Going To The Movie Theatre With The Baby

Furthermore, the movie theatre setting is dark and cool, which may be challenging for babies who are not used to it. Second, since newborns are easily infected, taking them to public places like the theatre is risky because you don’t know whether the people sitting next to you are healthy.

It is preferable to take your infant to the movies once he or she has reached the age of two when it will be easier for both you and the rest of the audience. Besides by the age of two, the child understands music and likes visual stimulation, and his or her immune system is much more developed and stronger than it was before.

Why Should I Avoid Taking My Newborn To A Movie Theatre?

Many specialists do not recommend taking newborns and infants to a movie theatre. A newborn baby is prone to infections. Taking a newborn or an infant to public places, especially enclosed public places like theatres and museums can be risky. The baby is exposed to a lot of people at the same time and can catch infections easily.

The second thing that works against taking your baby to a movie theatre is the risk of strangers touching your baby. When people see a baby they instinctively touch or play with the baby. While the gesture is sweet and harmless, it is not very conducive to your infant’s health. Unlike the family members you cannot vouch for the cleanliness of the strangers and asking them to stay away from the baby can be very rude. An infant is very sensitive and susceptible to germs and infections and hence you must be careful about the baby’s surroundings and the company.

Lastly, the atmosphere of a movie theatre isn’t very favorable for a baby. The auditorium can get very dark and cold and it might scare some kids. Also, the blaring noise can damage the baby’s eardrums or it might severely frighten the baby, neither of which is good for the baby’s health.

At What Age Can I Take My Baby To A Movie Theatre?

You can take your baby to a movie theatre any time; there is no hard and fast rule against it. Although many specialists suggest you avoid taking babies to the theatre until the child turns 2. By the age of 2, the immune system is much more developed and stronger also the child begins to understand music and enjoy visual treats. This makes things way easier for the parents and even the rest of the audience.

I Want To Take My Baby To The Movie Theatre, How Should I Prepare?

If you are planning to take your infant to a movie theatre you need to be cautious and go well-prepared and equipped with all the things you might need.

• First and foremost, avoid going to the theatre if your baby is unwell or under the weather. Theatre auditoriums are very cold and if your baby won’t be able to handle it, it is better to cancel the plan rather than risk your baby’s health.
• If you are taking your infant to a theatre make sure you carry a warm and cozy blanket for your baby. Also, make your baby wear socks and cover your baby’s ears. Covering your baby’s ears while in the theatre will also muffle the loud noise.
• Carry milk and a pacifier if your baby is small and if your baby is older don’t forget to pack in your baby’s favorite snack. This will keep your baby preoccupied in case your baby doesn’t enjoy the movie.
• Opting for an early-day show is also a great option since not many people watch those shows so people might be more tolerant if the baby cries.

What If My Baby Cries In The Middle Of The Movie?

Although it is common abroad, unfortunately in India there aren’t any theatres that have shows specifically for parents with kids. Most moviegoers do not like to be disturbed even a bit while watching a movie. Certain theatres have a strict policy to maintain silence and decorum in the auditorium.

In such situations, bringing your child to the theatre could be tricky. It is best to seek help from a friend or a babysitter and avoid taking your baby to the theatre. If your baby is small, schedule your movie, according to your baby’s nap time. Some infants sleep through the major part of the movie since the auditorium is dark.

To take your baby to the theatre or not is a subjective choice. Some parents avoid taking babies, simply to evade awkward stares and requests to leave, in case the baby cries. Parents know their babies pretty well. If you know for a fact that your baby is the right age and will enjoy a particular movie without disturbing anyone in the auditorium, you can most definitely take your baby, but always be prepared to exit in case the child starts crying or making noise. It is the most civilized thing to do and it will also set a good example.

FAQs

1. What’s A Good Age To Take A Baby To The Movies?

When you should take your child to the theatre for the first time depends entirely on the maturity and attention span of your youngster. Many parents take their children to the movies for the first time when they are approximately three or four years old, while others may wait if their child has a fear of loud sounds or the dark.

2. Is A Movie Theater Too Loud For A Baby?

Experts agree that babies and young children shouldn’t be taken to the movies because of the very loud noise. Evidence from recent research suggests that movie theatres may have volume levels that are too high for infants. This is worrisome since prolonged exposure to loud noise may harm a child’s hearing.

3. Do Babies Need Ear Muffs For The Movie Theater?

When your baby is exposed to loud environments, ear muffs are an excellent choice for protecting his or her hearing. Young ears are especially susceptible to damage from loud noises, such as those seen at athletic events, concerts, and movie theatres. So making them wear ear puffs is a good idea.

4. How Loud Is Too Loud For A Baby?

Babies should not be exposed to noise levels beyond 60 dB as a general rule. The acceptable noise level for hospital nurseries is significantly lower, at 50 dB.  Consistent exposure to moderately loud noises (greater than 80 dB) destroys the inner ear hair cells. These cells die over time, resulting in lifelong hearing loss. Short-term exposure to exceptionally loud noises might result in permanent damage.