Cousins In A Dispute Over Who Owes What After Baby Vomits On $2K Blouse

Ashley Hunte
A teddy bear and baby blanket next to a wicker basket.
Unsplash | kids&me Germany

If you've ever had a baby (or at the very least, been around one), you'll know that they're messy. It's probably best to leave the expensive outfits until they're a little older.

But one woman couldn't leave her expensive tastes at home, even for one day, while meeting with her newly born cousin. Predictably, she paid the price, but asked the baby's mom to pay to replace her expensive blouse.

The mom asked Reddit if she was wrong for refusing to pay.

A woman wearing a white blouse with a black skirt.
Unsplash | Laura Chouette

In a post on the popular AmITheAsshole Subreddit, user isaoas asked, "AITA for refusing to pay back my cousin after my baby ruined her blouse?"

"I gave birth four weeks ago, and we decided to have a 'baby ceremony,' where everyone gets to meet our lovely daughter Charlotte."

The feet of a swaddled newborn baby.
Unsplash | Marcel Fagin

"My cousin Alice and her parents were among the guests," the user explained during her story.

"The first thing I'll say about her is that she has expensive taste."

A beige silk shirt on a black background.
Unsplash | Marcus Urbenz

"She's the sort of person who has a minimum price range for how much she spends on clothing. She doesn't own anything that isn't designer and has some items of clothing that cost thousands. She is a banker and still lives with parents so can afford the lifestyle."

"It was Alice's turn to hold the baby and she was happy to at first, but suddenly Charlotte vomited on her."

A baby innocently chomping on a letter block.
Unsplash | Colin Maynard

"Alice handed Charlotte back to me and ran off crying, and spent the rest of the event crying in the car. I went to see her to apologise but she didn't want to hear any of it."

"My mum gave her one of her shirts which was too big for her and she felt completely upset and humiliated."

A clothing rack full of expensive tops.
Unsplash | Priscilla Du Preez

"Today I got a call from my mum, saying that she'd been on the phone to her sister (Alice's mum) saying that they want me to reimburse the cost of the blouse (roughly £1800) since it was completely ruined."

For reference, £1800 is roughly $2060 today, but was more like $2300 at the time the user posted her story.

"I have said no. At the end of the day we all know what babies can be like."

A mom holding her newborn baby.
Unsplash | Hollie Santos

"She took a risk wearing something so expensive knowing a baby was nearby and unfortunately it backfired. I feel bad for her but it was not my fault."

With that, she asked if she was right or wrong for refusing to pay.

The comment section was incredibly divided, though most agreed that OP wasn't the asshole in this situation.

A woman shrugging as she says, "Sometimes it happens."
Giphy | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

One commenter wrote, "Common sense to not wear expensive clothing around newborns unless you are okay with risking this happening. She should have known better."

Others thought OP was a little too judgmental over Alice's tastes.

A Prada bag next to Chanel No 5 perfume.
Unsplash | Laura Chouette

One user wrote, "It's not anyone's business what she wears or how much money she spends on her clothes. Babies are messy - however someone that has not spent a fair amount of time around infants may not fully appreciate or understand this."

Many also suggested to use a towel whenever others hold the baby.

At the very least, most people believed OP should've offered to pay for dry cleaning.

Wrapped apparel on a dry cleaning rack.
Unsplash | Nathan Dumlao

Another commenter said, "She is demanding 1800 from a woman who just had a baby?? At best you should pay for dry cleaning!"

OP also clarified that no one forced Alice to hold the baby.

An adult holding hands with a newborn baby.
Unsplash | Aditya Romansa

She wrote in response to a now-deleted comment, "I didn't try to make her hold the baby. Alice's mum asked for a cuddle, and then Alice walked up and asked for one herself."

All in all, it seems like an unfortunate accident, but expecting a new mom to pay for such an expensive blouse seems ridiculous.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!