Row erupts over baby tickets for 2012 Games

[divingbrit]

Babies will be banned from this year's Olympic Games unless they have their own ticket - even if they were not conceived when their parents bought seats.

The 2012 organisers have said every child, including small or breastfeeding babies carried in their parents' arms, must have their own ticket or they will be excluded from the Games.

A press spokesman admitted the Olympic helpline had received calls from pregnant women and expectant fathers whose babies will just be a few weeks old when the Games commence.

They have been told they can try and buy an extra ticket for their chosen event, otherwise the infant will be prevented from entering the venue.

The issue has attracted fury on the Mumsnet website in the last few weeks, with parents saying they are being forced to pay full price for babies not yet born.

Some are doubting whether extra tickets will be available for the popular events they are attending.

One woman described it as the "biggest rip-off in the history of London" while others wondered what to do with babies they will be breastfeeding.

Another said: "The whole thing is ridiculous, there are people who bought tickets before their babies were even conceived - how are they supposed to know to buy a ticket for a child that doesn't exist yet?

"There should be more complaining about this policy. It's nuts."

Another woman described the policy as "bloody stupid".

She added: "The baby isn't taking up a seat, and if they're worried about fire regulations or whatever then it's not as if the baby isn't going to be with you at all times - essentially you should be counted as one person.

"The baby's not using the facilities on its own."

One "fuming" pregnant woman wrote: "I'm shocked by the conversation I just had with the London 2012 ticketing people.

"My husband and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the horse jumping in August. Our baby is due 2 June, so was inquiring about what I need to do about tickets for the new baby.

"They said everyone needs a ticket - fine.

"Children's tickets are £1 - fine.

"But there are no children's tickets for the horse jumping so I have to pay £95 to have a three-month-old in a sling!!!

"They said the only alternative was to re-sell my ticket or give it to someone else."

Another accused the organisers of discrimination, saying women could not have been expected to bid on extra tickets in case they got pregnant.

"It is generally accepted that a new baby is an adjunct of its mother, especially if breastfeeding."

Another described the "anti-baby policy" as "completely unreasonable", adding it "clearly shows that mums were not involved in devising this policy.

"I attended several hockey games and opening ceremonies at the Vancouver games with a three-month-old (their policy was you could bring a 0-2-year-old, no problem).

"It was NOT a problem. As a rule, there were diaper changing facilities in all restrooms. And I had bought the tickets before the baby was even a sparkle in his mum's eyes."

Telegraph.co.uk