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AIBU?

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Original poster

Walking at night with a baby

48 replies

bigfatbride · 01/08/2018 22:14

I often go for a walk at night with my DC because it helps her get to sleep (DC in a pram) and I always feel like a criminal Shock like I shouldn't be out so late at night with a child. It is normally quite late like between 9 and half ten. I feel like I'm breaking a curfew or something!!! Has anyone else ever felt like this haha

OP posts:
WineAndTiramisu · 01/08/2018 22:18

If I saw you I'd immediately think you were doing it to get them to sleep!
My mum always tells me she used to drive about with me to get me to sleep late at night Grin

RonniePickering · 01/08/2018 22:24

If I saw you repeatedly doing it I'd feel instinctively that it was wrong, that the baby should be tucked up at home in bed.

A one off, I'd presume it was a matter of urgency but still think hmmm...

FlatPackFurnitureCompAnyone · 01/08/2018 22:25

My neighbour used to ride her bike around and around the block to settle the baby! Whatever works, I say.

Original poster
bigfatbride · 01/08/2018 22:26

@RonniePickering

Oh no I do it every night this makes me feel like I must stop 😞

OP posts:
thaegumathteth · 01/08/2018 22:26

I wouldn’t think t was wrong! There’s no law that says babies have to be asleep by 7! I wish there was...!

I’d think you’re getting them to sleep. I’ve done it before and LOADS of people drive their babies round.

TooMinty · 01/08/2018 22:26

My parents also used to drive me around at night to get me to sleep....

Sounds normal - you will be super slim with all the exercise 😊

Appleandmango22 · 01/08/2018 22:27

I wouldn’t worry what anyone else thinks. Anything to settle baby.
My neighbours must wonder what we’re doing when going out in the middle of the night in the car. Sometimes it’s the only way.

HerRoyalFattyness · 01/08/2018 22:28

My parents had to walk me around at all hours Grin
And ive been known to go for a walk at 4am before with the baby. (Baby all wrapped up snug in the pram) desperate for them to go back to sleep! Id just think you were trying to get them to sleep.

RonniePickering · 01/08/2018 22:28

No don't stop, I live in a pretty rough area so that makes me wince when I think of it.

If you feel safe enough ignore me Grin

WorraLiberty · 01/08/2018 22:28

I suppose it depends on the area you live in.

Most people wouldn't dream of it around here, as it'd make you look vulnerable and would probably increase your chances of getting mugged.

IsItThatTimeAlready131 · 01/08/2018 22:29

That's nothing! We were once in a 24h Tesco doing a big shop with DS1 when he was a few weeks old at 3.00am. He slept most of the time, only waking for a feed then going back to sleep again. DH was on holiday from work and we'd been binge watching The West Wing on DVD half the night times anyway, sleeping when son slept during the day and our sleep patterns were messed up. Just went shopping when we were awake! Couldn't do it now, 17 years and 3 more children later, too old and too tired!

ourkidmolly · 01/08/2018 22:29

@RonniePickering
Really? I find that bizarre. I can't imagine thinking Hmm in that scenario. Maybe if you were slugging back a bottle of gin as you pushed.

WorraLiberty · 01/08/2018 22:29

Wait, I think Ronnie might be my neighbour Grin

haribosmarties · 01/08/2018 22:29

Haha yeah Ive done that with mine too. Went out at midnight during the summer on a few occasions! Very young babies have no 'bedtime' they are awake day and night usually.
I did get a comment from someone once which did piss me off but I didnt respond... a security guard in a supermarket said to my baby 'you should be tucked up in bed at home now!'... and it was only actually 8pm that time as well.... ridiculous.

RonniePickering · 01/08/2018 22:32

Worra Grin

Surroundedbycats · 01/08/2018 22:34

i remember walking around at 3.00in the morning with the pram to get mine to settle when they were tiny!!😂

whodoyoufollow · 01/08/2018 22:36

Whatever helps your dc do it. No point listening to other people's comments if it works then do it, means you get your rest too.

applesisapple5 · 01/08/2018 22:37

If you feel safe don't worry! What's it anyone else's business anyway? Not like you're getting your baby up for their split shift at 5am!!

It's light anyway, just be glad it's not January!

INeedNewShoes · 01/08/2018 22:37

I had a late evening walk with DD nearly every night for the first 3 months. Evenings were her most unsettled time so it just seemed easier all round to be out enjoying a walk.

With the advice now that baby must be in the room with you when they're sleeping, I don't see how being out for a walk together is any worse than them watching crap TV with you in the living room!

allthegoodusernameshavegone · 01/08/2018 22:38

Do what you want, it’s your choice

Nicknacky · 01/08/2018 22:38

Every night? I think I would be trying alternative methods rather than that. What are you going to do in a few months?

ProseccoPoppy · 01/08/2018 22:39

Oh I used to do that loads with my first (or walking aimlessly round a 24 hr Tesco if it was raining or very cold...or driving round and round). If I saw you I would immediately know what you were doing, and would just hope you were able to get some sleep that night. Wouldn’t think it odd at all.

NoNoCharlieRascal · 01/08/2018 22:44

Ds was popped in the sling and walked the length of our town between 0-3 months. Usually around midnight when I had enough of walking the flat. Fortunately he was a summer baby and the area is relatively safe. I still take him out once in a blue moon if he is having a bad night.

Whatever gets the job done.

LuluJakey1 · 01/08/2018 22:54

I have driven Ds and DD at night to get them off to sleep. DS was pretty good but DD has been on quite long night drives Grin

throwawayagain · 01/08/2018 22:58

I used to do this when DC1 was a baby (now 16)!
A lovely Irish gentleman who lived locally would look out for me, and accompany me 'for safety'.
We spent hours talking about all sorts of nonsense. He walked me home each night, and didn't leave until I had locked the door.
I had severe PND, and I will never forget his kindness, and that of his lovely wife.
They used to have hilarious drunken arguments occasionally, but I miss them so much.
He sadly died a couple of years later, and his wife moved away.
Thanks for the memories. Thanks

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