WASHINGTON — Organizers of President-elect Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony are hinting that attendees might want to leave the kids at home.
Officials are banning all strollers and backpacks, and make a point of saying on their website that “there are no childcare facilities provided to attendees.”
If that hint isn’t enough, they suggest that “extra consideration” be taken by those planning to bring children, noting that “a vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.”
They also helpfully point out that the swearing-in ceremony is an outdoor event “that is typically cold — normally 37 F at noon — and occasionally wet.”
“It’s like, ‘No history for you, kids,’ ” said Greg Allen, a New York-based father of two and author of , a blog for new dads.
Allen said he can understand the ban against strollers because of space limitations, but no backpacks? And do Baby Bjorn carriers count?
“Maybe a man-purse?” he said hopefully.
Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said: “An event where you will have 1 million people is inherently kid-unfriendly. They are shorter than everyone else; they can be stepped on. Parents should think long and hard about bringing a small kid to an event with 1 million people.”
Large bags, umbrellas, suitcases and thermoses also are banned. Pack-type baby carriers are OK. The complete list of banned items can be found at .
Florman said the restrictions were put in place for security — strollers are made of tubular metal — and the logistics of searching bags and backpacks, which slow security lines.
Florman said 240,000 inaugural tickets have been issued, and 210,000 are standing-only tickets. Children old enough to walk will need their own ticket.
Despite the hurdles, Allen expects that plenty of parents will bring their children.
“It’s so momentous, it won’t discourage them,” he said. “It will remind parents to put them in snowsuits.”
In a change from tradition, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public during the inauguration, the inaugural committee announced Thursday.
In the past, parts of the mall have been closed off as a parade staging area. The National Park Service has said jumbo TV screens will line the mall to give overflow crowds a glimpse of Obama’s swearing-in.
