Las Vegas with a 2 month old.....

I don;t know about Las Vegas but in New York "shows" don;t allow children under 4 or 5 - just too disturbing for others.

As for restaruants - I would asume children would be welcome in all of the less expensive/casuale ones and would probably not be welcome in the most elegant/expensive ones. (We saw children of all ages in the various food courts and several casuale eateries at MGM and Mandalay - but none at the more upscale places we did dinner.)

Welcome to parenthood. There are some things you are just going to have to give up for a few years, along with a good night's sleep and being able to go to the bathroom alone with the door shut.

Room service always worked best for us. What about the Rainforest Cafe? There's an American diner in the NY, NY. A nice Cafe in the Paris hotel.

Taking a 2-month-old baby to a show in Las Vegas...or anyplace else, for that matter? C'mon, get real!

I am certain nadienc is kidding about taking 2 month oldbaby to any show anywhere not just in Las Vegas. If not, she needs to stop and think about those who want to enjoy a show and about performers too.

Lots of two month old infants will just sleep through a show. Much more likely he/she will be quiet than a toddler. Mom just has to realize if the babe isn't quiet, she's going to have to leave. Jean

I think there is an age minimum for kids at theaters. Also, many will make you buy a ticket.

Stick with places like Outback Steakhouse, Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock, and Planet Hollywood for eats. The buffets at the hotels would probably be a good bet.

Most of the shows do have a minimum age of five years.

It looks like Wayne Newton's show doesn't have a minimum age (although they say it is an adult environment, which wouldn't be an issue with a two month old). I have a feeling you would have to buy a $60+ ticket, however, for the baby.

Some of you people are very rude. First off my infant is very well behaved and sleeps through everything. If she was to cry I would of course leave the show or the resturant until she calms down. Lots of people take their infants and kids out to resturants and shows. I have done research and their are shows that we can go to as a family. Just because we are parents doesn't mean we have to stay locked up in the house. Thanks for nothing everyone!!!!

Nobody takes a 2 month old baby to a show, unless it is Barney.

Yes, you can take a 2 month old to the hotel buffet, thats it.

And yes, with a 2 month old, you should stay "locked up in the house". Your life has changed so get used to it, as the rest of us with young children have.

Nadienc -
First of all, congratulations on your new baby! My two are already 8 and 4.5. It goes so fast...enjoy everything!

Second of all, as you have found out, never, ever, ever come to this site and ask any question that could remotely be related to parenting and children. Trust me.

In case you think you are being singled out, try to do a search on children and you will find that the threads hardly ever end up positive.

Being a new mom/dad is hard enough without taking the cr** you are going to get from this site.

Have a wonderful time with your family.

First, let me say, I have children. They are 6 and 8. We take them many places. They have been to 15 states and 10 foreign countries so we obviously have not been sitting at home since birth.

However, babies change rapidly as they grow. Yes, newborns sleep a lot, and you can theoretically take them anywhere those first few weeks when they are either sleeping or eating. Of course, many parents are either too tired to go out or don't want to explose their babies to lots of germs. I know my pediatrician told us not to take our healthy newborn to the mall until he was at least 3 months old to avoid the germs. The last place in the US I would take a 2 month old is Las Vegas.

In the next few weeks, your baby will start to sleep significantly less, and be awake for much longer periods of time. Your baby will no longer sleep through everything.

Also, you will be amazed at how quickly a baby's lung capacity develops. Those sweet, soft newborn cries quickly grow into loud crying that disturbs others around you. It won't disturb you. Nature somehow allows parents to tolerate their own child's cries (otherwise, the human species might have died out long ago). It won't be as easy to be out in public with the baby.

I know many new parents who insist that their lifestyle won't change once they have a baby. Unless you have full time help with whom to leave the baby, your life IS going to change. You will not be able to go to shows (unless it's Barney or the circus) and fine dining restaurants for the next few years with the child. Well, actually, you can try to do so, but you will be met with maitre'ds who will coldly inform you that the restaurant has no highchairs (code for "no children please") and patrons who, at best, will just glare but may be inclined to speak out.

1-2 month old babies are not "very well behaved". Babies that age do not know how to "behave" yet. Your baby is just doing what's developmentally approriate for that age.

