Visiting F1 race with small child?
Discussion
I would say ear defenders are a must. Really, if I was being sensible, I'd say that anyone close to the track needs them, as volume levels are extremely high, to the point where you can't hear the engines properly because your ears can't handle it.
I don't know if kids' ears are more sensitive than adults to the point where even ear defenders are no good, but you can get them in differing levels of sound attenuation, I have a good pair (Peltor) that allow me to stand right beside a helicopter running at full power, which is immensely noisy.
I don't know if kids' ears are more sensitive than adults to the point where even ear defenders are no good, but you can get them in differing levels of sound attenuation, I have a good pair (Peltor) that allow me to stand right beside a helicopter running at full power, which is immensely noisy.
oyster said:
I've been to a few races and am thinking of taking the mrs to one soon, but need to consider whether oyster jnr can attend.
Depending on which race we visit, junior will be anything from 12 to 18 months old.
Will this be too much for oysterjnr's ears? Even with ear defenders?
Ear defenders are a must for any child at an F1 race. At that age, I personally wouldn't, not least because of logistics - it's a long day, lack of baby facilities, can be quite exposed to the sun/wind/rain - as well as the noise, etc. Plus they won't much out of it. I'd wait until they are 4+.Depending on which race we visit, junior will be anything from 12 to 18 months old.
Will this be too much for oysterjnr's ears? Even with ear defenders?
A lot depends on what kind of child they are. I took one of mine at 18 months old to the Renault World Series day at Silverstone, and he happily spent most of it strapped to my back in a sling. However, if you have any choice, I'd avoid it - changing nappies wasn't fun, and they're bound to get upset at the most inconvenient time.
The kid isn't going to get anything out of it at 18 months, in fact its more likely to be scary, loud, busy and uncomfortable.
There is a chance it could heavily impact on other peoples race day around you and these are expensive events that people save up to be able to attend.
It will possibly be an absolute nightmare for you aswell, i can't see how it would make your day out better. When they are 3 or 4 and maybe enjoy it i can see the point, but not at this age.
I'd find a babysitter and enjoy a day off of parenting, better for all involved imo.
There is a chance it could heavily impact on other peoples race day around you and these are expensive events that people save up to be able to attend.
It will possibly be an absolute nightmare for you aswell, i can't see how it would make your day out better. When they are 3 or 4 and maybe enjoy it i can see the point, but not at this age.
I'd find a babysitter and enjoy a day off of parenting, better for all involved imo.
We took our son when he was about 18 months, 20 years ago. I remember having to leave after 30 mins as he was crying,and you get upset, and other people were looking, probably thinking are they real bringing a tot that age.
Trying to get him to stop crying with a big pair of ear defenders, which will be alien to 18 month old's.
Most tracks are not really built with babies toddlers in mind.
Took him when he was five,he loved it, we all enjoyed,we could chat and discuss the race and cars, he is a bigger petrol head than me now.
Trying to get him to stop crying with a big pair of ear defenders, which will be alien to 18 month old's.
Most tracks are not really built with babies toddlers in mind.
Took him when he was five,he loved it, we all enjoyed,we could chat and discuss the race and cars, he is a bigger petrol head than me now.
Gaz. said:
I don't see an upside to this idea at all. Get a babysitter for the day.
THIS!What's an 18 month old going to get out of it apart form permanent and irreversible hearing damage? How would you get a baby that young to even wear defenders?
It may seem like a nice idea to get your family involved in your hobby, but IMO this is really too young.
(PS - Congrats on parenthood!)
'Managed to get my kids (8 and 11) into the Renault/Benetton garage once on a corporate jolly (practice/qualifying on Saturday) - total waste of time. For me a pretty awesome day out with better food and service than I had expreienced anywhere in 42 years. We had a hour's personal tour guided by Olly Gavin but the boys just didn't grasp where they were or how lucky they were to be there. All they wanted was their Gameboys back. Wife was bored too. Pissed me right off - thank God I wasn't paying 
Unless your wife is really enthusiastic, I wouldn't bother - wait until they are jumping up and down asking to go and willing to leave their iPads (or whatever) at home.
Unless your wife is really enthusiastic, I wouldn't bother - wait until they are jumping up and down asking to go and willing to leave their iPads (or whatever) at home.
On the ear defenders thing - my daughter happily wore her neon pink Peltors for about 45 minutes of very loud fireworks when she was only 16 months, so it's doable.
That said, we were at a friends house, so easier to change nappies, prep milk, stuff with food etc...
Still, shame they missed it
Just photoshop them into your pictures - best of both worlds and they'll never know!
That said, we were at a friends house, so easier to change nappies, prep milk, stuff with food etc...
Still, shame they missed it
Just photoshop them into your pictures - best of both worlds and they'll never know!Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff