When you have a new baby, you may wonder what you can do for fun like, “can you take a newborn to the movies?” This and other recreational activities may be questionable for new parents. When you think about all the things that go along with taking a newborn out of the house, sometimes you might rather stay at home. You deserve a night out! This article will let you know if it is safe to take a newborn to the movies, tips for taking your newborn out for a night on the town, and other baby friendly activities.

 

Can I Take My Newborn to The Movies?

If your newborn is 6 months or less, it’s actually safe to take them pretty much anywhere. Especially if you’re nursing. Babies less than six weeks old are still under some of mom’s protection from antibodies they acquired from you in uterus. Breastfeeding passes on even more protection. In breastfed babies, maternal antibodies have been shown in studies to last up to 12 months in some cases.

Going to the movies will be a good outing for you, and practice for taking your baby with you places. You won’t have to sit out on that great new movie either! Keep in mind that there are a few things you will need to think about before you go, like:

1. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

This virus that is prevalent in the fall and winter months can make newborns seriously ill. It is a respiratory virus that only causes common cold like symptoms in older children and adults, but can severely impair breathing in newborns. It is very dangerous to premature infants or babies with other other conditions. If you have a preemie or newborn with a health condition, it may be better to keep them home in the colder months.

2. Breastfeeding

You may also wonder, “can you take a newborn to the movies if you are nursing?” Sure, but there may be a few considerations. If you’re nursing your baby, chances are your newborn may need to nurse sometime during the movie. Keep in mind that breastfeeding in public areas is still somewhat controversial. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, and when they need to eat, they need to eat. If you feed “on-demand” and you are sitting through a two-hour movie, you will need to make accommodations for feeding time.

3. Crying

Newborns cry. A lot. This is important to remember in a quiet theater where everyone, including you, are trying to watch a movie. Some newborns are quieter than others, but gas or a tummy ache could set things off during the best part of the movie.

On the flipside, if the movie you are going to is going to be loud then you may have a startled baby. Point is, startled babies cry. This may make it hard for you to enjoy that action flick you’ve been wanting to see.

4. A Perfectly Enjoyable Evening 

On the flipside of the con’s, there are also pros to taking a newborn to the movies. It’s dark, and in a quiet movie your baby may sleep through the whole thing. If you are nursing, there is a good chance no one will be able to see if you need to feed your baby. Plus, many public restrooms have baby changing facilities. It may be a perfectly enjoyable evening for you!

Tips for Taking a Newborn to The Movies

Can you take a newborn to the movies? With good planning, it is very possible. You need to think about all the considerations listed above, and if you decide to go ahead with your plans, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. These include:

1. 1. Call The Theater

Once you decide on what you want to see and where, give the theater a call to ask how “baby friendly,” they are. Ask if they do have changing facilities in their restrooms. You may also want to know if they have a place for breastfeeding, or somewhere quiet you can sit with baby if they are crying and you need to leave the theater. Some theaters even have special viewing hours for parents who need to bring babies along like, matinee hours.

1. 2. Try To Avoid Movies During Flu or RSV Season

In the Fall and Winter months, you may want to catch movies at home with your infant. Consider getting a babysitter during these months, or just wait until these movie releases come out on video.

1. 3. Take Sanitizer

If you decide to go to the movies, take hand sanitizer and some tissues. Clean the movie seats before you sit down with baby. Theaters go through several showings only being swept and cleared of trash. The seats are not cleaned during open hours. Germ transmission can happen up to 72 hours after contamination. You never know what is lurking around in there.

1. 4. Ask About “Quiet Showings”

For sensory sensitive people, some movie theaters have started showing action or loud movies in a quieter volume, and lighting changes. Can you take a newborn to the movies if it’s going to be loud?  A sensory sensitive showing may work better. Plus, people who attend these showings will be more sensitive to those who do get startled by noise.

1. 5. Hold On Naptime At Home

Save a nap for the movie. Try to get to a showing time that is around feeding and naptime. Hold baby off with a pacifier while you get ready. Once you are in the theater you can spend credits and the start of the movie feeding and putting baby to sleep. They may last until the end of the movie and you can enjoy it peacefully. 

1. 6. Pack Essentials 

Make sure you pack everything you need, but pack light. There isn’t a whole lot of room for baby equipment or large bags. Plus, remember some theaters check bags and this could delay your entry into the theater. Bring a pacifier, burp rag, baby’s favorite blankie, one special toy, and a bottle. You maybe only need 2 to 3 diapers and wipes. Some moms can get away with a backpack or large purse instead of the diaper bag