Montclair Movie Theater Launches ‘Bring Your Own Baby’ Matinees

MONTCLAIR, NJ — In a time when some New Jersey businesses are banning young kids from their premises, a movie theater in Montclair is taking the opposite approach with its “Bring Your Own Baby” matinee screenings.

Here’s the scoop on The Clairidge’s cleverly named BYOB screenings:

“Come see a newly released film in an environment that’s friendly to parents and caregivers of new babies. Crying babies and nursing mothers welcomed. Socialize with other new parents and bond over the joys of parenthood. No judgment. Just movies.”

Film titles are announced one week in advance. Lights are dimmed but not turned off, and the volume level is moderated. Guests are free to “move around as needed,” and children under 5 are free.

“We’re all in the same boat,” The Clairidge says on its website. “Sometimes you just need to get out of the house. No babysitters required.”

BYOB shows take place on the last Wednesday of each month. The next screening will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 486 Bloomfield Avenue. It will be “Maybe I Do,” a romantic comedy that was filmed exclusively in New Jersey – with Montclair as a favorite shooting destination. Read More: Montclair Was A Popular Filming Spot For New Movie

The Clairidge’s BYOB matinees stand in stark contrast to another New Jersey business, Nettie's House of Spaghetti in Tinton Falls, which recently declared that it will no longer allow children under 10 to dine in the restaurant.

“We love kids,” the business’ owners said. “We really, truly, do. But lately, it’s been extremely challenging to accommodate children at Nettie’s. Between noise levels, lack of space for high chairs, cleaning up crazy messes, and the liability of kids running around the restaurant, we have decided that it’s time to take control of the situation.”

• See Related: NJ Italian Restaurant Bans Children Under Age 10
• See Related: NJ Applebee's Says Kids Eat Free, In Response To Bans Elsewhere

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