"Babiquette"

babiquette, [BAEB-i-kit], noun;
1. the conventional requirements as to social behavior with regard to person(s) caring for a child under the age of 2 in a public environment
2. a code of behavior for all bystanders within a certain range of a child under the age of 2 in a public environment
3. like etiquette, but for babies

My recent observations while on outtings with my baby have prompted the invention of a new word. Babiquette. This word is not only applicable to mothers/ caretakers, but also to the general population because there's a certain give and take any given situation involving a baby. There are more obvious babiquette faux pas, such as:
1. changing a dirty diaper containing offensive odors near people/food
2. bringing a baby into a fine dining establishment not designated for children
3. using your friends scarf as a burp cloth, etc.

The lesser known babiquette faux pas, however, are my focus for now. These are the indiscretions made by the observers of parent-baby interactions, not by the parents/ caretakers themselves. Examples are as follows:
1. When in a situation where you are witness to a woman with a diaper bag strapped to her back while carrying a child in one arm, and pushing a stroller with her free hand, you have committed a babiquette-blunder by simply standing and observing as she attempts to open a door. Make yourself useful and open the door.
2. While in the presence of a screaming baby with a mother who has exhausted every attempt to soothe her child, you have committed a babiquette blunder when you do any of the following:
a) Stare, jaw ajar. This is not helpful. It just makes her feel bad. Once you have gathered a visual on the noise you are hearing, look away or offer help. Staring is not condusive to bettering the situation.
b) Suggest that the woman is torturing her child. This is not constructive, nor will the woman appreciate the humor your are attempting. (Yes, this actually happened.)
3. If you are uncertain of a child's gender, don't venture a guess. First, observe the clothing the child is wearing as well as the various acoutrement that accompany the child. If gender indentity cannot be derived at this point, best to continue the use of the word, "baby".
4. Don't, under ANY circumstance, imply that another sibling is on the way when in the company of a mother and baby. (Fortunately this hasn't actually happened to me, but I've been witness to this occurence and it's not pretty.) It takes 9 months to put the weight on...don't be surprised that it can take 9 to take it off!

Let's remember these little babiquette rules the next time we're on either end of the spectrum.

Anyone else experience babiquette-blunders that you want to share?

That's all for now...

XOXO, Mama D