Good luck with your trip. There are lots of great places to take babies and young children. I just don't think Las Vegas is one of them unless the child will remain in the time share with someone.

Thanks for nothing? I thought we all tried to give you honest advice.

I gave you restaurants off the top of my head that would be most baby freindly.

nadienc, what you call rude is actually very sound advice. It's absolutely ludicrous to think of taking a 2-month-old baby to a Las Vegas show! Period!
It's also unrealistic, unbelievable and startling that you would even think of doing it!
And, no matter what you think, lots of people do not take 2-month-old babies to Las Vegas shows!
No, you don't have to stay locked up in your house after you have a baby, but it should alter your lifestyle to some degree!

I think its rude to take a baby to a show where I've spent good money only to be distracted by the crying, coddling and finally getting up and taking the child out.

I think it's rude to disturb my dinner with a fussy child, it's not the baby's fault they are fussy- they aren't into the food!

I think it's rude to take children to Las Vegas. It's sin city, gambling, drinking, etc. You know the tag line "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...."

I think it's rude to ask for advice and then decide you don't like what you've been told so you "rant" at the posters.

Did you know that you can't take a child of any age into the casinos unless you are just passing through to get to your room, the restaurant, etc.? It makes things very awkward; you will be stopped and questioned by the security guards.

Since you have a lot of adults, why not take turns babysitting? Taking the baby to a show subjects them to loud noise and a lot of strangers. (some of who will be just as disapproving as the posters on this board.)

My sis in law, her DH, their two kids (3 and almost 1) and his parents recently all went to Vegas to stay in a timeshare. A miserable time was had by all. Be sure to keep your expectations reasonable.

Minimum Age Requirements for Las Vegas Shows:

Cirque du Soleil 5 years

Elton John 5 years

"O" 5 years

Rat Pack 5 years

Mamma Mia 5 years

Blue Man Group 5 years

Splash 18 years

Ovation 5 years

Mystere 5 years

Danny Gans 5 years

Lance Burton 5 years

Zumanity 18 years

Men The Show 21 years

Crazy Girls 21 years

La Cage 5 years

Wayne Newton 5 years

"V" 18 years

Shows with no age requirement:

Celine Dion

Badda Bing

Shows that I couldn't find information for:

Worlds Greatest Magic

Dinner with Mama

Tony and Tina's Wedding

Clint Homes

Nadienc, you better get that hostility under control. Your life changes after you have children. I can't imagine my life without my kids, but there are a couple of things I haven't done because of them. Having said that, there are HUNDREDS of things I would not have experienced if I did not have them. For the next 16 years or so your lives will center around the child's wants and needs. As I said in my first posting...Welcome to parenthood.

I was just in Vegas and saw an older woman with a little boy on the elevator. She had on a shirt that identified her as being a nanny from a particular company. I didn't notice the name, but I bet you could track something down. You may want to look into this so the adults can enjoy the show based on the other comments about the baby and the show.

I'd love to hear Patrick's comments on this subject.

Kind of related but my local mutltiplex theater has a mock movie poster showing an infant.

The caption reads "The only star I came to see I the one I paid to see. Absolutely no children under the age of six years old in any 'R' rated movie after 6PM".

GoTravel: There's a cineplex in the Atlanta area that has movie showings on weekday mornings specifically for moms with babies. Whenever I see its newspaper ads targeting moms with little ones, I am envious that this cineplex wasn't around when my boys were babies. I would have seen a lot more movies in those days.

I think that is a wonderful idea. Several of the theaters around here do something similar.

As you you can tell by my name I have 5 kids and originally from Vegas. My mom worked in the showrooms for 20 years she said babies are not allowed for a variety of reasons.
I do not think anyone meant to hurt your feelings but give you good straight advice, espiecally Go Travel.I mean is that not what you wanted from this site.
I was in Mystere ages ago when they first opened and a lady (who knew someone in the show or their would have been no babies allowed) had their infant with her. The noise the lights etc freaked this poor infant baby out. The baby was still crying outside the doors. Where this lady probably paid 100.00 to not see the show. I know babies sleep through alot but not that.

