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To wake four sleeping children, then drag them to the shop in the pouring rain?

411 replies

PomBearEnvy · 12/01/2011 21:08

Okay I need advice, have posted here because its the busiest place. My Dc are all sleeping, aged 7yrs nearly3yrs and 18months.

I have an aquaintances newborn with me who I am looking after unexpectedly after a frantic phone call. Newborn is three weeks old, mum has been taken ill, rushed to A&E. She is a single parent and has no family nearby, I only know her through mother and toddlers.
Baby was dropped to me half hour ago by her very elderly neighbour, there was no-one else to take him when she was taken ill, he would have gone into emergency care Sad

I have nappies and clothes, but baby is usually breast fed. I am no longer feeding any of mine. I dont have formula.

Its pissing down outside, all the kids are fast asleep and will object to being woken or walking anywhere,I dont own a double buggy, no longer have a sling, and dh is working away.

How the fuck am I gonna get a newborn a 18month 3yr old and poorly 7yr old to the shop and back. aggggghhh!

Its a 6/7 min walk there, I could run in under 5mins, should I do that do you think? Leaving them sleeping? Or waking the seven yr old and talking to him on the homephone from my mobile? would that be insane? or is it more insane to try and get them all up and there with only one buggy and torrential rain.
Someone HELP!!!

OP posts:
KatieG73 · 12/01/2011 21:12

Our local taxi firm will pick up groceries and deliver them and charge a nominal fee -could you do something like that.

I wouldn't leave them - what if one of them wakes up and is frightened because you aren't there or (God Forbid) you are knocked down by a bus??

Sparkletastic · 12/01/2011 21:12

any neighbours with babies?! Anyone that you know that could bring some to you - someone that knows the baby's mother? Could hospital that baby's mum has gone to help - some have breast milk banks I think?

Poor you but good on you for helping out in desperate circumstances.

rimsky · 12/01/2011 21:12

definitely get a neighbour round. if you don't know anyone pick the most normal looking neighbour

bamboostalks · 12/01/2011 21:12

Phone the shop, explain situation, they may help you and drop stuff down. Beg!

notwithme · 12/01/2011 21:12

taxi company is a good idea. I know companies that have done that.

leafinthewind · 12/01/2011 21:11

Could you afford to pay a taxi driver to go to the shop for you?

PutOnThePan · 12/01/2011 21:11

Where are you? I have tin of formula you could have, or could a neighbour go to shop for you or watch your children while you go?

Is there a helpful MN'er near?

stoppinchingthedummy · 12/01/2011 21:11

Do u have anyone nearby who could sit with them for 5 minutes??! any neighbours? your parents anyone? i wouldnt leave them - it takes seconds for an accident to happen could u ring a taxi company to go to the shop and buy the baby milk (long shot i know) sorry cant be any more help x

notwithme · 12/01/2011 21:10

Do you have bottles, steriliser etc?

leafinthewind · 12/01/2011 21:10

Gosh! Where are you? Is anyone close enough to help you? Could a neighbour sit in your house for ten minutes while you run out?

notwithme · 12/01/2011 21:09

SUrely one of your neighbours can go? If you explain the situation.