Infants (0- 4 months): In some ways, they are the easiest dining companions. You can practically take them anywhere as long as it isn’t during the witching hour (that time of day when some children are quite difficult to soothe). The restaurant noise will often lull them to sleep and if not, keep boob or bottle close at hand. Best Case Scenario: When Izzy was a newborn (4 weeks old or so), we took him to Molyvos, a luxe Greek restaurant. They were very accommodating and gave us a large table with a banquet seat in the back. I placed Izzy beside me and he slept throughout the entire meal! The ambience there was perfect because it was just noisy enough to mask infant sounds but not so loud as to disturb them. Worst Case Scenario: When Izzy was two months old, we took him out with us for our anniversary dinner at Verbena (sadly it is now closed). The staff was very understanding and found us a perfect table in an out-of-the-way-spot. Just as we were seated, Izzy became inconsolable, wailing loudly enough for all to hear. I quickly whisked him out of the restaurant (while A. remained inside). I hushed and rocked him outside and managed, somehow to calm him. I brought him back to the banquet where he managed to settle down and sleep for the rest of the meal. Older baby ages 4 months - 1 year: Dining out becomes slightly more challenging and interesting. Baby is beginning to be interested in your table food and will thrill to the scene, curiously looking about. Be sure to bring some appropriate baby food or finger foods and try to include something from your meal for baby to sample. Toys also start to play a role in meals so bring things to keep little hands busy. Best case scenario: We often went for brunch at Norma’s on several occasions when Izzy was 4-6 months old. He was thrilled to sit up, look around and enjoy the scenery. Worst case scenario: While dining at Zafra in Hoboken, it was slightly too late and Izzy was in a slightly squawky mood. My stepmother felt uncomfortable so we asked for takeout and ended up eating the food at home. Toddlers ages 1-2 ½: This is definitely the most challenging phase. Timing is crucial. Schedule the meal close to your child’s mealtime and bring ample snacks in case the kitchen isn’t in speedy mode. Also be prepared to spend part of your meal away from the table if necessary. Toddlers are eager to test out their newly learned skills, particularly walking, even in restaurants. As long as your are relaxed about doing this, the meal should go well. Granted it might not be exactly like dining sans child but you will still get to eat reasonably well. Be sure to bring along plenty of table entertainment too. A restaurant toy bag works quite well. Best case scenario: We took Izzy, at about age 2, to one of our favorite old neighborhood casual restaurants, Ariana Afghan. The space is narrow and cramped and there really isn’t much room for wandering but he was excited to be there. He sat up in his stroller (no high chairs then) and was eager to join us in our meal. I was thrilled to be eating those fabulous leek and meat turnovers and glad that Izzy decided to remain seated. Worst Case Scenario: On many occasions, in so many restaurants, my husband or I had to get up and walk Izzy around. We would take turns entertaining him between courses. He was usually calm but sitting still for 1 - 2 hours is difficult for even the most well-behaved toddler. As long as you keep your humor about yourself and realize this is only temporary you can still enjoy your meal. Preschooler ages 3-4: You can start to breathe easier. Dining out starts to become less challenging and all of the practice begins to pay off. Now is the time to start slowly focusing on table manners. Diversions may still be necessary but less often. At this age your children can be true dining companions. Best Case Scenario: So many restaurants, so little room. Read about our experiences at Momofuku Noodle Bar, Megu, Taam- Tov. Our adventures are living proof of how children partake of dining pleasures. Worst Case Scenario: Ideally, none. If you have made dining out a regular part of your child’s life, by this time they should be begging to go out to dinner and on fairly good behavior while they are there. If not, continue to use diversions and keep your meals shorter than usual until your child becomes more comfortable with dining out. Some things to keep in mind...

1. Don’t expect dining out to be as relaxing as it once was, just know that eventually it will be. Early restaurant exposure will make for easier restaurant experiences later on.
2. Always, always, always be prepared. Emergency snacks and toys make everyone happy (though as your child gets older try to reduce the need for supplementary foods, otherwise they will expect them and be less willing to experiment)
3. Stress the inherent excitement of restaurant dining and praise good restaurant behavior.
4. If you are worried, experiment in more casual restaurants (I don’t mean fast food) and work your way up to fancier ones.
5. Dine out on a regular basis, at least once a week if possible.
6. Be prepared to leave the restaurant if your child is disturbing to other diners. This may happen occasionally but your efforts will pay off.
7. Don’t forget to tip well!! Especially if a few extra food tidbits have landed on the floor!

n.b. Best beginner restaurant City Bakery This restaurant is pleasing to children and adults alike and the casual environment is a great introduction to dining out. Not only do they have a wonderful variety of foods, they source seasonal, local produce whenever possible. And the desserts...divine.