Can I bring my baby to the Eid prayer?
Yes, you can bring your baby to the Eid prayer. The Prophet ﷺ wanted everyone to come out for Eid, including women and young girls, and he was gentle with crying children during prayer. A little planning makes it easier for you and the people around you.
Eid is for the whole family
Umm Atiyyah said the Prophet ﷺ told them to bring out the young girls, the women in seclusion and even the women on their periods on Eid, so that they could witness the goodness and the gathering of the believers (Sahih Muslim 890). The Eid prayer was held in an open prayer ground, and families came together. A baby in a sling or stroller fits right into that picture. See Can women go to the Eid prayer?
Crying babies were part of the Prophet's prayers too
The Prophet ﷺ said he would start a prayer intending to make it long, then hear a child crying and shorten it, knowing how hard it was for the mother (Sahih al-Bukhari 707). He also prayed while carrying his granddaughter Umamah, putting her down when he prostrated and picking her up when he stood (Sahih al-Bukhari 516). So a noisy baby is not a reason to stay home. See Can I hold my baby while praying?
Practical tips for the day
- Choose your spot. Pray near the edge or back of the rows so you can step out quickly.
- Check the venue. Many Eid prayers in Europe and the USA are held in parks, sports halls or convention centers. Ask whether strollers are allowed and where the sisters' and family areas are.
- Pack light but smart: nappies, wipes, a bottle or feeding cover, a toy, and a mat for the baby to lie on.
- Ear defenders help if the takbir is loud through speakers.
- Keep the baby's nappy on and clean, and lay a cloth under them so the prayer area stays clean.
- Arrive early; parking and crowds are the hardest part of Eid morning.
If your baby gets upset
It's fine to step out, settle your baby and come back, or to pray holding them. The khutbah after the Eid prayer is sunnah to listen to but not obligatory, so leaving during it to calm a child is no problem. If you miss the prayer completely, you haven't sinned, as the Eid prayer is not obligatory for everyone according to most scholars. See How do I pray the Eid prayer?
- Babies and children are welcome at the Eid prayer.
- The Prophet ﷺ shortened prayer when he heard a child crying.
- You may pray while holding your baby.
- Sit near the edge or back so you can step out easily.
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