Also I do understand have a well behaved baby, my last one had colic and was not. But most babies until 6-8 months act the same. I do give you alot credit I did not leave to go anywhere for 6 months but then that is just how I am. It is not because I feel trapped it is just how I adjust. No one said stay home and trapped in your home, they siad do not bring a baby to Vegas somewhere else perhaps but not vegas. Everyone and every baby is different. I do think you would have a much better time if you waited till later or left your baby at home ( I know at 2 months who would want to do that). Anyways, I think everyone on this board meant well enough, but I know my babies and the strip did not mix.

nadienc,

Your "thanks for nothing everyone" line completely insults the six or more people who gave you good, sound advice before you decided to "diss" them.

Normally, I would let this slide, however, in your case I think you should learn to spell "restaurant" before you visit another one with your baby.

AL

we got our money refunded for a mystere show. The people behind had a young child..It crawled on floor and touched my feet under the chair (yum, yum, those hands must have tasted great!), kicked my seat, whined, nursed noisily, and generally ruined the show for us. We left about 1/2 way thru. The theatre manager insisted they didn't allow little kids, but when I offerred to point them out, he agreed to give us a refund.

You forget that even if a child is not crying, child noises can be equally (or more) irritating to others around you.

Ditto to all the above; it is not a good idea to take an infant to Vegas, much less a show.

May I ask, why Vegas? Why not a nice resort somewhere in the warmer climate where your baby (and you) would be much more welcome and you could really enjoy yourselves?

You can't avoid the smoky casinos. That's not good for her anyway.

Yikes! A 2-month old? Well, at least the baby won't be offended by all the smut. As for dining and shows, I'd stick to the simple: food courts, maybe the Rain Forest at the MGM (although that may be too loud for the baby).

Aside from what I think is a sincere concern for the baby's health (and your mental health), I believe most posters are cringing when they think of the money and time spent on their vacations, only to have it disrupted by kids (and babies) who are simply being themselves.

You say the baby is well-behaved? Well, what about that unexpected bout of colic during dinner at a restaurant while you're sitting next to the couple celebrating their 20th? Babies are unpredictable. Believe me, I've raised four.

I think everyone is guilty of being selfish, including parents who feel the need to drag their kids EVERYWHERE! We all need some adult time, and quite frankly, places like Vegas are designed just for that. Vegas is no longer a family destination. That experiment failed.

Good luck, and please try to grow a thicker skin if you're going to post on a board like this.

How is a two month old well behaved?

Does a two month old actually behave?

At that age don't they just exist? Would that mean that a well behaved two month old doesn't have behavior that is bothersome to other people?

I'm not trying to be a smarta$$, I'm really curious.

I don't know what the actual decibel levels are for some of the shows, but I guarentee that it will, if nothing, over stimulate a 2 month old. Others have also mentioned the smoke, lack of child friendly restaurants, etc. Being a Mom, and also having been to Vegas more than once, I can tell you that it won't be an easy vacation for any of you.
I applaud you wanting to take your child with you, but maybe a different location would be better for both you and baby.

Two-month olds don't know HOW to behave - they're two months old, for crying out loud!

I agree with the majority of the posters here. Las Vegas really isn't the best place for a family vacation. If you must go with the baby, you can either hire a nanny service to watch him/her while you go out on the town or you can suck it up, stay in with your child and realize that your life has changed. From what I hear, normal life will resume in a few years

Sometimes people forget that babies aren't as portable as they'd like to think. This applies whether you're talking about Vegas, or anywhere else.

While the baby may only weigh a few pounds, he comes with lots of STUFF. You can hardly walk out the door with out a diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes, powder/cream, burp cloths, bib, etc. Maybe even a change of clothes. Add in a bottle, and you've got your hands full.

How are you going to sit in a cramped seat at a show with the baby and all that STUFF? It's not only uncomfortable for you as the parent, but how about everyone around you?

Now lets assume the baby starts to cry or fuss, which is what babies are entitled to do. Are you immediately getting up and leaving, or are you waiting for awhile while you try to calm the baby down? Even if it's only for a couple of minutes, that's time that you and the people around you have missed part of a performance that they may have paid substantial money for. And now that some time has passed, and you've determined that the baby is not going to go back to sleep peacefully and you need to leave, have you considered the disruption of having to get up in the middle of a show and inconvenience everyone in your row, not to mention those behind you? And then again when you decide to return because you finally got the baby to fall asleep? And maybe repeating this whole scenario again 30 minutes later?

Now factor in that you are talking about Vegas, where people spend big bucks to enjoy adult entertainment, and you have a disaster in the making. Sorry if you find this to be rude, but facts are facts, and perhaps it's rude not to recognize that.

enough already! the op left the building over 24 hours ago.

Nadienc,
You are right that you don't have to stay locked in the house. Taking kids out, even at 2 months, is beneficial to them and to you. An infant that can become comfortable with the noise and bustle of a restaurant will grow to be a toddler who is comfortable in that setting.

But, I think you need to recognize that having a child does create restrictions. Going to a Vegas show is one of them. As stated, at two months old a child has two emotions - content or not content. They don't behave, they react. Vegas shows are about lights and sound. Usually very bright lights and loud sound. You don't need to think about the child's behavior, but the overstimulation, and potential for hearing damage, that might be caused by music at rock-concert level decibels.

My wife and I are firm believers in exposing our children to different settings. Our toddlers have been abroad multiple times and, have been to restaurants at least a few times a month since early on. But, we recognize that there are places which aren't children appropriate. Smoky Vegas casinos and shows would be on that list.

Nadienc,I can sympathize with your desire to get back into the swing of things after having your little darling, but many people travel to Vegas to be alone without their children--that doesn't mean they are bad parents. Vegas is an adult place, even Vegas now admits their whole bring the whole family promotion was a bad idea.

The OP has not returned because she was not asking IF she should take the baby to LV, but where to go with that baby. Her mind is made up. She will bring the 2 month-old to LV; she will endure surprised, shocked and appalled stares from other tourists; she will exhaust everyone hauling the baby through giant hotel lobbies and holding it while waiting in buffet lines; she will view the denizens of hotel casinos with new eyes and wonder what their germs and smoky exhalations are doing to her newborn; she will stay in the timeshare with the baby while others in her party go to a show; and she will vow "never again will I bring a baby to LV." Bada-bing, bada-boom.

exactly

We were in Atlantic City a few months ago, at a comedy show. There were two couples & a very young baby at a nearby table. I was absolutely amazed - that baby did not make a sound for 2 hours, right through the entire show. But I must say that I was shocked to see a baby at a show. My first ever!

Maybe the baby didn't think the comedian was funny.

Or maybe the baby was drugged, er, I mean medicated.

If you are still serious about taking a 2 month old to Vegas, please read the thread on hotel babysitters. Please.

I don't think the baby liked Atlantic City

There is one benefit to bringing a baby to AC or Vegas, when you yell "baby needs a new pair of shoes", the rest of the table will know you're not kidding.

ITA with E. The OP will go to LV because she will be determined to prove us wrong. The first outing with the baby will be a nightmare. After that, someone in the group will be stuck with the baby in the timeshare because the OP will read the hotel sitter thread, and not want anyone but family watching her child. I will bet (it's a LV thread, right?) that the baby catches a cold or worse just from the flight (it's that time of year for the germs). The baby will be sick, then others in the group will catch it. It will be OP and her family's worst trip to LV because of the inconvenience. The flight home with everyone ill will be even worse than the 1st flight. However, OP still may not think it was a mistake because OP wants to prove her life is totally unaffected by having a child. Countless LV vacationers will be annoyed at OP and the baby. So, let's watch in mid-Nov for the thread "My LV trip was ruined by a baby."

Methinks the original poster has slunk away never to return to Fodors.com.

Ryan,

That's hysterical!

OMG, jlnz, I can't think of any reason for ever leaving my child no matter what age with a hired babysitting service in "Sin City"!!

Forgive me but I can't tell from the heading: Las Vegas with a 2 month old what?

AL, stop it, you're killing me.

But seriously folks! Al you should put your story from the babysitter thread here, it's killer!

I didn't think babies were supposed to fly until at least three months???

