Table for Two & a Half
March 1st, 2009 by Candice Baxter
Spontaneous dining out with a baby usually ends with frustrated parents and untouched entrees. As with home-cooked meals, a successful family date night can happen, it just requires prep time and a few key ingredients.
Be choosey
If you’re trying a new eatery, a quick call will let you know if the restaurant is baby friendly. Ask if they provide high chairs, infant carrier holders, or changing stations. If not, save that venue for a night when you have a sitter. Inquire about the restaurant’s call-ahead seating policy. With your name on the list, less waiting means more happy baby time during the meal. Be sure to include your child in the party count so the hostess knows to provide a table with extra space.
Time it right
Feed your newborn before heading out. As she grows, coordinate your meals with her feeding schedule, and try to avoid the lunch or dinner rush. Early-bird specials are easier on the pocketbook and increase the chance of timely service.
Pack smart
“I call this the ‘mommy pocket’,” says Tara Duckworth of Bartlett, pointing inside her son’s diaper bag. “I put my phone, wallet and keys in there so I don’t have to carry my purse. It’s less to keep up with.”
Bring the usual necessities: diapers, wipes, medicine, an extra bottle, and outfit. In addition, pack a changing pad — you’d be surprised how many restaurant changing stations are gross or nonexistent. If your tot eats solids, bring light-colored food that won’t stain the tablecloth or your shirt. Don’t forget a bib. Finally, throw in a teething ring, a colorful rattle, and a play toy your child only sees when going out.
After your baby transitions to cow’s milk, bring your own supply. This will ensure baby gets all the nutrients of whole milk, as most restaurants carry either 2 percent or half-and-half. An insulated thermos will keep the milk cool, prevent leakage, and allow for an amount that fills two sippie cups, in case your tot gets extra thirsty.
Restaurants usually serve juice from concentrate, so pack a small bottle of 100 percent juice. For toddlers, a small plastic bowl to hold snacks and other food means they won’t have to eat off the table. Toys with suction cups that stick to the table provide entertainment without having to play the “Drop it, pick it up” game during your meal.
Have a seat
As your child’s grows, so do seating options. Infant slings are good for hands-free dining, just be careful with hot foods. Some restaurants offer infant carrier holders, a mesh hammock stretched between two supports to hold the carrier above the floor. If unavailable, put the carrier on the table, booth bench or floor. DO NOT turn a wooden high chair upside-down and place your infant carrier in its wide base. These can easily topple.
For a sitting baby, high chairs with straps are best. Just be sure to give it a once over with wipes or use your own high chair cover. Many are machine washable and have nylon straps to keep baby safe. They can even double as shopping cart covers.
Hook-on high chairs will safely hold tots up to 36 pounds. Make sure the chair clips onto the table with four legs around the edges or a sturdy surface anchored by a leg and also a wall mount, like a booth. When used on a table with a central pillar support, the weight of the child might cause the table to topple.
Regardless of how much you prepare, babies wail. If you can’t soothe him after five minutes, be courteous to fellow diners — and get your food to go.