2007-08-03 06:57:57 · 30 answers · asked by AngeL 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Depends on the relationship to the deceased. If it's a family member or very close friend, yes it's ok with the understanding that the parent leave with the baby immediately if the baby began making noise. If it's not family or a close friend, I would say get a sitter for the baby. My grandfather passed away almost a year ago and we all, my cousins and myself, brought our children ages 10 years to 2 weeks, we all thought it was important for them to be there.
2007-08-03 07:05:08 · answer #1 · answered by disneychick 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't think there are any social taboos regarding babies at funerals, but out of respect for other attendees you should sit somewhere that you can get out immediately if the baby starts to disrupt the proceedings. To be honest, it's probably a better idea to leave the baby with a sitter. But if you can't...people understand.
As an alternate point of view, sometimes babies/small children can bring a lot of joy and comfort to a grieving heart. Perhaps having the child nearby, but not at the funeral itself, would be worthwhile. The presence of new life at the end of an old one can hold a very powerful symbolic meaning.
2007-08-03 07:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan H 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might be difficult for the baby - depending on its age. If it's an older baby - (say 1 year old) and people are very upset and crying that might be upsetting for the baby.
But if the baby is very young, I don't think it would make a difference. Personally, I wouldn't bring a baby to a funeral, but if I couldn't find or afford a babysitter, and I really wanted to attend the funeral I might have to. I would just be sure that if the baby fussed I would take it out of the room.
2007-08-03 07:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, get a baby sitter please.
My rule is that children under 10 should not be at a funeral unless they were very close to the deceased (parent, grandparent).
Children under 2 never need go to the funeral home.
You can take children 3 and over to the wake or viewing. They should stay for a short time and then take them home. If you are going to a wake that lasts all day (such as many we still have in the South), make special arrangements for the children (babysitter).
For children over the age of 10, make sure they can sit still and respect the solemness of the occasion. If they can't, get a babysitter.
Good luck! :)
2007-08-03 07:02:35 · answer #4 · answered by searching_please 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It okay as long as the crying does not upset the funeral. Some times you don't have a choice and has to choose to take a baby or not going. The bigger problem would be with an older child who is t the question asking stage and continue to ask question, some that may not need to be asked.
2007-08-03 07:12:08 · answer #5 · answered by Timelord 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a close family member- yes.
For anyone else? No.
We brought our baby to a funeral of my grandmother and father-in-law when they passed and everyone really appreciated the baby being there. What did the Pastor say? Among death- there is new life.
It depends on you as well. I did because I was comfy bringing our baby wherever we are, but not everyone is. Our baby was 11 months old and never fussed. He had toys, an area to stay and play, and plenty of people who wanted to hold him, snuggle him, etc. He made a lot of our family feel better with his antics.
So, yes, I would for family.
2007-08-03 07:23:49 · answer #6 · answered by NY_Attitude 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on your relationship with the deceased and his/her family. When my husband's grandmother passed away, everyone brought their kids because his grandmother was kind of the matriarch of the house. Everyone loved her and remembered her as someone who loved all the kids. I know it sounds terrible but her funeral was almost festive because we celebrated her life.
When my husband's uncle passed away (other side of the family), no one brought their kids. His funeral was a very somber and quiet event. Not really a celebration of his life but a sad time for grieving.
So it just really depends on the type of funeral.
Hope that helps. And there's no harm in asking whoever's arranging the funeral what they think.
2007-08-03 10:24:28 · answer #7 · answered by mari m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if the baby cries a lot. It kind of shows disrespect. When I was little, I never go with my parents to funerals. They always go alone. But if it's your baby and you absolutely have to bring him/her, then I guess you have no choice.
2007-08-03 07:01:38 · answer #8 · answered by teenster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a nursery available for my husband's grandmother's funeral (the service was at our church) we put our son in there. After the service my sister took him home with her so we could attend the grave site service. I would recommend a baby-sitter but if none are available sit in the back so you can discreetly leave if they become restless.
2007-08-03 07:08:09 · answer #9 · answered by ~cmd~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have some consideration for the ones who are mourning. Would you want that baby crying at the funeral?????
2007-08-03 07:07:36 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Twinkle♥Toes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