Oh Baby, Don't Go There!

Some Not Too Baby-friendly Places

By Gina Roberts-Grey

Although the immortal Dr. Seuss classic, Oh the Places You'll Go (Random House Books, 1990), will take your baby on fabulous adventures, there are many places that might not be suited for newborns, babies and even toddlers. Parents struggling with newborn cabin fever or toddler toy overload find themselves caught teetering between "Should I take my child to ..." and "I truly need or want to go to ..." as they contemplate where it is safe and appropriate to take a young child.

Regardless of accommodations or stroller accessibility, many parents feel very strongly that there are some places a child shouldn't visit. Although most restaurants, stores and offices have become child-friendly environments, you might want to consider hiring a babysitter or sharing childcare duties with a neighbor before running some errands, going to the doctor or attending some social engagements with your child.

Letting your child sit out a visit to your gynecologist or trip to the grocery store not only might prevent exposure to germs or accidental injury, but it can work wonders to ease parental stress and potentially uncomfortable situations. Certain to stir passion, controversy and a few debates, this thought-provoking and parent-tested list offers unique perspective into the places to which you might take your children.

Sitting in the non-smoking section of a restaurant that allows smoking or in another room at a family gathering might not be enough to prevent the smell of tobacco from sticking to your tot. Wanting her children to smell of traditional talc and lotion while keeping their tiny lungs clean, Katie-Anne Gustafsson of Eskilstuna, Sweden, tries to avoid smoky environments. "I have no problem with people smoking," says Gustafsson. "I just hate to see it around babies." 

Want to see more?

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• A Safe Ride: Car Seats Are Serious Business
• Mall Madness: Tackling Shopping With a Baby or Toddler
• Talk about it!