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Original poster

Leaving baby alone in another room

107 replies

Captaincalamaris · 26/09/2024 11:42

How long would you hypothetically leave a 4 month old baby on a play mat (not a pen) whilst you were in another room and they were out of sight? Having this argument with DH.

OP posts:
Sorrelia · 26/09/2024 11:53

Depends if they are mobile or not (crawl or being able to turn). Probably 5mn if not mobile and everything completely safe around the baby.

Swissvisa · 26/09/2024 11:51

We had a play mat but it was quite soft, so I would never have left them unattended on that surface because if they rolled onto their front they could suffocate. We’ve since bought a sponge play mat (firm, smooth surface) that I would be OK to leave them while I nipped to the loo, grab a coffee, took in a delivery etc… If I had pets or toddlers then never.

I wouldn’t make a habit of leaving a child under 6 months alone for any length of time more than necessary as it’s goes against SIDs guidance.

Aquamarine1029 · 26/09/2024 11:47

I never left my babies alone on the floor. I would pop them into their cot or playpen if I needed to be away from them for more than a minute/30 seconds.

Itsmahoneybaloney · 26/09/2024 11:46

HippeePrincess · 26/09/2024 11:45

Until they cried, indicating they needed something.

Eh?! So potentially an hour?

Itsmahoneybaloney · 26/09/2024 11:45

Probably about 10 mins at 4 months

HippeePrincess · 26/09/2024 11:45

Until they cried, indicating they needed something.

Peonies12 · 26/09/2024 11:44

Depends where I am. If going upstairs, maybe 5-10 mins?