How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

My brother is getting married at the Yale Club in NYC both of my girls are in the wedding party 5 year old and my 18 month old. I have no idea how this is going to play out. We are staying in the city that night the wedding starts at 4pm and pointers and tips would be great. Should I bring a hook on highchair?

How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

My DS was in a wedding at 18M. He was fine all day. I didn't bring anything except my small stroller so he could sleep if he wanted too. For a meal he was on one of our laps or with his pop pop.

I would try for an early nap since its an evening wedding.

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

We brought our oldest to a wedding when he was 18 months. He had a great time! The reception hall had a high chair for him so we didn't need to worry about that (I think most do, but you could always call the hall and ask). He danced up a storm, loved the food, and ended up passing out in his high chair for about an hour. I agree worth PP in that I would try for an early nap before the wedding since it will be a late night.

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

Can you bring a babysitter? I have gas a few friends bring babysitters for their small kids, they watch them during pics, took them out of the ceremony after they walked down the aisle and watched them when they fell asleep, in the bridal suite or another room.

How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

I agree with pp. For a child under 2 id probably bring a babysitter so he can rest and not be in the loud music if he is tired or cranky. This will also ensure you and your husband can sit, eat, and have a good time at the wedding as well.

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

Are you in the wedding party as well?

if you can't bring a sitter, I would designate a family member to be "on duty" to take dd's if need be for the ceremony,(or church), to walk around outside etc.

My sister came to the church for my bil and took dd outside and to the bathroom and stuff. She then drove her to the reception for me and my dad picked her up. Since it's your family it's a little different.

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

We went to an out of state wedding when DS was about 21 months. We brought his stroller, but he spent most of the time in his high chair. After dinner he danced and ran around a little then passed out in his stroller while my DH wheeled him around the place. It was a close friend of mine so he was ok with taking over while I danced with my friends.
I agree with others, definitely try to see if a family member can help you out. Don't forgery the stroller and some things to keep your LO busy at the table! (think stickers, crayons, etc.)

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

thanks for the tips my husband and I aren't in the wedding just our two kids :) I will contact the hall to see if they have highchairs

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

Both my kids were in my sisters wedding a few months ago along with my husband and myself as a bridesmaid and a groomsmen. DS was 23 months and DD was just shy of 4. My son was with my husband until the church and I had DD. After the church which was around 3:30...my inlaws took the kids to get something to eat and take a nap. That was key to a successful night. They were able to eat and rest while DH and I were taking pictures with the bridal party and my inlaws brought the kids to the reception which started at 7. We had the double stroller and blanket at our table. DS was passed out by 8 (I switched him into pjs) and he slept in the stroller...DD was up until 1 am and passed out in the car on the way home. It went as successful as it could I think! Hope that was helpful!

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

ok so one hall has highchairs and one doesn't do you think it will be ok to bring the hook on highchair??

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

like one that hooks onto the table?

I don't know if I would do that at a wedding. Just b/c I'd be nervous witht he tabel cloth and stuff lol
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Do you have a travel one that straps to a chair? That would be better

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

I just tackled my brithers wedding in DC with my Twins (15 months old). I had the stroller, and did take them for a walk when they got cranky. The hall did not have high chairs, so i had the hook on chairs. They love being at the table, but if they get jumpy, the whole table will wobble, so if you have the kind that attach to the chair, it would be better. It's just too hard for me to bring so many big things X TWO!

My social DS danced the night away, my shy girl just hung out in the stroller or my lap. She also took a nap. Her brother did not, too much going on, lol.

It was an exhausting but fun night.

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

Re: How to deal with an 18 month at a wedding??

DD1 was 19m when my sister got married. The trick is this: Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.

If your kids have a toy that they love, bring it but give it to them AFTER the ceremony. Elmo went down the aisle with my daughter and he's in some of my sister's pictures. (Not ideal, but better than a screaming toddler lol). My sister had a sense of humor about it.

I was MOH but sat in the front row with my daughter. DH and I fed her Cheerios and raisins throughout the ceremony. The catering hall should have a high chair, but you can call and check. If not, I one from from Eddie Bauer that attaches to a chair. Really lightweight to carry. Bring a toddler-friendly dinner or a sandwich; mine was not interested in what the CH offered.

Message edited 6/20/2014 12:37:14 PM.