Should Babies Be Allowed At The Movies, Or Be Banned

The summer movie season is in full effect. This and the Christmas holidays are when people frequent the theaters the most.

We have all sat in a theater and at some point during the movie heard a loud and annoying "waaaaaaa!" coming from an infant or newborn child. Oftentimes this happens so much the usher has to ask the adult and the crying baby to leave. 

Now why even bring the screaming infant to begin with?  Was the movie that good that you couldn't wait or you didn't care about not having a sitter? You would rather spoil the movie for everyone else and make your baby miserable. That is simply inconsiderate.

The solution is simple: if you can't get a sitter, don't go. However,  here's a better question: should theaters allow babies in the first place? They already know that crying is inevitable. 

An age limit would be a fine line, although there are already some in effect. One prohibits children under the age of six to watch an R-rated movie even with an adult.  But should babies simply be banned from theaters? Sounds simple,  but it's not from a business perspective. 

Theaters are trying to make money, period. From the tickets to the snacks,  they want to bank. Perhaps some could have a daycare option for a fee/movie or a fee/month for frequent movie watchers. Many of the larger theater chains already have this option, in such cities such as Denver and St. Louis.  There are already  Fandango and MovieWatcher discount clubs.  An in-theater daycare could be a happy medium, and a potential cash cow.

Not trying to get off topic here,  but many businesses have daycares and nurserys now: churches,  gyms, and even some workplaces. Other movie theaters, especially tones such as Regal Cinemas and AMC should take this into serious consideration.  It has had its hits and misses at other places.

Otherwise, you would have to ban adults with babies from attending,  or any child under four. Again it's a sticky situation, but one that can be resolved.

The movies are too expensive as it is. People don't go to theaters in droves as they once did thanks to Netflix,  bootleggs, and the simple hassles such as crying babies and other loud people.

So if you're a parent, I would urge you to be considerate of the rest of us. And if you want to see the movie that bad, get a sitter or try and start a daycare for theaters. It is sticky but doable.

Do crying babies annoy you at the movies?  For parents: what age did you begin taking your child to the theater?

Four Popular Baby Party Ideas

Celebrating the pregnancy and birth of a new life has expanded from the traditional baby shower. There are other ways, including the shower, that the expectant mother can utilize to showcase their pregnancy. Here are four such ideas.

1. Gender reveal party

These have really taken off over the past couple of years. Basically it's a fancy and extravagant way of announcing to your family and friends what the gender of your unborn child is. Often the event is planned so elaborately that the parents themselves do not know until the party. To me, this seems like a prequel to the baby shower.

2. Ultrasound parties and viewings

These can also be gender reveal parties in a sense. You can showcase the video of the baby's first heartbeat, first hand movement, or if the fetus shows its little face. Many parents are proud to showcase their ultrasound photos and videos, and this is another way to do just that.

3. Baby moons.

These usually take place around the second trimester while the mother can still safely travel. The mother and either the father or a bunch of friends take a vacation in honor of the new life coming soon. It's basically like a honeymoon celebrating a new marital union. Instead you are celebrating the addition or completion of your family. 

4. Welcome Parties

This happens after the baby is born. They can include welcome home parties, sip and sees, and maybe even a post birth baby shower. These are actually pretty common.

Now often these methods may seem extra and make it seem like the expectant mother is trying to find a reason to put the spotlight on herself. However, think of it like this. It is better to be celebrating a new life rather than mourning over the loss of one.