by Shannon Lintott 

I attend quite a lot of movies in various movie theatres across the GTA and I always notice when parents bring their children to the movies. Especially to any late night features that are above and beyond a PG rating. Generally I try to stay open minded of parents choosing to do this but one day last week, as I attended a showing of the new Bruce Willis action film Red I saw a couple bring in their practically new born baby. 

At first I couldn’t believe that they would do that. After all, regardless of being awake or asleep, the sound levels in movie theatres these days are obnoxious even to adult ears. Then if the baby was awake there is no telling what it would have gotten from all the blood, shooting, swearing and over dose of action on the screen and in the theatre (late night showings always bring out the most colourful people).  

I had always seen advertisements at the Rainbow Cinema’s for Movies for Mommies and I immediately thought of that. I wondered if this couple had ever heard of this option and if so, would they attend these special screenings. Regardless of that certain couple, I wanted to put the word out there to other mommies, couples and families about screenings for their young children. 

Movies for Mommies do screenings in various theatres in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Admission also includes access to change tables, diapers and wipes, bottle warming and other baby-friendly services and promotional items. Every theatre that is involved with Movies for Mommies either has parking around them or are located close to public transit spots so they are easily accessible. Best part about Movies for Mommies is that you don’t have to be a mommy to attend. Fathers, grandparents and caregivers are also welcome. 

The movies are not restricted to family friendly features as the movies themselves are for the adults, but basically what it means is they leave the lights at a comfortable level so you can see and move around freely, the sound level is set lower, screen times are in the afternoon and you can be surrounded by equally as sympathetic people if your baby cries during the movie. They do note that if you bring a toddler to be advised that the movies are not always meant for children and you should look up what movies are playing before attending a screening. 

For further information, visit Movies for Mommies. 

There are many of these types of screenings that are brought to you by other companies and theatres, another popular one is Stars and Strollers.  This event is only available at select Cineplex Odeon theatres in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec.  

Stars and Strollers have about the same thing offered as Movies for Mommies yet they seem to be less strict about having to come with a child in order to attend their special screenings. They have it set up as more of a special matinee showing with dimmed lights and lower sound levels but with stroller parking and change tables. 

Regardless, both are better options than bringing your new born and/or young children to a 9:00pm showing of a blasting, fast action, shooter-upers. If anything, the best part about these special baby screenings will be the people that choose to attend. Finally you can get away from the teenagers swearing, people with their feet on the seats and the general uncomfortable feeling that usually goes with a packed evening screening.