Poll: Would you go to a department store when they open if in 3rd trimester?

[cakesandale1907]

Hello!

I'm 29 weeks. With the news from Boris Johnson yesterday that other shops may open from 15 Jun, including department stores, I'm wondering what views were on going out to a shop (like John Lewis) when in 3rd trimester at the moment?

There are some 'bigger' bits like pushchair etc we hadn't considered buying earlier on as wanted to wait until 20 week scan, only to end up in lockdown. I'd accepted buying online but as a bigger purchase wondering whether it's worth holding off and trying to visit JL to see some pushchairs in person. If they were to open on 15 June, I would be 32 weeks ...

What are people thinking?!

[turnthebiglightoff]

Yes, I would. But that's just me. Jl do online nursery appts at the moment, might be something to consider?

[lockdownpregnancy]

Hi OP! I definitely won't be going on 15 June as I reckon it will be crazy busy, but maybe the week after when it's quietened down a bit, as I can't get baby clothes on line for love nor money! Plus other bits and bobs that we need, so I will be going but making sure I wear a mask, hand gel and washing my hands thoroughly when I get home.
The stores have to have the proper precautions in place and limiting the amount of people in the store at one time, so all being well you'll be fine. Happy shopping 🥰

[PoodlesAreMySpiritAnimal]

Yes, I would. I’m a couple of weeks ahead of you and I intend to go out for a few last things when the shops reopen. We were fortunate and inherited a lot of lovely second hand things but there are still things we need to buy and I don’t want to do all of that online. I’m just taking extra care when out and about, in terms of social distancing, handwashing/wipes and gel. You could always get some face masks as an extra precaution for clinic visits/shopping?

[sel2223]

Yes, I would (will). I'll be about 32 weeks then too and have been working from home in lockdown. I diidn't get a shielding letter as I don't have any particular health issues so just been following social distancing guidelines and being careful. My plan is to carry on the same....go to the odd shop when I need to, daily walks etc so not totally housebound if you know what i mean.

[Superscientist]

For a one off specific trip I am considering it.
I probably wouldn't go immediately because I am expecting everyone to be doing that. With a lot of stores you can see how busy it currently is on Google maps.

I am considering going to m and s to try on some maternity bras if that is permitted but that will probably be the end of July.

[cakesandale1907]

Thanks all! Yes, would probably avoid first few days in any event and see how it works/how busy it is. And would try and go on a weekday (if weekday vs weekend even means anything anymore!)

I'm just wondering whether 32 weeks + is a bit late to leave it for pushchair in any event?!

[doadeer]

The only thing I can imagine I would need to see and test would be a pram. But everything else can be bought online, I wouldn't bother for anything else.

[LittleMiss7]

We want to go to John Lewis to test drive prams but won't be going as soon as they reopen as I can imagine it being crazy busy. Everything else, I'm happy to buy online without physically seeing. Maybe leave it a couple of weeks so the novelty of people going shopping wears off and then head out xx

[Cherryrainbow]

I'm only 22 weeks atm and live in Wales so not sure when our shops will open. I'm hoping to go to shops at some point before I'm due end of September so even if I wait until August or so I'll be happy to, I think I'd at least wait a few weeks after they open to see if there's a rise in cases and see how it gets on.

Sweet Lord I can't wait to fill up the car with primark bags 😂

[Nonnymum]

No I wouldn't go. I don't plan to go into one until our infarction rate is much lower. Its still much to high.

[BeMorePacific]

If you have time to wait, I’d wait two weeks after BoJo’s changes. If we see another peek, then just wait longer. If you do decide to go, wear masks and have good hand hygiene. When you get home change clothes, shower etc. Just take all possible precautions. Congratulations on your pregnancy xxx

[liquoricecravings]

OP, I will be 28 weeks pregnant when the shops open and I'm so keen to see the pushchairs in the shop. I have researched them extensively (lockdown boredom kicking in) and I think I know which one I'd like to buy, so it will be a focused visit to try it out properly and double check I like it as much in the flesh. Apart from JL I'm hoping to go to Mamas and Papas to see the nursery set I've found for the same reasons. Sadly I think I'll order the rest online as I don't want to risk going out too much. It's our first baby and I've struggled with missing out on the shopping experience so this is something I'm willing to risk.

I'll be having a hot shower when I get home and will put my clothes in the wash. I'm also open to wearing a mask in the shop.

I'm now just waiting to see the guidance the shops will start putting in place on their websites (I'm sure it will be similar to the supermarkets). I'm also wondering if it will be quieter midweek.

[MichelleOR84]

I would but l would pick a weekday morning as soon as the store opens to avoid crowds .

[cakesandale1907]

I'm actually wondering (/wishful thinking!) if stores like JL might similarly do special hours for 'vulnerable' or bookable appts for new parents as they phase their opening - as presumably some depts within the store like nursery & pushchairs are easier to manage with social distancing than clothes/changing rooms generally (which I've no interest in visiting at the moment!). Will see what comes out in next few weeks and still keep a close eye on online delivery lead times for pushchairs in case that seems the better option. Thanks everyone!

[Siobhan1989]

I’ll be 37 weeks when they re-open. I’m not really sure yet but I probably won’t as it sounds like it’s going to be a pain and I’ve got what I absolutely need online. If I hadn’t got my travel system then I would and I know people behind me who are planning to xx

[Ethellsmum]

I would. I’m 32 weeks currently. I’d try to go at less busy times, keep my distance and use hand sanitiser regularly until I got home.
I need to get a few more bits for my hospital bag so will probably venture out for those.

[heroineinahalfshell]

I probably will, but I'll wait until early July (I'm 28w now), wear a mask, take sanitiser and have a shower/throw clothes in the wash when I get home. My local shopping centre has a JL, M&S, Mamas and Papas & Boots all next door to each other, so I'll just go to those 4 and then home.