Evenings out.....

[Laranna]

We usually go to the inlaws once a month or two and so I bring their PJ's, etc and do the usual bedtime routine (even the bath sometimes depends whose house we're at). I usually bring the pram or portacot for them to sleep in. DS doesn't really sleep, he'll just stay up until we leave and fall asleep in the car. DD will go to sleep in my arms, sometimes I'll just hold her or I'll pop her down in the pram or portacot.

[UntoldAngel]

I keep with routine... P set it himself and if you don't follow it he gets cranky and thrown off
When we get home if he wakes I just put him straight into bed and give him a goodnight kiss and off he goes

[Snacks]

We have done various things...
Generally I try to put them to bed in a port-a-cot (well, not Natty anymore, but in her baby days) unless we are not staying late. I find that even if they only sleep one cycle it gives me a break and a chance to catch up with my friends/family and it means bub doesn't get overtired and cross (which besides being unpleasant for bubs can make it unpleasant for everyone else too, LOL!).
I think the sling is a lovely idea, particularly if your DD won't settle happily in a different environment.
I also think that bringing the PJs is a good idea, that way you can keep everything non-stimulating when it's time to go home and just transfer to bed. I found with Phoebe that she wouldn't transfer asleep to bed but if we kept things low key she would be very happy to chat to herself and settle back to sleep eventually, or with a top-up feed if she got upset.
The most important thing: ENJOY your night out!

[MummaSue]

Awww, thanks guys. I didn't realise anyone had replied to this post - didn't get the emails

Sounds like we're on the right track then! I had a moment where I did wonder if we'd ever do something like this again!

Thanks again
Sue xxxx

[SammyRo]

Sounds like we're on the right track then! I had a moment where I did wonder if we'd ever do something like this again!

Thanks again
Sue xxxx

I think the more you do it, they become more used to it. So even if she's a bit unsettled when your at your friends, don't let it put you off going out as it will get better. Also, remember your friends have obviously had a baby at some point so they will understand so don't get stressed if she cries, etc.

Most weekends we have dinner at one of the parents house, and they just get settled there. DD is now at the age that she might not go to sleep there, but we just have her in her pj's so that she'll fall asleep on the way home. She has her own bedroom at my parents so if we are staying late, we put her to sleep there. DS will settle when we're out and we'll generally put him in the pram. Only problem is he still needs to be wrapped which is a pain when it comes time to go home.

Enjoy!!

[appletree]

If we go out its usually to a restaurant so i put DS in his jammies and put him to sleep in the capsule. He then gets another feed when i put him into bed at home

Hope you have an awesome time out! I am jealous... wish i could go somewhere fun!