'My in-laws insist I bring my baby to an abroad wedding - but they are camping'

16 January 2023 , 15:45

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The mum does not think that the activities are appropriate for her baby (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

While some couples are celebrated for shunning the traditional church wedding in favour of a getaway abroad, it can cause issues for guests when it comes to logistical planning. One mum is facing backlash from her in-laws after she expressed concern over bringing her baby to a wedding in a different continent - there's also camping involved.

The woman says her in-laws are very outdoorsy people so are keen to get everybody involved in all of the outdoor activities, but the mum is uncomfortable including her baby in some of them. Taking to the 'Am I Being Unreasonable?' forum on Mumsnet, the mum, who remained anonymous, explained: "Part of the wedding involves a trip not very suitable for a baby (extreme hiking and camping etc).

Her in-laws are outdoorsy and want the baby to come as well (stock photo) (Getty Images/Blend Images)

"Everyone else I've spoken to, including other members of partner's family has said it's not a great trip for a baby.

"I think that my partner's parents will be very upset and hurt if we don't go with the baby and my partner goes alone. They don't see my child much as they usually live in another continent but have met baby a few times."

She went onto explain that her in-laws are generally good people but are often judgemental of modern parenting styles and sometimes clash with the mum over certain issues.

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She said: "I am concerned that if we go on the trip, they will push us and baby to do things that I am not comfortable with and will then make comments/judge when we refuse.

"My 2 concerns are the financial costs and the difficulties in disagreements in parenting as described above, on a trip that is not suitable for an infant. I'm worried that if we don’t all go, they will be very upset and it will damage relationship."

In response, many supported the woman and said she would not be unreasonable to sit out of the trip as one person wrote: "I wouldn't go, by the sounds of it you won’t enjoy it and it's an expense that won't be worth it. 10 hours on a plane for a 5-month- old would be a lot!"

While another stated: "You know your finances and baby best, don't be guilt tripped or coerced into anything."

Freddie Bennett