Anxiety about baby crying in public

Not already a member? Join now for free to get more exclusive #LDJ stories?

“Trust yourself. You know best”.

No matter where you are, dealing with a crying baby can be stressful. But when your baby has a public meltdown, the situation can feel a lot worse.

Take a breath. The first thing you need to remember is that it’s perfectly normal for your baby to cry¹. After all, it’s their way of communicating with you. Here we take a look at some common questions about public meltdowns, and hear from other parents who are embracing how to Love Don’t Judge.

When can I take my baby out in public?

You can take your baby on their first adventure outdoors just as soon as you’re ready². If you’d like to do that, but anxiety’s starting to take hold, keep it simple. Make sure you’re feeling up to it, and don’t plan for anything too energetic or far from home.

There might be some circumstances in which your doctor advises you not to venture out with your baby too soon³. For example if they were born prematurely.

Can I take my baby on public transportation?

Of course! As long as you haven’t been advised against it by your doctor, then you’re good to go.

However, the thought of taking your baby on public transportation might be making you uneasy. One of the big worries new parents have about taking their baby on public transportation is that they’ll annoy other passengers.

So, here are our top tips for helping the wheels on the bus go round and round as smoothly as possible!

Download a travel app. This will tell you in real time exactly when your bus or train is due.
Avoid rush hour. Nobody’s at their best at peak travel times, your baby is unlikely to be the exception!
Plan your journey around your baby’s routine.
Keep the essentials to hand. Put things like baby wipes and snacks within easy reach to keep noisy demands to a minimum.
Consider whether your journey would be easier with a baby carrier.

Feeding your baby in public

Babies get hungry, and sometimes you won’t always be in the comfort of your own home when they need to be fed.

Let’s make one thing clear; however you choose to feed your baby, you should never be made to feel uncomfortable about doing so. In fact, if you’re breastfeeding your baby in a public place such as in a shop, on public transport or in a cafe, it’s actually illegal for anyone to ask you to stop doing so, or to leave⁴.

In order to feel more confident and less anxious about feeding your baby in public, try these top tips:

If you’re breastfeeding, wear clothes that are comfortable and provide easy access for your baby to feed.
Some baby carriers are specially designed to help you breastfeed your baby whilst you’re out and about.
Have a plan. For example, are there cafes and shops nearby? Somewhere you can sit in peace whilst your baby is fed.
If you’re bottle feeding, make sure you’ve got plenty of supplies, spare bottles or even ready-to-use formula milk.

Do the things that feel right for you and your baby

You have the instincts to know what is right for your baby”.

Unfortunately, there’ll always be people on the bus who say shush shush shush. But the fact is, babies are people too, albeit a whole lot cuter! Never be afraid to stand up for yourself. Gently remind any disgruntled passengers that the world could stand a little more love and a lot less judgement. If this approach isn’t for you, simply rise above it and ignore them.

Take everyone else out of the equation. Remember that the only opinion that matters is your baby’s. Because babies love, they don’t judge.

References

"We all have our bad days. Just remember, tomorrow is a new day."

Tinuke's Story

There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect parent’. From finding your tribe and taking time out for you, get some top tips from Tinuke on how to deal with judgement.

Join now to see Tinuke's story Already a member? Click here

Challenging parental judgement together #LoveDon'tJudge

Discover the C&G baby club community and explore how together we’re calling time on parental judgement.

Learn more

Had enough of feeling judged? Join us as we #LoveDon'tJudge

Sign up to the C&G baby club community, where you’ll find everything you need to follow your instincts and do things your way. From guidance and support, to words of wisdom from other families, we’re all about more love and no judgement.