ROTFLOL

This thread has finally gotten the seriousness it deserves.

Ryan-you are too funny.

Her well behaved two month old who enjoys show tunes and fine dining can fly, too??? This truly is a remarkable baby.

Al, a two month old lip fungus.

I hope the nc at the end of nadienc's name doesn't mean she's from North Carolina.

I'm 45 and Vegas makes ME cry, whine and misbehave.

Ryan - LOL!!!

BTW, in case anyone is considering taking their newborns to Vegas might I suggest the following as appropriate attire:

http://www.costumecraze.com/FAME33.html?PHPSESSID=18585ee40d866efd013d1241133fb927

I'm thinkin' Nadienc has disappeared...however, on the off chance that she comes back...

I just returned from Vegas with my 9 month old. We went with another couple, so we did alternate late night babysitting shifts. But, we did take him out to eat for all the meals - we went to several at the Paris with no problems.

We also did take him to a show - the Tournament of the Kings at the Excalibur. He was great - absolutely enthralled by all the colors and horses. Of course, I would've walked him out if he started getting fussy...

We never had a problem walking through the casinos to get to a restaurant or our hotel. The security guards never stopped us, although I can see that if you loitered at all they might question you (as Patg mentioned).

Like the other posters, I agree that Vegas is not an ideal location for babies but it's not impossible to have a good time with a little one along for the ride!

Ryan, that is one of the funniest things I've every seen!

I just ordered one for myself. Man, this is going to look good on me!

AL

Ryan -- I tip my hat to you. Good one!!

nadienc and baby have left the room!

My suggestion to you is DISNEY WORLD!!I can't believe you would even consider exposing a an infant to all those people and all that smoke. Perhaps instead of going to Vegas, a few weeks on the funny farm may be better suited to you.There are some places that children just don't belong no matter how you try to rationilize it.

This has been an hilarious thread to read..some of the remarks are so funny. But I wonder if this can be real? Can any "adult" or "parent" really want to take an 8 week old baby to not only Las Vegas but to a show and to dinner???
This person says they have been to Vegas before, then they know what it is like..the smoke, the noise, the too high airconditioning combined with desert heat ..
Can this be a T.R.O.L.L ?
When my babies were 8 weeks old, I was happy to be able to get dressed and take a shower! Babies that young and small sleep, eat, cry , and repeat it all over again..I have yet to meet a baby or adult who can say that they really loved seeing Cirque de Soliel that year when they were 2 months old

I agree, it is hilarious.
I love the part that the two-month is "well behaved." Like it's a conscious choice or been raised well!

When my babies were 2 months old the best I could do was place them in the pram and go for a walk - that was my big adventure!

I think the best that nadienc could do would be to ask the grandparents or sister in law to watch the baby so she could have a night out on the town. Other than that, I think she might be out of luck.

BTW, nice touch Ryan

"a 2 month old lip fungus" LOL

Next thing we will find out is that she is nursing the baby and wants to know where in the Casino that this can be accomplished

