To wake four sleeping children, then drag them to the shop in the pouring rain?

[PomBearEnvy]

Okay I need advice, have posted here because its the busiest place. My Dc are all sleeping, aged 7yrs nearly3yrs and 18months.

I have an aquaintances newborn with me who I am looking after unexpectedly after a frantic phone call. Newborn is three weeks old, mum has been taken ill, rushed to A&E. She is a single parent and has no family nearby, I only know her through mother and toddlers.
Baby was dropped to me half hour ago by her very elderly neighbour, there was no-one else to take him when she was taken ill, he would have gone into emergency care

I have nappies and clothes, but baby is usually breast fed. I am no longer feeding any of mine. I dont have formula.

Its pissing down outside, all the kids are fast asleep and will object to being woken or walking anywhere,I dont own a double buggy, no longer have a sling, and dh is working away.

How the fuck am I gonna get a newborn a 18month 3yr old and poorly 7yr old to the shop and back. aggggghhh!

Its a 6/7 min walk there, I could run in under 5mins, should I do that do you think? Leaving them sleeping? Or waking the seven yr old and talking to him on the homephone from my mobile? would that be insane? or is it more insane to try and get them all up and there with only one buggy and torrential rain.
Someone HELP!!!

[notwithme]

SUrely one of your neighbours can go? If you explain the situation.

[leafinthewind]

Gosh! Where are you? Is anyone close enough to help you? Could a neighbour sit in your house for ten minutes while you run out?

[notwithme]

Do you have bottles, steriliser etc?

[stoppinchingthedummy]

Do u have anyone nearby who could sit with them for 5 minutes??! any neighbours? your parents anyone? i wouldnt leave them - it takes seconds for an accident to happen could u ring a taxi company to go to the shop and buy the baby milk (long shot i know) sorry cant be any more help x

[PutOnThePan]

Where are you? I have tin of formula you could have, or could a neighbour go to shop for you or watch your children while you go?

Is there a helpful MN'er near?

[leafinthewind]

Could you afford to pay a taxi driver to go to the shop for you?

[notwithme]

taxi company is a good idea. I know companies that have done that.

[bamboostalks]

Phone the shop, explain situation, they may help you and drop stuff down. Beg!

[rimsky]

definitely get a neighbour round. if you don't know anyone pick the most normal looking neighbour

[KatieG73]

Our local taxi firm will pick up groceries and deliver them and charge a nominal fee -could you do something like that.

I wouldn't leave them - what if one of them wakes up and is frightened because you aren't there or (God Forbid) you are knocked down by a bus??

[Sparkletastic]

any neighbours with babies?! Anyone that you know that could bring some to you - someone that knows the baby's mother? Could hospital that baby's mum has gone to help - some have breast milk banks I think?

Poor you but good on you for helping out in desperate circumstances.

[FlamingoBingo]

No - ask a neighbour, ring a friend - surely anyone with a heart would go and get stuff for you!??

[mickeyjohn]

oooooo bloody hell!! Is there ANYONE nearby you could ask to come and sit in your house while you dash to the shop?? I am sure most neighbours would be ok with this, if it's only for 10 mins and your kids are asleep. Otherwise I think waking the 7 year old and talking on the phone would be ok.....it's just too much to wake them all up (I think - am sure some people will disagree but I think chances are, they will all be totally fine) But if you could get someone to come and babysit for a few mins then do!!!
Hope you get it sorted - what a nightmare!!

[solo]

Where abouts are you? maybe there's a MNetter nearby? I'd certainly go for you if you are within 5 miles...or I could bf lo for you...

[FlamingoBingo]

Where do you live? I'd go for you if you lived near me!

[AuntiePickleBottom]

i would get a neighbour, if not then you really have no choice but to go to the shops.

or could you oh get an hour from work ???

[stoppinchingthedummy]

Yea hopefully a mnetter may be able to help? i would go through your phonebook and ring a friend quick before it gets late x

[PatPending]

Not sure if this would work (and if cost is not an issue!) But, if there is no neighbour or any of your family who could help, could a local taxi-driver be asked to fetch some formula from the shop?
Sorry, can't think quickly of any thing else!

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Well you need the formula, plus maybe bottles, teats and steriliser too so you're going to have to go out somehow.

Getting a friend or neighbour to stay at home with all of the children is going to be easiest. I hope you've got a big supermaket nearby where you can pick everything up.

Where are you? DH is away with work so I'm stuck in with the boys, but I'm sure someone here could help.

Hope your friend is ok.

xx

[Guacamole]

I think any of us would go on your behalf... Where are you!

[PatPending]

X-post with Katie

[MistyB]

Yes find a neighbour but ask them to go to the shop.

[nbee84]

Another one that will help if you are near me - postcode AL10

[bloomingnora]

Where are you? I am not going to bed until I have checked if I can help!

[scouserabroad]

Ask a neighbour / taxi firm... I'm sure anyone would help if you explained the situation.

I know I would help if a neighbour asked me, even if it was someone I didn't know.