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Original poster

Quick - Do I leave my newborn baby with 13 year old brother for 20 mins

42 replies

littlemissmoomoo · 16/06/2019 22:55

Sickness bug has hit my house. My baby is 6 days old.

We are out of nappies for the 2 year old as he has diarrhoea.

My best friend has nappies for me but I've got to collect as her 2 year old is asleep and is an awful sleeper so doesn't want to wake him.

My 15 year old is asleep (got the bug)
9 year old started throwing up this morning
7 year and 2 year olds are throwing up.
13 year old is so far unscathed.

First question:
Can I leave my 13 year old to look after the baby (who is currently sleeping) or should I take baby with me but its cold and wet out. I don't want 13 year old to go out and get the nappies.

Secondly:
Do I drive (2 minutes drive) or walk (10 minutes) I had a c-section. Driving quicker but I haven't been given the all clear to drive yet. Walking will be harder/longer.

Tell me what to do.

OP posts:
CormoranStrike · 16/06/2019 22:56

Fine to leave 13 year old.

Only you can decide re the car.

Mokepon · 16/06/2019 22:56

If you think you can manage I'd drive.

BertrandRussell · 16/06/2019 22:58

I would if he’s happy to be left. And I’d probably drive so long as you’re not going to panic and drive dangerously. But why don’t you want him to go to the shop?

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TheVanguardSix · 16/06/2019 22:58

Have your OH get them on his way home. Tell friend to put them out on the front doorstep for him to collect (in case she’s asleep).

MyNewBearTotoro · 16/06/2019 22:59

I don’t think I would leave 13 year old with the baby, because presumably he’s also being left with a 2 & 7 year old who are throwing up? I think that’s too much.

If you’re able to drive I would do that or otherwise I think get a taxi. Is there any way you can phone a local firm and see if they’ll pick them up without you in the car?

BertrandRussell · 16/06/2019 22:59

Sorry - to friend’s house?

Wobblington · 16/06/2019 23:00

Pay a taxi to collect them from your friends house and bring them to you (I've used taxis like thos for loads of errands and they've always obliged)

frogsoup · 16/06/2019 23:00

Could you maybe call a taxi co and get them to collect and deliver? If you explain they are likely to be sympathetic. It isn't so much the baby/13yo issue, but at six days post c section you definitely shouldn't be driving, and walking 10 mins there and back is too much as well really.

bigredfolder · 16/06/2019 23:01

I'd send your 13yo round in a taxi to get them.

frogsoup · 16/06/2019 23:01

Haha epic number of taxi cross-posts!

DianaBlythe · 16/06/2019 23:01

Are you sure 13 year old can’t go? Or get a taxi to go for you?

cittigirl · 16/06/2019 23:01

I wouldn't drive 6 days after a c section. I'd send the 13 year old for them of it's not too far. Failing that I'd walk. Poor you, I hope everyone is better soon.

ThisMustBeMyDream · 16/06/2019 23:02

I'd take the baby and drive in the circumstances so long as you feel fit to drive. The only reason I wouldn't leave the baby is because the other 3 are being sick. 13 year old needs to be alert to the 2 year old and it might be too much for them. Otherwise I'd have said leave the baby.

AppleKatie · 16/06/2019 23:03

I know you don’t want the 13 year old to walk but that is what I would do.

Or baby in buggy and you walk him to get them. Blanket/rain cover baby will be absolutely fine.

I wouldn’t drive 6 days post c section without doctors approval.

Original poster
littlemissmoomoo · 16/06/2019 23:05

DH has MS and is in bed. He has a carer to get him in and out of bed, he can't do it himself.

OP posts:
SavageBeauty73 · 16/06/2019 23:05

I don't think you are insured to drive. Can you send a cab to pick them up or ask another friend?

The bug sounds horrendous. Hope it passes!

TheBabyAteMyBrain · 16/06/2019 23:09

You poor thing, that's an awful lot to contend with.

Taxi to pick up
Taxi to take 13 Yr old to pick up
13 Yr old walks while talking with you on the phone

Could you call a family member or mutual friend to do the pick up?

negomi90 · 16/06/2019 23:09

If it was only the newborn or your 15 year old was well and home, i'd leave them.
You aren't leaving a 13 year old with a newborn. Your leaving a 13 year old with a vomitting 2 year old, 7 year old, 9 year old plus a newborn. With only a vomitty 15 year old for back up. That would be hell for anyone (I'm sure you're not having fun) let alone a 13 year old.
Either send the 13 year old or ask a taxi to collect them. I wouldn't leave the 13 year old with the vommitty toddler and younger siblings anyway.

GiveMeAllTheGin8 · 16/06/2019 23:10

Poor you, sounds like a nightmare situation,
I think bring baby and 13 year old in the car if you feel comfortable driving,
Let 13 year old run in and get nappies and you wait in the car with the baby

PurpleCrazyHorse · 16/06/2019 23:11

Agree with paying for a taxi to collect and drop off at yours. Get friend to leave them outside their door if they can.

I wouldn't drive in case you aren't insured.

If the taxi isn't an option, I would leave the 13yo at home with the baby and walk. DH is in the house (is he awake?), could he support the 13yo verbally if there's a problem in the 20mins you're out, even if he can't get out of bed.

TheVanguardSix · 16/06/2019 23:13

Goodness me, you’ve got it all going on. Poor you! Flowers
Get an uber to pick up from friend’s and deliver to you. You can track the driver and when he’s close to friend’s, text her to meet him at the door with the nappies. Or get a local
car service to do the same.

Missingstreetlife · 16/06/2019 23:22

Don't drive, you can't do emergency stop.
Taxi/uber to pick up and drop to you, or put baby in with dh to supervise 13 with baby, if they can manage that

LikeDolphinsCanSwin · 16/06/2019 23:27

Don’t drive unless you are completely confident that you can do an emergency stop, which is unlikely at 6 days post section.

Use a taxi.

Original poster
littlemissmoomoo · 16/06/2019 23:27

My amazing, wonderful, fantastic neighbour has gone to get them for me. I saw him park his car on our shared drive and went out to ask if he would do be a massive favour. He'll only be gone 10 mins max but I hate asking other people to put themselves out for me.
I'll buy him some beer when we are all sick free. Eurgh. This is hell on earth.

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 16/06/2019 23:31

Glad the neighbour helped OP!