Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Posted by Pomegranate5

Posted by Eireann

Here's how: exactly two glasses of wine. Not enough where you're blotto and can't control the situation, but just enough where you really don't care

And also some other very amateur tips from this mom of three (9, 7, 4) who's been eating out with all of them virtually since birth...

I did kid-friendly restaurants almost exclusively. Not McDonald's, but not Peter Luger's either.
Tons of Puffs.
Someone mentioned magna-doodle...that worked great when mine were that age.
Do NOT have them bring her meal first. All that means is that she'll be done first and then you can't enjoy your meal...trust me on this one.
Books
Crayons
Have your DH be ready (or you, but I've always given the job to my husband) to remove her if the situation gets out of hand...just to walk her around for a bit.
And just know that most people are not irritated by your child. Most people fondly remember those days...can't tell you how many times we've gotten smiles and nice comments!
Then, of course, the wine

I agree! Especially about the fact that most people are not irritated by your child. You are always more aware of your kid than anyone else. If you stick to family friendly restaurants I promise you most people will enjoy seeing your LO even if they aren't perfectly behaved.

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

I think the more you do it the easier it will get.

We have taken DS to restaurants since he was very small and he is great.

I've never given him any electronic devices - I don't want to start that habit. He is not a quick eater, so he'll take his time with the food, and then if he gets bored I will give him a few little trucks that he'll push around for awhile.

If you start out with lunches you'll be fine - its a more casual meal so no one will get annoyed!

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Our strategy has always been this: in the beginning, we each take turns walking the child around - carrying when he couldn't walk on his own, holding his hand and bringing him around when he was old enough to do so... during the beginning (so, while the food is being prepared). Then, when the food comes is when whoever had him would come back, THAT is when he goes into the highchair and then mom, dad, and baby eat at the same time - bring out the toys, sure, but we usually don't need to because he got his energy out before the food came walking around with me or dad, and now he just wants to eat and we can all eat and enjoy. No stress. And over time, he will get used to this (and he already has) and has been better and better and I have noticed will sit for longer and longer. Then, we get the bill and the time at the end of the meal is usually when music or toys come out. Listening to the beatles is my son's favorite thing ever - so he will typically just sit mesmerized as I play the beatles on my cell phone.

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

snacks, water wow, crayons, coloring books, kindle fire.
On vacation when we eat out every night, we actually do bring a portable DVD player and headphones. We do not do that at home since we don't go out that often, but its alot everyday on vacation.

Message edited 12/29/2014 10:53:55 AM.

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Posted by Eireann

Here's how: exactly two glasses of wine. Not enough where you're blotto and can't control the situation, but just enough where you really don't care

And also some other very amateur tips from this mom of three (9, 7, 4) who's been eating out with all of them virtually since birth...

I did kid-friendly restaurants almost exclusively. Not McDonald's, but not Peter Luger's either.
Tons of Puffs.
Someone mentioned magna-doodle...that worked great when mine were that age.
Do NOT have them bring her meal first. All that means is that she'll be done first and then you can't enjoy your meal...trust me on this one.
Books
Crayons
Have your DH be ready (or you, but I've always given the job to my husband) to remove her if the situation gets out of hand...just to walk her around for a bit.
And just know that most people are not irritated by your child. Most people fondly remember those days...can't tell you how many times we've gotten smiles and nice comments!
Then, of course, the wine

Restaurant With 16 Month Old

my dd was a dream to take out to eat at that age. my ds on the other hand was/is a nightmare! we do everything short of a song and dance to get him to behave. but we still take him lol. we just go to VERY family oriented places. we dont want to deprive him or ourselves from going out.

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Posted by Eireann

Here's how: exactly two glasses of wine. Not enough where you're blotto and can't control the situation, but just enough where you really don't care

And also some other very amateur tips from this mom of three (9, 7, 4) who's been eating out with all of them virtually since birth...

I did kid-friendly restaurants almost exclusively. Not McDonald's, but not Peter Luger's either.
Tons of Puffs.
Someone mentioned magna-doodle...that worked great when mine were that age.
Do NOT have them bring her meal first. All that means is that she'll be done first and then you can't enjoy your meal...trust me on this one.
Books
Crayons
Have your DH be ready (or you, but I've always given the job to my husband) to remove her if the situation gets out of hand...just to walk her around for a bit.
And just know that most people are not irritated by your child. Most people fondly remember those days...can't tell you how many times we've gotten smiles and nice comments!
Then, of course, the wine

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Thank u all for ur suggestions! We are heading out tomorrow to Cheesecake Factory and I'm telling DH all the stuff u all told me just in case my anxiety flares up and I forget wish us luck! Lol!

Re: Restaurant With 16 Month Old

Lots of food in small portions. As long as my 15m old is eating he's occupied. He's also starting to enjoy playing with the crayons that many places give out. On Christmas Eve he spent 10 minutes just taking them out of the box and putting them back in.