plus to early eating: The wait staff isn’t frazzled yet, the kitchen isn’t fried, there are fewer diners to annoy with baby’s cup banging.)

Ask for a “quiet table in the corner.” Not for the romance, obviously (which definitely won’t be on the menu), but so that your group won’t offend fellow diners or get in the way of harried wait staff. You’ll also appreciate the privacy if you’ll be spending much of the meal nursing.

Make it snappy. Let’s face it, even four-star dining can fizzle into fast food when baby’s at the table. So it makes sense to prefer quick-paced eateries, where more time can be spent eating than waiting. Order the entire meal promptly (hopefully you’ve scanned the menu before sitting down), and ask that baby’s food be brought out as soon as possible.

Come prepared. Gone are the days when you could leave for a restaurant with just your credit card. You’ll also need to pack:

A bib to keep baby clean, as well as some wipes. If the restaurant is carpeted, a square of clear plastic to spread under baby’s chair will be appreciated by those who will have to pick up the mess after you’re done.

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