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AIBU?

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Original poster

Soft play day before holiday?

137 replies

BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:10

I'm having a bit of a disagreement with DM and would love some other perspectives.

We're going on holiday on Monday, and DM has kindly offered to take DC out for a couple of hours so me and DH can crack on with packing. I was very grateful for the offer, until she said she's going to take them to soft play. I asked her if maybe she could take them somewhere else, as I don't think they should be going to a germ factory the day before we go away 🙈 But she thinks I'm being too anxious and it would be fine.

AIBU? I have no problem taking them to soft play usually, but the day before we go away just feels like asking for trouble.

OP posts:
DrinkFeckArseBrick · 31/05/2025 20:40

In your shoes I'd agree no soft play. Yes they may get sick from the plane but:

  • spft play is a whole other set of germs, and young kids are pretty gross, so going to shloft play increases the chances of sickness
  • you likely can't really go on holiday to where you're going, without going on a plane. Your mum can look after them for an hour or so without soft play

So not worth it for me

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:39

Fuzzypinetree · 31/05/2025 20:32

Then this might make sense..although, as other have mentioned, a plane won't be germ free, either.
Perhaps make sure to pack some medication, just in case. Good luck and hope you'll have a lovely holiday. 😊

Show quote history

Thank you 🙂 I've got the thermometer, Calpol, ibuprofen, antihistamines...😅

OP posts:
Strawred · 31/05/2025 20:38

Well I have a severe phobia of vomiting so I’d be the same as you

Psychologymam · 31/05/2025 20:38

I wouldn’t do it! They are complete germ factories and I would avoid before a holiday, why have sick kids on hols? I’d be so grateful for the offer and I’d be laughing at myself asking her would she mind doing something outdoors etc. but I wouldn’t mind if someone said that to me!

NuffSaidSam · 31/05/2025 20:38

safetyfreak · 31/05/2025 20:36

Why is a 2 year old putting things in their mouth?

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What a strange question?!

Because that's developmentally normal is the answer.

Lanzarotelady · 31/05/2025 20:38

I really do think I am living in a parallel universe - avoiding soft play before going away - never heard of anything so bloody ridiculous in my life!

What about school, finishing Friday going Saturday, what will you do then OP keep them off school?

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:37

Oceanblue042 · 31/05/2025 20:30

I agree with you, OP. I'd feel the same if it was just before a very expensive long haul holiday, but I'd be more relaxed before a short break (like if we were going to Paris for a weekend). I don't like the thought of being on a long haul flight with a sick child (worst would be D&V), and sometimes it can come on suddenly, so not worth the risk for me!

Yes I've just said this to a PP. I understand they can catch something on the plane but at least we'd already be there once it hit.

OP posts:
Lanzarotelady · 31/05/2025 20:36

BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:35

Well in my (potentially unreasonable) mind at least if they catch something on the plane we'd already be there when they got sick? And not stuck at 30,000 feet.

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So they are capable of timing when they are sick?

Please OP cancel the holiday and get yourself back in your bubble

Creativemumof3 · 31/05/2025 20:36

Totally with you there.. I would absolutely no way take my DC to soft play before a holiday!!

Justtryingthis · 31/05/2025 20:36

No, I absolutely get you on this one OP. Yes, there will be germs etc on the plane, but why take the risk to expose them to more germs if you don’t need to?
I’ve always done similar before a big holiday.. 🤷‍♀️

safetyfreak · 31/05/2025 20:36

BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:30

Not every time, but DS5 is one of those children who catches everything and he catches it hard. He won't just have a cold, it'll develop into a chest infection, or he won't just have a bit of a stomach bug, he'll be non stop vomiting for 2 weeks.
DD is almost 2 and still very much putting everything in her mouth.

Show quote history

Why is a 2 year old putting things in their mouth?

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:35

Amba1998 · 31/05/2025 20:15

Do they go to school / nursery? No bloody different to soft play! Planes are much worse

We have 2 weeks here, so they've been off from school and nursery this week!

OP posts:
Lanzarotelady · 31/05/2025 20:35

If I were your mother I would be retracting my very kind offer!

Plus who needs to have their kids taken out for the afternoon so you can pack??
Are there not two of you anyway - one looks after the kids - one packs!

Are you normally this hard work?

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:35

3luckystars · 31/05/2025 20:15

That is absolutely daft. You are flying to your destination, routing through an airport?

Do you think the aircraft will be surgically bleached before your arrival?

Well in my (potentially unreasonable) mind at least if they catch something on the plane we'd already be there when they got sick? And not stuck at 30,000 feet.

OP posts:
FairFuming · 31/05/2025 20:33

We always get ill after going to soft play so I don't think you are being unreasonable at all

DoggyLoverz · 31/05/2025 20:32

They’re going to be breathing in everyone’s trumps and germs on the plane anyway so I wouldn’t worry about it 🤷‍♀️

Fuzzypinetree · 31/05/2025 20:32

BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:30

Not every time, but DS5 is one of those children who catches everything and he catches it hard. He won't just have a cold, it'll develop into a chest infection, or he won't just have a bit of a stomach bug, he'll be non stop vomiting for 2 weeks.
DD is almost 2 and still very much putting everything in her mouth.

Show quote history

Then this might make sense..although, as other have mentioned, a plane won't be germ free, either.
Perhaps make sure to pack some medication, just in case. Good luck and hope you'll have a lovely holiday. 😊

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:32

Mindymomo · 31/05/2025 20:12

Not worth the risk, just tell her to go to an outside park, it’s going to be hot tomorrow so no reason to go in a germ infested indoors soft play.

This might be worth reiterating for others but yes I'm very happy for her to take them out somewhere, just not to an indoor unventilated room full of children.

OP posts:
Notashamed13 · 31/05/2025 20:30

Don't do it.

Oceanblue042 · 31/05/2025 20:30

I agree with you, OP. I'd feel the same if it was just before a very expensive long haul holiday, but I'd be more relaxed before a short break (like if we were going to Paris for a weekend). I don't like the thought of being on a long haul flight with a sick child (worst would be D&V), and sometimes it can come on suddenly, so not worth the risk for me!

Original poster
BabyDoge · 31/05/2025 20:30

Fuzzypinetree · 31/05/2025 20:12

You are being a bit weird... Are they usually sick straight after you've taken them to soft play?

Not every time, but DS5 is one of those children who catches everything and he catches it hard. He won't just have a cold, it'll develop into a chest infection, or he won't just have a bit of a stomach bug, he'll be non stop vomiting for 2 weeks.
DD is almost 2 and still very much putting everything in her mouth.

OP posts:
WaltzingWaters · 31/05/2025 20:19

I’m with you on this one OP. I’m usually fine to risk the germs but do avoid soft play before a trip or special occasion. My DS has had conjunctivitis, HFM, and several colds after soft play visits in the past.

Amba1998 · 31/05/2025 20:15

Do they go to school / nursery? No bloody different to soft play! Planes are much worse

haveyoouuuuuumetted · 31/05/2025 20:15

Haha we are going away on Monday too and I am keeping dc away from places like soft play this weekend too. I’m with you op 😂😂

3luckystars · 31/05/2025 20:15

That is absolutely daft. You are flying to your destination, routing through an airport?

Do you think the aircraft will be surgically bleached before your arrival?