"Are Babies Invited?"

We had a general "no children" policy, but did allow one baby for the same reason that you're discussing: the baby didn't need a seat. We had a tiny venue (about a 100 person cap) so it would have been really difficult to allow children that counted toward the guest list. Maybe people with older children were annoyed, but honestly, it feels like a very real distinction to me that people should be able to understand. Also, in this case, the baby was 6 mos old, my cousin is a first time mother and had never left the baby with someone else other than her husband and mother (who were at the wedding), and I just didn't want to stress her out like that if it could be avoided. The baby giggled a couple of times during the ceremony, which was adorable, but otherwise that was all anyone heard from him.

All of that said, people can be irrational sometimes, so while I think it's okay to allow the baby if you want, I guess be prepared for others to be annoyed.

I think that an 8 month old is old enough that a few hours away from mom should be fine. If the infant was less than 3 months and needed to feed every couple hours, and otherwise slept, then I might say make an exception. I'd hope other moms would understand with a true newborn who is breastfeeding you can't just ditch the baby. That said, my friends left their 2 1/2 mo infant with the grandparents and were able to enjoy our wedding. My friend needed to pump so we gave her access to the bridal suite. It worked for them, but other parents might well decline a night away. (And that's ok too!)

No. Babies are children. Formal, evening events are not appropriate for children (of any age)

I'd say no baby, especially if it is a child free reception

Nope. It's either one or the other.

Plus 8 mo olds are squirmy and they scream/talk a lot.

I'd bend the rules for a nursing infant, but that's it.

Babies are small children... no babies

If you let one come you have to let all babies come. Don't go down that slippery slope.

I disagree with the notion that it's an all-or-nothing thing. Kids, like adults, are individuals and just because you invite one doesn't mean you have to invite them all. An 8-month old is completely different than an 8-year-old and if you want to make an exception, it's your right to do so,

I'm in the same boat however I don't have a problem with infants coming. Our children will be in attendance. My only reason for telling our guest not to bring children is because like you say I don't want to pay for them. I would rather have an adult there.

You can't invite one couples kids and not another couples. Unless the kids r in the bridal party. Either invite all kids or no kids.

I would be ok with the baby (I know I am in the minority here). An 8 month old may be still breast feeding, so mom would have to leave to pump, or may have a hard time finding childcare. I think you ARE sticking to your guns if you aren't allowing kids old enough to need chairs and plates, but you are allowing a baby young enough that they don't. I personally see no difference between BP's kids and this baby.

I agree - no babies. I understand why you'd want to accommodate them, but like others have already mentioned, other parents might get ticked off and offended that someone else brought their kids, and they couldn't. And if the parents just can't come without their kids, then their presence will be missed at the reception. They should respect your wishes and not impose upon you. Planning a wedding is difficult enough! It may sound insensitive, but I think you have to be fair with everyone.

Definitely echoing "be consistent". Had we allowed friends' children or even cousins' children we'd be up to an additional 40+ guests. We've only invited FH sister's kids because they're immediate family.

8 mo vs 12 mo vs 14 mo a kid is a kid. What if you let the baby come, and then someone else says, I'll bring food so my kids won't eat, and they'll sit on my lap. It's a slippery slope. Just say no.