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Original poster

Would you leave baby alone?

379 replies

Mississippilessly · 28/11/2018 10:10

I have agreed to go and pick up a parcel for a friend tomorrow. DS is 10 weeks. I am going to have to take my DH so someone can stay with the baby - the parcel is too big for me to take him in. This seems crazy. Could I lock the car and run in? I have only just thought of itm

OP posts:
HauntedPencil · 28/11/2018 14:31

Where do people get off telling other people they are "not putting their child first" if they collect a parcel? Quite quite mad.

If you bothered to read her comments properly she was looking for some advice and consideration about the logistics of getting a large parcel with a small baby and perfectly happy to go inside with the baby if she can't park right outside or there was a queue.

Ironfloor269 · 28/11/2018 14:33

Yes, as long as you don't leave baby in a corner, it should be fine.

MiaTancred · 28/11/2018 14:36

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CrookedMe · 28/11/2018 14:47

Well I would, and did @ogglet so clearly it happens pretty regularly, and uneventfully.

Reallybadidea · 28/11/2018 14:52

But why would anyone take any risks at all regardless of how small, for a Friends Parcel?!

But how far do you take the risk avoidance? The biggest risk in the whole journey is the car ride - something like 1 in 200 people will die in a RTA. So even if it was a small parcel, that could easily be carried along with the baby, should the OP stay at home to avoid the risk of the a car accident? Do we avoid any unnecessary car journeys with a child to minimise risk? Should I not take my 16 year old to Tesco with me because of the risk of a car accident?

harper30 · 28/11/2018 14:56

What does everyone think will happen to a baby in the car for the few minutes it takes to grab a parcel or pay for petrol?
What is going to happen to the baby?
I have never taken mine with me in to pay for petrol, and I've definitely left her to collect a parcel, although granted the car park for the post Office Depot here is literally at the door of the depot so I could see the car the whole time. I supposed I'd be edgy not being able to see the car.
But, what does everyone think will happen?

Nesssie · 28/11/2018 15:03

Park as close to the post office as possible, use the bloody disabled space if necessary. In and out in 5 mins.

GrumbleBumble · 28/11/2018 15:08

Ermmm nope don't use the disabled space.

wwwwwwwwwwwwww · 28/11/2018 15:09

I use the baby carrier on my back when I need to get parcels from the oat office etc.

user1andonly · 28/11/2018 15:10

Do you use a travel system? Can you wheel the baby into the depot and then either put the parcel under the pram to take back to the car or ask if someone can help you back to the car with it, if it's too big?

I'd be surprised if someone didn't help you if you ask. Even if they can spare a member of staff to go out to the car with you, they will be able to suggest a way round it.

I do think your friend being a bit of a CF to ask you to do a 1.5 hour trip for this though.

CrookedMe · 28/11/2018 15:13

Dunno @harper30 it's some sort of unspeakable danger I can only assume

Caprisunorange · 28/11/2018 15:17

Hi OP I was reminded today that I left my D.C. in the car - I had to buy a hacksaw from screwfix and when I arrived I started getting all sorts of horrors about carrying a hacksaw and baby at once. I left her asleep and dashed in, then waited by the door watching whilst she fetched it. I won’t lie, it was nerve wracking, just because she had never been out of my sight, but it was ok and in retrospect, a fairly Harmless thing to do. You sound like an amazing friend by the way!

tinselfest · 28/11/2018 15:17

You park. You go in, taking the baby with you. You sort out the parcel and either get someone to carry it to the car for you, or you leave it in the reception area by the door, go back to car with the baby, drive car as close to entrance as possible, leave the baby in the car within sight for 30 seconds while you get parcel.

If you hold the baby in your arms, they will probably take pity on you and carry the parcel for you.

stayathomer · 28/11/2018 15:21

OP I have four kids. I am not a perfect parent, the one thing I have learned is that you ask for help when you need it. You're pushing a pram and holding two children in your other hand and struggling with bags/boxes and someone says 'can I carry that for you?' Say yes. In the post office you ask can someone help. It can be awkward but I do it now. And honestly most people don't leave their kids in a car in a petrol station. They struggle their way in, try to keep their kids away from the sweets and take a breath when they get back to the car. It's called being a parent. Oh and I've seen a Garda start to write up someone who left their kid in a car outside a petrol station, we had stayed in the car to make sure the toddler in the car would be okay. The woman was in eight minutes and I thought it was right to let them know how dumb they were.

ogglet · 28/11/2018 15:22

Oh Dear, time for Me to stand down I think - if OP was that confident in getting the Parcel than she wouldn't have posted this thread seeking opinions. The Tesco suggestion is absurd, i'm not ridiculous nor being unreasonable - I just don't think it's best to leave a 10 week old alone in a Car whilst you go into a building for what's likely to be a fair few Minutes because let's be honest, that's how long most depots take. Other posters suggested a Baby Carrier / Sling or asking for help, all of which I would likely do and think are best. DH is also available to help with the Parcel.

stayathomer · 28/11/2018 15:23

And even if nothing crazy happens like them being rear ended, if the kid gets distressed they're on their own and you mightn't be able to run straight out. That's what might happen (aimed at all the people rolling their eyes who thinks a one in a million event means zero chance)

CrookedMe · 28/11/2018 15:25

@stayathomer what?? Almost everyone leaves their kids in the car in petrol stations Confused

I'm trying to think of a time I've seen someone take their child in with them to pay, and I genuinely can't.

OP don't get guilted into acting like that, get your practical head on and don't be defeated by unnamed dire and terrible dangers.

Notquiteagandt · 28/11/2018 15:25

Is it royal mail? U can get it redirected to any uk post office for a fee think its £2ish.

Cost you more in petrol.

Would save you the journey too.

Most courriers would be happy to post on im sure for the delivery cost.

Frenchfancy · 28/11/2018 15:26

I would leave baby at home with DH. 1.5 hours without the baby may do you a power of good

CrookedMe · 28/11/2018 15:26

The 10 week old isn't going to run out of the car Grin

stayathomer · 28/11/2018 15:31

Crookedme Honestly maybe I just don't see it? Why do you think there's so many jokes about people in petrol stations trying to keep their kids away from the sweets and saying they just wanted to get in and out

costacoffeecup · 28/11/2018 15:31

Take the baby in and then express surprise at the size and the fact you can't carry it and baby at the same time. I'm sure someone will help.

CrookedMe · 28/11/2018 15:33

There are jokes? I dunno, I've never seen or heard it happen! Maybe it varies by town based on convention?!

XxxMummyMoretonxxX · 28/11/2018 15:37

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Dontmarryherhaveme · 28/11/2018 15:39

Mummymoreton vile joke Angry