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AIBU?

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AIBU to object to an older child sitting directly in a food trolley?

258 replies

KidsDoBetter · 02/07/2026 07:35

Local m&s food hall. An older lady (presumably) grandma - is wheeling around one of the small size metal shopping trolleys. Inside it is a girl about 8 cross-legged (she takes up most of the space obvs) wearing a pair of crocs. The soles of which are filthy (as indeed would be mine). Chatting away and delighted with herself. It was lovely she was enjoying being with her granny. No signs of disability (later saw them in car park).

As they stood beside me I did say “that looks like fun but you do know people put their food in there and you’ve got your shoes in it”. Grandma tutted and said “forget about it” in a slight non-sequitur . But it’s gross right. This was not a baby / toddler seat trolley. Nor was the child any younger than 7 max …

OP posts:
Mindthenicedeadpeople · 02/07/2026 07:40

Definitely a get a grip situation OP. Trolleys live outside with car fumes, fox wee and seagull poop. One child and her crocs are not going to tip that scale too far. Take your trolley next time and stop judging.

Dearg · 02/07/2026 07:39

Not even M&S sanitise their trolleys between customers Op.

I don’t trust that any trolley or basket is clean enough to eat food from directly.

That’s why the food is wrapped and the veg washed before I eat it, and if I can , I scan things directly into my own bags.

WheretheFishesareFrightening · 02/07/2026 07:38

Trolleys are often left outside to the elements and the animals. No one has ever pretended they are clean.

Sartre · 02/07/2026 07:38

My 5 yo has autism and enjoys sitting in the body of the trolley, he doesn’t enjoy walking around and can’t fit in the toddler seat. Trolleys are gross regardless so just don’t put unpackaged food directly in there and you’ll be fine.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 02/07/2026 07:38

I hope you addressed your comments to the granny who out her in the trolley and not to the child?

I understand - and don’t disagree necessarily. But would not appreciate you approaching my 8 year old child directly.

NarnianQueen · 02/07/2026 07:38

I would assume all trolleys and baskets are dirty tbh
The handles probably have more bacteria on them than the bottom of a kids shoes!

ShowOfHands · 02/07/2026 07:38

I'm never particularly worried about the hygiene side of things. Probably very different for an M&S trolley as they're indoors I think but most trolleys are outside and filthy anyway. As a student, I used to work in a supermarket overnight and the foxes and rats were always amongst the trolleys.

What does worry me is what happens when a trolley tips up with a child in it. I've seen it happen once and it was catastrophic. Supermarket floors are not forgiving and especially in the smaller trolleys, you're falling from a height.

Asterales · 02/07/2026 07:37

Gosh, what a busybody.

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