Baby Pageants

Okay, you're asking for opinions and this is all mine is. I'm not judging you for considering this, and I don't think it's a big deal if you go through with it, but I think many pageants are inappropriate and can confuse children. I'm assuming there will be a bathing suit portion and I think it's strange to parade little girls around in their bathing suits to be judged on their appearances. I know they call a lot of these "talent competitions" or "scholarship competitions", but come on... Also, a lot of people get ripped off by fees, wardrobes, etc. Good luck!

J.,
I am happy for you and your baby. I think it would be fun. I actualy wanted to do the same with my baby, but my husband was against it. At this age I think you can't go wrong. The Hawaiian Tropic actually encourages "natural beauty". I personally think it is harmless at this stage in your lives.

Hi J.:
I think,as parents, We all are extremely proud of our babies.We groom and dress them to show them off all the time.Heck,I'd always have my sons looking cute...even to go to the store.It's my opinion,that as long as she seems to enjoy it,and it doesn't interfere with her everyday routine and health,why shouldn't you feel free to boast how beautiful she is? This may even be benificial,as far as her building self esteem,and over coming shyness,and later developing an outgoing personality. Making it easier for her to communicate,and speak openly.My grandaughter was so terribly shy,until she began acting and singing...Now she is able to stand before large groups of people and present outstanding speeches,without blinking an eye.The best to you and your (Beautiful daughter)

I used to run a pageant myself, here is all the wisdom:

If you have fun and make it fun for your child, there is nothing wrong with it. You will see pushy moms, but you see that at little league. So, the way you handle yourslef with winning or loosing is the way your child learns about competition. Just go and have fun

Well since you asked for opinions I'm going to be very honest and tell you that I think that pageants are awful and even the tamer ones (such as HI tropics one) exploit children. It's one thing for older children to make the decision to do this on their own (and even those I think are pretty gross), but pageants for babies are just so wrong in my opinion. I understand loving and adoring your child and wanting to share her with the world - I really do. However, I feel even more strongly that a parent's job is to protect their child and not ever exploit them because it makes them feel good. I also have a real problem with little girls being brought up to think that their true value is their physical beauty. I just think that these little girls are being set up so early on to focus on body image more than anything else. Seeing little girls all made up looks so wrong to me. A good friend of mine's granddaughter was entered into all these contests starting as a baby (she's now about 8) and I always felt terrible for the child. The mother and my friend would say that the HI Tropics (I think she "placed" 2nd) was not like other pageants because tehy looked like little girls and it was "fun." Bull. The little girl had tons of make up on, her hair was worked on for hours and she was paraded in front of people. Sorry, that doesn't sound like fun at all. Toddlers would much rather be playing in the sand or with mommy and daddy. I really, really, really do think you're doing this for yourself and not for your daughter.

I don't mind pageants as long as they aren't crazy and are the natural beauty and personality / talent type . At this age however it is probably more for you though , and that's ok . I think my son is the MOST beautiful baby too and want everyone to know it , lol !

Hi - okay here's my take. I agree with the previous poster that some parents go overboard with the pageants, but if you truly aren't living your childhood through your daughter, then enjoy the pageant. It's a proud parent thing to want to show off your beautiful kids and let them feel good about themselves. At this age, I think that's all she'll see; Mommy and Daddy are 'happy' about me. As for the swimsuit part, I normally would agree, but at 14 months, how is it any different than parents enrolling their kids in dance classes with end of the year recitals that dress the kids in skippy outfits. I say enjoy it, and just keep your perspective and all will be good.

Hi J., I think it is OK just be sure it stays baby, what i mean is the little Ramsey girl they had he in make up and sexy clothes. One of my lttle daycare girls, is doing magazine layouts, and she looks adorable, but some of the outfits i fill are not approeate for a 4 year old. So just make sure it stays baby. J.

In general (without experience) I feel that alot of the pageants feel weird and are too pushy for the kids to grow up too fast, but we liked the Hawaiian Tropic one that our son, now 4 years old, was in right before he turned 1.
We treasure the photos and the trophy to this day. It has become one of the family history stories that is retold often.
We didn't hype it up before hand and also had him in his normal state, no make up, or props...there is a bit of waiting as each child gets their turn on stage, but it wasn't too bad at the one we attended, just don't be in a rush. Also maybe have a small celebration of your own planned for afterwards, like eating a special snack, or?
Also, no matter what, give lots of praise. She is your star!