ttt

God, you all piss me off! I was just going to read through the thread for info about taking a baby to the show. I never thought I'd register, let alone reply to this thread.
I pity all of you responders. Perhaps kids and parents would be more welcome if you all stopped thinking your lives were over after a little one came.
I do understand where you're coming from but you all need to pull the stick out. I, too, was of the child-in- public hating crew... Before I had a kid. But just as there are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners, the same goes for kids and their parents. If a kid fidgets, DO SOMETHING about it and then all of you negative wusses wouldn't be up in arms about a baby next to you. I can't tell you how many compliments I have gotten on my baby from DAY ONE.
We just got back from seeing the 7 pm show of Dreamgirls. Not only was she awake for most of it but she loved the lights, the music and activity on screen. Not a peep. But if she did look like something was on the verge, I would pop her on a boob and all would be good. Or we'd leave.
We flew First class to Boston when she was 3.5 months old. The people behind us said upon exiting the plane that they didn't even know a baby was on board. And before you say something flip, she's not dead or autistic or deaf or weird. She's a baby that has been exposed to motion, activity and loud noise since before she was born. And I'm sure she's not alone. If a woman says she has a well-behaved 2-month-old who are you to say otherwise just because you have a brat?
My daughter has been to Yosemite (at one-month old) for a wedding (and a 16-hour roadtrip to boot), San Diego, Boston, my climbing gym, the top restaurants in Park City, Utah, movies once a week (or more), arts festivals, a Teddy Geiger Concert and a Kurt Bestor concert. And if there weren't rules against it, she'd be going to a Cirque Du Soleil show as well.
I respect the rules but there is absolutely no question that she would love the lights, the movement, the sounds, the spectacle of a Las Vegas show and no mother is "insane" to want to bring her child. You all need to GET A LIFE. A baby adds to yours it doesn't end it. Unless you've got a sick or colicky one, staying cooped up for six months is your own damn fault and not your child's or those naysayers around you.
Having a better time if you left your kid at home with a sitter? At two months? I don't think so. I loved having my little girl with me everywhere I went. She has a sitter for the days I ski (but if I could safely take her with me I would). I'm sure there will come a time when I will know that she is out of control and she'll stay home but you people act like you know when that is. If I don't, how can you? Every child is different, every parent is different.
Nadienc, hope you had a blast in Vegas. I'm on my in a couple of weeks. I can't wait to show my baby Sin City!

OMG! Settle down and chill out! I am a mom with two teenagers. My kids have traveled extensively and been to many places. There are limits however and it's important to be respectful of others. A Vegas show is NOT an appropriate place for an infant. Your life does change as a parent. Find a babysitter or nanny if you want a night out on the town in Vegas. You'd have more fun anyway without an infant tagging along. Either that, or find a family friendly activity. Doesn't mean you can't have fun, does make you should think things through. I too hated it when I took my child to the movies only to get dirty looks BEFORE my child cried. Often they slept through the entire movie without the slightest peep. Other times I had to remove myself from the movie to be respectful to others and ended up missing a good portion. It's a risk, even with the "best" baby. They are babies and you need to be flexible. If you went to Disneyland would you also expect to take your infant on the "adult" rides? Alter plans as needed, make age and family appropriate choices, and relax, the world isn't against you. Many of us have raised children too. There's a balance.... believe me!

pcskigal, please relax and stop breast feeding in movie theaters. There are bathrooms for that.

Gosh, this post is over 2 years old. The baby can read this post now

Wow - I can't wait to see Pcskigal's response to you, GoTravel! I have to say that I can't imagine what's wrong with nursing in a movie theater?!?

pcskigal: Deep breath. Your hostility is suffocating you.

I try to be positive in life so I won't say all that I could say or would like to say. My question is, how is it your needs supercede everyone elses? I cannot wait to hear from you when your stellar baby is twelve. And yes, I do have children...five of them.

We should all bow down to pcskigirl (and over a 2 year old thread no less). She is obviously a vastly superior parent to anyone else on this board. Looks like that kid will have to inherit humility from the father's side.

I totally agree with pcskigirl. I too am a new mother. I have and will continue to travel with my baby REGARDLESS of what some ignorant individuals say about where babies belong.
I took my daughter at 4mths to New Orleans, and Florida, where I nursed her in public and at restaurants(with a cover of course) She ALSO travelled very well, did not cry on the plane and I too had people who commented that she was very well behaved. I think there was one time at a restaurant she was crying,(although it was a very noisy restaurant that drowned her cries anyhow)and my husband took her outside while I ate and then he came back and ate.
We do what we have to, take her outside to calm her and that is the top and bottom of it. We enjoy our life with her, she is part of our life and if we feel it is appropriate for her to come along, we will take her.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but frankly its our life and we will do as we see fit. I am aware that there are people who do not want to hear screaming children and that is why we are courteous and take them outside. But you know something, its a two way street, I am not going to tolerate someone who comes along, sits down next to me when I was there first and start smoking their brains out. I tell them to take it elsewhere.
AS for Vegas? WEll I am going with my now almost 6mth old and we will have a great time.(I shall let you know all about it I have been there many times and there were children everywhere. As for someone saying Las VEgas is strictly sin city where there children just don't belong, did not get the memo 20 yrs back when they decided they wanted to attract families by building more kid friendly hotels and attractions!