I just have this new pet peeve--people who bring tons of crap to my house (or other people's houses) when they are invited over. There are some family members of mine, who have an infant. They were invited over for a family gathering and brought over the following: Diaper bag, carseat/carrier, playpen, and feeding chair (those ones that strap on to a regular chair). The diaper bag doesn't bother me, neither does the carseat. But you don't come over to someone's house and set up a playpen in their living room. Am I right? And can't you sit the kid on your lap for one meal to feed them instead of taking up another chair just to put the kid in it? Am I right?
2006-10-26 06:48:23 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Why would that mean I don't have kids? I just think it's a bit wrong to set up a giant playpen in someone's living room when there's tons of people over and limited space and seating.
2006-10-26 06:53:28 · update #1
I think that if you are going to someones house bring what you have to have not everything in the house when your at someones house use what they already have don't take over there house. Ican see bringing the playpen if you are going to be outside and you don't want them to get sun burned or something like that but there is a line on what to bring So I agree the diaper bag and the car seat is enough.
2006-10-26 06:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well, a diaper bag is obvious, and a carseat/carrier can actually double as a feeding seat. I've done it before. A playpen is handy, especially so the kid isn't a burden with people having to hold it or it getting into things and in everyone's way. Some people bring them along for naps. I don't think it's completely wrong, but asking would be nice first. Some people are just used to doing things a certain way, and don't know how to change, like feeding the kid on your lap. I've tried it, and I don't know how people do it. It's just awkward. So I kinda understand the family's point of view.
2006-10-26 14:14:02 · answer #2 · answered by angelbaby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I go visit people, I bring all of those items with me. My kids are on a schedule and if it is their nap time, I will set up the playpen in the bedroom so the baby can get some sleep. Would you rather have screaming tired and hungry babies at your house? If you don't like kids, then don't invite them over.
As for the high chair, most babies will not sit still on a parent's lap for a feeding. Not only that, it is a choking hazard. If a baby is bouncing on their parents lap then you can't feed them.
On the other hand, I had a friend come over (for 1 week with a 1 year old) and they brought nothing. I didn't have kids at the time so I had nothing for him. I thought that was rude.
2006-10-26 14:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You obviously must not be a parent yet.
Personally, I'd probably be able to do without the playpen, but with a young baby all that other stuff was pretty much necessary.
How exactly were YOU inconvenienced by all of this?
Were they using the playpen as a place for the baby to sleep while they visited?
Or maybe they feel that your home isn't all that "child safe" or "kid friendly" so the thought the playpen was a good idea for the child's safety and to keep your stuff from getting broken? (NO idea here how old the child is.)
How well do YOU know their child? Do you know if the kid sitting in their lap would let anyone eat or if that would just end up being a frustration and a mess for everyone involved? (Kid's hands in mom or dad's plate of hot food, grabbing at stuff on the table, trying to eat hot food over the top of baby's head, etc.)
2006-10-26 13:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No kids huh?
You dont' want the playpen? Are you prepared for a curious toddler to go around your house and "rearrange" things for you?
No, you can not feed a child in your lap. First off, it's not good for the child who is not only developing his eating habits but also his social skills. And second, how in the world would Mommy get a chance to eat??
Try being a little more understanding because one day you too may be a mom. And as a mother, you don't think of anyone but the best interests of your child.
2006-10-26 13:56:14 · answer #5 · answered by lil_hem_n_va 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Mabye she brang her playpen because she didnt know if your house was child proof or not, and isnt it a little stupid to let your little baby run around someones house if its not child proof and the baby can get into your stuff and mabye break it? have you considered how inconsiderate that would be? Mabye she wanted to relax and socialize, and its VERY hard to hold a toddler or even a ;baby still for a period of time so shed be running around chasing the poor baby and not enjoy herself at all..and what about nap time, there is no safe place for the baby to sleep without the playpen. So really if you dont want the hassle of having a baby there then tell the people next time that you dont want children there.
2006-10-26 20:43:58 · answer #6 · answered by jennyve25 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with you! And for the record, I have 4 children!!!
There is NO reason to bring your childs bedroom everywhere you go. It is rude and inconsiderate. It is different if you will be spending the night and need a place for the baby to sleep, but otherwise, the playpen should stay at home. The chair isn't necessary either. The baby can sit in someone's lap while being fed. The way I look at it, we all survived and I know my mom didn't have portable high chairs available to her.
I'm with ya, and totally understand how you feel.
My sister-in-law brings EVERYTHING imaginable with her whenever her and the kids visit. It makes me crazy!!!
Oh well, what do ya do, somethings you just have to deal with I guess!
2006-10-26 14:11:01 · answer #7 · answered by Kailey 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
As far as the playpen goes it's probably because your house isn't baby-proofed and they don't want their baby getting into anything dangerous or fragile. The parents didn't want to impose on you by asking you to baby-proof your house but they also don't want their baby getting hurt.
Do you know what it's like to eat with a squirmy baby in your lap? Obviously you don't or you wouldn't be asking that question. Lighten up a little. It was one day with a baby in the house. It isn't like they're moving in. If you can handle baby gear don't invite parents with babies over. Babies come with a lot of gear.
2006-10-26 14:53:23 · answer #8 · answered by Miriam Z 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry you feel like they are doing something worng. I have done that as have most of my firends. I feel like if I invited them to my ouse. I kow they have a small child they should have all the stuff they need at my house so they can enjoy a visit also.
Now if this really bothers you . You can talk to your family meber about it. It make cause some hurt feeling though.
or you can invite the over for an adult night only. Again their might be hurt feelings. But if you really feel strongly then look for alternatives.
2006-10-26 13:53:28 · answer #9 · answered by Karen K 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NO! You are entitled to your opinion of course, but why should someone eat a meal with a baby on their lap? Do you know how hard that is?
In regards to the play pen, would you rather have the infant run all over your house, breaking valuable ornaments?
I think that the infant's parents were just trying to decrease the chances of having your house, or parts of it, damaged. Be thankful they are organised!
2006-10-26 13:53:08 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