Taking babies to concerts is a controversial topic with strong opinions on both sides. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to bring an infant to a live music event. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of the key pros and cons, then dive deeper into the details throughout the article.
Quick Take
The main arguments in favor of bringing babies to concerts are:
- It’s an opportunity to expose babies to live music and culture
- It can be a special family bonding experience
- Some parents don’t have childcare options
The main arguments against bringing babies to concerts are:
- Loud music can damage infants’ sensitive hearing
- It can be disruptive to other audience members
- Concerts often take place late at night past babies’ bedtimes
There’s no definitive right or wrong answer. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons carefully for each situation.
The case for bringing babies to concerts
Here are some of the main reasons why parents may choose to bring their infants and toddlers to live music performances:
Early musical exposure
Many parents want to expose their children to a diversity of musical styles and the excitement of a live concert setting early on. Hearing live music can be intellectually stimulating and socially engaging for babies. It gives them an opportunity to experience music as a communal activity. Some studies suggest musical exposure and active engagement with music in the first few years of life can benefit brain development.
Family bonding time
Concerts can facilitate quality family time. New parents often feel cooped up at home with a baby. Getting out to a live show can be a refreshing change of pace and chance for parents to enjoy an activity they love with their child. Attending concerts can create special memories and help babies bond with parents and any siblings who come along.
Lack of childcare options
Some parents may want to see a concert but have no one available to watch their infant for an evening. Rather than missing out on the event altogether, they opt to take the baby with them. This is sometimes the case for parents who have relocated to a new city where they don’t have relatives or a trusted babysitter nearby.
Potential benefits for the baby
Are there any developmental or other advantages for the baby who comes along to a concert? Some possible perks include:
Enhanced auditory development
Research indicates that babies can detect and respond to many aspects of music and sound from the womb onward. Attending live concerts gives babies novel and multi-faceted auditory stimulation. All the different instruments, voices, tempos, and volumes challenge their budding listening skills. The music provides neural exercise that supports healthy auditory system maturation.
Socialization
Being part of the concert crowd offers rich sensory, social, and novel environmental exposures for a baby. Infants observe the interesting sights and sounds all around them, being held and danced with by mom or dad, and experiencing the collective moods and reactions of the crowd. These early social interactions build foundations for communication and emotional skills.
Language development
Songs contain a lot of lyrical language, rhymes, and vocal tones. Live music often features audience singalongs. All this exposes babies to the sounds and patterns of speech and singing. Researchers believe these auditory experiences can nourish infants’ emerging language comprehension and production abilities.
The case against bringing babies to concerts
What are the main arguments against parents bringing babies and toddlers to concerts? Let’s examine some of the commonly cited downsides:
Hearing damage risks
Loud music can be unsafe for tiny developing ears. A baby’s auditory system is extremely sensitive in the first 12-18 months. Sounds over 85-90 dB can potentially cause immediate harm or cumulative damage over time. Research suggests sound exposure levels at rock concerts, for instance, routinely exceed safe volumes for infants.
Disruption to others
A fussy, crying, or noisy baby can spoil the concert experience for other audience members. Some concert halls explicitly ban infants or require children old enough to sit quietly for the full performance. Ushers sometimes have to intervene when babies disturb those around them trying to hear the music.
Babies’ needs not met
Concerts often start late, past young children’s normal bedtimes. The loud music, crowds, unfamiliar environment, late hour, and overload of stimuli can cause babies stress. They may have trouble napping or feeding during shows. Getting bored, agitated, or overstimulated could make them fussy and uncomfortable.
Safety issues
Navigating crowds with a stroller while trying to prevent contact with drunken fans can make concerts logistically difficult with an infant. The loud sounds might startle babies or make them fearful. Standing venues often lack reserved baby-friendly seating areas too.
Tips for bringing babies to concerts
If parents do choose to bring their baby to a concert, here are some tips to improve the experience:
Protect hearing
Bring sound-blocking or noise-filtering earphones designed for infants. Take regular breaks in quieter areas to give baby’s ears a rest. Sit farther back or to the sides where volumes are lower.
Prepare supplies
Pack ear protection, a baby carrier, breastmilk or bottles, diapers, a changing pad, snacks/drinks, and any other supplies needed to fulfill baby’s needs during the show.
Prioritize baby’s needs
Be willing to step out or leave the concert if the baby becomes unhappy or overwhelmed. Missing part of the show is better than upsetting them. Keep checking in on baby’s reactions.
Book baby-friendly seats
Call the venue ahead to ask about specific infant-appropriate seating sections if available. Sometimes particular areas are less crowded or have more subdued sound.
Atten early matinees
Afternoon or early evening shows are preferable over late night concerts that disrupt babies’ sleep schedules. Aim for relaxed daytime performances.
Consider baby’s age
Babies over 6 months may be better able to handle a concert than newborns. Evaluate your particular child’s sensitivity levels when deciding about attendance.
