7 Sneaky Ways Your Baby Helps You Skip Out on Things

Updated: Sep. 12, 2023

Originally Published: Sep. 12, 2023

Before becoming a parent, you might have found yourself rolling your eyes at that friend who always canceled plans last minute because, “the sitter canceled,” or the coworker who couldn’t bring a dish to the potluck because her baby was up all night. Now that you have your own little one, you understand that sitters really do cancel and that a sleepless night with a baby is a legitimate excuse to opt out of social gatherings. The exhaustion of parenthood can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s all too easy to blame your baby for skipping out on certain activities. Here are seven things I’ve definitely avoided using my baby as an excuse.

1. Brunch

Some people rave about brunch, but I’m not one of them. I prefer to enjoy multiple meals throughout the day instead of waiting in long lines at trendy spots. When I discovered that brunch coincided with my son’s morning nap, I was honestly thrilled. While friends may not accept “I’m just not a fan” as a valid excuse, nobody argues with a baby’s nap time. Brunch? No thanks!

2. Sleepover Bachelorette Parties

Bachelorette parties can be a blast… for a while. While the excitement of the night out is fun, the part where everyone squeezes into one hotel room, reliving middle school sleepovers? Not so much. My son nursed for 16 months, meaning I couldn’t miss an evening or morning. That provided the perfect reason to grab an Uber home and snuggle up in my own bed.

3. Extended Family Visits

Nothing brings out long-lost relatives like a new baby. While most visits are heartwarming, they can sometimes drag on longer than anticipated. My son was a bit of a fussy napper, and let’s be honest, I’ve used his grumpiness to justify leaving early more than once. And on those occasions when I couldn’t escape, it was a great opportunity to sneak upstairs for a nap myself.

4. Keeping a Pristine Home

Before heading to the hospital, I wish I had taken a good look around my house, because it’s never been as clean since. Thankfully, no one seems to expect it! Since my son was born, whenever guests glance at the dishes piled high or the laundry scattered everywhere, I just shrug, point to the baby, and move on without a care.

5. Destination Weddings

Like bachelorette parties, destination weddings can be a lot of fun but often come with a hefty price tag and a time commitment. My baby, although a decent traveler, has had his moments on planes. The extra hassle of traveling with a little one has been the perfect reason to skip out on those invitations, and I’ve been honest about it!

6. Long Conversations

We’ve all been there—trapped on the phone with an aunt who dispenses unsolicited advice or a nephew determined to showcase his entire tuba recital. Before baby, I would suffer through. Now, I sometimes use my little one as an excuse to get off the phone. “Oh look, he’s eating the dog’s food!” is a pretty good reason, right?

7. Plans I’m Not Excited About

I usually try to be upfront about my commitments, but occasionally I find myself saying yes to something only to dread it later. Cancelling last minute feels rude, but a quick call a few days ahead, saying I can’t find a sitter? That’s totally acceptable! Sometimes staying in, wearing sweatpants, and ordering pizza with my partner is too tempting to resist.

Babies are adorable, cuddly, and so lovable, but let’s face it—they can also be your perfect excuse to bow out of obligations. Just remember to use this newfound power wisely!

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Summary

This article humorously explores the various ways having a baby can serve as a convenient excuse to avoid certain activities, from brunches to destination weddings. It highlights the relatable struggles of parenthood while embracing the lightheartedness of using a baby as an excuse to prioritize self-care and comfort.