bringing the baby (11 months old)

Hey all,

My wife and I are considering coming with an 11 month old.  We're freaked out about the possible heat especially and then camping with him.  I feel like that's the cushy American suburbanite in me speaking though and that's a chunk of the reason why I want to press onward.  In other cultures and other times, babies were out in the sun and the elements, right?

Anyone out there with success stories?  Talk to me.  Help us feel better. ;)

cm

if i were going to bring a baby that young, i would rent an rv with air conditioning.

lots of water and sunscreen

and imagine all the attention and love your baby will get which is a key ingredient in development

and like you said ancient cultures had no a/c

AC is best but ultimatly it's up to you. I have 5 children from 4-14 and have seen and done a few trhings that has given me a little insight but i am far from an expert nor am a doctor. I would actually consult a pediatrician for his advise first. The weather here is very unpredictable so it's hard to say if it will be 110 or it might be 85 that weekend. If the temps are not at extremes i would say it would be just fine to bring the baby as long as you have good shade, possibly a fan or two, AC at least in the car is good, definatly sunscreen and probably a good supply of juice (on ice when storing it) and pedialite (much better for a small child than water, as too much water can cause H2O poisening). Is the baby going to be 11 mo at the time of the show? If so then it might be a little early right now to know if he is going to have summertime allergies or not. My best advise is to be prepared for anything and plan ahead for any emergencies. All in all id say that a 4 day weekend should be fine. Good luck. Contact me if i can help in anyway.

Buy him any cookies or banana bread from random people

As a mom of three, two of whom spent many times at many a Dead show as babies, in hindsite I would not do it again. Though nothing went wrong, the heat, the crowds and unfortunately the random idiots are all reasons why I would not do it again.  If you do decide to do it,  I agree with the air conditioning, and add to that list earplugs for the baby, and a sling or baby backpack.  My daughter slept in her sling through many shows and I kept earplugs in and a bandana around her head to also help filter out noise so she could sleep.

Good Luck to you and have fun!

I agree with flomaster. . . I have two children who are big music fans, but I would not bring them to Bonnaroo.  That's my "grownup" vacation.  There's no reason for my children to see people having sex in open tents. . . or on blankets at shows for that matter.  Some years it's really, really hot. . .and sometimes it's pouring rain and damp the entire time.  I can't imagine that would be good for any baby.  There are other ways to teach your child how not to be a suburbanite.  Other cultures definitely had babies out in the sun and the elements, but they HAD too, and their infant mortality rates were pretty high, as were their life expectancies.  We have the option of keeping our babies comfortable, so we should.  I hope my kids can go someday, but after they're old enough to make their own decisions about sex, drugs, and whether or not they're overheating.

 and you and the wife  come and  have  a  "STRESS" free time,, I have 3 kids and would not ever even consider bringing them,  who wants to babysit a kid while  evryone around you is having a great time..   .. Its  your  choice  but  I dont think its  a good  idea .

Hey Now!

I've been to many a festival with small children where all is well and the experience is probably priceless.  But, I remember a particular infant at Phish in Oswego had a rough go of it.  It was hot in upstate NY.  At the time, I though that was about as hot as it could be for a festival.

But, TN in June is god awful hot mf bitchen pain in the ass hot.  Hot, like what the hell were they thinking when they picked June and TN? Hot!!! You could drink 5-litres of water a day and never take a piss.  I hate to be blunt! IT'S TOO HOT>>> 

I don't think the baby can stay hydrated and I'm not sure what you'll do stuck in the middle of 90,000 people.  I made it all the way home, but collapsed with a heat-related illness upon return.  Shortly after, on July 4th weekend I collapsed again.

I'm going back for 2009, but the Roo kicked my ass in 2008.  Feel good about your decision and you'll know it the correct choice.

Peace!  Paul

IMO you will have loads  more fun without toting a kid around.  Leave the kid with granny and enjoy some one on one couple time. 

older kids can be fun to share experiences with, but an 11 month old is not going to enjoy the scene, the music or anything. It is just going to be a millstone around your very hot neck. 

No way would I bring a baby. Put aside all of the baby reasons not to bring him or her and consider the penalty to your personal exp. The big roo requires your full and undivided attention to expierience it properly.