Best concert types for babies
If bringing a baby to a concert, which genres and performance types are most suitable? Here are some of the more baby-friendly options:
Concert Type | Reason |
---|---|
Outdoor daytime shows | Lower sound levels, not too crowded |
Orchestra performances | Often have softer acoustic instrumentation |
Family music concerts | Tailored for children with play areas |
Folk/acoustic performances | More mellow tempos and volumes |
Outdoors concerts during festival daytimes are ideal, as open-air sound disperses more. Orchestral or acoustic productions tend to have gentler decibel levels. Some bands and orchestras do occasional morning matinees marketed for families with kids. Folk artists usually have the most laidback, mellow concert ambiance.
Child-friendly music venues
Certain concert halls and live music establishments make better options when attending shows with babies. Here are some features of more infant-friendly venues:
- Designated family seating areas
- Sound-protected baby zones
- Separate kids’ activity spaces
- Baby changing stations in restrooms
- Stroller parking areas
- Baby ear plugs for purchase
- Kid-friendly performances
Call your local theaters and stadiums to ask if they offer any of these baby-oriented amenities. Some even have special kids’ music workshops before the main act. Outdoor amphitheaters with sprawling grass seating also tend to be more comfortable for little ones.
Settling disagreements over baby attendance
For parents who don’t see eye-to-eye on whether or not to bring the baby to a show, here are some conflict resolution tips:
- Compromise by agreeing to a trial concert and reevaluating together afterwards
- Take turns, where one parent goes to some performances solo
- Pick lower-risk shows at baby-friendly venues to test it out
- Prioritize the baby’s needs each time and stay willing to leave early
- Respect each other’s perspectives and don’t criticize
Having one parent stay home with baby some of the time allows for solo concert enjoyment. Starting with lower-stakes festivals and family-geared shows can provide a mixed approach. Most importantly, spouses should remain flexible and keep communicating.
Expert opinions on concert attendance
Medical and child development experts generally suggest erring on the side of caution when considering bringing infants to loud concerts. Here are some of their common recommendations:
Pediatricians
The official policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to discourage taking babies to extremely loud events where sound can reach dangerous levels. They recommend protective earwear at minimum for any shows.
Audiologists
Hearing specialists warn that babies’ ear structures are too delicate for excessively noisy environments. Overexposure before 1-2 years old can impair hearing or auditory processing development.
Child psychologists
Child development authorities advise evaluating each baby’s sensory sensitivities and reactions. Pay close attention for signs of discomfort or overstimulation. Babies over 6-9 months may be better equipped to handle concert crowds and noise.
Music teachers
Many music educators encourage interactive music activities for infants vs. passive listening at big concerts. They suggest playing recorded kid-friendly tunes or using musical toys to engage babies directly.
Regulations on infants at concerts
Venue rules about baby attendance vary. Here are some common concert regulations on infants:
- Must remain seated on parent’s lap
- Prohibited entry for kids under 3 years
- All children must have ticket
- Ear protection required
- Special acoustic level limits in certain sections
Always check the particular venue’s health and safety policies on babies ahead of time. While some ban infants entirely, others require ear coverage or restrict them to specific reduced-volume locations. Rules help maintain reasonable noise levels and prevent disruptions.
Concert alternatives for babies
Instead of bringing babies to rowdy concerts, parents can expose them to live music through these alternative options:
Outdoor community concerts
Outdoor performances in parks, neighborhood live music series, and street fairs tend to be more laidback and family-friendly.
Kids’ music shows
Many children’s entertainers like The Wiggles put on theatrical, interactive concerts tailored especially for toddlers and preschoolers.
Family music festivals
Certain music festivals offer designated kids’ areas with family bands/acts, instruments to explore, and sound-limited tents.
Active music making
Instead of passively listening, engage babies musically with age-appropriate instruments, dancing together, singing, sound toys, and action songs.
The verdict on concert babies
While many parents want to share the experience of live music with their infants, the realities of concert environments pose significant risks and difficulties for babies. Here is a balanced summary verdict on bringing little ones to shows:
Potential benefits
- Early music exposure
- Special family memories
- Interaction for isolated new parents
Potential risks
- Hearing damage
- Discomfort and distress
- Disruption to others
- Logistical difficulties
Given the dangers, bringing newborns and infants under 1 year old is not recommended. For toddlers, the appropriateness depends on the specific child and concert. Outdoor day shows and kids’ performances tend to be safer options when chosen carefully.
Conclusion
While concerts can in theory expose babies to enriching musical experiences, the frequently high noise levels and overwhelming environments are not well suited for infants. Special caution and planning is needed to attend safely with small children. As kids grow into toddlerhood and preschool ages, more interactive and family-oriented shows pose fewer risks and difficulties if parents take safety precautions. With proper protections and reasonable expectations, modified concert outings can become positive music enrichment activities for young families.