During a recent match at the U.S. Open, British tennis player Emma Raducanu expressed her frustration with a crying baby in the crowd. In the third set, she turned to the umpire and said, “It’s been like ten minutes,” referring to the distraction during her serve. The umpire responded, “It’s a child. Do you want me to send a child out of the stadium?” This rhetorical question drew a loud response from spectators, who shouted, “Yes!” Raducanu smiled, seemingly agreeing with the sentiment.

This incident sparked a broader discussion about the appropriateness of bringing babies to public events. English sports commentator Simon Jordan weighed in, calling parents who bring infants to sporting events “irresponsible morons.” He clarified that his stance does not make him a “horrid” Dickensian figure, stating, “The fact of the matter is it’s not appropriate. It’s not mean spirited.”

The debate over babies in public spaces is not new. Many people hold diverse views on the matter, often advocating for stricter etiquette rules. Some suggest that babies should be excluded from certain venues, such as restaurants and theaters. Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law updated the original 1922 etiquette guide, emphasizing that children should learn good manners from a young age. She wrote, “All youngsters must be taught from their earliest years that there are certain rules that have to be obeyed and certain manners that always must be practiced.”

Judith Martin, known as Miss Manners, also addressed the issue in her 2020 book. She noted a decline in civility, stating, “It is some decades since the enlightened child-rearing technique, or lack of one, has consisted of ‘Just be yourself, and don’t care what other people think.’” Martin argued that this approach often leads to a disregard for how one’s actions affect others.

In today’s social media landscape, conflicts over public behavior can quickly go viral. This shift has transformed how people react to social etiquette issues. Two recent examples illustrate the contrasting perspectives on bringing babies into adult spaces. Colombian rapper Maluma expressed concern when he saw a baby at his concert in Mexico City. He questioned the mother’s decision, saying, “I’d like to know what he’s doing here. Next time protect his ears or something.” His comments highlighted worries about the potential harm to the infant’s hearing.

Conversely, some argue that parents should not be judged harshly for taking their babies out in public. Rebecca Eckler, a writer and mother, believes that people are often unfair to parents. She recalled tipping 40 percent at a restaurant when her baby cried, stating, “I would rather hear a baby scream than an adult telling me about another fad cleanse they are on.”

The ongoing debate reflects a broader societal struggle to balance personal freedom with communal respect. As public spaces evolve, so too do the expectations surrounding behavior, particularly when it comes to families with young children.