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Original poster

Any suggestions for how to arrange emergency child care in the middle if the night

39 replies

BumptiousandBustly · 02/10/2012 18:47

Ds1 has various medical issues and sometimes we end up in a and e at times when normal nanny agencies aren't open and friends are asleep. I need to get something in place by the time dh goes to work in the morning.

Amy suggestions?

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lechatnoir · 02/10/2012 20:17

Hmmm a tough one as if it's just once persion you are effectively wanting them to be 'on-call' which would prevent them from drinking, leaving the immediate area, having sole charge of children etc and whilst I don't know for sure, I'd be surprised if it wasn't both very expensive and hard to find.

You obviously have a genuine need for some help but I wonder how often this is happening? I'm sure 2 or 3 friends between them wouldn't begrudge a call once or twice a year & presumably your DH can get in late a couple of times given it is a serious family emergency, but, if this is more regular then I can see your dilemma.

Llareggub · 02/10/2012 20:17

Yes do ask someone. I would gladly help out in this sort of situation.

MisForMumNotMaid · 02/10/2012 20:14

It isn't something that comes naturally to many of us to admit we need to ask for help, but we do. It's not for you it's for your DS2's benefit.

Have you tried the local council re emergency foster families near you that maybe you and DS could establish a relationship with so you could drop and run as required? A sort of emergency respite package.

MisForMumNotMaid · 02/10/2012 20:11

As nowearefour says could you drop and run on the way to A & E? I'm the local drop and run mum. I had next doors baby covered in cream and nappy less once when her grandad had a bad turn and went off to A and E with mum, I have children dropped off for all sorts of reasons and pick up extras from school as and when required. I wouldn't be flustered by a late night/ middle of the night/ early morning knock on the door and being passed a child.

How old is your DS and does he resettle once woken?

Could you have a pop up bed and overnight plus morning change bag packed ready for him with things like a letter for school pre written in it?

Have you asked any friends if they would consider this?

nowwearefour · 02/10/2012 20:10

i think you just need to phone people anyway- either that or accept you need to have ds2 with you.....

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 02/10/2012 20:03

The problem is when it happens at 4/5 am and dh leaves for work really early! To early to phone people and ask them to take ds2. Last time I texted and asked them to call when they got the message, but I couldn't receive their calls as the A&E has no phone reception at all!

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MisForMumNotMaid · 02/10/2012 19:53

Why can't your DH drop your DS at a friends before work? Is it very early still?

nowwearefour · 02/10/2012 19:52

can you not phone someone before you leave for a and e and say you'll be dropping ds2 on the way? if it isnt that often i am sure any good friend wont mind this sort of interruption?

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 02/10/2012 19:51

Gotmygoat I do have friends who will help out but when this happens at 5 am then I have to take ds2 with me to a and e where there is no phone reception making it impossible to call anyone by the time they are actually up!

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Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 02/10/2012 19:49

We simply don't have the space for a live in aupair I'm afraid. There would be no where for her to actually live!

No family nearby, non at all!

Will have a look at that link thanks.

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GotMyGoat · 02/10/2012 19:36

no family or friends nearby?

StillSquiffy · 02/10/2012 19:31

I'd second the idea of a live-in AP (who can also help with hospital runs and laundry when you need them to)....

DangerousMouse · 02/10/2012 19:03

You could try childcare.co.uk, is it often enough to warrant getting an au pair or live in nanny? What area are you in?

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 02/10/2012 18:49

Sorry, to be clear, I need to get something in place for ds2!

And no family near by!

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